Kate's Dilemma

By Tricia McGill

What happens when two people who are both of the same mind—this being to steer well clear of emotional entanglements—are struck down by instant attraction.
Kate last met Liam when she was bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding. A gangly, uncertain fourteen year old, going through the painful problems associated with growing up, she took an instant dislike to Liam, who made fun of her. When her recently widowed sister talks her into reluctantly accompanying her to her brother-in-law’s home, which was built by its owner, architect Liam, Kate falls in love with the house and, unfortunately for her, finds that she soon has corresponding feelings for the man who owns it.

Meanwhile, Liam cannot believe that the tall, insecure teenager he met at his brother’s wedding years ago has blossomed into this beautiful, talented woman. His inbuilt antennae that had served him well, stood every chance of being annihilated if he didn’t watch out.

Reviews
“This is a delightful love story. Ms. McGill pulls you into the story from the beginning with her vivid descriptions of the beautiful Australian setting and the plot conceived by Bart and Viola to get Liam and Kate together. There’s a wonderful touch of humor as Kate and Liam proclaim they have nothing more than a passing interest in each other. I could feel the emotion and sense the mutual attraction between the two, and I was never disappointed as I progressed from page-to-page. Once I started, I had to finish... that should tell you how much I enjoyed Ms. McGill’s captivating story.” Ginger Simpson

“What a great book! I loved the Aussie humor, and of course read the entire book in my head with an accent which made Liam even hotter (as I love accents). Giving into the desire of the man she knows she belongs with will take Katie on the wildest ride of her life.... A tantalizing page turner that will make your heart skip a beat every time Katie and Liam are together." Jenn Nixon

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781773622514

Book preview

Kate’s Dilemma

Challenge the Heart Book 3

By Tricia McGill

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 978-1-77362-251-4

Kindle 978-1-77299-182-6

WEB 978-1-77362-252-1

Amazon Print 978-1-77362-253-8

Copyright 2015 by Tricia McGill

Cover art by Michelle Lee

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

Chapter One

I think you should take Bart up on his offer. It will do you good to get away from the house and all the memories. Kate delivered this piece of advice to her sister, who had reacted glumly to the good-natured invitation delivered in the morning’s post.

Shaking back her mass of unruly hair, she unfolded from a yoga squat and knelt before Viola’s chair.

But what about you, Kate? I can’t go off and leave you here kicking your heels, especially at Christmas. You gave up your flat to come and stay with me. I’ll only go if you come with me. Viola patted Kate’s hand. I need a chaperone. It wouldn’t be proper for me to stay alone in a house with two men.

A trace of a smile quivered on her soft mouth, and Kate darted her a look of surprise. That was the first semblance of a smile she’d worn since her husband’s death.

Kate knew she would do as her sister asked—she always did, but argued nonetheless, You have to be joking. A chaperone—in this day and age? She pushed herself up, and walked away. Anyway, it’s not Bart’s house. How would Liam fancy the idea of two women dumping themselves on his hospitality?

Kate was sure Liam wouldn’t be too enthusiastic.

Viola waved a hand. Nonsense. I’m sure Liam wouldn’t have allowed Bart to extend the invitation if he didn’t agree. Besides, Kate, I want you with me. I don’t know how I would have managed without you since Charles’ death...

Kate rushed to kneel in front of Viola again, squeezing her hands gently. Six months after his passing Viola still mourned deeply. She’d gone a little crazy at first and become painfully thin, making Kate frantic with worry over the sadness that hovered over her.

When her husband of twelve years died, Kate feared for a while that Viola would follow him to an early grave. She’d helped Charles in his importing business. When it was sold, no sooner had Kate moved in with her than Viola eased back into the old mode where Kate was once again her fortification against the world.

Kate couldn’t see herself becoming totally dependent on a man. Early on she’d decided it was better not to give up too much of herself. That way she couldn’t get hurt. Truth was she was terrified of getting hurt, and doubted she could stand the pain of losing someone she loved.

Their parents were besotted with each other. They now lived in Queensland, and Kate always felt like an interloper in their home in the northern Australian state. She and Viola had declined their invitation to spend Christmas with them.

Now this invitation had arrived from Charles’s brother, Bart. Kate thought it would be just the thing for Viola. Bart, a widower, and his son Grant, now thirteen, lived down the coast with his younger brother Liam.

Tell you what, Kate suggested. Give Bart a ring. See how he takes the news that your sister might be coming with you, and if he thinks it will be all right with his brother, I’ll consider it. Don’t forget I have this job interview in the New Year. She shrugged. I’m at a loose end till then.

* * *

Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Kate looked toward the stretch of golden sand and beyond, where a turquoise sea glittered with a few yachts moving listlessly on its placid surface.

I’m glad we took the coast road. The inland road would have been faster, but wouldn’t have been so pleasant. Viola pointed to a container ship gliding across the bay. I wonder where that’s off to.

Probably going to some far away port. Kate smiled as she slowed to let a family of holidaymakers cross the road. Viola had definitely perked up since Kate agreed to accompany her. With the last minute rush to pack she’d almost been her old self.

Viola touched Kate’s arm. Take the next left. Then first right, and Liam’s house is along on the right. Kate followed her instructions, and then slowed when Viola said, It’s that one with the wrought iron gates and high fence.

She drove through the open gates, where a small plaque on one post declared that this was Allawah. A tree spread high and wide over the red brick pathway and Kate pulled up beneath its blossom-packed branches.

It’s lovely, she murmured, getting out of the car to look up at the rambling house of mellowed brown brick and weathered wood. Miniature palms and ferns grew lushly around the shaded courtyard sheltering the entrance. The scent of blossoms permeated the warm air. Although the neighbouring houses were within shouting distance the foliage made her feel as if they were on a remote tropical island.

Kate shielded her eyes as she looked up to an unusual turret atop the gabled second storey above the treetops. It’s wonderful.

Viola gave her a pleased look.

Kate’s skin prickled as she experienced an odd sensation. It was rather like returning home after a long trip. Viola had been here many times with Charles, but Kate had never been to Liam’s house, and never wanted to come here, given that they took a dislike to each other at their last meeting. Now she felt as if, like a floundering ship, she’d found her way to a safe haven.

The door opened wide, and Bart stood there, smiling. Hello there, he said pleasantly. It’s turned damned hot. Come in, ladies, where it’s cooler. He ushered them inside. Flourishing plants in terra cotta and brass pots graced the slate-tiled hall, and that feeling of homecoming intensified. I’ll bring your luggage in when you’ve got settled. I’m sure you’re thirsty.

All the brothers were good-looking in varying degrees. Charles, at forty-eight, had been seven years older than Bart. Kate estimated Liam’s age at about thirty-six or seven. She hadn’t set eyes on the youngest Austin male since Viola’s wedding day.

Welcome to Allawah. Bart still grinned as he shut the door.

That’s a lovely name, Kate said. What does it mean?

It’s Aboriginal for rest and stay here, and we hope you’ll do just that for as long as you wish. Liam had to go to Melbourne. He answered the question uppermost in Kate’s mind. But not for anything would she have asked. He’ll be back in time for dinner. He left me in charge of my lovely visitors.

Bart pushed his grey-streaked hair back as, with boyish enthusiasm, he ushered them into a lounge-room that spread over two thirds of the ground floor. The shortest of the brothers, he was an inch shorter than Kate, thickset and very fit-looking.

Cane chairs and a sofa with brightly patterned cushions sat randomly about a highly polished floor. Scatter rugs gave it an air of comfort and homeliness. Huge windows brought the lush garden inside and more pot plants gave it the same feeling of welcome.

Please sit, Bart offered.

Kate settled on the deep cushions, glancing at the paintings, mostly landscapes, adorning the walls. A big rug of autumn tones sat in front of the sliding doors overlooking the patio and back garden, where swallows dipped and dived among the foliage, chased by a pair of brilliant green and red parrots.

It’s so beautiful here. Bart’s grin widened at Kate’s remark.

It is rather special, isn’t it? he agreed.

The furniture was at a perfect stage of comfort and goose bumps prickled the back of Kate’s neck as she concluded that she would love this place to be a part of her life. She was growing more entranced by the minute by a sense of tranquillity she’d never known before.

Now, let me get you both a drink. Bart’s voice broke into her thoughts.

Kate felt unsure of these peculiar feelings. Oddly, she’d never wished to personalise the flats she always rented, offering the excuse that if a job came up in a far-flung city she could drop everything and take off. But, now, suddenly she was settling back here like a homing pigeon come to roost.

Perhaps because her senses were heightened, she was acutely aware of the reverence with which Bart made sure her sister was comfortable. His smile, amiable as he looked at Kate, became altogether different when he looked at Viola.

He’s in love with her.

The knowledge hit Kate squarely in the middle. She smiled inwardly. How long had he felt this way? No wonder he’d been so eager to get her here.

Grant will be home from school in a few days, he said over the serving bench dividing the kitchen from the lounge-room. He poured drinks and scooped in ice cubes.

The kitchen was also enchanting, with a riot of flowers spilling from hanging pots. Lavender and pink, blue and purple—a rainbow of gorgeous colours. A pine dresser lined with bright crockery and a rack above the split-level stove holding copper pots and pans testified that this was truly the home of an artist with a love of colour.

He’s settled into his new school at last, but we had a rough patch at first, Bart went on. Kate smiled at him as he brought the drinks in to them and sat beside Viola on the sofa. You know what it’s like with kids. They never can make up their minds what they want from life.

Kate shrugged and shared a look with Viola. Neither of them had the slightest idea what pleased or upset a thirteen-year-old. Viola murmured something about children being hard to understand.

Are you sure Liam doesn’t mind having both of us to stay? Kate asked as they sipped their drinks and the birds filled the air with liquid song.

He’s as happy as I am, Bart said enthusiastically.

I wonder, thought Kate cynically.

As you know he’s working from home.

Kate knew he was an architect.

As long as we don’t interrupt him while he’s in his office he doesn’t give a fig who stays here. Our Liam’s the strong silent type. Bart smiled. Unfortunately his reticence to conform is often mistaken for arrogance.

Kate nearly snorted. In her opinion he was downright arrogant, and no mistake.

If he appears to be a bit like a bear with a sore head at times, you must ignore his moods—as I do. Bart stood and took their empty glasses from them. I can assure you he’ll be as happy as I am to have you here.

Kate hid a smile as he came back to sit beside Viola, who looked more fragile than ever amid the plump cushions. At twenty-six Kate was twelve years younger than her, but had always been her protector. Although she was a successful businesswoman, Kate found her sister immature in some aspects. Perhaps she was to blame, for treating her as if she might break under the slightest pressure.

We’ll soon put the roses back in your cheeks, Bart pledged as he peered closely at her. But you’ll have to watch that you don’t get too much sun. Being near the beach has many advantages. But the sun can be deadly this time of the year, and the winds are often strong.

They chatted for a while longer, and then Bart showed them to their rooms on the upper floor. There were four bedrooms, each pair with an adjoining en-suite. Kate’s room delighted her. A pretty green and beige bedspread matched the drapes framing a wide window. She could just glimpse the sparkling sea over the tops of the tea trees clumped along the foreshore.

After unpacking, she decided on a quick shower. A cooling breeze blew in through the window as she pulled on a cotton dress with narrow shoulder straps and a softly bloused bodice. Her skin glowed peach-like after the shower, so she applied a minimum of make-up, then caught up her hair on either side of her head with green combs that matched the sprigs of flowers on her dress.

As she went down the stairs she admired the paintings high on the walls. By the sounds coming from the kitchen, Kate guessed Viola was helping Bart with the meal. It was good to hear Viola’s laugh. Kate feared for a while that she would never hear it again.

Ah, there you are, and looking as pretty as a picture. Bart looked at her admiringly before returning his attention to the food on the bench.

Kate perched on one of the high stools and crossed her legs, pushing her hair away from her neck with a negligent gesture. Viola’s eyes held an amused glint, and Kate was glad she’d come. It would be worth putting up with Liam’s arrogance to see her sister happy again. She already looked more relaxed, her limp barely noticeable, as she pottered about the kitchen. The slight knee deformity that she was born with often made her limp when she was tired or filled with tension. Kate smiled to herself. It would be very nice to have somebody else who was as willing to cherish her fragile sister as she was.

Do you prepare all the meals? Kate asked.

Bart shrugged, waving the knife he held. We have a grand lady, Daisy, who comes in daily to clean up after us untidy men. But, whether I like it or not, it usually falls to me to cook.

Aha, it becomes clear. Now we know why you’re happy for us to stay. Kate touched a finger to her nose thoughtfully. You’re sick of cooking and you thought that by having two of us you’d be able to pass the chore over.

Plot uncovered before it even got off the ground, Bart said with a grin. Damn. Actually, if I do say so myself, I’ve become a not so bad cook. Nothing extravagant, you understand. But at least I don’t serve shepherd’s pie and sausages every day.

Blast. Kate sighed. Both my favourite dishes.

In that case we’ll have them every second day, Bart agreed. Liam’s in the shower, by the way. He arrived home while you were upstairs. He’s looking forward to renewing your friendship, Kate.

Kate made a small sound of disbelief and both Viola and Bart turned their attention to the pans on the stove. Kate wasn’t sure how Liam viewed their brief meeting, but was sure he’d forgotten it.

As if conjured by her thoughts he entered the room, silently, with the grace of a panther. Kate hadn’t been quite sure what to expect, but Liam was just as good-looking as she remembered. In fact, apart from a few grey hairs at his temples, he’d hardly changed.

Always angular, he seemed taller than ever. Used to being as tall as her dates, it was a pleasant surprise to be confronted by a man she could look up to. Their eyes clashed across the space separating them and his expression proved him as arrogant as ever. Kate tried to come to terms with a peculiar tingling sensation that had begun in the region of her navel and was now sending messages to every nerve ending in her body.

At Viola’s wedding they took an instant dislike to one another. At fourteen, Kate, in the painful throes of growing up, felt like a great galumphing fool in her bridesmaid’s dress of aqua and white. Liam made fun of her, and she’d fled to the bathroom in tears.

Kate hated the idea of being a bridesmaid. Self-conscious of her towering height, she’d felt a fool next to her dainty sister. Her hair had been her one saving grace, its rich auburn splendour setting off the aqua in the gown. Liam had been full of mocking contempt and her already touchy adolescent ego was thoroughly shattered by his remarks. Kate vowed she would despise him forever.

At the time, Liam was engaged to a curvaceous blonde who peered down her snooty nose at Kate in open amusement, until Kate felt like tripping her up to wipe the sneer off those near-perfect features. The engagement had been called off—by Liam, so Viola said. Kate never found out the reason. In fact had not a smidgen of interest in the loathsome man’s life, except to feel an immense sense of satisfaction that the stuck-up blonde had been thrown over.

Kate liked to paint in watercolours and Liam dabbled in oils in those days. He’d scoffed at her naive attempts to paint, and was, in her teenage opinion, a fatheaded idiot with less brain than a flea.

Unsmiling, Liam now held out a lean-fingered hand, first to Viola, then to Kate. His grip was firm, his fingers warm. That tingling now went up her arm and her cheeks began to glow.

He was staring at