She chuckled to herself as she grabbed her laptop and decided to work while waiting. They had promised a thirty-minute delivery time, but she was a regular with them and knew they never kept their promises. It’d been her problem her entire life. People say one thing and do not follow through. Even the pizza guy disappoints.
Cori wasn’t worried about being disappointed. She seemed immune to it. It had become acceptable behavior to her. She made excuses for such rudeness. No one in their right mind would tolerate such behavior over and over again. So why did she?
As a child, Grandpa Joe never disappointed her. If she asked for it, he delivered or had a valid explanation why her request couldn’t be fulfilled. But after he died, she couldn’t remember another person telling her the truth instead of what she wanted to hear. At first, it was because of her loss, and they all wanted to console her and made promises impossible to keep. She held on to hope for such a long time until one day she realized hope, like love, was just an empty word. Both were merely a combination of four letters. When she heard either uttered, they seemed like water flowing through a net. They registered, but any feeling toward either quickly disappeared. She didn’t want to admit it, but inside she was broken. The only thing that made her different from anyone else was her ability to hide it from the world. If only I could hide it from myself.
What she didn’t want was her childhood to affect her as Logan’s had him. He’d also mastered masking the pain to the world, but there had been a brief moment when the veil was lifted and she was let in. It was something that haunted her. She’d been ready to do anything she needed to get the story she sought. Now her cutthroat edge wasn’t as sharp as before. But he was holding on to a secret he wasn’t ready to share with anyone.
Cori needed to cut him some slack. How he was wasn’t his fault. Or is that me making excuses for why he didn’t call me after kissing me?
She wasn’t happy that her thoughts had gone from thinking about work to thinking about Logan, then back to her. Why do I carry the weight of it all on me? Someday she’d take the time to explore that. Right now she had two stories she needed to focus on.
Cori pulled up her email from her boss and rolled her eyes. He’d loved the last article on feederism and said it was her best yet. He actually wanted her to reach out to the women and get their points of view to see if they found it sexually gratifying as well. Can today get much worse?
So while waiting for her pizza, she spent twenty minutes with her best friend, Google, and found a few ladies who seemed to live that lifestyle. There were several who had posted nude pictures of themselves and proudly displayed their weight. She was only a few pounds overweight, and that wasn’t something she’d ever be able to do.
There was a knock on her door, and she left her laptop open so she could reach out and call them after she finished eating. This was a story she wanted to bang out quickly, so she could move on to the one she was passionate about.
Placing the open laptop on the table, she reached into her wallet, grabbed her money, and opened the door. The pizza was there, but so was an unexpected guest.
“What are you doing here?”
Logan smiled and held out the pizza. “I thought you said you’d buy me dinner.”
She took the pizza from him and said, “Where’s the delivery guy?”
“He left.”
“So what you’re saying is you bought the pizza?” He nodded. That wasn’t the deal they had made, but bringing that up might lead to why she was so hung up on him not paying. Right now there were two things she knew: she was hungry and she was happy to see him. Logan followed her as she went to the kitchen and placed the pizza on the counter. “I hope you brought beer as well, because I have nothing to drink but water.”
“I could always take a run to the store, but water is . . . fine with me.”
She turned to see why he had hesitated, and she almost leaped from her spot to slam her laptop closed. It was too late. Even from where she stood the pictures of naked women lit up her widescreen monitor. Cori wasn’t sure what shade of red she turned, but she felt her entire body blushing.
With what little composure she could muster, she walked over and gently closed the lid. “If you don’t mind, that’s personal.”
Logan’s expression was priceless. She would put a year’s wage down that not much left him speechless. This scene obviously had.
Cori figured if he’d truly looked into her as he’d said he had, then he probably knew what type of reporting she did. That left her confused. Why would he agree to give me an interview if he knew I wrote this garbage? Then she choked back her laughter. Maybe he was hoping that’s the type of story I wanted to do on him.
She didn’t want to know what freaky fetish he was hiding. After all the research she’d been doing lately, it almost scared her to think which one he fit in. Let it be none of them.
Cori walked to the table and grabbed some plates for the pizza. “There’s cold water in the refrigerator.”
“I honestly think I need a beer,” Logan said, still looking at her closed laptop.
She couldn’t help herself any longer. She burst out laughing. “And you think you’re the only one who had a rough day at work? This is what I have to look forward to this week.”
Logan shook his head. “I think I’ll stay in the operating room, thank you. I don’t know how you do this without doubling over during each interview.”
“I have a secret. All my interviews are done over the telephone, so no one sees my reaction.”
“So what you’re saying is, I’m special?”
She was puzzled by that. “And you believe that why?”
He grinned. “Because all of ours have been in person. Why did you break your routine for me? Was it my dashing smile or my wit you couldn’t resist?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, no. It was how humble and modest you were. Why don’t we eat in the living room, and we can continue the interview there.”
“Don’t you want your laptop?” He gave her a playful wink.
The heat returned instantly. “I think we’ll pass on that tonight.”
Once they were on the couch, Logan seemed to take over the questioning.
“I’ve read a few of your articles, and I have to admit, you’re a very talented writer.”
“Thank you. But?” She knew it was coming. Why wouldn’t it? He was a successful surgeon from a high-profile family. He, of course, was going to knock what she wrote.
“But what?”
“Go on. Tell me what I write is junk.” She crossed her arms and prepared herself to hear the words she’d been telling herself.
“I don’t remember saying that. Nor do I think it. You approach some extremely different subjects with tact. Not only do you provide factual information, but you’re able to do so in a way that doesn’t degrade or offend anyone. That in itself showcases talent. I’m impressed.”
Cori had never looked at her work in that way. All she wanted was something different, something more. That didn’t mean the work she submitted was subpar by any means. She took pride in each word. They had to represent her best. For Logan to critique her writing and not judge the content brought tears of pride.
She fought to contain her emotions, but Logan’s words were ones she never thought she’d hear. “Thank you, Logan. That means more to me than you know.”
“Cori, hasn’t anyone ever told you that before?” She shook her head. “Not even your sister, Sarah?” She replied the same. Logan reached out and touched her cheek. “Then they’re all idiots for not seeing what is obvious. Journalism is in your blood. It’s what you’re meant to do. If I didn’t think you’d be so honest, I’d never let you do a story on my family.”
Although she appreciated his support, she didn’t like the focus being on her. His last statement was the perfect opportunity to bring the conversation back to where she needed it to be. On the Hendersons.
Logan could tell by the look in her eyes that he never sh
ould’ve mentioned his story. It took what was a sharing and caring moment right back to where he didn’t want to be.
With a smile, she said, “I think your interview skills are up to par as well, but let’s not forget the reason why you’re here. And it has nothing to do with me.”
It has everything to do with you. He could answer her questions over the phone. It would’ve been a hell of a lot easier than what they’d been doing. But not nearly as much fun.
“I don’t know. I enjoy hearing about you. Why don’t we continue this tonight and tomorrow we work the interview?”
She shook her head. “Absolutely not. I am beginning to think you’re avoiding this. Do you think if you put it off, I’ll give up?”
He chuckled. “Not for a second. Somehow you don’t seem like the type to walk away.”
Cori smirked. “If I was, there are a bunch of articles I would’ve run from long before yours. So what do you say? Are you ready to start a serious interview?”
He wasn’t ever going to be ready for that. Until Cori, Logan had been able to avoid the spotlight except for articles written about medical procedures and advancements. No one ever asked anything personal. Cori, on the other hand, didn’t want anything professional.
“Where would you like to start?”
Cori stared at him as though she wasn’t sure herself. “Tell me about your mother. I couldn’t find anything listing her name anywhere. I also didn’t find any adoption paperwork. What am I missing?”
The one thing you can’t ever find out. He had rehearsed this several times, knowing damn well that eventually she’d ask.
“I never knew her, or who she was. As I said, my father was a very difficult man. I’m sure that played into why we don’t know her.”
“But you’re the second oldest. Don’t you have even a slight memory of her? Like the sound of her voice, or how she looked? Or maybe just something she read to you at bedtime?”
He fought to contain the raging anger within him. It wasn’t at her. It was at his father for putting him, them, into this situation. He cheated them all of what they’d never get back.
“We have no memories of her. My father had nannies that came in, but none of them lasted very long either. I guess women didn’t like being around an arrogant ass like him for long. Not even when getting paid.” His voice held the bitterness that he tried so hard to hide. But what was the point? That was the fact and one each of his siblings would agree on. And something we don’t care if the world knows.
“It must’ve been very difficult for your sister, Zoey.”
He wanted to keep the focus on him and not include the others. Not talking about Zoey would only bring suspicion, and Cori would be all over that. “It was, but we rallied around her. If anyone in that family felt loved and protected, it was her. She had five brothers who never let anything happen to her.”
Cori nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. It must’ve made it difficult for her to date with so much supervision all the time. From what I see, she was able to find a man very capable of holding his own with the Henderson men. How do you feel about your brother-in-law, Bennett Stone?”
That he’s a cocky bastard, who thinks he knows best. “He’s good to my sister and makes her happy. That’s all that matters to me. To any of us.”
“It must be hard with him traveling out of the country so frequently. I don’t know how she does it.”
Shit. How do you know that? “I’m sure she misses him, but like anyone, some jobs require travel more than others.”
“I guess so. If he were still in the Marine Corps, he’d have been gone even more.”
He wasn’t thrilled she knew so much detail already. He wanted to ask to see her files on them. Logan was sure there were things in there he’d want blacked out. That wasn’t going to stop her from printing it. He needed to drive her in the direction that would do the least damage.
“You’re right. I don’t think he travels any more than my brother Dean. He’s always off looking for the next big deal to snatch up.”
“So you’re saying he’s the most like your father was?” Cori asked.
“No!” Logan barked. He didn’t want anyone viewed as being like their father. “Dean is nothing like him. None of us are. If you’re looking for a story that will show we’re scum like he was, then consider this interview over.”
The look of shock was clear on her face. He’d yelled at her. That wasn’t something he did. Logan wanted to tell her he was sorry, but he wasn’t. He’d meant every word. No matter how he felt about her, there was no way he could let her hurt his family. We’ve all been through enough.
“I’m sorry, Logan. I was out of line. You’ve hinted at what James was like, and I never should’ve compared any of you to him. Could you please forget I said that so we can continue?” Cori pleaded.
Forgetting wasn’t something he was good at. His mind held every detail, which was why his childhood haunted him. It’s what made him distance himself. So why wasn’t he doing the same with her? This was much more than an interview. It felt more like sitting in a therapist chair, and she was the one opening up all the old wounds.
“You need to understand this isn’t just any story to me. I know why this is important to you, and I want to help, but this is my family. How would you feel, Cori, if someone was trying to dig up . . . things you would rather keep private? Just the expression on your face says there are things you don’t want to talk to me about either. Am I right?”
“Everyone, including me has things they wish weren’t part of their past. Ignoring them doesn’t make them not so.”
Logan got up and ran his hand through his hair. She was relentless. “Reliving them doesn’t make them better either. You’re supposed to be writing based on facts, not what you assume is wrong with us.”
“Do you think that’s what I’m doing? If so, I wouldn’t be interviewing you. I’d take everything I learned, and trust me there’s a lot out there already on your family, and I’d write based on that. But instead, I’m trying to get the real picture of you, of your family. I thought you understood that. Instead, you’re attacking me as though I’m the bad guy here. All I’m trying to do is my job and do it accurately.”
She was defensive and had every right to be. He’d agreed to do this, and he wasn’t foolish enough to believe it was going to be anything other than thorough. Truthfully he’d have been disappointed if it wasn’t. He was angry because he had to lie and hide the truth. Logan wished above all else that there wasn’t any dirt on them. But there was more than even he knew. I need those answers myself, Cori. How can I explain my family, when I have no idea what made my father the man he was? How can we be sure we won’t become like him?
“Then I guess you and I are finished here.” He turned and headed toward the door. Logan only stopped when he felt her hand on his arm.
“Please, Logan, don’t leave.”
He turned to face her. She was crying. Why? He wasn’t about to let tears break down his defenses. “Cori, I can’t do this.”
“I need you to. You’re my only hope.”
He raised a brow. “For what? I’m sure you can find another family to rip apart to get your promotion.”
The tears continued to flow. “No. It’s not about that. It never was. It’s about . . .”
Logan stood motionless as he asked, “About what?”
She sniffed and said, “I can’t tell you right now. Just trust me, please?”
Trust wasn’t something he gave easily, and without her providing any reason why he should, it was impossible right now. “If you want me to trust you, then you need to trust me and tell me what’s really going on.”
Cori nodded and left him alone in the living room. When she returned, she was holding a file. He could see it was a police report. He opened it and scanned it quickly. None of it was familiar to him as it took place thirty years ago.
“What is this?”
“He was my grandpa. I believe he was . . . mur
dered.”
Logan’s heart softened at the pain in her voice. She must’ve been very young, but yet it still affected her deeply. He wasn’t about to make light of that.
“I’m sorry. Why is it you think I can be of any help? This would be a police matter, not one for a neurosurgeon.”
She burst out crying and ran to the couch. He followed her and placed the file on the coffee table. He grabbed some Kleenex and handed them to her.
“Please, Logan, don’t leave.”
He knew he couldn’t even if he tried. What drew him to her in the first place was stronger now. He pulled her into his arms and let her cry until there were no more tears. Tonight he’d be kind and supportive. Tomorrow they’d need to pick up where their conversation ended. I wish Bennett were here now instead of in Tabiq. I think I’m going to need him. As he brushed her hair from her tear-soaked cheek, he knew he’d help any way he could.
Chapter Eight
‡
Leaving her last night wasn’t easy. If he’d had his way, he’d have held her all night. But once he received that call there had been no option but to leave. No matter what was going on, he was on call, and when the hospital called he dropped everything. Cori understood and immediately sent him on his way.
It meant a long, sleepless night, and he still had to see his patients throughout the day. Logan couldn’t get her out of his mind. She’d been truly distraught, and they hadn’t had a chance to go into details. He wished he’d thought about asking to borrow the file so he could scan it and send it to Bennett. Instead, he was going by memory.
Normally that was all he required, yet her tears—her agony—had obliterated his ability to concentrate. He couldn’t even remember the man’s name who’d died. All he knew was it was her grandfather, and it still caused her pain.
Between patients, Logan had texted Cori and asked if he could pick her up at seven, and they could review the file. She’d agreed. What he’d failed to mention was he was taking her to his house.
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