Anything but Love

by Celya Bowers

“Yes, honey, I promise.” She looked at Jami, waiting for her approval. She gave a timid nod.

  “I’m fine, baby. Mommy just needs a time-out.” Jami leaned back and smiled at her son.

  Kendall took Dylan upstairs to bed, wondering where her brain had gone. She knew very little about putting kids to bed. She kept her nieces and nephews only for a limited amount of time, usually daytime hours at that.

  She helped him into his Superman pajamas and reached for the latest children’s book. As she read him a story of perseverance, she found herself getting involved in the story. She wanted to make sure this was the best story Dylan had ever heard.

  “You read just like Mommy,” Dylan said, yawning.

  Kendall took that for the compliment it was. “Thanks, Dylan.”

  She continued reading, and before the main character was triumphant Dylan was asleep. She placed his favorite stuffed animal next to him. Jordan was also nestled next to him. She’d lost her companion to a little boy.

  With a sigh, she turned on the night-light, turned off the large overhead light, and left the room. When she returned downstairs Jami had prepared two cups of tea for them.

  “Thank you, Kendall. I don’t think I could have read to him tonight.”

  “Jami, if something like that happens again, call me. I would have come home sooner. I don’t want you suffering through any of this alone.”

  Jami wiped her nonstop stream of tears. “I appreciate that. I think I just lost it tonight. I don’t even know how long we sat on the couch. Thank goodness you came home when you did.”

  Kendall was glad she stuck to her original plans as well. Cole hadn’t been happy about her leaving the one time they could have gotten their freak on, as he put it. “I hate to admit it, but I have an early call coming in the morning. That was the main reason I came home. Holly Banton is calling at seven our time.”

  “Does she know about you and Cole?” Jami took a sip of tea.

  “No, and I don’t intend for her to find out. The board wanted Cole in on the phone interview, but I think it would be better without him. He wants as little interaction with Holly as possible.”

  “Did he tell you about her?”

  Kendall took a sip of her tea. It was perfect. Jami knew exactly how much cream and sugar to put in it. It was almost as good as having a man, she thought. She also realized she had no idea on earth as to how Jami took hers.

  “Kendall? Is there something wrong?”

  “No, everything is fine. Yes, Cole told me about their relationship and its demise.” Kendall didn’t want to betray Cole’s confidence in her. “It sounded worse than my marriage.”

  “James didn’t know how good he had it,” Jami said, taking another sip. “You know he’s looking for a place.”

  “As long as he’s nowhere near here I’m fine.” Kendall took another sip of tea, vowing to watch Jami closely when she next fixed her coffee and tea and make a mental note on how she took her hot drinks.

  Jami put her mug of tea on the table. “That’s just it. When I was running from Karl this evening, I noticed his Land Cruiser parked at the vacant house down the street. I think he was just looking, but still I thought you should know.”

  “Thanks, Jami, but tonight isn’t about me or that idiot I married. This is about you. How are you feeling?”

  Jami sighed. “Better. Max offered to follow me to McDonald’s but I told him no. Now I wished I had taken him up on his offer.”

  “I know this is hard for you guys, but I’m sure it’s for the best. One disaster at a time.”

  Jami laughed. “Yes, I can only handle so much stress. Max has to actually miss me and decide what he wants. I can’t believe he’s been married to her for ten years. I’ve only been married to Karl for five, and know it’s time to end it.”

  “Are you ready for me to call my brother?” Kendall placed her mug on the table. “He’s not going to charge you as a favor to me.”

  “Really?” Jami wiped her eyes. “You have been great through all this. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” She hugged Kendall.

  Kendall feared what would have happened had she not intervened and offered Jami lodgings. “I’ll be right here beside you. And with that little stunt he pulled tonight, I bet you’ll be able to get total custody with no problem.”

  “I hope so. I don’t want Dylan even going to visit him. I keep dreaming about those missing children. You know, when the parent takes off with them and they’re missing for years on end.”

  “That’s not going to happen,” Kendall reassured her. “You’re surrounded by people who love you and won’t let Karl anywhere near you.”

  “I know. You guys have been wonderful.” She stood. “I’m going to bed. You have a busy day tomorrow.”

  Kendall supposed she did. “Yes, and to top all that, I have to start working on that PSA for InfaCare. They want to shoot it in a week.”

  “I know you hate the idea of publicity for the hospital, but it would mean you could help so many more people who really need your help.”

  “When I came up with this idea it was because of my stepfather. He’s the reason I’m a doctor. When I was growing up, he’d treat people all the time whether they had money or not. He always said sickness and disease didn’t know financial barriers, and neither did he.”

  * * *

  After a peaceful night’s rest, Kendall awoke extra early to prepare for Holly’s call. Knowing her reputation as an over-aggressive reporter, Kendall wanted to be on her toes. She was going over a few notes when the phone rang precisely at seven. “Hello.”

  “Dr. Matthews, this is Holly Banton,” the caller announced.

  “Yes, I was expecting your call.”

  “Good, you’re alert and ready to go. Most times the interviewee isn’t prepared, and it’s a waste of my time.”

  Kendall decided not to trade barbs with the woman, especially when she didn’t know anything about her. “Time is the one thing I don’t have much of, so if we could get started…” Kendall pointed out.

  Holly laughed. “I like a woman who knows what she wants. Okay, let’s get down to business.” She shuffled some papers in the background. “How about InfaCare?”

  “What about it?”

  “According to my sources, you started the hospital about eight years ago. The hospital is one of the few charitable hospitals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, excluding the county hospitals. You keep the hospital in the black by persuading some of the more notable doctors to volunteer their time.”

  Kendall took a deep breath. She didn’t want to blurt out something that would bite her in the butt later. “Yes, that’s true. Doctors and nurses from the area hospitals volunteer their valuable free time. The only paid employees are the administrative staff.”

  “So why start InfaCare? You come from a middle-class family and attended college and medical school at Fort Worth University, a private college, without financial assistance, I might add.”

  “Yes, I was blessed with parents who could afford to send me to medical school. I wanted to give something back to the community. In a time where layoffs are more commonplace by the year, insurance is one of those luxuries some families can’t afford. I’m sure you can appreciate that there is a place like this out there for people who need it.”

  “Good answer,” Holly chimed. “I’m sure the donation you received from noted author Coltrane Highpoint was a blessing for you. How did that come about?”

  “He also believes in giving back to the community where he grew up. He and my oldest brother were best friends in high school,” Kendall said, hoping she didn’t give too much away.

  “Your brother is Charles Stone?”

  “How do you know my brother’s name?” Kendall asked, already knowing the answer.

  Holly cleared her throat. “I know Coltrane. We dated a few years back. Cole mentioned his name a few times.”

  Kendall wanted to ask more probing questions about her relationship with Cole, but
that would give away the game and she couldn’t have that. “Small world, huh?”

  Holly sighed. “You have no idea. I’m going to be straight with you, Kendall. This interview is very important to me. It means whether or not I can go back to being lead anchor.”

  “And that means what to me?” Kendall tried to keep the attitude out of her voice. It was a losing battle.

  “I think we can help each other. With a little cooperation from you, I can line up some big donors for your hospital that will make Cole’s million look like pennies. All I ask is that you give me Cole’s home phone number. I need to talk to him.”

  Kendall knew Cole valued his privacy from the press, not to mention that Holly was persona non grata. “I’ll have to get back to you on that. How about we just do the interview with no incentives? I’ll give you the best interview possible.”

  Holly pondered the turn of events. “At this point, you’re my best option, but once on-camera we will need Cole’s input.”

  Kendall smiled to herself. “Not a problem.” She hoped she was telling the truth.

  CHAPTER 23

  A week later, Kendall parked in front of InfaCare, hoping she hadn’t made a drastic mistake. It was D-day, the day of filming the PSA for the hospital. She’d dressed in her best power outfit, a close-fitting black dress.

  Actually Cole had picked out and purchased her dress.

  The dress was tighter than she would have normally worn for the occasion. But Cole had that part covered, telling her the dress wouldn’t look that tight.

  She stepped out of her car and smiled as she saw Cole driving into the parking lot. He parked next to her and quickly got out of the Range Rover.

  “Baby, you look like a million bucks.” He took her in his arms and kissed her. “I could strip you right now.”

  Kendall laughed. This man would never change. “Thank you, Cole.” She took a long drink of Cole. He wore a dark suit, his wavy hair was freshly cut, and his smile was dazzling. “I could say the same thing about you. In more subtle terms, of course.” She inhaled his cologne. “My God, you smell great.”

  “Close enough for me.” He leaned in for another kiss.

  Kendall glanced around the parking lot, hoping there was no one looking at them. Since it was Sunday morning, there weren’t many people about. She took advantage of the situation and began to kiss the stuffing out of him. When he enthusiastically joined in, she knew she was in trouble.

  “You know I don’t mind a public display of affection, baby.” He pulled her flush against him. “But Philippe said he was going to drop by. Do you really want him seeing you trying to seduce me?”

  Kendall put some space between them. “Seduce you? Are you out of your mind?” Leave it to Cole to ruin a moment.

  He pulled her back to him. “Oh, you know I just love pushing your buttons.”

  “I know, but I can’t be as cavalier as you. Kissing you in public like that is probably the wildest thing I’ve done in years. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes kind of girl.”

  Cole grinned, pulling her closer. “You’re my little closet freak.” He kissed her softly on the lips.

  She giggled against his lips. “I’m not a freak, Mr. Highpoint. I’m an adventurous spirit.” Neither statement would have been true if he hadn’t stepped into her life.

  “You know you’re a tight ass, woman, but I like it.” He stepped back from her and grabbed her hand. “Now come on, let’s go make this commercial so we can find a place to celebrate.”

  “Cole, are you nuts? You need to get back to Taylor and I need to get back to Jami and Dylan. We’re going to the movies later.”

  “Taylor and I could join you guys.” He led her into the hospital.

  “I know you’re new at this fatherhood thing, but a teenager will not want to see a kiddie movie with three adults.”

  “Actually there would be two teenagers. Your nephew will also be joining us. I’m sure the guys won’t mind. What time?”

  She shook her head. Cole was going to be her Achilles heel. He was as stubborn as a mule. “Didn’t you hear me? We’re going to a kiddie movie. You know, one of those animated things.”

  “I heard you. What time?”

  And that was that. “Six.”

  “I’ll pick you guys up at five.”

  Before she could respond, a very tall, very slender red-haired man greeted them with a smile that was too large for her taste. “Mr. Highpoint,” he gushed. “I’m Keith Hartley, from WJPR. I’m here to film the PSA with you and Dr. Matthews. My crew is ready when you are.” He pointed to the three-man crew standing in the lobby.

  Kendall was furious. The young twerp was totally ignoring her, and it was her hospital. She was just about to read the miserable excuse for a man the riot act when Cole spoke.

  “Actually, Dr. Matthews is the person you need to talk to. I’m just here as support.” He put his hand on Kendall’s shoulder to stop her from tearing the man limb from limb.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am. I didn’t know. It’s just that Mr. Highpoint is a celebrated author and I just assumed…” He stumbled over his words. “I can’t apologize enough. This hospital has helped so many citizens of Arlington.”

  Personally, she loved it when a man gushed, but this kid was too much. “Forget it. Let’s just get this over with. I want as little disruption to the patients and their treatment as possible.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  * * *

  Cole watched his woman as she worked her magic on the three-man crew. A few words from her and she had the professional men bowing to her. He didn’t, however, like the way those same men were checking her out and nodding to each other.

  She began her spiel about the hospital and how it was formed, but Cole soon realized she hadn’t kept to the script he wrote. Dr. Kendall Matthews was ad-libbing.

  “InfaCare started as a dream,” she said to the camera. “There needs to be a place where a person can bring their child to get the quality care they need without worry about finances. Besides health care, we offer counseling services for parents with financial and emotional needs.”

  Cole stood transfixed. So transfixed he missed his cue. Kendall cleared her throat, bringing him back to the present.

  “I would like to introduce one of our benefactors, best-selling author Coltrane Highpoint.”

  Cole stepped before the camera and said his rehearsed lines flawlessly, or so he thought. The cameraman shook his head with laughter.

  Kendall giggled and pulled Cole away from the counter. To the men she said, “Give us a minute and we’ll re-shoot it.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Cole was confused. “What’s the problem? I delivered my lines right on cue. There’s nothing wrong with the take.”

  “You called me baby,” Kendall said softly. “I appreciate the term of endearment, but this is very important to me, Cole. I don’t want anything to go wrong. This has to be professional. So stay focused.” She beckoned the men back to their posts.

  “I’m going to need an incentive for that,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m going to need a lot of incentive.”

  She smiled at him. “If we have to shoot this again and I miss my play date with Dylan, you’re going to need more than an incentive to remember the last time.”

  Cole didn’t need a translator for that statement. “Message received.” He knew he’d better concentrate on his lines, or making love or anything remotely close to that with Kendall would definitely be a thing of the past.

  She nodded and began spouting orders to Keith. “I believe we’re ready, Keith.” She walked in front of the camera and looked directly at Cole. “Are you ready?”

  Cole knew this was do or die. “Yes, I was born ready.”

  “That theory will have to be tested at a later time.” She nodded to the camera. “Right now we have a job to do.” She began her speech.

  This time Cole was more than ready. He nailed it perfectly. He didn’t miss his cue, and even threw
in a few ad-libs of his own.

  Keith turned off the camera and walked to them. “That was excellent, Dr. Matthews. I’ll have it edited and ready for your viewing tomorrow morning.”

  Kendall nodded. “Good. I’ll meet you at my office in the morning at nine.”

  Cole laughed as Keith readily agreed. Not that Kendall gave him much of an option. Keith and his crew packed up their gear and left the hospital.

  Cole hugged Kendall. “That was great, baby. I just know the donations are going to start pouring in. When are they planning on airing it?”

  “The board wants it to air starting this weekend. It’s also going to be on the radio in an abbreviated version.” She glanced at her watch.

  Cole could see the wheels turning in her work-focused brain, but he wasn’t having it. “How about a late lunch?”

  She shook her head. “Since I’m here, I want to check in with the DIC to see how everything is going.”

  “Excuse me?” Cole must have been hearing things. “What did you just say?”

  “It stands for Doctor in Charge,” Kendall said dryly. “Get your filthy mind out of the gutter. Some people do have responsibilities.” She started down the hall for the doctors’ offices.

  Cole was on her heels, ready to defend his career. “Just because I write for a living doesn’t mean I have any fewer responsibilities than you.”

  Kendall sighed. “I wasn’t trying to say that your job was any less noble or anything. I like to stay on top of things here, and I can’t do that by letting other people handle things.”

  “I like you on top,” Cole muttered. “It’s okay to lean on someone else. The DIC here is just as capable of handling things on his or her own, or there would be no way in hell you’d let them near InfaCare.”

  Kendall stopped abruptly and faced him. He expected her to give him grief about what he’d said, but it was the truth. Instead, she kissed him. “You’re right. I have to start leaning on other people. Why don’t you take me to lunch and we can start that whole leaning thing today?”

  * * *

  Jami glanced at the clock as she fixed Dylan lunch. Kendall had been gone most of the day filming the PSA for the hospital. The day was actually quiet. She was preparing her son’s favorite lunch since moving with Kendall. Dylan had taken to eating cheese sandwiches.