Queen of Diamonds

by Cox, Sandra

  The facility was one of the best in the state. And while he could easily afford it he was unsure how a publicist and a retired janitor could. He hadn’t unearthed anything about an inheritance of note except for an aunt who’d passed and left her about ten thousand. But that probably wouldn’t keep her mother where she was for more than a month.

  He’d looked up the fees. They were staggering. And it didn’t look like a place that accepted Medicaid. At least that was his take. He’d call later and confirm. So how was his assistant able to afford her mother’s care? He tugged at his lip. No wonder her dad wanted her to have a raise.

  Damn. It had to be the married man she was having an affair with. It was the only thing that made any sense. No doubt he was funding the whole thing.

  Unbidden a picture rose in his mind of a shadowy character, whose lips were placed firmly on Kendall’s full lush mouth, his body covering hers.

  Logan jumped up cursing. Running restless fingers through his hair he stepped out onto his small wrought iron balcony and looked out at the sleepy night. A light breeze whispered. The cool air carried the yeasty scent of rolls from the local bakery down the corner. The owner baked late every night and every morning fresh pastries filled his sparkling glass case.

  Unfortunately, the crisp air and mouthwatering scents were having no effect on the pricks of heat beneath his skin. He clenched the rail. “This is ridiculous.”

  “Sugar, life is ridiculous. It’s nothing but one big joke.”

  He looked down. Beneath him a middle-aged black woman with honey-colored skin, wearing a faux—at least he assumed it was faux—leopard skin coat, a gold band around her forehead and black stilettoes, walked a small dog of mixed origins.

  “Ain’t it the truth?” He nodded, grateful the woman had broken his somber mood.

  She strolled on.

  He swatted at a buzzing insect that dive bombed his ear. At least, he thought he’d gotten to the bottom of the affair. He turned to go in and hesitated, his hand on the balcony door. She just didn’t seem the type to sell herself in an exchange for anything. But then what did he really know about Kendall Theron?

  Chapter Ten

  While Logan brooded, Kendall tossed and turned in her bed. Spending time with Logan was becoming more and more unsettling. Five years was just too damn long to go without sex. But she didn’t have time, not even for a casual one-night stand. Not with her baby girl, her mom and her duel identity. She especially didn’t need to get involved with a man who made a living from digging up secrets.

  The problem was even if she didn’t want him her body did. She threw an arm over her head. Would having a casual affair with the man really be such a bad thing, the portion of her brain bent on satisfying the hot spear of need he’d awakened questioned.

  Idiot. The wiser portion of her mind responded. She punched her pillow, rolled on her side and closed her eyes. Finally, she slept and dreamed of a hard body pressed against hers. Piercing blue eyes looked into hers and a voice whispered, “I know your secret.”

  ~*~

  She awoke haggard, with a dull nagging ache between her eyes. Damn him. This was all Logan Hunter’s fault. Throwing on clothes, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen. Even though the sun was barely up both her dad and daughter were at the table, her daughter slurping up her favorite cereal and her dad reading the paper and drinking coffee. They both looked up in surprise.

  Her dad lowered his paper. “What are you doing up, hon?”

  Her daughter’s spoon dropped in the milk with a splash. She ran to her mom and gave her a hug. “What do you want to do today, watch cartoons, go to the beach, go shopping?”

  Kendall bent and scooped up her daughter. A rush of love shot through her, heating her chest and warming her body. Caroline was her greatest treasure, though treasure was much too pale a word to describe her daughter. “What do you want to do today?”

  “Let’s start with cartoons.”

  “Can do, chickie.”

  Caroline giggled. “You’re silly, Mommy.”

  Kendall tickled her, then set her down and headed for the coffeepot, her daughter at her heels.

  “I’m all done. Ready to watch cartoons?”

  “Let your mom eat her breakfast.” Her dad rattled the papers.

  Kendall laughed. “Who wants breakfast when they can watch cartoons?” She grabbed her coffee and let her daughter lead her into the great room where she settled in for a cartoon marathon. Caroline liked the old favorites. They were halfway through Bugs Bunny when the doorbell rang.

  Her dad, who’d moved into the great room, looked at Kendall. “Now who would that be this early on a Sunday?”

  “Why don’t I find out?” Kendall pushed to her feet and headed for the foyer. She opened the door and froze. Every ounce of blood in her body drained to her toes, leaving her lightheaded.

  “Hello, Kendall.”

  James stood on the other side of the door, flowers and a bakery sack in hand.

  “What are you doing here?”

  He gave her a rueful boyish smile, the one that a lifetime ago would have melted her heart. “I tossed and turned all night. Seeing you again brought everything back. I know it’s early but I couldn’t wait. I brought your favorite bagels.” He held up the sack.

  “They’re not my favorite anymore.”

  The negative response didn’t faze him. “Just tell me what is and I’ll get it for you.”

  “You always were a charmer, James.” She took a deep breath, beating back the nerves that jumped and skittered under her skin.

  “Apparently not charming enough, since you disappeared on me. So shall we go get some breakfast?”

  I’ve got to get him out of here before he sees Caroline. “Sure.” She started through the door.

  “Who is it, Mommy?”

  Bile squirted in her stomach and pushed at her throat. Her luck had run out. Caroline stepped into view and smiled at James. “Hello.”

  “Why hello.” He looked at Caroline, puzzled.

  “I’m Caroline. Who are you?”

  “I’m James.” He gave her a winsome smile, all the while studying her. Then it happened, Kendall’s greatest fear. His pupils dilated. Color drained before resurging into his face. The pieces had fallen into place.

  She stooped down ’til she was on her daughter’s level. “Caroline, Mr. Roderick and I are going out. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Are you dating two men now, Mommy?”

  “I’m not dating anyone, Ms. Nosy.”

  “But…”

  “Gotta go.” Kendall gave her a quick hug before hurrying down the walk.

  “Good to know,” James murmured. The grin he threw her was strained.

  “What?” Preoccupied, with the nightmarish turn of events, her mind couldn’t seem to grasp or assimilate information.

  “Good to know that you aren’t dating.”

  “James,” she began.

  He quickly interrupted. “Not know, please. I really need to process this. There’s a little bistro with outdoor seating about four blocks from here. Want to give it a try?”

  “Candre’s?”

  “Yes, that’s it.”

  “Good food. Good atmosphere. Your unerring sense for the best spots hasn’t changed.”

  “Glad you remember.” He opened the door of a small red sports car for her.

  The drive was silent and short, way too short for Kendall’s piece of mind. Tension, thick as mist, swirled in the air, as they walked through the wrought iron gate and were shown to a small table in the corner of the courtyard. Kendall’s mind raced over every argument and threat she could think of to keep her daughter.

  They ordered black coffee and almond croissants. When the order arrived, Caroline reached for the coffee but her stomach revolted at the thought of food. Instead she picked at the pastry and tossed the crumbs to the birds.

  James placed his hand over hers. “You should really try the croissant. It’s excellent.”

&
nbsp; She withdrew her hand. “I’m not hungry.”

  “She’s mine, isn’t she?”

  Kendall took a long shuddering breath, her heart pounding hard against her ribs. She didn’t confirm or deny, just met his gaze as coolly as she was able.

  He leaned toward her, his voice low and husky, his eyes dilated, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “You wanted to terminate her, remember?”

  He winced. “It seemed the best solution at the time. Now what? Do you want to get married? She’ll be a little hard to explain, but an expert publicist could come up with a good spin. You’d know all about that.” He flashed his charming smile.

  She stared at him. “You don’t even know her name.”

  “Of course, I do. It’s Caroline. She introduced herself. Remember?”

  Kendall’s hand tightened around her cup until the heat from its contents began to burn her palm. “No, I don’t want to get married. Nothing has altered. I have a daughter and you’re not part of her life.”

  “I can change that, Kendall. I know my parents aren’t going to be easy to deal with, but they’ll come around.”

  She snorted. “To the idea that you married someone in the working class? I don’t think so. Did you know when we first started dating your mother offered me money to stop seeing you?”

  His face reddened. “No. You didn’t though, did you?” He reached for her hand but she pulled it away.

  “That was a long time ago.”

  “I’ve never forgotten, Kendall. We were good together, better than good. We were on fire.”

  “Then why didn’t you come after me? You tracked me down today. Why didn’t you five years ago?”

  “You know how it was. After college I was expected to take the grand tour then immediately enter my father’s business.”

  “Priorities.”

  “I had mine backward. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how much until I saw you last night. We’ve got every reason in the world to get back together, we can make this work.” The earnest look in his eyes at one time would have melted her. Now it just disgusted her that she had ever let it affect her.

  “It’s over, James.” With the words came relief. Her muscles loosened and her stomach settled as she bit into her croissant.

  “What about Caroline?”

  Just as quickly as the tension passed it was back, coils of fear tightening in her stomach, burning in her chest. “What about her?”

  “Even though it would be difficult to pull a love child out of the closet, we could deal with it.”

  Love child? Really? Had she just slipped back to the sixties? “What’s going on, James? This is 2015. No one worries about children born out of wedlock anymore. I’m sure your mother would be horrified by the connection but still...” A thought arrested her. She snapped her fingers. “You’re planning on running for office on the conservative ticket aren’t you?”

  He shifted in his seat, his expression uncomfortable. “Possibly next year, but that aside, I’m willing to take responsibility for my actions.”

  “Your actions? Caroline and I have done just fine without you and will continue to. But I’ll make you a deal. When she’s old enough to make an informed decision, I’ll tell her about you and let her decide how much, if at all, she wants you in her life.” Kendall leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms, pushing her fingers into her forearms, schooling her features, unwilling to let him know how important this was to her. She couldn’t, wouldn’t lose her baby.

  A look of relief washed across his features. “Fair enough.”

  You’re a fool and you have no idea what you are giving up. It was all she could do to keep from voicing her thoughts, but since she was getting exactly what she wanted she held her tongue.

  “What about money? I don’t doubt Hunter pays you a decent salary, still I’m sure you could use some help there.” He lifted a cheek off the seat and reached for his wallet.

  “No.” Her back stiffened and her jaw went tight. She forced herself to relax. “When it’s time for college, if you still feel the same, I’ll take some help, but until then, I don’t need or want your money. Caroline is mine.”

  “You aren’t going to take me back are you?”

  There was regret on his features, a sadness about the eyes that Kendall had no doubts would disappear by the time he took her home. Why had she never seen beneath that sleek exterior in college? She’d thought he had it all. He was handsome, rich, intelligent and kind. What she hadn’t seen was his shallowness. But if she had seen that then, there would have be no Caroline now, so everything had worked out for the best. He had given her the rarest, most perfect gift in the world and for that she would be eternally grateful.

  Impulsively, she reached over and took his hand. “It was good seeing you again, James. I’m glad things are going so well.”

  He turned his palm over and cupped hers. “I was a fool. I wish you’d give me another chance.”

  “We had our time in the sun and it was good. Let’s leave it at that. And speaking of time, you have worlds to conquer and I need to be getting back. I’ll be watching for you on the political scene.” She gently loosened her hand and stood up.

  He rose reluctantly.

  On the way home, they chatted about old times and college friends. When he pulled in the drive, Kendall said, “There’s no need for you to see me to the door. Goodbye, James.” She leaned over and kissed him then let herself out of the car. Only then did she notice the other vehicle idling at the curb.

  Chapter Eleven

  Logan’s belly tightened and he fought a serious urge to march over and punch James Roderick the third in his perfectly sculpted nose. She couldn’t seriously be reconsidering a relationship with that shallow, old-moneyed playboy, could she? She was way too smart for that. But not smart enough not to have an affair with a married man, the devil on his shoulder whispered slyly. And this guy was Caroline’s father.

  After Roderick left, Logan pulled in the drive. Kendall had apparently seen him since she was waiting for him. He grabbed the white sack of pastries and hopped out of the car. “And here I thought I might be too early.” He was proud of the even tone in his voice, now if he could get his damn pulse under control.

  “What are you doing here, Mr. Hunter?”

  He arched a brow and drawled, “I thought we got past the mister stage.”

  “Of course, Mr. Hunter.”

  He shook his head. “You are a stubborn, willful woman and you manage to cloak it in that demure, butter won’t melt in your mouth, manner.”

  “And you’re here because?”

  He held up the sack. “I brought breakfast. I thought Caroline and your father, and you of course, would like some fresh baked, heavily-iced, calorie-laden donuts. And when I say fresh baked, they were still warm when I left the bakery.” And he’d radiated enough heat witnessing that kiss to keep them hot.

  “I’ve eaten but I’m sure Caroline and Dad wouldn’t turn down a donut.”

  She reached for the sack.

  He held it just out of reach. “Aren’t you going to ask me in?”

  She sighed. “What besides breakfast brings you here?”

  “I guess the same thing that brought Roderick. By that little scene I just witnessed I’m assuming congratulations are in order. Or was it just a quick one-night stand for old time’s sake.”

  Her eyes narrowed and color rose in her cheeks. “If you’ll remember I was with you last night.”

  “Hotels are open twenty-four seven.”

  “Are you implying what I think you are? The man who’s broken all records when it comes to one-night stands.”

  “Are you getting back together, Kendall?” His whole body quivered with intensity. Surely, to God, her answer couldn’t be this important to him? What the hell was wrong with him?

  “And this is your business how?” Hands on her hips, she leaned in, invading his space.

  “As your employer, it’s my right to look out for you.”
God, he sounded like a pompous fool.

  “As my employer, you have no rights in that area whatsoever.”

  He forced himself to take it down a notch. “How about as a friend?”

  “We aren’t friends.” Her voice was flat and final, her face closed.

  “Maybe we should work on that.”

  “I don’t see the point.”

  Before he could reply, Caroline opened the door. “Hello, Mr. Hunter, what are you doing here?”

  Bless the child’s timing. He waved the bag. “I brought donuts for my poker buddies.”

  “Grandpa, Mr. Hunter brought donuts,” she called out.

  Bill joined her at the door. “Come on in,” he motioned with his hand.

  “He’s just leaving, Dad,” Kendall tried.

  “Of course, he’s not. He’s going to have some of those donuts he brought. Come on in, Logan.”

  “Well maybe just for a minute,” Logan replied, making a supreme effort not to grin at Kendall.

  She rolled her eyes and threw up her hands, “After you.”

  “Ladies first.” He motioned her down the sidewalk.

  “Does everything have to be a battle of wills with you?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing.” He gave a mental sigh and shifted gears. He was usually smoother with the opposite sex. He took a white handkerchief out of his pocket, waved it and gave her what he hoped was a charming smile. “Truce?”

  She shook her head. She didn’t smile but her lips twitched. “I’ve already eaten but I could probably force down a donut depending on what kind you have.” She started toward the house.

  He picked up his pace and walked beside her. “Cinnamon and sugar yeast for those who like a little spice and are not big on icing, sprinkles for the kid and glazed for those who don’t like the fancy stuff.”

  “As usual, it sounds like you’ve covered all bases.”

  “Why does that sound like criticism instead of a compliment?”

  “I stopped trusting smooth years ago,” she said dryly.

  The statement gave him hope that things weren’t what they’d seemed between her and Roderick. If there was one thing Roderick was, it was smooth.