Test of Time by Jayne Ann Krentz

ornately framed mirror that hung above a long, polished table. She was vaguely startled by the woman who looked back at her. Her gray eyes seemed to dominate her face. They reflected a strange combination of caution and fatigue. Her hair was coming loose. Wispy tendrils curled around her nape. Her green blouse was rumpled from the hours she had spent sitting in the car. All in all, she did not look crisp, efficient or businesslike. Katy regretted that.
    "I'm glad you like the house. I thought you would. I had you in mind when I told the designer what I wanted." Garrett's eyes were fastened on her as she wandered slowly through the foyer and into the living room.
    Katy was deeply aware of Garrett's scrutiny as she turned on lamps and studied the warm glow of expansive hardwood floors. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall. There was a collection of surprisingly beautiful leather furniture grouped around the fireplace. The large, fringed area rug on the floor was a modern interpretation of a Southwest Indian pattern. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the wall that looked out over the darkened sea.
    "The designer did a wonderful job," Katy admitted, looking around.
    There was speculative satisfaction in Garrett's eyes. "I told her I wanted it perfect for my wife."
    A twinge of guilt went through Katy as she realized just how much Garrett wanted her to like the place. Then she bracingly reminded herself that he had his own purely pragmatic, practical reasons for wanting her to be pleased. Her impulsive smile of pleasure faded.
    "Kitchen's through there," Garrett said quickly as Katy turned around. "It's the old-fashioned type. Huge. Has everything in the way of appliances."
    Katy walked through a dining room furnished with a long, elegant pine table and into a huge kitchen that had obviously been outfitted for someone who enjoyed cooking. The overhead light revealed acres of gleaming tile, professional cookware hanging from copper hooks and a round glass-topped kitchen table.
    "During the past couple of months I found out you like to cook," Garrett murmured.
    Katy glanced at him sharply. Apparently he had paid attention to some things of a personal nature during the past several weeks. She said nothing and opened the doors of the stainless steel refrigerator. The interior was empty.
    "Good thing we picked up some groceries a while back," Garrett said briskly as he surveyed the empty shelves. "I'm starving."
    Katy wondered if that was a hint that she was now supposed to assume her wifely chores. She shoved her hands into the pockets of her jeans and regarded her husband through thoughtful eyes. He looked as innocently expectant as it was possible for a man with Garrett's blunt, stark features to look.
    Katy gave up the small battle before the first skirmish. She was hungry, too. This wasn't the time or place to draw lines. "Why don't you bring in the groceries and I'll see what I can do about dinner."
    Garrett's mouth tilted in faintly concealed satisfaction. "Sounds like a good idea."
    Forty-five minutes later Katy had put together a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese, rice and a simple shrimp curry. Garrett had spent the time unloading the car. He walked into the kitchen just as she was putting the food on the glass-topped table.
    "It's been a long time since lunch," he announced. He sauntered over to the table and studied the neatly arranged salad and curry. He appeared to be pleased. "Smells good. Did you open the wine?"
    "No." Katy watched him out of the corner of her eye as she finished the last of her preparations. "I didn't know if you would want a glass with dinner."
    Garrett gave her a narrow look. "This is our first meal in our new home. It seems to me that warrants a glass of wine."
    "Does it?" She hid her astonishment. It had never occurred to her that Garrett would concern himself with the small, intimate celebrations of life. "Well, given the circumstances of our marriage, I don't think we have to feel