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    Prelude to a Courtship
    Prelude to a Courtship
    Prelude to a Courtship
    Ebook272 pages3 hours

    Prelude to a Courtship

    By Diane M. Pratt

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    About this ebook

    Kate Kelman is happy to help move her newly graduated baby sister, Kinley, out of her dorm to her first apartment, and is proud when she is able to drive the gigantic moving truck for two hours to the university without crashing into anything. Then her parking spot is stolen by another moving truck, driven by Turner Wolfe, who finds Kate's angry reaction very amusing. Kate wills herself to calm down and get on with the move, assuring herself that she will never see the man again after today. 

    Except that Kate soon learns that Kinley's new BFF is Turner Wolfe's younger brother, Cris, and that Kinley and Cris have signed a lease together on a two-bedroom apartment. Kate thinks the situation couldn't get any worse until she hears that not only will Kinley and Cris be working at Aristotle, where Kate works, but none other than the deliberately infuriating Turner Wolfe also happens to work there. And he knows exactly how to push all of Kate's buttons.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDiane M. Pratt
    Release dateSep 24, 2017
    ISBN9781393466055
    Prelude to a Courtship
    Author

    Diane M. Pratt

    Diane M. Pratt lives on Cape Cod where she avoids the summer traffic by hiding at home with her trusty laptop, long-suffering husband, and all the chocolate she can find. Escaping from reality in a romance novel, the ultimate goal a happy ending, is her idea of a good read.  

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      Book preview

      Prelude to a Courtship - Diane M. Pratt

      Chapter 1

      Kate Kelman gripped the black steering wheel of the U-Haul truck so tightly she knew her hands would hurt tomorrow, but this was her first experience with a 10-foot box truck and it was not the day for casual one-handed driving. She had rarely driven anything larger than her Honda Civic and getting used to the size of the truck, the mirror placement, visibility, and general disaster potential of it all was stressful. Every time one of the tires hit a bump, pot hole, or storm drain cover, the whole truck rattled and the two-wheeler in the back of the truck bounced and landed with loud crash sounds. She had stopped cringing with each crash about an hour into the long ride, halfway between the truck rental lot and University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and focused instead on today’s plan. Moving her baby sister, Kinley, a recent graduate, out of her dorm and into her first apartment.

      Kate could see the dorm towers situated on the hilly campus in the distance, and knew she was almost home, so to speak. She had asked her boyfriend, Red, if he could accompany her and help with the move, but Red had said he was busy, so it would be Kinley and Kate hauling and loading today. Kate expected if they needed a third pair of hands for carrying heavy items someone might be willing to help them. She grinned as she pictured Kinley aiming her brown-eyed beseeching stare at a nearby male as she asked for help moving her mountain of shoe boxes, or clothing, or maybe a pile of books. Kinley, a long-haired brunette like her sister, was ten years younger than Kate, and Kate had always been protective of her adorable little sister. Too protective, Kinley would frequently protest. Too bad, was always Kate’s reply.

      She checked her watch and hoped her decision to arrive around ten-thirty would turn out to be a good one. For all she knew, there would be a lineup of trucks waiting to get close enough to the door to load up, and she could well be there all day. The weather had cooperated somewhat. It was sunny, but the temps were in the high eighties, and it was humid enough to flatten Kate’s straight hair even more. She would be a sweaty mess by the end of the move, if not as soon as she stepped out of the truck. It was probably better that Red hadn’t come with her. He much preferred Kate’s clean, fluffed and buffed look to the more natural and earthy look she would sport today.

      As she carefully turned the truck into the parking lot near Kinley’s building, she spied a perfect parking spot. Pulling in would be a breeze. Backing out would be a different situation, but she’d deal with one challenge at a time, and slowly but decisively aimed for the spot, intent only on pulling in.

      Which was why she didn’t see the other U-Haul truck that was aiming for the same spot. Kate was fortunately able to stomp the brake pedal soon enough to prevent her front bumper from hitting the other truck’s rear bumper. Then she jammed the truck into park and pressed the emergency brake before jumping out to go have a few words with whoever had just stolen her spot.

      TURNER WOLFE, WOLF to his family and friends, hadn’t thought he’d be lucky enough to get a parking spot so close to his brother, Cristopher’s, dorm. In addition, the U-Haul hadn’t broken down on the drive to the school, so things were going pretty well. He needed to text Cris that he was here with the truck and ready to get started, and hoped he might make it back home before nightfall. With Cris, he never knew how things would turn out.

      Kate reached the driver’s door, saw the window was closed, and knocked loudly on the glass. The driver turned to face her, a quizzical expression on his face. She told herself not to notice how attractive he was, or that his scruffy beard only increased his appeal. This was no time for an estrogen rush, especially since her estrogen was supposed to be reserved for Red. This guy had stolen her spot, there were no other places to park in the area, and she was starting to sweat. When she saw the guy gesture to her to move, she hoped it was because he had shut off the truck and couldn’t open the window, and not because he was shooing her away. Or he’d be one very sorry man.

      Hi, Wolf said, climbing out.

      Kate was irritated to see a smirky smile on his face. Well, maybe it wasn’t smirky. But it looked pretty happy.

      "I believe you just stole my parking spot." Kate stood taller to increase her intimidation factor.

      "I believe I did not." A disagreement over a parking spot wasn’t unusual considering the circumstances, but this was the first time he had been involved with one. Had he known he’d be meeting a girl like this, he might have considered trying it before today, although he hadn’t noticed there was another vehicle hovering nearby.

      Kate saw there was definitely a near-smirk on the guy’s face now. How long are you going to be? In hindsight, she realized she couldn’t be certain he hadn’t seen the spot before she did. She couldn’t prove she had seen it first. He was parked in the spot, and he wasn’t about to give it up because she was standing there trying to look threatening in her ten-year-old UMass tee shirt and faded cutoffs.

      Are you giving up that easily? Wolf wondered if there was a father or parents nearby who would be helping this girl move out.

      If you’re going to be quick, I’ll just wait. But my truck is blocking people.

      Wolf hadn’t seen another truck. So much for being aware of his surroundings. Where’s your truck?

      On the other side of yours. It could be its twin. Except it isn’t in a parking spot. It’s just sitting there being a problem to everyone else’s cars. She watched as the guy walked around to the back of his truck, then followed him.

      Park on those yellow lines, he said, pointing.

      The yellow lines that say ‘No Parking’?

      There won’t be trash pickup while you’re here today. He hoped. I’ll help keep an eye on your truck while you get your stuff loaded. Is any of your family here to help you move your things?

      She stared at him until she realized what he meant. "I’m the family. My sister is moving out. She looked at where he’d indicated by the dumpsters, and decided she didn’t have much choice. If she got a parking ticket, she’d just have to pay it. All right. I’ll move the beast."

      The beast?

      It growled and clanged all the way here and it’s hard to manage, so, yes. Kate pulled the keys from her pocket and walked back to the truck cab. After climbing in and closing the door, she saw the guy was watching her. Great. Love an audience when I’m about to crash a ten-foot truck into a garbage dumpster.

      She started the engine, and checking the side mirrors, eased the truck over toward the designated No Parking area, feeling like a law-breaker and expecting to hear police sirens before she even shut off the engine. She saw the guy was using hand gestures to direct her on where and how to park, and she was appreciative and irritated at the same time. If he were really nice he would have parked here himself and she could have had the better, legal, spot.

      But looking around, she realized getting out of this spot was going to be easier than getting out of the one he had. No backing up necessary. Of course, if her truck were towed for illegal parking, that would mean a whole new set of difficulties, but there was no need to think about that now. She texted Kinley that she was here and climbed out with keys and purse, then headed for the dorm’s front door to wait for her. She saw she wouldn’t be waiting alone.

      Wolf looked at the girl. The woman. He couldn’t gauge her age. But she looked overheated and the day had hardly started. You need some water? I’ve got some cold ones in the truck.

      Kate looked at him. No, thanks. I’m all set. That was a kind offer. Maybe he wasn’t just a selfish parking spot stealer after all.

      You sure? Your face is all red, and-

      She held up a hand. I’m fine. She hated the humidity and it seemed to hate her, but she didn’t need to share that with Mr. Cool here, who didn’t seem to be the slightest bit affected by it. And why did he have to mention her red face? She stared at the glass door and willed Kinley’s face to appear so they could get this sweat show on the road.

      And within seconds, she saw Kinley and a young guy appear, talking and laughing. Kinley’s smile brightened when she saw Kate, and Kate smiled. This would be the last time she picked up Kinley at school, as she had done so many times when their parents couldn’t come themselves. Kinley didn’t own a car, something that would change soon. After interning summers at Aristotle, the data management company where Kate worked, Kinley had been hired before she graduated, and would be starting work the following week.

      Kitty Cat. Kinley shouted, pushing open the heavy glass door and hurrying into Kate’s arms.

      Kitty Cat? Wolf smiled at Cris, who had come out the door with the sister of Kitty Cat, looking as friendly as if they were together. Very friendly. He eyed his brother and the girl.

      I see you got a good start on the move, he said, indicating Cris’ empty hands.

      Couldn’t hug you with my arms full of stuff, could I? Cris asked, grinning.

      Right. Wolf shook his head and hugged his brother.

      Kitty Cat, this is my BFF, Cris Tollan, Kinley said, her hand gripping Cris’ sleeve.

      Another BFF. Although this was the first male in that position. It’s nice to meet you, Cris. I’m-

      You’re the famous Kitty Cat? Cris interrupted. Great to meet you. Kinley had released his sleeve, and Cris now grabbed hers. Kinley, this is Wolf.

      I’ve heard so much about you. Kinley said. You look younger than Cris described you.

      Wolf eyed his brother. Yeah.

      So Wolf, this is Kitty Cat. Kitty Cat, Wolf, Cris said, grinning at his brother and Kate. Enough standing around. Let’s get us moved out of here.

      Kate looked at Wolf. She couldn’t even imagine how the nickname originated.

      "After you, Kitty Cat," Wolf said, grinning. A typical moving day this wasn’t.

      Hey, where’s Red? Kinley asked, looking around.

      He couldn’t make it, Kate said. The day would have been very different had Red been with her. Driving the truck, parking the truck, not having the parking spot lost to the first man that came sweeping in on four wheels.

      Red is Kitty Cat’s boyfriend, Cris told Wolf.

      Kate wondered just how much detail Kinley had gone into with her new BFF.

      There would be a boyfriend. Hang on a minute, Wolf said. I want to bring the two-wheeler up.

      Let’s just survey what I have, then get it, Cris suggested.

      Kate watched the brothers, interested to see which was the alpha male of the family. But maybe they both were.

      Wolf didn’t reply, just walked toward the back of the U-Haul.

      Kate decided Wolf had a valid point as well as alpha tendencies, and said, I’ll get the two-wheeler, too. She returned to her own truck.

      You parked in a no parking zone, Kitty Cat, Kinley called after her.

      Kate waved a hand over her head but otherwise didn’t respond as she walked. She thought she heard the word ticket but wasn’t about to abort her mission now. She was hot and was only going to get hotter. Maybe a white tee shirt would have been cooler than the UMass maroon in the sun today, but as an alumnus she wanted to show her school spirit. After raising the roll-up door, she stepped inside and grasped the handle of the two-wheeler.

      You aren’t going to be so free and easy and loud on the way home, are you, with all Kinley’s furniture keeping you in line? She turned and saw Wolf standing there with his two-wheeler, and wondered if he had heard her.

      Need a hand with that wayward two-wheeler?

      I think we’ve reached an understanding. Kate lowered it to the ground before reaching up to pull on the door handle. She saw several more vehicles had arrived and the parking lot was even busier, with some cars double-parked. Not that she was in any position to criticize anyone’s parking today. She wondered if there would be a long wait for the elevators. Then amended it to wondering how long a wait there would be.

      Chapter 2

      Kate surveyed Kinley’s room from the doorway. It looked as if Kinley had rescued every piece of abandoned furniture she could get her hands on, and Kate realized why her sister had insisted she needed a truck to get it all home. Kinley had told her she would be sharing a two-bedroom apartment with another graduating student from her floor, and it looked as if Kinley had enough right here to furnish the whole place. Some of the items even coordinated with each other. Kate knew her parents had checked out the apartment and lease for Kinley, and they felt she was in a good, safe neighborhood, with nearby access to public transportation.

      She looked over her shoulder and across the hall to where Wolf stood in Cris’ doorway, no doubt experiencing something similar to what she was feeling.

      WHERE ARE YOU GOING to put all this? Wolf asked. He’d expected to move maybe a couch, some smaller furniture, but he saw a couple of club chairs, a mismatched kitchen set, a television, and piles of other indeterminate items.

      We’ve got a two-bedroom apartment, and we need this so it doesn’t look empty. Plus, it was all free.

      Wolf shook his head. Let’s get the heavy stuff done first. It was going to be a long day. Who’s your roommate? Have I met him?

      You’ll meet my roomie at the house.

      Cris hadn’t met his eyes and that raised a red flag. He was twenty-one, and Wolf had no say in what his brother did, said, or who he chose to live with. But he had an uneasy feeling about this roomie.

      LET’S CARRY OUT WHAT we can and then if we need help with the heavy pieces, we’ll ask for help, Kinley said.

      Because they won’t have had enough of carrying their own things out by then? Kate raised her eyebrows.

      Cris will help us. I promise.

      Kate supposed Cris would help Kinley. They were BFFs, after all.

      Did I ever thank you for telling me to get a second-floor room, Kitty Cat? Kinley asked as they made their fourth or fifth trip down the stairs. Kate had decided it was better not to keep count.

      Counting the times you’ve said it today, it’s probably been about eighteen. She still had just enough energy to smile. And to wonder why she hadn’t seen Wolf and Cris on the stairwell.

      Out in the truck, Kate and Kinley piled the things along the inside of the right wall, leaving room for the bigger pieces, which Kate knew they had to bring down and line up along the left side. Soon. As in the next trip. Okay, Kinley. We’re going up, and we’re getting the loveseat. But first let’s have some water. Kate unlocked the truck cab, and got them each a bottle.

      This is going pretty fast, Kinley said, smiling. I’m so glad you’re helping me, Kitty Cat. Dad would have gotten all stressed and scientific and taken the fun out of it.

      Fun? Kate felt every percentage point of humidity attacking her. But Kinley was moving into her own place, her first apartment, and looked so excited about being all grown up now. She radiated joy, and how could Kate not feel the joy with her? I’m glad, too, Kinley.

      "That’s why I accidentally gave Mom and Dad the wrong move-out date, so they would take their cruise and you would have to help me."

      Of course, you did. Now finish your water and let’s get that loveseat down here.

      As they entered the dorm lobby, the doors of the nearby elevator slid open, and Kate saw the car was filled with furniture. And two guys. Wolf and Cris barely fit in there, and stepped out as soon as the opened doors allowed room.

      That was cool. Cris said, reaching up to high-five his brother.

      Wolf was wondering if his elbow, which had been bent at an uncomfortable angle against a wooden chair or something equally hard, would ever bend the right way again. He had thought loading the elevator would save them time, but he’d do it differently next time. And his moving style had probably irritated a lot of other families needing the elevator. Now he and Cris had to unload it fast.

      Kate made a quick decision as she took in the scene. If we help you, will you help us with some heavy pieces?

      We’ll help you regardless. Wolf was surprised the prickly Kitty Cat would ask for help. And he thought she looked even more hot than she had before. Do you want some water? Your face is really red.

      Oh, that always happens when it’s humid, Kinley said. Her face gets red and her hair goes all straight and flat. She just hates it.

      Kate looked at her sister. "Thank you, Kinley. Now go get something in the elevator and carry it outside."

      Unless there’s more you want to share about Kitty Cat. Wolf grinned.

      Kate forced a smile and grabbed an end table from the elevator. She would never see this guy again, so what did it matter what he heard this morning? Wolf. What kind of a name was Wolf anyway?

      She saw someone had propped open the heavy glass doors of the dorm making the transport to the truck much easier, and it didn’t take long before the elevator was emptied.

      Kate and Kinley, then Wolf and Cris, took the staircase to the second floor, and Wolf followed Kate to Kinley’s room. If you could help us with this heavy stuff, that would be great, Kate said.

      We can do that, Wolf said. Either Kate or Kinley had set up a table fan in the room, and it felt cooler than in Cris’ room. There was certainly

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