by Celya Bowers
* * *
Jami watched Kendall’s hurried steps down the hall. Something was definitely up with the good doctor. Jami shook her head as Keerya grabbed a remaining chocolate donut. “What happened to the diet for the new you?”
Keerya also grabbed a plastic cup for more juice. She filled her cup and stuck her tongue out at Jami. “I decided the old me was just fine. Everyone can’t be shaped like you. You have poor Max drooling over you every time he sees you.”
Jami couldn’t keep the giddiness out of her voice. “Really? Do you think so?”
Keerya gasped. “Jami, are you actually thinking of a relationship between you and Max? I’m not against it. I’m a diehard romantic and believe everyone should get some whenever possible. I know you and Max will work it out. You’ll see. He’ll finally decide to fight for what he really wants.”
Jami wished she knew if what he wanted and what she wanted were one and the same. “Why do you think Dr. Matthews is in such a good mood?”
Keerya laughed. “Only one thing will put a smile on that woman’s face. A man.”
“But who?”
* * *
At high noon, Max burst into Kendall’s office, stalked to her desk and planted his hands palm down. “Okay, missy, I think I’ve respected your privacy for long enough. I need details.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Max.” Kendall pretended to study her calendar, not wanting to look Max in the eyes.
“You know, you lie horribly,” Max chuckled. “Come on, Kendall, I know he was your escort for the charity thing, and I know you didn’t come home Saturday night. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that you guys are attracted to each other, no matter how much you’re trying to fight it. Come on, say it. Say, ‘Max, you were right.’ ”
That did it. She couldn’t hold her straight face for one more minute. She laughed. “All right, you win. You were right.”
“See, do I know you or what?” He sat in the chair with a satisfied, smug look on his tanned face. “I knew something had to be up for you to allow us to eat on the floor.”
“Max, I’m not that bad. I just wanted everyone to make good eating choices,” Kendall lied.
“Did you kiss Cole with that mouth?”
Kendall sighed. “Yes, I did. Many, many times, if you want to know the whole truth.”
“So did you break in the box of condoms?”
Kendall’s memory flashed back to just how many times she and Cole had made love. “You could say that.”
Max winked at her. “That Cheshire cat grin you’re wearing tells me that you probably used the entire box.” Max didn’t give her time to answer. “I’m glad you finally let go and had some fun. I haven’t seen you look this relaxed in a long time.”
Kendall couldn’t deny it. Cole had her seeing stars. “I feel relaxed.” Actually she felt as limp as a wet noodle. She’d had every intention of sending Cole home when he appeared on her doorstep last night, but one taste of those lush lips and she had been as helpless as the babies she delivered.
Max rose. “You look very contented. Does this mean you’re dating? Or you a slam, bam, thank you, sir, woman?”
Kendall didn’t know what kind of woman she was at the moment. On one hand, she wanted to see Cole again on a social level, but the more practical hand told her she could never be happy with a writer. No matter how many millions he had.
* * *
Cole heard a distant thump somewhere in the recesses of his brain, but he didn’t want to open his eyes. If he did, then last night would turn out to have just been a dream. But the laxness in his body told him that it wasn’t a dream; it told him that he had participated in a sexual marathon.
Slowly the thumping got louder, and now he heard Kendall’s heavy breathing. He fought opening his eyes as long as he could. “Baby, I’m too tired. I can’t.” He reached out to caress her, but instead felt something hot and furry. His eyes sprang open, and instantly he started to chuckle. “I think you gave me a heart attack.”
Jordan looked him and barked.
Cole glanced around the room. Kendall’s side was missing one very sexy woman, and he realized why when he set his gaze on the bedside clock. “Oh, my God, that can’t be right. It can’t be almost one in the afternoon!”
But it was one o’clock. Kendall had left him in her bed and probably expected him to walk her dog or something. Cole had no intention of walking or feeding her dog. He had to maintain the upper hand. Jordan crept over to where he lay and give him a big, fat, wet good morning kiss.
Cole laughed. He was dog-whipped already. “All right, man. You win. You know you’re setting the men’s movement back by making me feed you.”
Jordan barked and scampered off the bed.
Instead of being upset, Cole shrugged off the situation and looked for his clothes. After slipping on his boxer shorts and jeans, he headed downstairs. By the time he reached the kitchen, Jordan was waiting for him beside his feeding bowl. “I know you’re probably starving,” Cole murmured. “I just have to find your food.” Cole planted his hands on his waist and tried to get his bearings. “If I were dog food, where would I be?” He started searching the cabinets to his immediate right. Jordan began barking fiercely.
Cole laughed. “Okay, I guess I’m going the wrong way, huh?” He started to search the cabinet nearest the refrigerator. Bingo! He grabbed the bag and began to pour the contents into Jordan’s silver doggie bowl. “I can’t believe she feeds you this stuff.” He filled the dish and replaced the gourmet food back in the cabinet. “That stuff cost the equivalent of a steak dinner,” Cole commented.
But Jordan didn’t care, or at least he was ignoring Cole while he ate.
While Jordan munched on brunch, Cole listened to his stomach rumble. “I guess it’s time for some human food.” He opened the refrigerator and got the disappointment of the day. There wasn’t a slice of bacon, a patty of sausage or a sliver of hope of any kind of meat in her newfangled fridge. Vegetarian. He’d forgotten Kendall didn’t eat meat. “That’s the first thing I’m changing around here, Jordan.”
He walked to the coffee pot, deciding on caffeine instead. As he turned on the faucet, his last remark hit him square in the heart. Was he actually making plans of the emotional kind with Kendall? For Kendall? He knew what she used to feel, but what did the woman in her think about him now?
He didn’t get much chance to think about it. The phone rang. Should he answer it? The phone rang again. He picked up the cordless phone and glanced at the Caller ID. It was the hospital, but most likely it was Kendall, so he picked it up. It wasn’t Kendall, it was Max. Cole groaned inwardly as he greeted his friend. “Hey, Max.”
“Don’t you ‘hey Max’ me, dude. I know what you did this weekend,” Max teased. “I don’t want you to elaborate on details, ’cause that’s just too weird. But how do you feel?”
“Exhausted,” Cole admitted. “After I walk Jordan, I’m heading home to sleep for about two days.”
“Not today, bud. Unfortunately, it’s the real reason I called. The board was so taken with your donation to Kendall’s hospital that they want to capitalize on it. They want to do a PSA with you and Kendall.”
Cole rubbed his head. This couldn’t be happening. “You can’t be serious. The last thing she wants is publicity about the hospital.” He knew she’d blame him for this.
“I know that, but this will generate more money for the hospital. Holly Banton of CNT called today, and that’s what really got the ball rolling.”
Cole felt his blood chill. He’d thought he’d rid himself of the over-aggressive reporter. “Did you say Holly Banton?”
“Yeah. She kind of suggested a human interest story on the hospital on the ‘America’s Heroes’ segment. Then she suggested a PSA on Kendall and your donation.”
“I just bet.”
“Cole, I’m sensing there’s a problem,” Max said. “I did think it was strange she called us, but the chief administrato
r jumped on board with the idea before I could warn Kendall.”
Cole tried not to hyperventilate. “Yes, there’s a big problem. I know Holly.”
“Why does the tone in your voice tell me that you’d rather not hear that name?”
Cole sighed. “I met Holly years ago, and she’s one of the reasons I came back home. She’s not just an aggressive no-holds barred ace reporter when she’s on the job. She’s like that all the time.”
“So I’m guessing she set you in her sights.”
“Yes, she did. I wasn’t interested. She’s too bossy and demanding. Everything has to be on her timetable. She wanted me to forsake promised appearances, deadlines, but the deal breaker was two years ago. She used me in a story, and not in a good way. I lost a multimillion dollar book deal because of her lies.”
“Well, you were interested,” Max concluded.
“After that little stunt, no. My agent filed charges against her and CNT, and they settled out of court. The only good thing that happened was Holly was demoted to proofing copy, but to me it’s still not enough. I wish I could make her pay for what she did to me.”
Max nodded, understanding Cole’s pain. “So what did you do after that?”
“After all the dust settled and CNT publicly apologized, I got a new deal with my publisher and I left New York. I just had to get away. I spent almost six months in Ireland thinking about what was actually important to me. There was really nothing left for me in New York, since Holly had sullied my name. My son didn’t want to have anything to do with me, or so my ex-wife said. Finally I came back home. No matter how crappy your life gets, you can always come home.”
* * *
Kendall stared at Staci as she plopped down in the chair in her office. There were two ways to play this. She could pretend Staci wasn’t her dearest friend on the planet and treat her as a stranger, or she could tell her honestly the dangers she faced. She chose the latter. “Staci, we’ve been friends a long time. I have to be honest with you. Your blood pressure was slightly elevated. I know you have a weakness for Mexican food, but you’re going to have to start eating better. You’re not a spring chicken, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Miguel has been cooking. After his mother left he started on this kick. But I told him we had to stop eating like that, so things will return to normal. What I want to know is, who has put a spring in your step?”
Kendall had known Staci would cut to the chase, but she didn’t want to give in so quickly. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Kendall attempted to change the subject. “Now about these test results.”
“Oh, forget the tests for now. I want to talk about you and Cole.”
How on earth could she have figured that out? “Who said I was with Cole?”
Staci waved a perfectly manicured hand in front of her face. “Oh, please. I know he rocked your world. I could tell when you guys were at the restaurant that you wanted each other. I’m just glad you unlocked the vault and dusted off the cobwebs. How was he?”
Staci always got to the heart of the matter. “I can’t believe you asked me that.” Kendall opened the file folder, attempting to steer the conversation away from Cole. “Now can we please get back to your consultation?”
“Not until you give me the thrust-by-thrust replay,” Staci teased. “I’m pregnant, I need some excitement.”
Kendall seldom found herself pinned against a wall, but Staci could be stubborn when it suited her, and today was the day. Besides, she was ready to share the details with someone. “All right, I’ll give you some of the details.”
CHAPTER 9
Hours later, Kendall just wanted to go home, take a hot bath, and go to bed early. Her body was paying her back for having sex all weekend. Every muscle ached with each and every move she made.
She glanced at her desk clock and sighed. It was barely four o’clock and she was ready to go home. She had planned to work on plans for the charity hospital, but as her mouth stretched wide for yet another yawn, she gave up on the pretense of working and decided to check out for the day.
She gathered her briefcase and her shoulder bag and headed for the nurses’ station. Since it was early evening, the only person at the counter was Jami. Kendall neared the counter and heard her gentle sobs.
Kendall walked to Jami’s desk. “Jami, what’s wrong?”
Jami’s brown face looked up. She didn’t try to hide her tears. Not that she could have. “Dr. Matthews, I didn’t hear you.”
Kendall grabbed a vacant chair and sat beside her. Not being a very touchy feely person, Kendall was at a loss as how to approach her. Jami needed comforting. Kendall tentatively placed an arm around Jami’s shoulders. “Never you mind that, Jami. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?”
“It’s Karl.”
“Your husband? I thought you guys were separated.” Kendall moved closer to Jami.
“We are. Were. He called me today and told me that he was going to sell the house. He said he couldn’t afford child support since he didn’t have a job. If he sells the house, Dylan and I will have nowhere to go.” The tears started all over again. “He claims he can’t keep the payments up on the house.”
“Does he realize you’ll get half the proceeds, according to Texas law, because you’re married?”
“Yes, I told him that. I think that just infuriated him more. He said he would move back into the house since he had no intention of giving me one dime.”
“You know, sometimes men make me sick,” Kendall said. “What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. I could rent an apartment, but I don’t have a rental history. Karl and I have been married for the last seven years, and before that I lived with my parents, but they’ve passed away since then, and my sister now lives in New York. The few places I could afford want a huge deposit. I just can’t do all that right now. I mean, I make good money, but I have to pay for daycare, car payments, and utilities. I just can’t do it.”
Kendall knew what it was like to have your back against the wall. “Why don’t you move in with me until you get your footing? I live in a gated subdivision, so you’d be safe from Karl.”
“Dr. Matthews, I couldn’t. Dylan would wreck your house.”
“I told you to call me Kendall. I would love to have you guys there. I have the room. I’m not trying to force you, so just let me know if you decide you want to.”
Jami looked at her with those teary brown eyes. She grabbed a Kleenex and hastily dried her eyes. “Thank you for the offer, Kendall, but surely Karl will come to his senses.”
It wasn’t that Kendall thought Jami should have jumped at her offer; she just wanted Jami to know she had an option. “You should never be dependent on a man, Jami. Is your name on the deed to the house?”
“No. He had it when we met and we never bothered to change it.”
Kendall reached for a notepad, a gift from the medical sales rep, and scribbled her address and phone number. She handed the small piece of paper to Jami. “I’m not saying that you have to stay at my house, but you do have the option.”
Jami took the oversized Post-it and stuffed it in her jacket pocket. “Thank you, Kendall.”
“I know it’s your decision, Jami. Just know that I’m here if you ever want to talk. I’m ready to listen, and I don’t judge.”
“I appreciate that, Kendall, but I have to work this out for myself.”
“I know. I just wanted you to know that you have a friend. If you need a few days to get your bearings, I understand.”
Jami nodded, finding some composure. “I need to work to keep from going nuts.”
Kendall understood completely. Chaotic thoughts of work were better than idle thoughts of a marriage gone bad. “You know, when I was going through my divorce I surrounded myself with things that made me happy. I worked crazy hours, went to the spa almost daily, and listened to classical music.”
Jami laughed. “These days, it’s Dylan for me and having good friends.�
�
“I hope that includes me,” Kendall said hopefully. “I want you and Keerya to look at me as the slightly older sister and know that you can always come to me.”
“You don’t know what those words mean to me, Kendall. Especially now.”
Jami’s phone rang and Kendall listened to the one-sided conversation. She could easily tell it was Max. The biggest giveaway was that larger-than-life smile plastered on Jami’s face.
“No, I’m fine. Kendall is here right now. No, you don’t have to have come back to the hospital. I promise I’ll call you if any trouble starts.”
Feeling dismissed, Kendall rose and left Jami to her phone call. She walked to her car and headed home. Now she was really drained. She didn’t even feel like putting together a salad, and turned into her favorite Chinese restaurant and ordered some stir-fried rice.
After getting her food, she resumed her journey home. When she let herself in her house, Jordan met her at the door. He was barking loudly and demanding attention. Kendall snickered. “I know I’ve been a bad mommy. I promise you’re my main focus tonight.” She walked to the back door and let him out.
While Jordan was enjoying the outdoors, Kendall dashed upstairs for a quick shower. After pulling on shorts and a T-shirt, she headed back downstairs.
She poured some food in his bowl and let him back inside the house. “I know you’re ready to come back inside.” Kendall watched him as he ambled to his dinner. While he chomped on his meal, Kendall emptied the container of rice on a plate and heated it in the microwave. She had just sat down at her formal dining room table with her meal and a glass of wine when the doorbell rang. “This had better be good,” she mumbled, throwing her linen napkin on the table. She stomped to the front door and looked through the peephole. “This man has a lot of nerve.” She opened the door. “Can I help you?”
