“It’s our pleasure. We actually were hoping you’d come over tomorrow. It’s our wedding anniversary, and we’re having a small gathering at the house. It’s a very casual affair. A backyard barbecue.”
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude,” Cori said, looking at Loras.
Elizabeth smiled at her. “We wouldn’t be asking if we didn’t want you there. So we’ll expect you around noon. Now that that’s settled, how about a piece of that lovely pie over there calling out to me. Cherry is my favorite.”
Cori giggled on the inside. Pie does do that. It calls out for you.
“Should I make another for tomorrow?” Cori asked.
“I wouldn’t want to put you out, but if you show up with one, well, I won’t be upset,” Elizabeth said with a huge grin on her face.
Cori couldn’t believe she had actually agreed to go to a family gathering. This wasn’t just any family. It was most likely going to have some Hendersons there, definitely Shaun. She didn’t think Dean would remember her because he never gave her the time of day. Logan, on the other hand, might question things a bit too much.
That didn’t mean she wasn’t going. It just meant she was going to have some serious backstory thinking to do tonight. Whatever she did, Cori needed to make sure Elizabeth and Loras didn’t get hurt. They truly were wonderful people and didn’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire. They’re not making it into this story. Although, they are starting to make it into my heart.
After they left, Cori went to her computer to jot down what she’d learned regarding Shaun. She knew he’d married, but not the background. Loras had explained Tyler’s real father was ashamed of him and didn’t want anything to do with him. He’d gone to great lengths to make Morgan and Tyler’s life miserable.
There were, unfortunately, plenty of people like that in this world. What shocked her was how compassionate Shaun was. How he’d taken her battle as his own and defended the two of them. He sounded like a person she would choose as a friend. Maybe he is the perfect son-in-law. Of course, he’d hate her when she found dirt on his siblings.
It would be so much easier if she could say it was all part of the job. That wasn’t the truth at all. This had started out very personal to her. She knew what her goal was, and victory was nearly within her grasp. Yet as she got closer, it was as though her vision was blurring. Was she letting her emotions get in the way of what she wanted?
That couldn’t happen. Whether she told them the truth now or later, it would have the same outcome. They’d never trust her again. All she could do was move forward. At least at the end of it all, she might have the career of her dreams, and Grandpa Joe’s revenge.
Her head was pounding. It wasn’t from the accident or the stress. This was a guilt headache, and she was earning every single throbbing ache. And then some.
Cori heard her phone ringing and hated to get up. That was what voice mail was for. Yet she was curious and had to answer.
“Hello.”
“Hello, is this Cordelia Sparks?”
“It is. Can I help you?” The male voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it.
“This is Dr. Henderson. I’m calling to check on you.”
Oh, shoot. “I . . . um. I’m fine; thank you for calling.” She didn’t believe for one second that this was normal practice for him.
“I was wondering if you were free to meet with me.”
And I know for damn sure this isn’t either. She was going to play it off like she had planned. Keep it a doctor-patient issue and nothing more. Most likely she wouldn’t see or talk to him again after this call.
“Dr. Henderson, I’m truly back to normal. No further symptoms, but I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to check in.”
“Please, call me Logan. And I’m glad you’re feeling better. If you don’t mind, I’d like to confirm that for myself. What do you say we met at the bar called Heads Up around seven?”
Her head stopped pounding, and now her heart was. Was he asking her out? It sounded like it, yet not really. One thing she had figured out was Logan was extrememly serious about his profession. Hitting on a patient wasn’t something he’d do. So what is this then?
“I know the place, but I’m not sure why you want to meet me there.”
“Would you rather meet somewhere else? I can come to your place.”
“No! I mean I can make it. Seven it is.”
She hung up the phone, put her pillow over her face, and let out a muffled scream. Why am I doing this to myself?
She knew the answer; she just didn’t like it. Logan Henderson from afar in swim shorts was gorgeous. In his office, with his suit and strict demeanor, he’d been suave and self-possessed. Despite his looks, she’d kept her emotional guard up. Except for the moment he’d held me in his strong arms. Not only was I enveloped in his scent, I’d looked into his amazing eyes. She should have wanted to keep a large distance between them, and find any information she could on why scum like the Hendersons should bear the guilt of their father’s abhorrent sins. But . . .
She wanted to see him again. Not because she wanted to gather dirt on him, but because she couldn’t stop thinking about him and those damn dark eyes. Why do I want what I can’t have?
Chapter Four
‡
Logan couldn’t believe she agreed to meet him. When he called, he’d wanted to make sure she was okay. Or at least, that was the story he was telling himself. But when he heard her voice again, something changed. He didn’t just want to talk to her, but wanted, no needed, to see her. Medically he knew she was fine. The lame excuse she’d used to get in to see him at his office was just that, lame. Everything in his head said he should be mad as hell and keep his distance. He was a man who functioned on logic. This was anything but logical. Although, Shaun had seen her limping the day before, so he did wonder if she’d fainted again, and that was why the car hit her.
He sat at a table with a full view of the entrance. It was almost seven. He wasn’t going to wait long for her. If she was even a minute late, he was out of there. As long as my beer is gone.
He sipped at it once again, in no rush to finish. Logan’s frustration with the entire situation changed, and he wondered if he should hope she walked through the door or not. It’d actually be better for all if she didn’t. This way when they spoke next, he could let her know her one and only chance had passed.
Yet whatever anger lingered within him vanished the instant he saw her. She was stunning. Her long auburn hair hung below her shoulders. She wore a mint-green dress that hugged her top half perfectly and flared out at her hips. His eyes traveled down her slender legs and back up again. She’s so not playing fair.
But that’s what he needed to remind himself. She was playing some kind of game with him. He needed to know why. Shaun had been right about her injured leg. He wasn’t glad she was in pain, which he could clearly see from her gait, but he was glad that was one less thing she was lying about. As she made her way to his table, he got up and held the chair out for her. Her sweet scent was intoxicating. It wasn’t overpowering or like anything he’d ever smelled before. It reminded him of sunshine and honeysuckle mixed with her natural scent. Whatever it was, he found it alluring. He was a man of science and knew some women wore pheromones to attract men. He’d never believed in such things. Not until I smelled her.
Resisting the urge to bend lower and kiss her bare neck, he walked around to his side of the table and took his seat. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m glad you agreed to meet me.”
“It didn’t really sound like I had a choice,” Cori replied with a hint of sarcasm.
Logan knew for a fact he didn’t order her to come. Suggested and pushed a tad, yes, but he wasn’t one who’d ever force another person to do anything against their will. If he was totally honest with himself, he knew he was right on the line about his manipulating the situation to get her here, though. He wasn’t proud of that, but then again, she started it. She should consider h
erself very lucky to be sitting with him instead of with the police. Or worse. She could be with Bennett.
He had no idea exactly how Bennett planned on extracting the truth from Cori, and he’d prefer not to have her find out. They were both exceptional in their fields, but they helped people in polar-opposite ways.
Now as he looked into her eyes, Logan could tell she was here for one reason only. Because she wants to be. Would she feel the same after they finished talking? He highly doubted it.
It wasn’t easy, but he had to let her know what he’d found out so far. If not, she’d continue with this charade. So far no real harm had been done. At least, not from what he’d gathered. Sarah was right to be concerned for Cori. This type of work could get her hurt, or worse, killed. Thankfully the Hendersons weren’t that type of people. Well, at least not this generation. If James had still been alive, Cori wouldn’t be sitting down for a drink. She probably would’ve wished she’d never heard the Henderson name before.
Logan tried hard not to think of his father. It only angered him. The man had been pure evil. Each time his name was brought up, it came with more information about acts of violence or cruelty. He had yet to meet someone who had one nice thing to say about James Henderson. Except they’re glad he’s dead.
By the extreme measures Cori had taken so far, he knew she was focused on getting a story. Logan’s fear was she’d actually find one. She wasn’t the only one who’d been snooping. Between him and Bennett, they had her figured out: Cori Sparks was a small time reporter hoping to make it big. At least I hope so. If they were wrong, things could be bad and not just for him. It wouldn’t go over well with any of the Hendersons. If the word got out about Tabiq and what James had done, there would be painful repercussions for the whole family. It could potentially undo all the good they’d been attempting. Logan had to do whatever he could to prevent that from happening.
Of course, putting an end to her little investigation of their family most likely meant he wouldn’t be seeing her again. That shouldn’t bother him, but for some reason it did. If this were any other time, he’d delay the discussion and enjoy some private, maybe intimate, time with her. That would only prove her right: Hendersons weren’t gentlemen.
So he was going to do what he considered the honorable thing. He was going to tell her he knew and give her a story, but only the one he saw fit to share. Since it was evident she didn’t know exactly what she was looking for, he was confident he could pull this off.
“Don’t look so discouraged. I asked you here to give you what you want.”
She looked puzzled, then her eyes roamed over him as though he was offering himself up to her. “I think you’re a little full of yourself, Dr. Henderson. You’re not my type.”
Logan burst out laughing and leaned closer to her. “I think we both know that’s not true, Cori.”
She sat back stunned as he used her shortened name. “How—?”
“I know more than you think I do.” Cori started to get up from her seat, and he grabbed her hand. “If you want the story, you’ll stay.”
Cori glared at him, and he knew she was pissed. If her eyes turned any darker green, they’d be almost black. Her chest heaved, and she pulled her hand from his. Although she looked briefly at the door behind her, she took her seat again.
“Good. Now let me tell you how this is going to work. If you’re really here to get a story on the Henderson family and what we stand for, then I’ll answer your questions. If at any time I feel you’re here for anything but the truth, I’ll not only end the conversation, but I’ll make sure you never work as a reporter anywhere. Is that understood?” It was perfect. That should tell her he’d done his homework too.
He’d expected more of a reaction. Maybe a bit of shock on her face or a denial. Instead, with her arms crossed, she nodded. Displeasure was written all over her face. She had some nerve playing the victim in this; it was his family she’d lied to. Bennett had explained it. She was doing her job, which very well included lying. No different than Bennett did in the field. From where Logan sat, it appeared he’d been the only one who dealt in the truth. That’s about to change.
Since he figured they were going to be there awhile, he planned on making it as comfortable as he could. Logan called the waitress over and ordered a beer for himself. “Would you like a glass of wine?”
She met him with a cold stare and said to the waitress, “Coffee, please.”
He knew she probably wanted something stronger, but she was going to be difficult every step of the way. It was fine with him. He held all the cards.
When their drinks arrived, he held his beer up and took his time enjoying each sip.
She watched him but didn’t touch her coffee. Logan had no plans after this, so he didn’t care how long it took. When his bottle was empty, he placed it on the table and asked, “Did you want to take notes?”
“Excuse me?”
“I thought you wanted a story. It’d work better if you documented it.”
Cori didn’t take her eyes off him. He had to give her credit. There was no doubt in his mind she was scared shitless, but she pushed past it. Impressive.
“If you say anything of importance, I’ll take notes.”
He waved for the waitress to bring him another beer then said, “Why don’t you ask, and we’ll see if I answer.”
“I thought you said I could interview you. Are you going to go against your word? That wouldn’t surprise me.”
Logan arched a brow. “And why is that? Have I given you a reason to believe otherwise?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m . . . I wasn’t prepared to interview you tonight.”
“So would you rather do this another time? Maybe tomorrow over dinner?”
“That’s not necessary. I can—”
“Seriously, Cori. I get it. You’re a young woman doing everything you can to make this opportunity work for you. My family is well known and having an inside story on us could be used to negotiate that promotion you’ve been seeking.”
Her eyes widened, and her voice rose. “How do you kno—”
He raised his hands. “I’m not trying to upset you. Hell, I’m trying to let you know that if I can help you achieve your goal, without any adverse repercussions for my family, I’m happy to do so. I wish you would’ve been honest from the beginning. This situation would’ve been so much easier for both of us.”
Although she still looked tense, he could see the wheels turning in that pretty little head of hers. He found her intelligence as sexy as her looks. That could be a dangerous combination.
“May I ask how you knew about the . . . position I’m interested in?” Cori asked in a calmer, more controlled tone.
“That’s one of those questions I’m not going to answer. So why don’t we talk about anything but ourselves tonight and tomorrow we start the interview?”
He knew she didn’t trust him. That was a good thing because right now he didn’t trust himself with her. He knew he should talk to the family before agreeing to do anything with her, but somehow he didn’t care about their opinion.
Logan waited for her to say no. She shook her head but uttered, “Yes.” He could tell she was torn on what this was just as much as he was.
“Then let’s get out of here. There’s a restaurant a block away that has the best burgers in town.” Logan pulled some bills from his wallet and reached for her hand. She looked at it for a moment, but then placed her small hand into his. They may have entered the bar as some form of enemies, but they weren’t leaving that way. And I am absolutely fine with that.
Cori’s heart was racing. She had no idea what she was doing. She never should’ve agreed to meet with him. She could tell herself all she wanted that he had her back against a wall or that she wanted to gather some new intel, but that was far from the truth. She’d wanted to see him. Not as Dr. Henderson, not as James Henderson’s son, but as Logan, the man.
If she had any doubt about b
eing attracted to him all she had to do was look at what she’d chosen to wear. Her dress was pretty, but it was what was underneath that confirmed it. Although he wasn’t going to see it, she had on the cutest, make-me-feel-sexy, red lace bra and panty set she’d ever owned. It was maddening, but it sure worked. She felt confident.
Confident but confused. He said he knew everything, but he really didn’t. Logan knew she was out to gather information on the Hendersons for a story, and she hadn’t denied that. There was no reason to. But this wasn’t just about a promotion. It was about what had happened years ago. How was Logan going to feel when he found out? Would he be so willing to help her then? Would the hand holding hers one day be used to take her down, just like James had done to Grandpa Joe?
A chill ran through her thinking of Logan being that evil, and she stumbled as she walked. Logan caught her and pulled her close.
“Are you okay? I’m such an idiot. You shouldn’t be up and walking,” Logan said as he continued to support her.
Cori’s issue wasn’t her sore leg, but it was a much easier explanation than the truth. “It was just a twinge, nothing to worry about.”
“Of course you should worry. You were hit by a car yesterday morning.” The look on his face told her he wished he hadn’t mentioned it.
She hadn’t told him about being hit by a car, so that meant he and Shaun had been speaking as well. It seemed they both were keeping things to themselves. I shouldn’t be here with him. It’s foolish, and it’s only going to end one way. Badly.
“It was more of a bump than a hit, and believe me, I’m fine.” At least that was the truth. No matter how badly she wanted to address it further, she couldn’t. All she could do was assume Logan also knew that Elizabeth and Loras had come and seen her earlier. Or maybe you’re the reason they came in the first place.
As they entered the restaurant, he continued to hold her close to him. She wished she could lie to herself and say he didn’t affect her, but he did. She loved the feel of his arm around her waist, his hand on her hip. It was intimate and possessive, yet they were nothing to each other. What would it be like if he meant more to me? If his hand was on my naked hip?
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