Campaigning for Love by K.D. Fleming Read Free Book Online Page A

directed him across the hall to what would be his room for the weekend. Where Katherine’s room was delicate and feminine, his was strong and masculine with an oversized chair in front of a gas fireplace and a large sleigh bed draped with a nautical-themed quilt. The carpet captured the turquoise color of the ocean. White walls provided a sharp contrast. A small writing desk with a deep walnut stain that matched the bed and wardrobe sat near a tall window, its wooden shutters open, letting in glimpses of the setting sun.
    “I hope you’ll be comfortable here,” the judge said when Nick walked over to the bed and dropped his bag.
    “It’s fine. I would say thanks for having me, but since you didn’t give me much choice, I don’t think that’s what you expect to hear.”
    He turned away from the intensity in the judge’s eyes and prowled the room, exploring.
    “I’m sure with Katherine’s sense of fair play she’s explained our family connection to you by now. That girl is special to me. She brought a dear friend an unlimited amount of joy when nothing else could after her husband died. I’ll do anything I can to protect her.”
    The warning in his voice had Nick turning back to face him. “Don’t forget, I knew Kat well before any of you did. I don’t know why she’s in denial over that fact, but I intend to find out this weekend.”
    “Be careful. Your father and I go back many years. I know how the Delaneys operate. You won’t push and get your way here.”
    His jaw tightened at the judge’s implication. “Exactly what are you saying? My father’s a good man. He served as a children’s advocate himself while I was in high school. I’m surprised he wasn’t her appointed advocate for the short time she was in Pemberly.”
    The judge stood silent as if weighing his words. “I know about your father’s time in family court. I won’t form an opinion about you until I know you better. But be warned, I also know of your father’s political aspirations for you. Don’t even think about using situations in my courtroom to kick-start your political career.”
    Nick’s muscles tensed, starting in his fists and climbing up his arms to the cords in his neck, and turning his jaw as rigid as granite. His nostrils flared. Judge or no judge, he wouldn’t ignore the inferred slam against his character. “I assure you, I’m as aboveboard as any other man serving in your courtroom, regardless of my parentage.”
    Instead of continuing their unpleasant conversation, the judge suddenly changed the subject. “Dinner will be at seven. Katherine should be up soon. You can check with her and find out what help she’ll need from you in the kitchen tonight.” With that, he turned and left.
    Nick let out a slow breath and looked upward. “Okay, God. What am I doing here? You have to show me, because I don’t have a clue.” Silence was his answer. He opened his bag and started unpacking. He was finished before he heard Katherine moving around next door.
    He walked into the hall and tapped on her open door. She turned at the sound. He froze in mid-thought. Her antics with the dogs had left her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining with joy. She’d never looked more beautiful—more carefree.
    “Judge Pierce said I should check with you for instructions.” He stepped further into the room. “Nick Delaney reporting for duty, ma’am.” He saluted. It was that or reach and smooth away the strand of hair clinging to her cheek. But she wouldn’t welcome his touch.
    With regret, he watched her smile slide into oblivion, replaced by the guarded look she wore when she dealt with him. “Give me five minutes and I’ll meet you downstairs. The kitchen is at the bottom of the stairs, on the right.” She turned back to her bag in dismissal.
    * * *
    Katherine entered the kitchen and found Nick rummaging in the refrigerator. She walked over and stood beside him.
    He stepped back. “He bought plenty of vegetables. What do