Love and Honor: The Coltrane Saga, Book 7 (18 page)

Kit was wearing a clinging gown of shining green satin, edged at the bodice and hem with tiny seed pearls interspersed with ruby chips. Her mother’s diamond tiara perched regally atop her carefully coiffed hair.

Kit saw Miss Aberdeen occasionally glance nervously at the door, as if she were expecting more guests. Finally she came over and said it was time to go into the dining room; protocol dictated that she lead the way and make sure that everyone was properly seated. The captain would make his entrance a few moments later.

The captain’s table, with seating for twelve, was positioned on a slightly raised platform in the middle of the spectacular seven-hundred-seat dining room that glittered like a Christmas tree, with gold and silver and crystal appointments, satin-papered walls, and gold and white furniture. The other passengers had already taken their seats, but looked up curiously as the captain’s guests filed in, as it was understood that only the most important were invited to dine at his table.

Marilee nudged Kit, pointing to the empty seat on her other side. For the first time Kit realized that there might be a stranger seated beside her.

“Whoever it is”—Marilee sniffed airily, very impressed with herself for being at the table of honor—“I hope he or she gets here before the captain makes his grand entrance. It’d be so rude to come in after him. I mean, if he can’t get here on time, one should just not show up at all.”

Miss Aberdeen, standing behind her, suddenly sighed with relief. “Our last guest just walked in.”

Unconcerned, Kit looked over the menu, trying to decide between chocolate-covered strawberries or a lemon souffle for dessert. Only when she heard Marilee’s gasp did she look up…

…into the dark impenetrable eyes of Kurt Tanner.

Chapter Fifteen

Suddenly Kit knew what it must feel like to be struck by lightning, for in that infinite moment, when the world around her ceased to exist, with Kurt Tanner’s seductive eyes on her, she was electrified. Only when Miss Aberdeen began the introductions was Kit able to gather her wits. Taking a deep breath, she managed to smile politely as Kurt explained that they had already met.

“I know all the Coltranes,” he said, acknowledging them with a gracious nod. “We’re neighbors in Valencia,” he added, looking at Kit.

Kit avoided his eyes and reached for her wineglass. She took a large sip as he sat down beside her. Dear Lord, surely he wasn’t going to try to get his revenge now!

On her other side, Marilee whispered eagerly, “He’s so handsome, Kit. You have all the luck!”

Kit silenced her with an icy glare. Her mother was graciously correcting Kurt. “We
were
neighbors of Mr. Tanner’s in Valencia, but unfortunately we didn’t have the pleasure of making his acquaintance until recently.”

“At the embassy ball in Madrid,” Kurt said. “It’s a shame I missed out on getting to know such charming people, and now I understand that you’re all moving to New York.”

“I invited you to several socials, Mr. Tanner, but you declined,” Jade reminded him.

Kurt grinned sheepishly. “That’s true. I’m afraid each time I had another obligation.”

“A shame.” Jade looked from him to Kit, aware of the tension between them. “Perhaps you’ll find time to call on us in New York.”

“Tell me, Mr. Tanner,” Colt said pleasantly, “what takes you to America? Is this your first trip back since leaving Springfield?”

Kurt was not surprised that Colt Coltrane had delved into his past. After all, he had a beautiful daughter and was no doubt wary of any man who showed an interest in her, especially one who’d dared dance with her the way he had at the embassy ball. He evaded Colt’s mention of Springfield, instead replying, “I was invited to attend the inauguration. I also thought it would be a good opportunity to keep tabs on my interests.” Crossing his legs, he deliberately brushed against Kit. She raised her napkin and whispered sharply, “Just make sure it’s your interests you keep tabs on, Mr. Tanner.”

He gave her an insolent smile that made her burn with anger, and other emotions she could not define, fired by his nearness. She could not help noticing his broad shoulders and the way his muscles strained against his white dinner jacket. Her fingers ached to touch him, for she had touched him, and she knew how wonderful it felt. She yearned to brush back the unruly curls that tumbled rebelliously over his forehead. Despite his uncanny ability to irritate her, she was inexplicably drawn to him. He excited her in a way she’d never before experienced…and she cursed herself for her susceptibility.

Kurt launched into a spirited conversation with Colt about Mr. Wilson’s policies. Jade listened with polite interest, and Travis glanced across the room at Valerie, the little blond he had met earlier. She stared at him dreamily from where she sat with five other young girls going home from fancy European schools, prune-faced chaperones keeping eagle eyes over them all. Marilee looked expectantly from Kit to Kurt. Kit continued to sip her wine, wishing fervently that the evening would quickly end.

Finally Captain Pawley appeared, and everyone stood respectfully as he made his way to his table. He greeted each of his guests, then took his seat between Jade and Kitty.

The dinner conversation was lively, and even Marilee turned her attention to the others. Suddenly Kit was all too aware of Kurt’s presence. It was as if they were alone, hidden from the others by a curtain of intimacy.

Softly, his voice like a cool caress upon her warm cheeks, he murmured, “Would it upset you if I accepted you mother’s invitation to call in New York?”

Kit shrugged. “My mother is very convivial. She invites everyone she meets to visit.”

His laugh was gentle. “I wouldn’t be calling on
her
, and we both know it.”

Kit turned to look at him sharply, praying that she could hide the heat churning within her at his nearness. “Why would you wish to call on me, Mr. Tanner? I think that by now it’s obvious we just don’t bring out the best in each other.”

“I haven’t had a chance to show you my best side, and although I haven’t seen yours, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed…” He allowed his gaze to rake over her insolently. Then he continued boldly, “We’ve spent all our time in a war of wits. Don’t you think it’s time we call a truce and see if there’s anything we
like
about each other? After all,” he reminded her pointedly, “we
are
going to be neighbors, remember?”

Startled, Kit quickly glanced about to see whether anyone had overheard them. She was relieved to find everyone still engrossed in Captain’s Pawley’s stories. “Please…” She hated to plead but she knew she had no choice. “Don’t say anything to my parents about my plans. I can’t let them know. Not yet.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Miss Coltrane…or Kit, if I may? We might as well be on a first-name basis since…”

Kit clutched his arm. “Please…” She beseeched Nm with her eyes. “Don’t torment me this way.”

Kurt laughed softly. He covered her hand with his and caressed her with dark, hungry eyes, “I’ve no intention of betraying you,
princesa
. That’s not my way. Your secret is safe with me.”

But am
I
safe with you?
Kit wanted to ask. She feared that she already knew the answer. She would have to make sure that he never realized the power he had over her. Even as their eyes met and held, she remembered the way it had felt when he kissed her, held her. Angry with herself, she picked up her glass of cognac, trying to keep her hand from trembling.

Suddenly she burst out, “Since you consider yourself so noble and trustworthy, why didn’t you tell me you had booked passage on the same ship with me?”

“Why would I? I seem to recall we were discussing another matter that last night—
your
treachery.”

“Call it what you wish,” Kit fired back. “What I did was a shrewd business maneuver.”

“Remember that.”

Kit turned to look at his quizzically. There was something unnerving about his tone. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He regarded her with cool confidence. “There are all kinds of maneuvers in life, Kit honey, for all kinds of situations. According to you, the end justifies the means. I just want you to remember your own doctrine.”

Kit shrugged indifferently.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

She sighed, annoyed. “What question, Mr. Tanner?”

“Kurt. We might as well pretend to be friends.”

Kit glared at him again. “I asked you what question you want answered…Kurt.”

“Would you mind if I accept your mother’s invitation to call on you in New York?”

She was about to admit that she might like that very much, when he added with a tigerish grin, “Maybe you’d be kind enough to allow me to ride my horse in Central Park.”

Kit bristled. “When are you going to get it through your thick head that Pegasus is
my
horse? Don’t you ever admit when you’ve been bested, Mr. Tanner?”

He shook his head. “Not when I haven’t been, Kit.”

“Oh, you!” she hissed, thoroughly exasperated. Then she turned her head resolutely and attempted to ignore him for the rest of the dinner.

Finally Captain Pawley stood and thanked them all for being his guests.

Pushing back her chair, Kit said to Marilee, “I’m so glad we can finally leave.” Marilee looked at her in surprise. “I’m not leaving—I want to go dancing with everyone else.”

Taken aback at her cousin’s sudden assertiveness, Kit told her, “I have a headache, and I want to go to bed. Now come along.”

Marilee lifted her chin defiantly. “Then you go on without me, because I want to have a good time.”

Kurt was enjoying Kit’s displeasure. He gallantly extended his hand to Marilee. “Of course you do. Are you sure you don’t wish to join us, Miss Coltrane?”

“I suppose I have no choice,” Kit muttered, falling into step behind them.

They entered the grand salon, a large room with marble floors and mirrored walls that reflected the dazzling light of crystal chandeliers. Couples were dancing to a slow waltz. Kurt led the ladies to a small table.

He ordered champagne, then led Florence Grenoble onto the dance floor.

“Why don’t you like him?” Marilee suddenly hissed.

Kit blinked, at a loss for words. Finally she retorted, “Just because I don’t fall at his feet like every other woman, doesn’t mean I dislike him. He doesn’t suit my taste in men, that’s all.”

Marilee smiled coyly. “I don’t believe you.”

“Well, I don’t care what you believe,” Kit said airily. Then she added sharply, “And the next time you pull a stunt like this—dragging me along because you know I’m not supposed to leave you—I swear I’ll refuse to go anywhere with you ever again. I didn’t want to come here, and you know it.”

“Yes, you did.”

“What?” Kit gasped, unable to believe her ears.

Just then Kurt returned to the table, spinning a breathless Florence Grenoble into her chair in one smooth gesture. He held out a hand to Marilee, which she eagerly accepted.

Kit was surprised to see how well Marilee danced, but Kurt was a strong dancer himself and could probably lead almost anyone.

“Oh, he’s wonderful!” Marilee said upon returning to her seat. “Being in his arms is a dream come true.”

“Marilee, you’re behaving like a silly child,” Kit exploded. Watching Kurt dance with Madeline Horing, she whispered furiously, “Kurt Tanner has a terrible reputation where women are concerned. He’s too old for you, too experienced for you, and you’re playing with fire to chase after him. If you don’t stop, I’ll have no choice but to talk to Kitty about it…” Kit’s words trailed off when she saw the amused way Marilee was looking at her.

“What’s so funny?” Kit demanded. “I’m not joking about this, Marilee.”

“You’re funny.” Marilee giggled. “Because even in this room of mirrors, you can’t see yourself.”

Kit reached over and took away Marilee’s glass of champagne. “I think you’ve had enough.”

“I haven’t. I just see through you, Kit, that’s all. You don’t want to admit it, but you’re attracted to Kurt Tanner. You’re fighting it because you’re scared.”

Kit stared at Marilee incredulously and sputtered, “Why…why that’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard! Why would I be afraid of a…a conceited womanizer?”

Marilee was no longer smiling.

She seemed older, as she said solemnly, “It isn’t Kurt Tanner you’re afraid of, Kit. It’s yourself. You’re afraid of being rejected.”

Kit laughed. “That’s absurd.”

“Is it?” Marilee drew circles on the tablecloth with one finger. “You’re afraid of men like Kurt Tanner, because you know they’re the most dangerous kind…the kind that can break a heart like that.” She snapped her fingers, meeting Kit’s eyes.

Trembling with indignant fury, Kit exploded, “You don’t know anything, Marilee, and I’ll thank you to stay out of my business and keep your opinions to yourself.”

Marilee looked beyond Kit to the dance floor. “He’s coming this way. If you aren’t afraid of him, dance with him,” she challenged.

“Afraid?” Kit echoed, laughing scornfully. “I’m not afraid of any man, Marilee, but if it will make you happy I’ll dance with him, for heaven’s sake.”