A Perfect Catch

They pulled the chairs closer to the fireplace. K.C. sensed that Erin relaxed as she stared into the flickering flames. He watched the way her delicate fingers held the coffee mug. He fantasized about her fingers with their neatly trimmed nails. Desire coursed through him, and he longed to hold her hand and kiss her palm, perhaps feel them running over his body.

He wanted to touch her, to connect with her. When he reached for her hand, he was pleased she let him hold it and clasped her fingers in his. Her skin was soft and warm, her hands small and delicate. She smelled of powder, her hair filled with the scent of lilacs, and he ached to run his hands through her sun-streaked brown hair.

You look deep in thought, Erin said.

K.C. glanced at their clasped hands then looked at her. Thinking I’d like to kiss you.

Erin attempted to pull her hand away, but he held tightly.

Don’t pull away from me. He waited, and when she didn’t move, he leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her mouth.

He heard her quick intake of breath before she pulled her hand from his hold. It’s late.

He watched her stand abruptly, and for just a moment, regretted kissing her. When she paused before walking away, he saw the slight blush on her cheeks and relished the feel and taste of her on his mouth.

Goodnight. Her voice was businesslike, and she hurried from the room.

He realized he was in trouble. This woman was so different than most of the fluffy, soft, perfumed ladies he dated, and yet he was drawn to her brusque ways. He loved watching the way she smiled or how her face lit up when she talked about fishing. She wasn’t as buxom as many of the women he spent time with, but she had all the right curves. Even though she didn’t try to be, she was all woman.

He sighed.

Why in the hell did she have to be the one he knew would get hurt by what he had to do?

A PERFECT CATCH

All rights reserved.

Copyright 2014 by K. R. Bailey

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise invented hereafter) without written permission.

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Cover design by Creative Book Covers

Editing by Katie Johnson

Publishing History

First Digital Publishing 2015

Smashwords Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

An Excerpt from You Complete Me

A Word From the Author

About K. R. Bailey

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my son, Brad, who loves to ice fish. Hearing him talk about his experiences gave me the idea for this story. To my husband, thank you for the drives up the canyons, around the many lakes and reservoirs where ice fisherman love to be in the winter. This helped fuel my inspiration for the story.

I have wonderful critique partners – Alysia S. Knight, Terri J. Lynn and Sheryl Coumans. I can’t thank them enough for patiently talking through plots, rereading my chapters, and offering their knowledge and encouragement.

Lastly, thanks to my many friends who support my endeavors and to my sister who is always there for me. I am so lucky to have you all in my life.

Dedicated

To

my granddaughter, Kasey.

She’s a little fisherman, an avid reader, and is always so excited when I have a new story out. She’s my little heroine in the making. I love you.

A PERFECT CATCH

By

K. R. Bailey

http://www.KRBailey.com

CHAPTER ONE

"Hey, George," Erin called as she pulled her sleigh full of fishing gear onto the ice. The afternoon was warm for January, and she loved the clear blue skies and crisp winter air.

How’s it goin’? George called in his gruff voice. He was a big man with wide shoulders and a barrel chest, and all bundled up in his quilted coat, he looked even larger than ever.

Couldn’t be better. Ice any good? Erin asked as she passed a group of men sitting on plastic buckets with their fishing poles held over small holes drilled in the ice. She nodded to each of the fishermen as she passed them, her eyes carefully looking for any signs they were catching some walleye or trout.

Pretty good, George responded. Watch out for the soft spots though.

Oh, I will. Erin waved and continued farther across the lake where she always had great luck. This was her favorite time of year. She loved ice fishing. Heck, she loved all types of fishing, and whenever she could take a break from running the bed and breakfast her family owned, she could be found fishing on the lake.

Hey, Willie, betcha I can out fish you today.

Don’t think so, Erin grinned. George always called her Willie, the nickname he’d given her when they were in grade school, and she’d beat him at marbles. They’d grown up together, and they had a standing bet to see who could catch the most fish.

So that’s Willie, huh?

Erin glanced back to see a tall stranger talking to George and immediately wondered who he was. She knew most everyone in the small town of Friendship Creek, but he wasn’t anyone she recognized.

Yep, but don’t count her out. She’s a mighty fine fisherman, er, woman. George’s voice bellowed as he answered.

Erin suppressed her chuckle and found her perfect spot. She was just far enough away from the others that the fish weren’t spooky. A small inlet surrounded by a steep cliff gave her protection if the wind kicked up.

Soon she had her bucket off the sled and on the ice. It held some of her gear and bait and doubled as a seat. She pulled her ice auger from the sled, and it only took her a few minutes to drill a hole. Once she’d scooped out the ice chunks, she lowered her fishing line.

Breathing deeply of the crisp, cold air, she sat on her plastic bucket to enjoy the afternoon. This was where she came to relax. Catching enough fish for supper at the inn was a challenge she loved. The peaceful lake nestled between the rocky hills gave her the alone time she craved.

Having any luck?

Erin looked up into sky blue eyes that could hypnotize if she’d let them. The tall stranger stood looking down at her, his eyes twinkling. She wasn’t prepared for the way her heart lurched nor the heat spreading through her.

Not yet, but I will.

You sound pretty sure of yourself. He cocked his head to one side, and she noticed he had a crooked smile.

Yep. She forced herself to look away, afraid he could see how he affected her. That was the last thing she needed right now.

By the way, I’m Kyle Chesterford. His voice was smooth, like a fine wine, and just deep enough to send chills running down her spine. Even bundled up in his quilted coveralls, she could tell he had a wide chest and was handsome underneath that fur cap.

Kyle, Erin said as she jerked on her line and hooked a rainbow.

K.C. Call me K.C.

What? Erin paused at the sound of his voice. She’d tried to ignore him and concentrated on getting the fish off her hook. Oh, okay. K.C. She put the fish in her creel and baited her hook, trying to remain oblivious to the handsome stranger standing over her.

Nice meeting you.

Yeah. She glanced up when he turned and walked away. She couldn’t help but notice his long legs as he walked across the ice.

Her line jerked, and she hooked another fish. By late afternoon, her creel was nearly full, and she had enough for supper tomorrow night. Saturdays were fish night at the Inn, and fish and chips were her specialty.

Hey, Willie. Gonna stop by Joe’s later? George called out. He’d gathered up his gear and was getting ready to leave.

Sure. I’ll stop by for a drink with you. Anyway, from the looks of things, you owe me. I have a creel full of fish.

George laughed, a big, booming laugh. Ya skunked me for sure, but I’ll beat you another day.

She laughed as George moseyed off the ice. She usually met up with her fishing buddies for a quick beer, and tonight would be no different. Glancing around, Erin realized there were only two other fishermen on the lake, and they were down around the cove. The sun was starting to set, and she could feel the chill settling in. She fished a few minutes longer before gathering up her gear, loading her sleigh, and walking back to her car. Night came on quickly, and she liked to be off the ice before dark.

After putting everything into the Explorer, she paused to watch the moon starting to rise. It was a beautiful evening. Stars were out and twinkling in the sky. It was the type of night that brought back memories, memories of the days when she and Justin were in love and making big plans for their future. But that was before he disappeared.

She shrugged off the memory and climbed into the Explorer needing to forget Justin, his big smile and his curly hair. Going to Joe’s Place was probably the perfect way to do that.

*****

Joe’s Place was hopping. She could hear the laughter and loud music as she pulled her car to a stop. She still wore her faded jeans and flannel shirt, but it wouldn’t matter. Everyone else would be dressed similarly in casual jeans, colorful shirts, and quilted jackets. The whiff of frying food assaulted her nose. Her stomach growled. She hadn’t taken time to eat anything since early morning. Joe made great burgers. She just might have to order one.

Glancing quickly in her rearview mirror, she fluffed her brown hair. Even in January, her hair had blonde streaks that were natural.

Hey, Willie. George stood and waved as she entered.

Hi, babe, Sam Turner said affectionately and gave her a bear hug. He was the only one Erin allowed to hug her and call her babe. Anyone else would probably get a black eye. But Sam was different. He was like a father to her.

Saved a seat for ya. Sam pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. Want a beer?

Sure, she slipped off her coat and settled into the chair.

This is K.C. He’s here for the fishing derby this week. George made the introductions.

Erin looked at K.C. and gasped at the shock of yellow hair pulled back into a pony-tail. She’d never seen hair so yellow, especially in winter.

Hello, Erin. K.C. gave her a smile that made her think he held a secret, and it irritated her because she wanted to find out what that secret was.

Her eyes roamed over his face, and she was fascinated by the angles of his jaw and square cheeks. She fought to keep from staring. This man didn’t look at all like the man she’d met earlier all bundled up against the cold with his fur hat and quilted jacket.

Catch a lot of fish?

Erin nodded to the waitress who sat a beer in front of her, then turned to K.C. and forced herself to answer even though she felt pitifully tongue-tied. Enough for supper tomorrow night.

Got enough for company? He winked at her, and she caught her breath at the audacity of the man.

Well…

Course she does, George spoke up. She cooks for the Friendship Inn on Saturday nights. Gives her mother a rest, and let me tell you, Erin makes a mean fish dinner.

Erin was suddenly embarrassed and picked up her beer. She gulped several times and looked away from those unusual blue eyes—hypnotizing blue eyes, and being hypnotized