Free Just Between Friends (O'Rourke Family 4) by Julianna Morris Page B

stop at the office and try to convince him to attend one of her blessed charity events and he could be as stubborn as he liked, only giving in occasionally so he could see her smile. Or when he’d show up with baseball tickets, and she’d go along with him to eat garlic fries. They’d never done anything special, just comfortable friendly stuff.
    “I hope so,” Kane murmured. “It’s a wonder Katrina didn’t give up years ago and just marry someone else, so don’t screw things up now.”
    Dylan frowned, wondering exactly what his brother meant, but when he started to ask, Pegeen sang out, “Dinner’s ready.”
    At the large dining room table they sat with bowed heads as Pegeen said grace. Kate’s small hand rested in his, and for some reason Dylan’s chest ached at the feel of it.
    He wanted her to be part of his life, but he’d never liked change, especially after his father’s death. And they were in the middle of something that could change them forever.
    Kate sat in the truck, half drowsing as Dylan drove back into Seattle. At this time of the year it wouldn’t be dark until nearly ten, and the long rays of evening light were gold on the trees.
    After a week of Dylan acting quiet and withdrawn it had been a relief to have an excuse to touch him. She’d sort of gotten carried away with the kisses and hugs, but she needed to touch him the way a bird needed to fly.
    “I got pastrami and roast beef for your lunches this week,” she murmured sleepily. “Unless you want something other than sandwiches.”
    “No, they’re great. Much better than I usually eat.”
    “Is Swiss cheese okay? I can get cheddar tomorrow if you’d prefer.”
    “Swiss is my favorite. But that reminds me, I have new checks and a credit card for you to start using.”
    “You have what?” Kate sat upright, grabbing the shoulder strap of the seatbelt for leverage.
    “I set up a checking account for you and ordered a credit card in your name.”
    “Dylan, I have my own checking account. And credit card.”
    She’d had her own credit card since she was thirteen. For a while she’d spent money like it was candy, trying to get her parents’ attention. It didn’t work. The accountant simply imposed a monthly limit—far greater than any teenager should ever have—on her account.
    “For the next year you’re going to use mine.”
    She glowered. It was bad enough he was insisting on doing the remodeling of the carriage house out of hisown pocket, but she wasn’t going to spend his money for everyday expenses.
    “No, Dylan, I’m not.”
    “Don’t argue with me, Katydid.”
    “Why not? You’re being completely unreasonable.”
    He pulled through the electric gates in the back of the mansion grounds and slammed to a stop. “You’re the one who wanted this thing to look real.”
    Since this thing was her marriage and the dream of her life, she didn’t take kindly to him putting it that way. “Spending your money won’t make one bit of difference.”
    “Maybe, but I’m not going to look like a man who can’t support his wife.”
    Kate rolled her eyes. “Nobody’s going to say that. Besides, it’s not like we’re really married.” She made a helpless gesture with her hand, both frustrated and amused. Dylan was so old-fashioned in his thinking, with a code of honor carved in stone. His pride was dead set on showing he wasn’t a fortune hunter, that he wasn’t going to get a single material advantage from their so-called marriage.
    “I may not have the kind of money your family does, but I’m not broke, Katydid. The business is doing great, and I have a number of successful investments. Unless you’re planning on cleaning out Tiffany’s once a week, we’re okay.”
    “I’m not big into jewelry, you know that.”
    Still frustrated, Kate slid from the high seat of the truck and started up the winding road toward the carriage house. Though it was in the middle of the city, the mansion and carriage house were