Loving My Cat

Loving My Cat

KAREN WARD

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2012 Glenda Hays

Writing as Karen Ward

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be used, transmitted, or reproduced in any manner, electronic or otherwise without prior written permission from the copyright holder except in cases where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual places, events, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

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Cover images from COVERS BY RAMONA

Edited by Cynthia Moore Stouff

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

From the Author

PROLOGUE

Hello, Beautiful, I haven't seen you in here before. Are you new in town?

I look around to see who is addressing me, or if they are indeed addressing me. A very nice looking man about my age of twenty-eight is standing behind me. My heart starts pounding with nervousness. I knew I shouldn't have come here. I'm not ready to interact with men I don't know, but I really would like to dance so when my friend Wendy asked me to come with her to Gilley's, I couldn't say no. I haven't been dancing since I left my home town of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. That's been a number of years ago now. I don't even know if the people in Dallas dance the same way we did in Canada.

Are you talking to me?

Yes, I am, Gorgeous. I'm Brad, what's your name?

Oh, Catherine, my name is Catherine. My heart is really pounding now, and I feel a fine sheen of perspiration forming on my body. I look over at Wendy and she is grinning at me. She gives me a conspiratorial wink and wanders away from the table. I feel a wave of panic rising, so I take a deep breath and try to smile at Brad. I nervously fold my hands together on top of the table to hide their shaking.

Well, Catherine, would you like to 3-step with me?

3-step? I'm sorry but I don't know how to 3-step. My heart shifts into overdrive. Oh God, I'm going to make a fool of myself. I take another deep breath and hear my psychiatrist's voice echoing through my mind. Catherine, you can do this. No one will know your secrets unless you tell them. You look perfectly normal. Get out and enjoy your life.

It's easy. Come on and I'll show you. He reaches for my hand and practically drags me through the maze of tables toward the huge dance floor. The dance floor is packed with people. He pulls me close to his body and takes my right hand in his left. Then he places his right arm around my neck pulling me tight against his chest, our bodies slightly offset to allow for our feet to move. At first it startles me a little, but when I look around at the other dancers, I see it is a common way men hold their partners here in Texas, so I place my hand loosely around his waist like I see the other women doing. He starts moving across the floor in what feels to me like a slow foxtrot.

I thought you said you didn't know how to 3-step.

Um ... is that what this is? It feels like a slow foxtrot.

Really? I didn't know I knew how to foxtrot. He gives me a big smile and pulls me into a turn which I follow perfectly. I feel the nervousness slowly seeping from my body. So, tell me about Catherine. Are you new in Dallas?

Um, no, I've been here almost two years now, but I don't go out much.

Really, what do you do?

Oh, I work at Children's Medical Center.

Are you a nurse?

No, I'm a clinician, but not a nurse. So, what do you do Brad? I need to change the subject so I don't reveal too much information.

I'm an Investment Banker. We help individuals, corporations and governments raise capital. It's a very lucrative occupation. A big grin slides across his face.

Geez, what kind of man brags about his income? Ah ... well, thank you for the dance. I breathe a sigh of relief that the music is ending and pull out of his arms.

Don't run off Catherine, we're just getting acquainted.

My heart begins pounding again as I slowly back away. I'm sorry, but I really have to go. I have an early shift tomorrow. Bye, maybe I'll see you again. I hurry away, looking for Wendy as I walk off the dance floor. I've got to get out of here. I am so glad I brought my own car. I wouldn't want to ruin Wendy's Saturday night, but I've got to get away from Brad. He may be a really nice guy, but he strikes me as really creepy.

Hey Wendy, I'm going to call it a night. I have to be at the hospital early tomorrow. Thanks for inviting me. I'd like to come back.

Okay, Catherine. I'll see you Monday.

CHAPTER 1

Thirty-five year old Steve Lawrence restlessly paces back and forth across the living area of his luxurious condominium in downtown Dallas. He is absolutely going stir crazy. Ever since he returned from his best friends, Jarod Taylor's and Jason Randall's, weddings in Las Vegas, this night has been inevitable. It's not so bad during the week. He has plenty to keep him busy as Chief Operations Officer at Taylor Industries, but the weekends seem to be eons long. It doesn't help knowing that Jason and his bride, Jenna, live one floor above him. Face it, man, you are just plain jealous of Jarod and Jason. You need to hit the dating scene again and see if you can find someone to love.

This feeling is not sexual and it's not just loneliness. Steve has never had a problem finding a date or a sexual partner, but he is sick of casual sex. He longs for the emotional connection and happiness he sees in the relationships his two best friends have found. Well, Steve, the love of your life is definitely not going to knock on your condominium door. You have got to put yourself out in the public if you want to meet her.

He could go over to Deep Ellum to the bars he used to haunt when he was flirting with the BDSM lifestyle, but that is not what he wants, not in a wife. It was interesting and fun for a while, but some of the heavy stuff those guys practice really turns his stomach. His old man used to regularly beat up his mom and it is too reminiscent of that time for him.

That leaves dancing. Yeah, that sounds all right. He hasn't been dancing in ages, not since he broke off his relationship with Sylvia. He changes into a western shirt, jeans, and boots then dons his Stetson before heading down to the garage. As he is stepping on the elevator, Aunt Beattie is exiting on their floor.

Good evening, Aunt Beattie. Aunt Beattie is an older black woman that saved Jenna's life when three black men threatened her on a city bus. Jason gave her his condominium when her house in south Dallas burned down as a result of arson, and she now lives across the hall from Steve. Jason and Jenna live one floor above in what once was Jarod Taylor's condominium. Jarod and his new wife, Julie, live in Willow Bend, an exclusive neighborhood north of Dallas in the suburb of Plano.

Well, my goodness, Steve Lawrence! I bet I haven't seen you three times in the last four months. You must really stay busy.

Steve laughs, No, in fact, I haven't been out since we got back from Las Vegas.

So, where are you headed tonight?

I thought I might go dancing. I'm going crazy sitting around my condo.

Well, you have fun but be careful.

I will. Thanks, Aunt Beattie.

Steve pulls his black SUV into the back parking lot at Gilley's. When he walks into the club, butterflies flit around in his stomach, so he can't help but feel excited. He approaches the bar and is greeted by an old friend from his BDSM days. Well, I'll be damned, Steve Lawrence! I haven't seen you in years.

Hey, Buzz, I didn't know you still worked here.

Oh yeah, this job fits my needs perfectly. I make good money and still have the time to practice my passion. What happened to you? Did you decide it wasn't for you?

Yeah, I couldn't stomach the heavy shit. Steve looks around the bar, which is just now starting to fill up. His eyes are drawn to a pretty red head sitting at a table with another woman. She has beautiful auburn hair falling on her shoulders. Her complexion is pale. She appears to be tall and willowy. Wow, she is gorgeous! Who's the redhead?

Buzz glances toward the table where Steve is looking. Her name is Catherine. She comes in almost every Saturday night. She doesn't drink, but she tips me good for keeping her in cranberry juice. She only comes in to dance. She never comes with anyone and always leaves alone, much to Brad Burn's disappointment. He's been trying to pick her up for about three months now. She's a good dancer. I heard someone say she's originally from Canada.

I think I'll try my luck. Thanks Buzz. Steve walks over to the table. As he gets nearer, his heart rate speeds up. Jesus, she is even more beautiful than he first thought. Good evening, ladies. He turns to me. Would you care to dance?

I feel a deep blush crawl up my neck, and my breath catches in my lungs. Oh my, this guy is gorgeous! I can't stop my eyes from taking a slow tour from the top of his head down to his toes. He has curly black hair just brushing his collar, and I have an urge to run my fingers through it to see if it is a soft as it looks. His silver eyes sparkle with mischief. He looks to be at least six foot three or four, early to mid thirties. His bright blue western shirt is stretched almost to busting across muscular shoulders. His jeans are faded and fit him like a glove. Wow!

Um, yes, I would. When I look back into his silver eyes, he is smiling at me. I rise from my chair on wobbly legs, and he takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. The minute he touches me, I feel a streak of electrical energy flow up my arm and my blush deepens. My heart is pounding with excitement.

He pulls me loosely into his arms, begins a slow 3-step, and whispers, I hope I passed inspection.

My blush deepens, I'm sorry, you're just ... um ... so well put together.

He chuckles, I was thinking the same thing about you. You have the most beautiful hair I think I have ever seen. He looks into the deep green eyes of his partner, the color of emeralds and his heart skips a beat when she smiles.

Um, thank you. You are a really good dancer.

I'm Steve Lawrence. What's your name?

Catherine, Catherine Mills.

It's nice to meet you, Catherine. You are a really good dancer, too. I hear an accent, where are you from?

Canada, Ottawa.

Really? What brings you to Texas?

The music winds down. Thank you for the dance, Steve.

Wait, do you know the progressive double 2-step?

I'm learning and can follow fairly well if you don't get too complicated.

Steve laughs, It's been years since I have danced, so I can assure you I won't get too complicated. When our second dance winds down, we are at the far end of the dance floor and Steve leads me off the floor to the aisle that circles the floor. He is holding my hand and says, You never did tell me what brought you to Texas.

Oh, my job, I work at Children's Medical Center.

Oh really, do you know Dr. Jacob Taylor? He's an old friend of mine.

Yes, I know Dr. Taylor. We have consulted on several patients.

Does that mean you're a doctor?

I blush deep red. Um ... yes, but I don't usually tell anyone that. Please don't mention it.

Don't worry. I would never betray your trust. When we arrive back at my table, Brad Burns is standing at the table talking to Wendy. Steve says, Brad.

Well, if it isn't Dallas' biggest douche bag. I am absolutely horrified and disgusted at the animosity in Brad's comment, but Steve seems unperturbed by it.

Steve turns to me, Thank you for the dance, Catherine. I hope to see you again. He squeezes my hand, turns, and walks away without responding to Brad's comment.

I pick up my glass of cranberry juice and drain it without acknowledging Brad's presence. A short time later, I start feeling hot and light headed, so I excuse myself from the table and head to the patio where I can get some fresh air. I am leaning against the rail, gulping in fresh air, trying to clear my head when I hear Brad talking to me,

Catherine, are you all right? You look a little pale.

I'm not feeling well for some reason. I think I need to go home.

Come with me, I'll walk you to your car. He takes my hand and leads me down the steps into the parking lot. It crosses my mind that this is really not a good idea, but I am getting really dizzy and my legs feel so heavy I can barely make them move. I am so tired that I can hardly hold my eyes open. How am I ever going to drive home?

When Brad stops beside a big extended cab pickup, I realize we are not at my car. This isn't my ...

It's all right Sugar. I'm going to take care of you. Now you just climb on up in the back seat.

No, I need ...

He picks me up and physically throws me into the back seat of the truck and climbs in after me pinning me to the seat. My brain is so fogged I can barely think. No! Let me go!

You prick teasing bitch! I'll be damned if I'm going to let you give it to Lawrence! I've been nice to you, courtin' you for weeks and now I'm going to take what's mine! He starts unbuttoning my blouse.

NO! Stop! Suddenly he's gone and I hear scuffling, and my foggy brain registers heated words before I succumb to unconsciousness.

*****

The lady said no, Burns. Now get the hell away from her! Brad lunges at Steve and he sidesteps, causing Brad to run into the side of the truck. Steve grabs him by the shirt collar, If you ever come near her again, your Daddy's pockets won't be deep enough to bail you out. You hear me! Get out of here! He throws him out onto the asphalt. Brad gets up and slinks back toward the building. Steve watches him until he goes inside.

Catherine? No answer. Damn it to hell! He carefully picks up the beautiful woman and carries her over to his SUV, strapping her into the front passenger seat.

As he is driving he pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. Aunt Beattie? I need your help. A young lady at the dance hall was drugged and almost assaulted in the parking lot. I protected her and have her with me, and I would appreciate it if you would let her sleep off the drugs in your guest room.

Oh course, Steve. You bring her on up here. I'll take care of her.

*****

When Steve gets to the condominiums, he carries his unconscious charge up the elevator and knocks on Aunt Beattie's door. She lets him in and follows as he carries his beautiful bundle into the bedroom. He removes her shoes and starts to unbutton her blouse,

Steve, you get on out of here! I'll undress her. I doubt she wants a strange man takin' her clothes off. Don't you leave! I want to know what happened.

Steve walks back out into the living area and sits down on the sofa. Thank God he decided to go to Gilley's tonight. He can't bear to think about what would have happened to her if he hadn't been around tonight. Burns had to have slipped the drug into her drink while she was on the dance floor with him. He knew Burns was a sleaze, but this goes beyond the pale. He was going to rape her while she was too drugged to remember.

Aunt Beattie walks back into the living area wearing only her nightgown and robe. She sits in the chair next to the sofa. Tell me what happened at that bar. That child didn't even budge while I was taking her clothes off.

Steve explains to her about his dancing with Catherine and then taking her back to her table. Then he returned to the bar. Less than ten minutes later, he saw her staggering toward the patio exit so he followed her but Brad Burns got to her first. When Burns led her into the parking lot, he followed again to make sure she was all right. Then, when he heard her say no and Burns was threatening her, he stepped in. Then he loaded her in his car and brought her here.

Well, Steve, I always knew you were a good guy. Now I know you are a guardian angel in disguise. That child could have been raped or even worse tonight. You go on home and get some sleep. I'll call you in the morning when she wakes up.

Thanks, Aunt Beattie. She works at Children's Medical Center and knows Jacob Taylor. I'm just thankful I was available to help her.

The good Lord sent you to that bar tonight to help her. Never doubt that His hand was in this, Steve.

I'm sure you're right, Aunt Beattie. Thanks, again. He rises off the sofa and goes across the hall to his own condo where he tosses and turns all night, dreaming of long auburn hair and emerald green eyes.

CHAPTER 2

I slowly rise from the depths of sleep. The first thing I am aware of is that my head is pounding and my stomach is rolling with nausea. My arms and legs feel like they weigh a ton. Oh God, what's wrong with me? I open my eyes and look