Family Man

idiots is not as incredible as it looks on the surface.”
    Katy smiled wryly. “You don't have to be so hard about it, you know. It really was very nice of you to rescue Darren and Eden. And they're not idiots. They're just impulsive. And melodramatic. And naturally inclined to desperate measures. It's in the blood.”
    “Katy, I'm warning you right now, I'm not in the mood to listen to any nasty generalizations about Gilchrists tonight.”
    Katy giggled. “I can't help it. I love the way you rise to the bait.”
    He came to a halt, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her into silence. When her laughter had faded and soft little moans had taken its place Luke was satisfied. He lifted his mouth from hers and framed her face between his hands.
    “How much did he mean to you?” he asked softly.
    “Who?” Her eyes were dreamy in the moonlight.
    “Atwood.”
    “Oh, him. It hurt at the time, but I got over it quickly. I don't feel a thing now.”
    “You never slept with him.” It was a statement, not a question. Luke was certain of the answer.
    She wrinkled her nose. “Well, no. It never felt right somehow. I kept waiting until things clicked. It didn't quite happen. And the Eden came along, and Nate was gone, and that was the end of it.”
    “You're sleeping with me, Katy.”
    She touched his mouth with a gentle fingertip. Her eyes gleamed with amusement. “Only occasionally. Very occasionally.”
    He was irritated by her attempt at humor. “Doesn't matter how often. The point is, you're sleeping with me. Does that mean it feels right? That things have clicked?”
    “You tell me,” she whispered. She stood on tiptoe and brushed her mouth against his.
    “Katy…”
    “When I'm with you, Luke, I try not to think about that part of my future. It's easier that way. And you've already made it clear you're only looking six months ahead yourself. Maybe less if you clean up the problems at Gilchrist before that date. So let's not talk about the future.”
    A slow anger rose inside Luke, chilling his insides. “Everyone, including you, says I'm not your type.”
    “Yes, well, it works both ways, doesn't it? I'm not exactly your type either. So please don't play games with me, Luke. Let's at least keep what we have honest.”
    “Shows how much you know,” Luke muttered. “Take it from me, honesty is not always the best policy.”
    “I think it is in the long run,” she said, looking serious.
    “I'm not so sure of that. But I guess that's one of the problems with angels. They put too high a value on some of the lesser virtues.”
    He pulled her back into his arms before she could argue. Some of the cold anger in him dissolved beneath the warmth of her kiss.
    Not until much later that night, when Luke was lying alone in his bed, did he admit to himself it might not have been anger he had been feeling earlier.
    It might have been fear. Fear of a future without Katy.
    That realization was too much to handle. Luke went back to being angry. It was easier.

    Three days later Luke strode down the hall to his mansion office. He was feeling good. He did not have to go into Seattle today, which meant that he and Katy could have lunch together. He was looking forward to it. He had already planned a tantalizing menu that did not include food.
    Liz glanced up from some notes she was making as he paused in her doorway.
    “Any messages?” Luke asked.
    “Mrs. Igorson just phoned. She says Mrs. Gilchrist wants to see you and Katy downstairs at ten. She wants another update on the company's status.”
    “I'll just bet she does. Tell her we'll be there.” Luke glanced over his shoulder at the sound of footsteps in the hall.
    Katy walked toward him looking bright and cheerful in a sunny yellow jacket and royal blue skirt. She had her hair clipped back behind her ears in an unusually polished style, and she was carrying an expensive-looking leather briefcase. She looked as if she was leaving for Seattle.
    Luke frowned, remembering how she had slipped out the other day to see Eden. “Going somewhere?”
    She raised her brows at his peremptory tone. “I have an appointment after lunch with a real estate agent.”
    “What the hell for?”
    “We're going to look at some location possibilities for Pesto Presto.”
    It was becoming clear to Luke that Pesto Presto was his chief rival for Katy's affections. He reacted accordingly. “Don't you have work to do this afternoon?”
    “Nothing that won't keep.” She slipped