Page 28 of Coveting Catherine

“I'm headed into Seattle now. Is there anything I need to know?”

Yes, Ash hates you and I still love you. I'm terrified of what I'm about to do, and the only place I feel safe is in your arms. She wanted to spill her heart out. The temptation to cling to him and admit she called him to help Kassie because she finally found an excuse to call him out of the blue. She missed him. She missed them. After all those years, her heart still belonged to him. She shook her head and swallowed down her heart. “No, he didn't mention anything to me. I left earlier than usual this morning. Melody wanted mom's chocolate chip pancakes,” Catherine explained.

“I hope you find the time to check on Kassie,” he expressed to her.

“What's wrong with her? She showed up at the hospital the other day. Did she tell you I yelled at her?” Catherine's stance went rigid. Leo always defended Kassie. Catherine fervently wished he’d protect her the same way.

“She didn't mention anything. In fact, Kassie said she missed you.” Leo stared down at Catherine.

I miss her too. “Then what's wrong with her?” Catherine sipped her coffee.

“Chase and Kassie decided to try IVF. The embryos didn't take. They’re disappointed. Chase, of course, encouraged Kassie to try again. Then she got involved in a bit of an accident.”

“An accident. Why didn't you call me? Is she hurt?” Tension filled her veins. Her friend suffered, and she wanted to climb back in the car and check on her.

“I did call you. Several times, in fact. It helps if you answer. She's got a slight concussion, and last time I checked, you didn't care what happened to your friend,” Leo countered.

Catherine dropped her chin to stare at her feet. “I don't wish something bad to happen to her. She's part of my…”

“Family, say it, Catherine. You allowed your anger to take over, and you said things you didn't mean,” Leo softly accused.

“Melody’s waiting. I promised to help my mom.” Catherine stepped away and immediately felt the loss of heat from his body.

She started to walk to the porch and turned around to face Leo. “Thank you for saving my best friend. Please tell her I'm sorry things turned out the way they did.” She started again and stopped herself from going further. She raised her head to the sky and squinched her eyes shut to prevent the sorrow she felt from overwhelming her. “And Leo, I forgive you. I should've told you long ago.”

He strode toward her. His purposeful strides sent shivers down her body before panic set in. She started up the steps to create space between them.

“Catherine.”

The command in his voice sounded more like a plea than an order. Catherine closed her eyes and mustered the only remaining resolve she held on to. “Please, Leo. Don't say anything. It's time we let go of the past.” Catherine put one foot at a time in front of her as she forced herself to walk away.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

Leo watched Catherine go into the house. He walked to his truck, opened the door, and climbed into the cab. His fists struck the wheel in frustration. Catherine uttered the words he longed to hear, and yet, he felt a hole in the center of his chest.

He turned the key and headed toward Chase and Kassie's cabin. His thoughts remained on Catherine as his heart reminded him, she was still married to Ash. Before he knew it, he sat in Chase's driveway, still wondering why he felt the need to turn around and confront her. What good could it possibly bring them now? Catherine gifted him her forgiveness, and he needed to accept it.

Chase opened the door and allowed his friend inside. Kassie sat in the chair, all bundled up with a blanket. A tray set beside her with enough books and magazines to keep her busy for at least the next two months. Her arms crossed, and she glared daggers at her new husband. Emma sat at the kitchen table, eating a biscuit and bacon.

“Hi, Uncle Leo. Did you come to see Mama? She's really grumpy. Daddy said she needed a nap. She told him?—”

“Emma. You need to finish your breakfast. Papa Joe will be here any minute to drop you off at school,” Kassie interrupted.

Leo chuckled as he leaned in, kissed the top of Kassie's head, and handed her a box of chocolates. What else do you get someone after you bop them on the head with your gun?

“How are you feeling, PITA?” he asked as he examined the stitched wound on her head.

“I’m fine,” Kassie clipped.

“What's up? Shadow stopped earlier to drop magazines off to Kassie. He mentioned you planned to visit Ash,” Chase stated as he cleared his dishes from the table. Rollo walked in and curled up next to Kassie.

“Ash texted and asked to talk. I wondered if he might be struggling today. I asked Catherine if he acted differently, and she said he seemed fine. I hoped you might ride along with me.” Leo held Chase’s gaze silently communicating he needed to talk to him privately.

Chase glanced in Kassie's direction as she scowled. “I'm free in about fifteen minutes. Joe’s scheduled for childcare duty while Maddie’s charged with keeping an eye on Kassie.”

“For the last time, I don't need a babysitter. I'm perfectly capable of sitting here for days on end, bored off my?—”

Chase nodded toward Emma, indicating her interest in listening to Kassie's tirade.

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