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CHAPTER 1

Brody Huxley closed the file drawer and turned back to his desk. Midday sun streamed into the office through the big windows and highlighted the well-worn furniture in the old building. Customers rarely came to the location. The part-time help would be in after lunch, but Brody didn't mind manning the place solo.

In the quiet moments alone he knew something was missing. The pinch in his knee reminded him of all the things he'd put in the past. He was haunted by the memory of the fighting overseas and an IED that had exploded close to him and his best friend, Sean Morgan. His knee had been replaced, but the muscle and tendon damage seized up occasionally, causing him pain. His fighting days were behind him, but at twenty-seven, his life wasn't over yet.

As usual, Sean had been right. A desk job had been the safe bet considering Brody's knee. Pride was something he'd had to let go of back in rehab when he'd fallen for a sexy physical therapist who could knock Brody over with a smile. Needing a little help hadn't killed him, but when Sean had wanted her as well, things had become complicated.

Kat Calvino had made Brody and Sean work hard to regain their independence. She'd also solved their dilemma by laying down her law of never dating patients. Six months out of rehab and Brody was still hung up on the raven-haired woman nearly ten years older than him.

Behind the desk, Brody dispatched a couple of handymen to new jobs. Sean and his father owned a small construction company that operated a handyman service on the side. In the winter they added snow removal service since construction slowed way down around Chicago. The routine was good, but today something nagged at Brody until he opened the Internet and went to the site for the Fantasy Castle.

Sean walked in and plopped in the guest chair. "I'm done for the morning. Want to grab lunch?"

"Sure." Brody glanced at Sean's arm. He wore short sleeves and didn't think twice about the ugly scars trailing up and down his arm. Multiple fractures had meant pins and surgeries for him too.

"What are you staring at? Found naughty pictures of Kat on a website?" Sean rounded the desk eagerly.

Sean wasn't over Kat either but when neither of you won, did it matter? As much as they'd tempted her to break that rule about dating patients, she was a professional. At thirty-six, she wasn't playing hard-to-get. She knew what worked for her. All the more reason he admired her.

"Fantasy Castle? What's that? Some sort of kinky amusement park?" Sean asked.

"No. It's a resort. You can nominate people who do charitable stuff and good things for others. They get a fantasy week in this castle, if selected." Brody had stumbled on to it trying to find a way to repay Kat. He knew Sean would see right through the plan, but doing something for her felt right. Flowers or some other little trinket wouldn't be nearly enough for what she did for the waves of injured soldiers coming home.

"If you want to get in touch with Kat, call her. We've got her cell number. We haven't been her patients for months." Sean downplayed his interest, but Brody knew better.

"This isn't about trying to date her. She gave us that number if we needed a little refresher rehab. Physical therapist is her job, but she doesn't have to work with the military. She didn't have to help us through it all beyond the physical injuries." Brody began filling in the form. Kat took care of most of the men like they were her brothers ... but their spark was different. Brody could tell she felt something more for him and Sean. She'd had to fight it.

"Fine, so you want her to win a nice vacation. I'm in. What do we need to do?" Sean leaned over and read the requirements. "Four testimonials. I'll call a couple of the guys. We can write up ours and send them in. Just don't get your hopes up."

Brody shrugged. "She deserves it. A thank-you card won't cut it."

"If she comes around, we share." Sean held out his fist.

Brody bumped it. They'd never fall out or fight. That pact had been made when they were both pursuing her. Kat was special. They'd tried to get out and date since, but no one felt right. Women their age were either repulsed or turned on by their scars and military service. Most didn't fully grasp how deep the damage went.

"She won't come around. When we finished rehab, she still said we were too young. A hot woman like Kat probably has guys hitting on her all the time." Brody wanted to thank her. If she really had no interest in them, then some sort of closure might help him to let her go.

"If she gets the trip then we can ask how it went. She'll see we're not like all the other guys," Sean said.

"Kat knows that. We talked about her as much as ourselves. Not your normal rehab. Let's get her a vacation." Brody filled in her information by heart. Anyone else might think he was a stalker, but he knew he could give up on her if he had to. He'd given up some of the sports he loved, those toughest on his knees. Hell, he'd put to rest some buddies killed in action. His military career was over. Moving on came with life, but he had to be sure about Kat first.

"We're survivors. War teaches you weird shit. You're right though. If she spends all her days with guys like us and those who were injured worse, she deserves to be spoilt." Sean nodded.

She definitely did. Brody and Sean had to be practical about it. They couldn't afford to send her on a trip this luxurious. Even if they could, she'd feel pressured. The Fantasy Castle meant no strings or guilt. She'd earned this and he believed she'd be chosen. One thing Brody had learned from his tour of duty — hope never died.

* * *

Kat Calvino had rarely been on an aeroplane. Her life revolved around her work. The odd trip to Vegas for a friend's wedding or spring break in Florida had been nice back in college, but international travel marked a new experience.

The longest stretch had been over when they'd landed in London. Now she sat in a small private plane that oozed luxury. As the descent began, she gazed out the widow and spotted a huge castle in the middle of lush green lawns.

If this wasn't a fairytale, she'd sure as hell never get this close to one again. Whoever had nominated her for the prize deserved a big thank you note when she got back. She had to find out who'd entered her for this.

As she exited the plane and slid into the limo, she glanced at the castle in the distance. Her wardrobe wasn't fancy enough for this! Some minutes later, the limo stopped and someone opened the door. She would've rubbed her eyes but didn't want to smudge her mascara.

It was true! The footman held out his hand and she stepped out. At the front door of a castle, she looked up and shook her head. A week here? It was a dream! The tall stone structure dwarfed her. Looking side to side, she loved the grand turrets on either end. While the exterior appeared simple, the grounds detailed the luxury and excess befitting a castle. Lawns so green they looked painted on rolled along either side of the flat land and as far as she could see. Large old trees dotted the landscape as well. Turning, she glanced back down the brick path the limo had followed. The simple elegance of it all impressed her more than if the road was made of gold.

"Welcome, Ms Calvino. I'm Lady Olive." A tall slender woman stepped forward. Her hair was pulled up tight and the long skirt suit looked very proper and conservative. The accent was British, but Kat wasn't entirely sure where they were.

"Thank you." Kat surveyed a line of maids and footmen. "I feel like I've landed in Downton Abbey."

A tall and expensively dressed man stepped through the front entrance. He took her hand and kissed it. "Not at all. This is a castle, not an abbey. I promise we have all the modern conveniences. Welcome."

Kat pulled her hand back but felt the heat on her cheeks. She wasn't one to fall for the childhood stories, but this was a vacation she couldn't turn down. "Thank you. Is this your castle?" He nodded. "I'm your host, Mr Foster. If there is anything you require, let our staff know. Everything is at your disposal. Lady Olive will get you settled. If you'll excuse me."

The host left as quickly as he'd arrived, but there was nothing rushed about the suave older man. Kat followed Lady Olive inside as footmen toted her luggage.

"If you're a lady, is he a duke or something?" Kat asked.

Lady Olive almost cracked a full smile. "No, he inherited a great deal of money and purchased the castle. He likes to reward kind and selfless people. You'll be residing in the north wing."

They turned and entered a huge hall. Two maids opened the doors to her left and Kat stepped into a sitting room done in creams and rich browns. She needed to pause and take it all in. Giddy excitement bubbled up inside her. No cleaning her house! No coaching hurt men with scars inside and out. No wearing scrubs or holding back tears for soldiers in pain this week.

She'd miss the people, but everyone took a week off now and then. This felt like another world. The room smelt like lavender and she spied a vase of her favourite flowers right there on the coffee table.

"Please have a seat. Your maids will unpack your things." Lady Olive sat in a high-backed armchair with paisley fabric.

"I don't think I brought the right clothes. I don't own the right clothes for here." Kat sank onto the velvet sofa.

"Don't worry about that. There is an entire wardrobe in there fitted to your measurements. Your bedroom is done in an emerald green. That is your favourite colour, true?" Lady Olive opened a portfolio.

"How did you know that? How do you know my measurements?" Kat asked.

"You filled out a basic questionnaire by hand as requested. That is a huge help. I get a sense for the guest from their handwriting. It's important for me to connect."

"Are you psychic?" Kat wasn't a big believer in that stuff, but she'd been accused of having a sixth sense about her patients. Experience and instinct helped.

"I don't like to label it. My particular gift helps me give you the best fantasy. Beyond the questionnaire, we do our research, quite thoroughly, in order to give you the best possible week. You have selected a lot of our spa treatments and outdoor activities. We also have dancing instruction. You know there is a ball at the end of the week?" Lady Olive's eyebrow arched elegantly.

Kat felt like Olive could see right through her. "Who would I dance with? Mr Foster?"

"Possibly. He will attend the welcome dinner tonight and the farewell brunch, but the ball is optional for him. His schedule, you understand. If you need to contact him, let us know. However, I assure you, there will be plenty of attractive men with whom you can dance. Any other personal fantasies you may have, I'm sure you'll find ample opportunity to fulfil them."

Kat picked up the subtle sexual innuendo. "I'm not really into sex with strangers. Let's stick to manis, pedis, mud baths, professional massages and maybe some horseback riding."

"Of course. A maid will leave your schedule on your nightstand every morning. Should you wish to change anything, simply let them know. These rooms are yours. Across the hall is a full gym with an indoor pool. There is always kitchen coverage. Call down for food anytime you like." Lady Olive nodded to the maids as they emerged. "Chloe and Emmy will take excellent care of you. Dinner is at seven. They'll see you're dressed properly."

"Thank you. Wait — I have one question. Who nominated me for this prize?" Kat asked.

"I can't divulge that information. I'm sorry." Lady Olive made notes then snapped her folio shut. In a blink she was gone, but the echo of her heels on the marble floors proved she wasn't a ghost.

Annoyed, Kat wasn't done trying to find the truth. She wandered from the sitting room to the completely outfitted office area. It wasn't like a hotel or anyplace else she'd ever been. The ancient feel and the ornate luxury ran deep. Even Lady Olive wasn't an act. Kat would bet it was a real title and real class.

Kat checked out the bedroom. The rich greens soothed Kat, but a huge mahogany bed and a large TV made her feel totally spoilt. She could happily spend the week in this room. Flopping on the bed, she knew she should stay up to avoid jet lag, but the covers were so soft that she couldn't help it. Yawning, she gave in to her vacation.

* * *

At seven on the dot, Kat walked along the lush red carpet towards the dining room. Luckily the castle had an app with a 'you are here' function so she never felt lost. Lady Olive walked up next to Kat as the footmen opened the big wooden doors.

The view was simple and elegant. A long carved table was lit with green tapered candles. Mr Foster sat at the far end. Kat walked carefully in the new heels. The dark red halter top dress the maids had chosen for tonight felt gauzy on her skin. She took the seat at Mr Foster's left side with the intent of asking him who'd nominated her all through dinner until he broke. A little American persistence could crack that polite veneer.

Lady Olive sat at his right hand, but more places were set. Kat looked over as the other guests entered. There were plenty of attractive men and some younger women as well. Other guests for the castle or local friends? Kat didn't much care until she spotted two men she actually recognised.

A stab of desire inside her gave Kat goosebumps. Sean and Brody were here? The two men she couldn't get out of her mind came with the luxury weekend! They had to be behind this. The situation flashed back. They'd been her patients and too young for her anyway! Two very good reasons she'd written them off as romantic potential no matter what she felt for them. Yet here they stood ... looking very sexy and formal in tuxedos.

Sean was a little taller with blue eyes and dark brown hair while Brody had brown eyes and light brown hair. Brody was quick with a smile while Sean could be moody. She'd missed them so much that she gripped her chair to keep from running over and hugging them.

"You two?" she asked.

They just smiled at her.

Mr Foster stood. "Ms Calvino, honoured guests. Please raise your glass to a truly fantastic week. May all your wishes come true."

Kat lifted her glass and sipped but remained seated like Lady Olive. The men took their seats as Mr Foster did. Kat needed a protocol lesson. Then again, she was the guest and it was only a week. They'd have to put up with her ways.

"Do you like the castle so far?" Brody asked.

She smiled. "I can't believe you two did this."

"It was Brody's idea. We didn't expect to be along for the ride." Sean grinned.

"Is that normal?" Kat looked at Lady Olive.

"Every fantasy and experience is unique to the person we're honouring. For you, knowing who brought you here is integral to your enjoying the castle. Please stop analysing the experience and simply have it." Lady Olive nodded.

Mr Foster cleared his throat. "Everyone enjoy. Welcome to the Fantasy Castle." The servants came out in force with the first course.

Kat half listened as Mr Foster introduced the other dinner guests. She stared at her two sexy patients. They were the only two men she'd ever dreamed of breaking her rules for, but how could she choose?

They were nearly a decade younger than her anyway. They'd find younger women and she'd end up as just the woman who'd helped them get over their time overseas. She had no interest in being their transitional woman.

However, on a fantasy week, all those very logical issues didn't seem to matter. The sexy duo had come all this way for her. It was more than appreciation and friendship. Besides, none of them were getting any younger. She needed to go into this week with an open mind!

After dinner, they walked back to their wing of the castle. Kat eyed them both and Sean slid a protective arm around her. Finally she relaxed against him. Sean tried to keep his touch friendly and not slide his hand lower even as the arousal rushed through him. It was a long way for a fantasy, but she was worth it. The monkey suits seemed a bit much, like the prom, but Sean and Brody had played along. He'd endure anything to see her dressed up like a princess.

Her lush black hair hung around her bare shoulders and the red wine colour of her dress brought out her porcelain skin. The way her dress clung to her curves left Sean eager to remove it. He was helpless around her and those big, soulful eyes.

"We were invited here by Mr Foster as part of your fantasy," he said.

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Excerpted from "Kat'S Karma"
by .
Copyright © 2013 Cheryl Dragon.
Excerpted by permission of Totally Entwined Group Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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