by Cox, Sandra
He motioned at a salmon-colored, stucco building with a sign in the window that read Dan’s Deli. “Looks like we’re here.” She nodded and before he could reach for the knob, opened the door and held it for him.
“Thanks.”
Behind the counter, the small-framed, white-haired clerk’s mustache twitched in disapproval.
Logan gave a helpless shrug.
The man pushed up his gold wire-rims, his lips still pursed.
“Now see what you’ve done.” He leaned over and whispered near Kendall’s ear. Close enough to be distracted by her scent.
“What?” Her head jerked around and for a moment they were both caught in the same force field, heat rising and filling their space.
He forgot the question. Forgot to breathe, drowning in pools of green that looked even larger behind the oversized glasses. He reached up to take what stood between him and those glorious cat eyes off when a harrumph from behind the counter brought him to his senses.
He gave her an easy smile and hoped she didn’t notice his thumping heart. “Dan’s always considered me a damn Yankee, now you’ve gone and proved it by not allowing me to behave like a gentleman and open the door.”
She seemed to regain her footing easier than he. “Not a problem. You can buy my breakfast.”
A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “You’re your father’s daughter all right.”
They approached the counter.
“Good morning, Dan.” Logan leaned forward to study the bagels behind the counter.
“Mr. Logan.” Dan’s mouth was still pursed in disapproval. He turned to Kendall and his features lightened. “Mrs. Theron, how are you and how’s that beautiful daughter of yours?”
Kendall laughed, a sound of chimes tickled by the wind.
Logan’s stomach tightened. Listening to her was exquisite torture.
“She’s fine, Dan, lusting after your cinnamon rolls.”
“Well then we’ll just have to send a couple back with you, won’t we?”
“How kind of you. She’d love that and so would my dad.”
“How is your father?”
“Feisty as ever.”
The exchange stunned Logan. How could the deli owner know his publicist so well when he’d worked with her for three years and only discovered a few days ago that she had a daughter? And her expression was so open and warm. As if her whole being was focused on the man. That nothing in the world was more important than what he had to say.
He watched her silently. It was like dealing with two different women.
“So what will you have?”
Before Kendall could answer, Logan responded, “How about a couple of egg and cheese artisan rolls.”
Kendall wrinkled her nose.
“What?” He tucked his chin in.
“Too much cholesterol.”
“She’ll have an egg white, feta and spinach wrap.”
Her head came up. “I can answer for myself.”
“You need protein.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ll take the wrap.” Her voice was resigned.
“Hazelnut coffee?”
“Yes, thanks, Dan.”
Dan looked at Logan and raised his eyebrows.
“Whatever dark roast you’re brewing.”
Logan paid the bill, and they took their coffee and sat down.
“So how is it, the local deli owner knows more about you than I do, Ms. Theron?”
The polite expressionless mask he was beginning to hate dropped back into place. “What would you like to know, Mr. Hunter?”
“Considering we’ve known each other for three years perhaps you could call me, Logan?” The asperity in his voice surprised him.
She raised an eyebrow but made no response.
As he settled back against the cushioned seat, he glanced out the window where a young woman, her hand wrapped around a little girl’s strolled down the street. The little girl reminded him of Caroline. “Tell me about your daughter.”
In spite of caution, her face brightened. “Caroline is capricious, smart as a whip and the most loving child in the universe.”
“Takes after her mom, huh?”
He surprised a laugh out of her.
“Oh her daddy was pretty smart.”
“He couldn’t have been that smart.”
She drew back her head and gave him a puzzled look.
“He let you get away.”
“Mr. Hunter.”
“Logan.”
“Mr. Hunter.”
“Logan.”
“Logan, you aren’t going to start flirting with me are you? I must insist—even though we had a slight lapse—that our relationship remain strictly professional.”
“Whatever you say, Ms. Theron.”
“Hmm,” she gave him a disbelieving look.
“Anyway, you were telling me about Caroline.” He leaned forward.
A smile warmed her features. Unconsciously, he smiled back.
“She’s got my daddy wrapped around her finger.”
“And would I be correct in assuming her Momma too?”
She laughed. A low husky, sound that wove through his insides. “No doubt, about it.”
“Does she see her father?”
She stiffened. The laughter gone. “No.”
“Why not?”
“He doesn’t know about Caroline.”
He stared, shocked. “You weren’t raped were you?”
“Not hardly. We’d gone together several years. He decided he and my best friend were much more compatible than he and I. He was screwing her when I became pregnant. When he found out there was going to be a baby, he offered me money to get an abortion.” She shrugged. “That pretty much killed the razzle dazzle for me.”
He shifted in his seat and toyed with his cup. “Don’t you think he has a right to know?”
“He was screwing my best friend and wanted me to get rid of my baby.” Her eyes looked into his, sharp as knives. There was a catlike deadliness to her demeanor. “He has no rights.”
“Like I said, he couldn’t have been that smart.”
She relaxed a fraction and picked up her coffee cup.
He should let it go, he lectured himself, but instead of listening said, “Don’t you think Caroline deserves to know her father?”
“He doesn’t deserve her,” she said flatly and took a swallow of her coffee.
Before Logan could respond, Dan bustled over, carrying their dishes. The plates clicked against the table as he set them down.
Kendall smiled her thanks. Logan nodded.
He took a bite, chewed and swallowed. “Maybe she wants to know her daddy.”
“She has her granddaddy. It’s not like she doesn’t have a male in her life.”
“He’s not going to live forever, Kendall.”
She half rose, her breasts heaving. “Don’t you say that. Don’t you dare say that.”
“It’s okay, darling.” He reached over the plates and gently tugged her back down. “He looks healthy as a horse and will probably out live me.”
“I doubt that,” she retorted, resuming her seat and looking embarrassed at her emotional outburst. “The good die young.”
“Are you trying to say I’ll live forever?”
“I predict to a ripe old age.”
“Ouch. A hit to the heart.”
She smiled reluctantly.
“Enough about Caroline. Tell me about this mystery man you fly all over the country to sleep with.” It was harder than he expected but he kept his voice light.
She lifted her chin. “You shouldn’t judge him. His wife is bedridden.”
“And that makes it all right?” Her values surprised and dismayed him.
She arched an eyebrow, her expression disdainful. “Oh yeah, like you’d be faithful whether your wife was bedridden or not.”
Her words stung. His lungs constricted and he had to push air into them before he could respond. “Ms. Theron, you can believe what
you choose, but I take wedding vows seriously, which is one reason I haven’t married. I’ve yet to meet the woman I’m prepared to make that kind of commitment to.”
“Very commendable, I’m sure. Funny, I never took you for the moralizing type.”
“And I never took you for a homewrecker.” He regretted the words the minute they were out. Couldn’t figure out why he’d said them and why the idea of her carrying on with a married man bothered him so damn much. Though he was pretty certain, it wouldn’t have mattered if the man she was sharing a bed with was married or not.
Color rode high in her face. “You might find there’s a great deal about me you disapprove of.” The look was a challenge and said only too clearly she couldn’t care less what his opinion of her was. “And quite honestly, I don’t think your own moral fabric can bare that close a scrutiny.”
He beat back the rising anger her words so easily brought to the surface. He’d never realized what a low opinion of him she had. He took a swig of his coffee before setting the cup back carefully on the tabletop. “No doubt you’re right.”
A pretty young blonde sitting two tables over rose and came to the table. “Mr. Hunter, what a pleasure. Would you sign my napkin?”
“Of course.” He smiled at her. “Your name?”
“Sherry. Sherry Ann.” Willing back the tension in his body, he signed the square of paper and handed it back.
“Thank you,” she breathed and fluttered her lashes. She slipped a note under his plate and sauntered out.
Her arms crossed, Kendall stared at him, a knowing expression on her face.
Holding eye contact, he crumpled the paper.
The gesture caught her off guard. She cleared her throat.
Before she could say anything, he asked, “What time’s the poker game tomorrow night?”
“Given the circumstances, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”
“By circumstances, you mean sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong?”
“Something like that.” She reached for her untouched wrap and took a bite.
“A writer’s prerogative.” He picked his roll up and wolfed it down in three large bites.
“Mr. Hunter,” she began.
“Logan.” He sipped his coffee and watched her over the top of his cup. “What?”
“Please don’t be obtuse,” she snapped. “I’m a private person. I don’t like you delving into my affairs.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Got more than one going on, huh?”
She put her hands on the table as if to push up.
“Just joking. I’ll behave, promise. Besides, you can’t ask me to break a date with your daughter. I’m halfway in love with her and I like your dad’s spunk. Let me come over. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
She looked at him in disbelief. “You have no idea what best behavior is.”
“You may be surprised.” He smiled, shooting for charm. Apparently, he failed because her expression remained skeptical.
“I’d hate to disappoint your daughter. I’ll even spring for the pizza.”
Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “Better bring cookies too.”
Chapter Seven
Kendall stared into the mirror at her reflection. The kelly green Henley she wore over old jeans matched her eyes. Her hair pulled back in a ponytail exposed tiny, silver bell earrings with emerald clappers. “This is such a bad idea.” How had she managed to let herself get talked into it? Logan was like a bloodhound when his curiosity was aroused and she didn’t need that nose pointed in her or her family’s direction.
And what was that business about writing a sequel to Jewels of Heaven? She needed to nip that in the bud. People were already talking about the similarity of styles between his heroine and the Queen of Diamonds. When she told him three years was too long between sequels, he’d just grinned and waved her away. She’d have to do some research and find a great storyline that would intrigue him.
The front doorbell ringing broke into her thoughts.
“I’ll get it.” Caroline’s little feet thumped as she ran through the house. Kendall followed at a slower pace.
She stepped forward as Caroline threw open the door. Her employer stood on the other side pizza in one hand, a bag from a local bakery in the other. He wore faded jeans, a black shirt with thin blue stripes running through it and looked good enough to eat. A whiff of aftershave that vied with the scent of pizza and chocolate chip cookies had her nose twitching.
For a moment, her guard went down and she just drank him in. He had a way about him and charm that couldn’t be trusted. But he certainly was pretty to look at.
He gave her a slow perusal. When it reached her bare feet he smiled.
She should have slipped on some shoes. Oh well, too late now.
“Mr. Hunter, you came.” Caroline danced up and down on her toes.
He squatted down beside her. “Of course. I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to join one of your famous poker games.”
Caroline giggled, the ponytails on each side of her head bouncing.
“Won’t you come in.” Kendall stepped back to let him in.
Logan rose and followed her into the dining room. Her dad came out of the kitchen carrying a pitcher of iced tea. “Hello, Mr. Hunter, glad you could join us.”
“It’s Logan. Nice to see you again, Mr. Theron.”
“Call me Bill.”
“Bill.” Logan nodded.
Her dad set the tea on the table and stuck out his hand. Logan handed the pizza and cookies to Kendall and grasped it.
Kendall smiled. It was good for her dad to have another male around. She moved an arrangement of mums and set the pizza in the middle of the table.
“Caroline, grab the paper plates and napkins off the counter. That’s a good girl,” her dad directed.
The foursome wolfed down pizza and chocolate chip cookies then settled down to some serious poker. It came as no surprise to Kendall, or her dad, that Caroline cleaned house and before the night was done had everyone’s poker chips in a pile in front of her.
“Well that’s enough for me.” Her dad threw down his cards.
“You cleaned me out,” Logan said wonderingly.
“Yup.” Caroline gave him a smug smile.
“Time for you to go to bed, Caroline.” Kendall stood up.
“But, Mommy, it’s early yet and we have company.”
Kendall looked at her watch. “It’s your bedtime, young lady. If you scoot on up, you can watch one movie in bed.”
“Done,” Caroline agreed quickly.
Kendall had no doubt her little daughter had been angling for this all along.
“Go on and get ready for bed. I’ll tuck you in in a few minutes.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Hunter.”
“Goodnight, Caroline.” He smiled warmly.
Caroline went skipping off, her teddy bear who’d sat on the seat beside her during the game, tucked under her arm.
“Beat by a four year old.” Logan shook his head. “If word of this gets out my reputation is ruined.”
Bill gave a snort of laughter. “Your secret’s safe with me.” He rose. “I’ll tuck her in.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Logan leaned back in his chair. He picked up the cards and casually shuffled them. “How about giving me a chance to reclaim my manhood?”
Kendall’s eyebrows shot up.
He shook his head. “Tsk. Tsk. Get your mind out of the gutter. I’d hardly suggest that with your dad around.”
“What did you have in mind?” She sensed a trap.
“Just a simple high card draw.”
“What’s the stakes?” What are you up to? Suspicion sharpened her senses and tightened her belly. The evening had been fun and unfortunately she’d been lulled into letting her guard down. Now it was back up.
“Just a memento of the evening.”
“What?” She pushed back against her chair, spine pressed against hard wood.
; He rubbed the cleft of his chin with his index finger, focused on her. “If I draw the higher card you give me the ribbon holding back your hair.”
The muscles in her neck went loose and her head dropped forward. “Are you insane?”
“I prefer to call it romantic.”
“And if I win?”
“What do you want?”
She grinned. “Anything?”
“Within reason,” he said cautiously.
“Your sports car for a week.”
“My car?” He gulped, his expression dismayed.
“Well, if you don’t want to play…”
“No, no, I can get along for a week without my car. Not that I’m going to lose.” He shuffled the cards, tapped them against the table and put the pack in front of her. “Go ahead.”
She picked up a portion of the deck and turned the card face up and stared at it. “Queen of Diamonds.” She fought to keep her expression neutral.
He picked his card and turned it face up. “King of Hearts.”
The blood pooled at her feet. Okay, this was getting weird.
He grinned at her. “Anything I could say would be superfluous so instead I’ll just ask for my prize.”
She slid out the ribbon and handed it to him, then fluffed her tumbled hair.
He took it and ran the silky satin through his fingers, his eyes never leaving her hair. “How such a seemingly small gesture can be so erotic eludes me. I have fantasies about that glorious wild mane of yours.” His voice was husky, his eyes heavy-lidded. He exuded raw sexuality. Her nerves pricked like she’d entered a highly magnetized force field.
The reckless side of her nature that she kept tightly leashed rose. She leaned forward and dropped her voice, “Do you now?”
Logan’s eyes dilated and he reached for her.
“I got her tucked in, honey.” Her dad’s voice broke the thick, sensual spell dancing and weaving around them. Logan leaned back in his chair, his hands dropping to his sides.
Kendall straightened and turned to her father. “Thanks, Dad.”
Logan stood up. “Bill, thanks for letting me crash your poker game. It’s been a rare treat.”
“Don’t be a stranger.” He pumped Logan’s hand then left the room.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at seven.”