Glimpse of Never Ending Love

What They Are Saying About

Glimpse Of Never Ending Love

I like the intimate feel of Glimpse of Never Ending Love. The heartfelt attraction between Catharine and Tyler is perfect.

—Eden Robins,

All Our Tomorrows

Evanell penned a wonderful and delightful tale to show us Catharine and Tyler's romance. Fairy Fey and guardian angel Rey add touches of magic. Extra spice for this paranormal story comes from time travel and a villain. From beginning to end, this tale entertains.

—Cherie Lee, Associate Editor

Sun Life Magazine

Author and freelance writer

Otherworlds Sci-Fi 2003 Anthology

Sun Life Magazine

Glimpse Of Never Ending Love

Evanell

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A Wings ePress, Inc.

Paranormal Romance Novel

Edited by: Diana Greenwood

Copy Edited by: Leslie Hodges

Senior Editor: Elizabeth Struble

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: mpmann

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All rights reserved

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

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Copyright © 2005 by Peggy P. Parsons

ISBN: 978-1-59088-473-7

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Published In the United States Of America

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Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

To William,

my webmaster,

also my husband

and the love of my life

I asked God for water

He gave me an ocean

I asked God for a flower

He gave me a garden

I asked God for a tree

He gave me a forest

I asked God for a friend

He gave me you

Anon

One

Catharine clutched the telephone with both hands. Her stomach knotted sickeningly as Dillon McKenzie, a pompous, troublesome co-worker growled, I’ll be there in a few minutes. I won’t be put off any longer. Tonight I intend to sleep with you, whether you’re willing or not. And if you don’t open the door, I’ll find a way to break in.

The tiny hairs on the back of Catharine’s neck stood on end, piercing her tender skin like sharp pinpricks. She slammed the phone down, grabbed her navy backpack, and dashed out of the small Denver house she had lived in since coming to the twenty-first century. Grateful she still had her coat on, she tore down the snowy sidewalk as though the devil himself pursued her.

She didn’t have many friends and could only think of one place to go. To Tyler’s apartment. Tyler was Jennifer’s cousin, and Jennifer had said Tyler would help if Catharine ever needed help. And tonight she definitely felt needy.

With her heart pounding as loud as the overhead thunder, she raced against the fierce February wind, hoping she wouldn’t fall, praying Dillon wouldn’t find her and force her into his car.

At the corner of Humboldt and Evans, she stopped to catch her breath. Bitter bile marched up her throat. She jammed her gloved hand against her mouth and willed the awful taste back down. She had left England because her step-papa had threatened to have his way with her. What was wrong with men? Why couldn’t they take no for an answer?

Shaken by those memories and terrified of Dillon’s threat, Catharine shivered in the cold, doing her level best not to slip and fall on the treacherous unshoveled footpath as she continued to the bus stop.

While she waited for the bus, she sucked in huge gulps of cold, exhaust-fumed air. In spite of the snow-packed roads, traffic whizzed by her. Thankfully she didn’t see Dillon’s black sporty car among them. His threats made her skin crawl, but being out alone at night frightened her, too.

The bus finally arrived. Relieved, Catharine scurried off the curb. Pain shot up her right leg as she twisted her foot. All that running and she hadn’t fallen. Now, like a ninny, she’d crimped her ankle. She nearly buckled, but someone behind grabbed her arm.

No, she wailed, trying to jerk free, but failing and slamming her shin against the bus step.

I only want to help you board the bus, said a stocky elderly man, who reminded Catharine of Rey, the guardian angel who had brought her to the United States two years ago. You might have sprained your ankle.

Thank you, she mumbled, choking back the sudden urge to cry.

With her leg throbbing painfully, Catharine climbed the steps and displayed her monthly bus pass. After the driver nodded, Catharine limped to a seat and plopped down. Heaving a silent sigh, she set her backpack down and bent over to inspect her ankle. Not only did it hurt like holy heck, her shin burned as though the bones had caught fire.

The bus turned a corner. She braced herself against the wheels sliding on the icy road. When that didn’t happen, she unclenched her hands and tried to relax.

To reach Tyler’s apartment near Cheeseman Park, she needed a transfer. With a grimace, she collected her backpack, limped back up the aisle and forced herself to talk to the bus driver. It took a lot of courage, though. She hated speaking to strange men.

About three quarters of an hour later Catharine reached Tyler’s apartment building and mimicked what she had seen Jennifer do; waited for a lady to insert her security card, then followed her inside to the twin elevators at the far end of the lobby.

On Tyler’s floor, Catharine slipped her two-inch high heels off. With her feet flat, some of the pain in her ankle eased. The new maroon hall carpet smelled pleasant, and the plush tufted yarn caressed her feet as she stuffed her shoes in her backpack and hobbled to Tyler’s door.

Then her nerve faltered. What if he wasn’t home? Or if he were, he might not be alone. Perhaps she should have called. But she didn’t have a cell phone. Truth be told, until this very moment, she hadn’t ever felt a need for one.

Despite being worried about Tyler and his reaction, Catharine summoned her courage. Her heart pounded madly as she rang the doorbell. Although she felt foolish and embarrassed, her throbbing foot hurt too much to retrace her steps. Besides that, she didn’t have anyone else to turn to.

The door opened. She glanced up. Tyler, as tall, dark and handsome as any man she had ever seen, smiled down at her from his six feet height. Tongue-tied, she tried to speak, to explain why she had come. But words failed her. All she could do was stare.

What’s wrong? he asked, his gray-green eyes filling with concern.

Catharine knew she should say something, but the words she’d silently rehearsed vanished. Had she made a mistake by coming here? Presumed too much? Jennifer had assured her she needn’t fear Tyler. He would never harm her. Why then was her heart pounding at a terrible speed?

No matter how many deep breaths Catharine took, her heart continued to thump. Most men made her heart race, but always in fear. Yet with Tyler it raced for an entirely different reason. No other man had ever made her feel this way—wary, excited and frightened all at the same time. Why did he wield such power?

She drew in another deep breath. The expression on Tyler’s handsome face was one of welcome. She unclenched her fists. Tyler’s looks weren’t his only asset. In a peculiar way she felt as though she’d always known him and would miss him if he ceased to be a part of her life. Still, she had kept him at arm’s length, so they didn’t know each other very well.

Finally, after a silence that lasted an embarrassingly long time, she managed to blurt, I’m afraid.

Tyler blinked at the girl he’d known all his life. As he had anticipated, she’d turned into a stunner. But why had she rung his doorbell on a cold Friday night to tell him she was scared?

When she didn’t elaborate, he swept his gaze over her. Petite, with long blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes, she tugged at his protective male instinct. The tiny scar on her right cheek that turned into a dimple whenever she smiled, quivered. He smiled again, hoping to put her at ease. Kacy always used to have a warm smile for him. But not anymore, and tonight was no exception. She looked as though she’d rather be anywhere but here.

Almost three years ago she had told him in no uncertain terms that there could be no romance between them. He thought he had accepted that, and had gone on with his life, but now his body refused to believe what his brain had been told.

Come in and tell me what you’re afraid of, Kacy.

Her bottom lip trembled. So did her voice when she spoke. Pl—please call me Catharine.

Sorry, Tyler mumbled. Last year she had legally changed the spelling of her name, and asked everyone to call her Catharine instead of Kacy, short for her initials Kathryn Cassandra. Guess I forgot.

How could you, when you facilitated the change?

Tyler spread his hands in mock surrender. I plead guilty. Am I forgiven?

She furrowed her blonde eyebrows. Do people usually forgive attorneys when they forget?

He grinned. Their friends do.

I see.

Are you going to come in? he asked. Or do you want to stand in the hall all night?

Are you alone?

Yes.

I shouldn’t have come, should I? This is not at all proper, is it?

When have we ever been proper?

She shrugged, looked behind her, then up and down the empty hall before she asked, Do you have plans for this evening?

"No.

Do you mind that I have come?

Not at all.

Are you certain?

I think you should come inside before we continue this discussion.

She nodded hesitantly.

Tyler backed away to give her a wide berth. Come in. The hall’s cold, and I’m losing all my heat.

You? Or your apartment?

Ty grinned again. Got me Kacy. I mean Catharine. I owe you one.

You don’t owe me anything. However, it would please me no end if I could consider you a friend.

I thought you already did.

She pursed her lips and didn’t comment.

Beginning to feel like he’d accomplish something as major as winning the trial of the decade if he could get her inside, Ty waved his hand, motioning her in. C’mon. I don’t bite. You don’t either, do you?

Catharine shook her head. He raised his hand to hide a grin as she peered inside his apartment before she cautiously entered. Was she trying to decide if the place was safe? Wired with booby traps... or what?

When he shut the door, the fear in her eyes started to worry him. He reached for her arm. But she jerked away, her face flaming a bright red.

What’s wrong?

I told you. I’m afraid.

Ty had a sudden urge to pull her close and kiss her fear away. Instead he folded his arms so she’d know he wouldn’t try to touch her again. I’m not a mind reader. You’ll have to tell me what you’re afraid of.

She clasped her hands together, and stared down at them. There’s a man where I work who makes me uncomfortable. Her bottom lip quivered.

The desire to pull her into his arms battled with Ty’s legal training. He wanted to draw her close and promise he would protect her and never let anyone scare her ever again.

Has he done anything specific to make you feel that way?

She nodded. Sometimes he touches me, or tries to, when no one else is around.

Tyler’s gut clenched, his protective instinct kicking into high gear. That’s sexual harassment.

I know. Jennifer told me months ago that I should press charges or file a law suit against him.

He winced at the painful mention of his cousin. How long has this been going on?

About nine months.

Furious on Catharine’s behalf, Ty ground out, There are laws to protect women from that kind of treatment.

Mentally he calculated how long she’d been working... About twenty months. After her accident in London a couple of years ago, she had decided not to return to college, and taken a job as a receptionist at an oil and gas firm in downtown Denver. Although her parents, like Jennifer’s, had left a substantial trust fund, he knew Catharine had only used a small portion while in college. Ty admired her for working now, rather than squandering her legacy or sponging off her grandparents.

Have you told your boss about the man? he asked.

No. He, Mr. McKenzie, said I couldn’t prove anything, and he would deny everything if I accused him of sexual harassment.

McKenzie? What’s his first name?

Dillon. Dillon McKenzie.

The name sounded familiar, but Tyler couldn’t put a face to it. Do you want to file charges against him?

I—I don’t know. I didn’t come here with that in mind.

Why did you come?

Because I didn’t know who else to turn to. I wonder, would you mind if I slept with you tonight?

Tyler’s hormones slammed into overdrive. You want to sleep with me? He barely got the question out of his dry, stunned throat.

Yes. Perhaps over there on the settee, I mean couch, that is, if you don’t have an extra bedroom. I truly don’t wish to stay alone tonight.

Why?

She looked away before she answered. He watched her intently, saw her shoulders tremble. Mr. McKenzie has repeatedly asked me to go out. Always I have refused. He often accuses me of being a ‘stuck up broad.’ She shuddered. Again Ty fought the impulse to gather her in his arms.

Tonight he cornered me in the hall before I could escape to the elevator, and...

What did he say? Did he threaten you? Ty knew he was leading her, but he couldn’t seem to stop.

Yes. She licked her lips. A nervous tic wiggled her smooth cheek, the cheek with the tiny indentation that dimpled whenever she smiled. He—Mr. McKenzie said he knows where I live and that I live alone now, and he would come tonight, and he intended...

What?

I cannot repeat the word he used. It sounded so vulgar.

Did it start with an f and end with a k?

She nodded, her face bright red again. I escaped when another co-worker came by. However, Mr. McKenzie called shortly after I arrived home, and made his intentions clear. I was too frightened to stay home because he said if I didn’t answer the door, he would find a way to break in. Please, may I stay here with you tonight, Tyler? I don’t know who else to ask.

Of course you can stay. But what about your grandparents? You could’ve gone there.

No. She shook her head again.

He clenched his hands to keep from reaching out to touch her.

My grandparents aren’t home. They’re in Arizona. I think they want to move there. And, in any event, there isn’t a bus route near their home.

You could’ve taken a cab.

Taxicabs frighten me. The drivers do, too. I cannot face riding alone with a stranger. The bus has other passengers, so I am never alone with the driver.

Baffled by her fear, and wondering where it had come from, he motioned toward his couch. Let’s sit down.

She took one step, and stopped. He looked down, noticing her bare-stockinged feet. Concern rocked him. Had she walked here barefoot? Frozen her feet in the process? What happened to your shoes?

They’re in my backpack.

Why?

I crimped my ankle before I caught the bus.

He frowned. Crimped?

Twisted.

Let me help you. Without giving her a chance to disagree, he curled his arm around her waist. And felt her tremble as they walked across his living room.

He helped her out of her black winter coat and waited for her to sit down before he went back and made sure the door was shut tight. He crushed the temptation to ram the dead bolt home just to see her reaction. Would she jump? Scream? Yell? Squeal?

Striding back to the couch after he hung her coat in the closet, he sat down beside her, and spoke quietly. Tell me what I can do to help you.

She looked up and finally smiled. Her dimpled cheek winked at him. He wanted to lean close and kiss the dimple, taste her lips, inhale her sweet scent, hold her in his arms.

You have already helped, just by being home and listening. She paused, licked her lips. I think Jennifer was right. You are a nice man.

Nice? He’d rather be handsome. Sexy. Irresistible. Mysterious. So damn attractive she couldn’t walk away from him ever again. How odd to be more attracted to her now than ever.

They were sitting side by side, their hips so close they were touching, the sides of their legs, too. Suddenly Ty felt a familiar stirring in his groin. Of all times to feel horny. He shouldn’t have sat down so close. He drew in a sharp breath. And inhaled her sweet fragrant scent. Horny hell, he was on fire!

She shifted, moved a little away.

He frowned, missing the contact. You can’t be afraid of me. But the look in her eyes said otherwise. Are you? he asked, unable to believe that. He’d never done anything to frighten her.

I don’t wish to be afraid of you. Jennifer said I could trust you... that you would be a good friend. And since she’s gone, I find myself very much in need of a friend.

Again Tyler winced at the mention of his cousin. Orphaned at the age of four, Jennifer had lived with him and his parents until she started college three and a half years ago. Then she’d rented a house with Kacy, near Denver University.

Jennifer had been like a beloved daughter to his parents, and a sister to him. Her sudden death two weeks ago had left a gaping void in all their lives. His grief, still raw, was on edge and at times difficult to live with.

Swallowing his sorrow, he concentrated on Catharine. She’d made it clear there could be no romance between them. Why then, did he still find her so fascinating?

He shifted, stared at the muted TV, and smoothed his hands over his blue jeans. A believer in reincarnation, Tyler was positive he had known Catharine in prior lives. In most of those lives other people had kept them apart. Now she was responsible. Even so, he had proposed once. She had let him down gently, with tears sparkling in her pretty blue eyes. But she’d been firm when she said, I’m not in love with you, Ty, and I can’t marry you.

He had given up. A man didn’t have to be hit over the head to know the attraction was one-sided.

Now, her shy, uncertain expressions held more appeal than when she had been bold and unafraid of anything she encountered. In spite of telling himself that a relationship with her was hopeless, he was enchanted. Or demented.

She licked her lips. He wondered what they would taste like if he kissed her.

Perhaps I should explain...

What?

That I am uncomfortable around men.

Really?

Yes, really.

Well, bite me.

She looked shocked. I beg your pardon?

He had almost said ‘bite my ass,’ but he’d cleaned it up for her because ever since her accident in London two years ago, she seemed prim, proper, and shy. Not at all like her old self. That’s just a slang expression.

Slang. Yes. I know what that is.

When had she started to act and talk differently? And with a British accent? Had they avoided each other so long, he couldn’t remember? When did you pick up that accent?

Her cheeks flamed red again. She raised her hand to her throat. I—uh—didn’t pick it up. It’s always been in here. She fingered her throat above the collar of her pink blouse. Is something wrong with the way I speak?

Tyler couldn’t help himself. He threw his head back and laughed. It was the first good laugh he’d had since Jennifer’s funeral, and it felt good.

You’re delightful Kacy—Catharine.

Thank you very much. You’re kind to say so.

Ty stopped laughing. He didn’t feel kind. He felt odd. Horny again. And that irritated him. He shoved his fingers through his hair. Over the years he had seen Catharine in all kinds of situations, but he’d never seen her like this, wide-eyed scared as a brand new baby bird.

As he stared, her shoulders shook. Silently he cursed Dillon McKenzie, the man responsible for the stark terror in her blue eyes.

When she shifted beside him and wiggled one foot, Ty looked down and saw the swelling on her right ankle. Concern slashed through him. She’d arrived barefoot and said she crimped her ankle, but he’d been so startled to see her, he hadn’t noticed the swelling. "Would