Free Love Me Always by Marie Higgins Page A

switched her focus back to Ian. “The few things I do remember didn’t include brunches.”
    “Not to worry.” Ian patted her hand. “The proper way to invite is with a written invitation. Besides, the barracudas will probably give you about a week before they start hounding you.”
    She laughed. “Thank goodness for that.”
    “I know what we can do,” Ian spoke to Gregg. “We can take Catherine with us on our morning ride.”
    Gregg grinned and met Catherine’s stare. “Yes. If my memory serves me correctly, I think you used to ride quite well back in your younger years.”
    Enthusiasm bubbled inside her. “Well, I will have you know that age only improved my ability to ride.”
    “Splendid,” Gregg cheered.
    Nick pushed away from the table and stood. “I hope you three have an entertaining time this morning.”
    “Are you not going to join us?” Ian asked.
    “No. I have important matters to attend.” He nodded. “Good day.” Lifting his chin, he walked out of the room.
    Catherine took a refreshing breath now that he was gone.
    Gregg and Ian stood. “Catherine, finish eating and we will get the horses ready.”
    She nodded and took a bite of her oatmeal.
    Nick’s attitude about everything disappointed her. Best that he act this way. She could handle him better when he was mean and rude. Last night proved she couldn’t be around him when he was charming.
    She scolded herself again for doing what she’d done last night with Nick. She blamed it on the night’s confusion and how he’d literally made her swoon with a smile. So then what was Nick’s excuse for kissing her? He could have easily left her alone, walked right by her on the stairs without touching her.
    Catherine growled and stabbed her fork into the sausage. Nick should have realized her innocence. Did he not know what he’d done to her? Perhaps that’s why she’d fallen so easily into his arms like a woman starved for affection.
    She sighed. She might be craving that kind of affection, but unfortunately, not from her own intended.
    After finishing her breakfast, she hurried upstairs to inform Mrs. Berkley about her outing – who not surprisingly was going to accompany her – then Catherine asked Emily to help her change into a riding habit. Grant, of course, had purchased this along with everything else she owned. The forest green material with elegant black trim, and the white silk blouse ruffling at her neck and wrists added maturity to her appearance. Once her attire was completed, she grabbed a matching hat with the jaunty feather fluffed at the side and left the room. Venturing outside, she proceeded to meet Gregg and Ian by the stables. Mrs. Berkley stood ready with her riding crop in hand.
    Both brothers were very attentive, going out of their way to make certain she was happy. Gregg helped her mount a white thoroughbred mare that Grant had previously purchased for her, while Ian struggled with the older plump woman to get her atop of her horse. Grunts and groans came from Ian, more so than Mrs. Berkley.
    “Ian and I thought you might like to have a tour around the estate,” Gregg mentioned.
    She smiled. “Indeed, I would like that very much.”
    Gregg led the four on the countryside tour. The wide-open fields of greenery and an assortment of flowers cleared Catherine’s mind of everything except the beauty of the land...and the man inside the house that lately hadn’t left her thoughts no matter how hard she tried to rid him.
    * * * *
    Nick paced in his study as he flexed his hands, unable to concentrate. Memories of last night occupied his mind. Why did he talk to Catherine the way he did and kiss her as if his sole purpose was to charm her? She wasn’t his and never would be.
    And another thing... Why did she have to be so beautiful? Not only was she lovely, but charming and witty, so different from any other woman he’d met before. It surprised him when he heard her curse, yet it reminded him of the Catherine he’d