Fire and Ice by Catherine Hart

Author:Catherine Hart [Hart, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Class Ebook Editions Ltd.
Published: 2018-07-03T04:00:00+00:00

It was late afternoon before Reed finally pulled up before the front entrance with Eleanore and Charles. Kathleen raced across the porch and down the steps to throw her arms about her friend.

“Good heavens!” Eleanore laughed. “You’d think it had been years since we’d last seen one another.”

“It is supposed to have been,” Kathleen said conspiratorially, and then gave Reed a dark look, “or didn’t Reed tell you?”

“Yes, he filled us in. You are as stubborn as ever.” Eleanore shook her head and clucked her tongue in a reprimand.

“Don’t scold me, please. I get enough of that from Reed.”

Charles chuckled as he kissed her cheek. “I would give you a good spanking if I were he, young lady.”

“Heavens!” Kathleen threw up her arms in mock horror. “Don’t give him any more ideas than he has already!”

“I still think it is poetic justice that you should end up staying here of all places!” Eleanore giggled.

“So do I. So do I,” Reed declared with a laugh. “Come now, let’s get you settled in.”

Kathleen waited until Eleanore was settled into the rooms next to hers before she allowed herself to ask, “How is Dominique?”

“Fine. He asked me to be reminded to you. He seems distraught with the thought that you might forget him.”

“I could never do that, Eleanore,” Kathleen avowed adamantly, causing Eleanore to give her a queer look.

“Now don’t you start, too!” Kathleen announced. “We are like brother and sister, and I do love him dearly, but not in any romantic sense.”

“I’m glad to hear it, because whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, you are a married woman,” Eleanore stated flatly.

Sinking into a chair, Kathleen retorted, “Please! Don’t remind me!”

“Someone has to, dear.” Leaning forward, Eleanore continued earnestly. “Don’t you see how foolish all of this is, Kathleen? Here you are on this beautiful plantation in a marvelous mansion, with servants and horses and clothes and jewels. You have the most handsome and attentive of men for a husband. Most women would sell their souls for what you have. Reed can afford to provide well for you, and would probably grant your slightest wish. I fail to understand why you are being so obstinate, my friend. What more could you possibly want?”

“Love,” Kathleen replied simply, her eyes resting on her friend’s face. “Love or revenge, whichever the fates shall decree.” Her emerald eyes shimmering with unshed tears, she went on in a strained voice, “Do you realize that Reed has not once told me he loves me?” Holding up her hand to ward off any interruptions, she choked out, “Sure. He has said I am beautiful, desirable. He has told me he desires my body, admires my charm and my talents, but never,” her voice shattered, “never has he said ‘I love you, Kathleen.’ ”

Tears coursed down her face as Eleanore gathered her into her arms. “I would give anything to hear him say those three small words. He comes to me at night now and shares my bed, and I cannot seem to find the courage to forbid it.

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