Read Online Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy - Free Book Online Page B

powerful as the boats used by the racing syndicates. But my dad was determined to win an around-the-world race. The Winston came up in one of the off years between the Whitbread and America’s Cup. It was a different kind of race, one for both amateurs and professionals; the class level of the boats made sure of that. The crews were limited to no more than six. There was more time built into the race and into the layovers.”
    “But there were only four of you. Why not fill out the crew with a couple of hefty guys?”
    She smiled at the familiar criticism. So many people had suggested that they take on additional crew members. The initial reports of the race had all predicted that the McKennas would finish last, if they finished at all.
    “We were good at what we did,” she said. “I think we proved we were quite capable of winning without two hefty guys.”
    “Good point. What happened to the boat after you came home? It’s my understanding that it’s now owned by someone else.”
    “Yes. We sold it when we returned home.”
    “Why?”
    Kate thought for a moment, wondering how she could answer that without drawing additional questions. “That part of our life was over,” she said finally. “We needed the money for other things.”
    “What other things?”
    “Just things.”
    Tyler tapped his foot against the floor. “Okay. Tell me this, how will you feel when you see your boat come sailing back into the harbor on Monday?”
    “How do you know about that?” she asked sharply, then remembered he’d had dinner with her sister. “That’s right. You were out with Caroline last night.”
    “Yes.”
    “Why did you ask her out?”
    “I thought she’d be more forthcoming than you.”
    “And was she?”
    “You know she wasn’t. She was as evasive as you are, although a bit more colorful in her language.”
    Kate could believe that. Caroline had always loved a good swear word. “What else do you want to know?” she asked, checking her watch. “I have to get to the bookstore.”
    “Did you ever want to quit the race?”
    “Yes. But my father was determined, obsessed with getting to the finish line. Once we began, nothing and no one could stop him.”
    “I guess that’s how you win races.”
    “I guess.” She hadn’t let herself think about the race in a very long time. There were too many emotions wrapped up in that part of her life, incredible joy, horrific pain. Standing up abruptly, she said, “We’re done.”
    “We’re just beginning,” Tyler said as he also stood up.
    “If you want more information, go to the library.”
    “I thought we were getting along, breaking the ice.” His soft smile was meant to take the edge off her mood, but it wasn’t enough. She’d started to feel the pain again. She couldn’t go back there. She wouldn’t go back there.
    Tyler reached out and touched the side of her face with his hand. The heat burned through her skin, the intimate gesture startling her.
    “What put that look of enormous hurt into your eyes?” he asked softly, his gaze intent on hers.
    “Nothing. You’re imagining things.” She wanted to look away from him, but she couldn’t seem to break the connection between them. “You’re staring at me.”
    “You’re staring at me,” he murmured.
    And she was, dammit. Why now? Why did her sleeping libido have to suddenly wake up now?
    “Was it a man?” Tyler asked.
    “What?” Caught up in her physical reaction to him, she’d completely lost the thread of their conversation.
    “Was it a man who hurt you?”
    “No,” she said quickly.
    “Did something happen to one of your sisters while you were racing?”
    “Why would you ask that?”
    “Because you’re their protector. And anything that hurts them hurts you. Am I right?”
    She was relieved that the conversation had turned to her sisters. “I’m the oldest,” she replied. “I do what I have to do.”
    “I can understand that.”
    “Good. Don’t go after my sisters,