Read Betrayal for Free Online Page A

matter what we discussed.” Kate reached for Alex’s hand. “I didn’t mean to imply anything more, Alex. It’s just something I’ll always wonder about. Now, what are your plans for the day?”
    Alex shook his head, sending droplets of water flying across the bedroom. He reminded Kate of one of the dogs after bathtime.
    â€œI’m going to have Emily and Sara help me bathe the pups. You know what a job that can be. Gertie’s expecting two families this afternoon. They’ve met all the adoption requirements as new pet parents.” Alex laughed. “All except for Gertie’s seal of approval.”
    Kate knew that if Gertie had any doubt about their puppies’ prospective family, they would not get the puppy, come hell or high water. Alex took his business very seriously. Gertie hadn’t made a bad call yet, and Kate didn’t think she ever would. Gertie took painstaking care in her decisions.
    â€œJust don’t leave Sara alone with the dogs,” Kate said.
    â€œI won’t. I’ll tell Gertie to keep an eye on her. She won’t do anything, Kate. She’s just a kid, who’s hormonal and confused. Remember being twelve?”
    She did. It was tough, but she’d never felt the urge to hurt an animal, or a human for that matter. Her pillow took a lot of hits, but that was acceptable.
    She nodded in the affirmative. “I do. You’re right. It’s a difficult age, but let’s not forget what Emily said. No matter how sweet and loving Sara can be, we don’t want the pups to suffer in any way.”
    â€œI’m not about to let anything happen to the dogs, don’t worry,” Alex assured her as he tucked his shirt into the waistband of his Levi’s. He wrapped a leather belt through the loops, hooked the buckle, then sat on the bed to lace up his work boots.
    Kate sat down beside him. “I’m not worried, really. I guess I’m just overly paranoid. You’re right. She’s probably hormonal, and who knows what else is going on in her head. Maybe you can get her to open up to you while she’s helping with the dogs.”
    Alex stood up, ran both hands along his thighs as if to remove something from the palm of his hands. “I’ll see what I can do. Meanwhile, entertain Deb and Don for me, at least till I have the dogs bathed.”
    â€œI will, but remember, we’re going to dinner with them tonight. I’m going to ask Gertie to keep an eye on the girls while we’re out. I don’t feel comfortable leaving them alone just yet.”
    Alex laughed. “Whatever you say. I’ll tell her myself. Now, go do something fun. Don’t you have a cooking class next week?”
    â€œYes, I do. I thought I’d try a couple of my new concoctions out on you and the girls. Emily loves to try new food.”
    â€œSounds like a plan. Just remember, Sara will want dessert.”
    â€œI’ll make something light,” Kate added.
    Alex gave her a quick kiss and headed for the kennel.
    Kate prayed Sara wouldn’t cause any problems during her visit. She was very concerned about her but didn’t want to overreact. She’d talk to Debbie at dinner. For the moment, she had plenty to keep her occupied.
    She had several recipes she wanted to work on for Chloe’s , the restaurant where she worked part-time and taught cooking classes two evenings a week. She was in total bliss during her eight-hour shift. Cooking was her passion. Seeing the delight on the customers’ faces was beyond awesome. She’d thought about opening her own restaurant; but with her pottery and the kennel, she knew it was more than she wanted to take on at this point in her life. Maybe when they retired, she and Alex would open a restaurant where the customers could bring their animals along. It was becoming all the rage in New York City. She didn’t see this happening in the South for quite some