by Jen Talty
The producer raised his hand. “Yes. It was. And it will be addressed. Now, let’s get through this next part of the interview without incident, okay?”
“Let me do it on my own, and it will be great,” Rusty said.
“You promised me you wouldn’t let this arrogant asshole come in and take over my show.” Cindy planted her hand on her hip.
“Just remember this is his interview,” the producer said. “We are back in fifteen seconds.”
“You are fucking amazing,” Hawk whispered in Kennedy’s ear before pressing his lips against her cheek.
“My pulse is racing and even my ass is numb.” She laced her fingers through his and plopped back on the sofa. “I can’t believe I did that.”
“I can’t believe you thought to find that article,” Hawk said.
“Ethel gave it to me.”
“Remind me to thank her properly.” Hawk set their intertwined hands on his lap and watched as the producer counted down from five.
“Welcome back to The Morning Dose. I’m here with Hawk Jefferson and the ever lovely and quick-witted Kennedy Monroe. And now that we’ve cleared up the unpleasant rumors, it’s time to address the status of your love lives.”
“I think it’s obvious now that we are a couple,” Hawk said.
“But you kept that a secret? Why?” Cindy asked.
“Because I wanted it that way. I’m not in the spotlight, and I didn’t want to be put there until I was ready,” Kennedy said with a sweet smile. “It’s unfortunate that we were put in this position, and it does anger both Hawk and me that the paparazzi invaded our privacy, but we were going to have to make our relationship public at some point. We just wanted to do it on our terms, not like this.”
“That is completely understandable,” Rusty said.
“Not to mention we work together,” Hawk added. “My dating record has been out there for the world to judge and scrutinize, and honestly, after my last very public breakup, I was sick and tired of it all. When we first realized we had feelings for each other, the last thing we wanted was people talking around the water cooler or people hiding in the bushes to take pictures. Last night we got careless, and unfortunately, we were outed before we were ready. But now that the truth is out.” Hawk lifted their hands and kissed the back of hers. “I’m glad. I’ve honestly hated hiding how much I care about Kennedy. She’s like no other woman I’ve ever met.”
“I’m curious.” Cindy leaned in. “How long have you been dating?”
“About four months,” Hawk said. God, he hated the way Cindy stared down at him with vulture eyes, waiting to dive in and go for the jugular.
She pulled out her cell phone. “Can you explain this picture of you carrying a passed-out Kennedy, over your shoulder, into her apartment building, on the night Lorna came forward with her story about abuse.”
“You seriously think this image is a bad thing?” Kennedy asked.
“Sweetheart, don’t engage,” Hawk said softly, waiting for the music to play so they could cut to something else before this got even uglier.
“I’m sorry,” Rusty started. “I think we’ve gotten sidetracked.”
Hawk sucked in a deep breath. He knew Cindy was trying to rattle him, which she’d done so many times in the past, but he wasn’t going to let her do it this time. Not with Kennedy at his side, opening her mouth, putting Cindy in her place.
Only, if her doorman had snapped that image, he was going to have to punch his lights out.
“Mind if I look at that image?” Curiosity was going to get him in trouble, but he really wanted to see where the picture had been snapped. That might give him a clue as to whom he should be pissed as hell at.
“Not at all.” Cindy handed him her phone with a big smile as if she just pulled off some coup.
He tapped the phone and made the image bigger and smaller, showing it to Kennedy as they both took a moment to study the background. “That was taken in the parking lot of the bar.”
She nodded.
“When we had dinner last night,” Rusty interjected. “You mentioned bonding over bad breakups.”
Hawk handed Cindy her phone back. “It was the night that someone took that picture, which I have to say, I’m thrilled it was kept private. Well, until now. But Lorna had made all those horrible false accusations, and Kennedy and her boyfriend at the time had just broken up. We shared a few too many drinks.”
“Wasn’t one of my better moments.” Kennedy patted Hawk’s leg and let out a slight laugh. “Hawk introduced me to his signature drink.”
“Bourbon,” Rusty said with hardy laugh. “Our entire frat house made that our drink of choice, but Hawk was about the only one who could handle it.”
“Yeah, well, you frat boys can have it.” Kennedy waggled her finger. “After that night, for obvious reasons, I never want to have even a sip. But that night Hawk and I grew quite close, and a couple of months later, it blossomed into something more, and here we sit.” Kennedy leaned in with puckered lips.
For good measure, he turned his head and caught her mouth with his, letting the kiss linger a little longer than appropriate for live TV, but it would drive the point home.
“I’m glad whoever took that picture didn’t publicize it,” Kennedy added. “Although it’s too bad someone tried to make it ugly by sending it to you. I, for one, am so happy that I ran into Hawk that night.”
“So am I,” Hawk said. “And Rusty, I want to thank you personally for letting me know that you were going to run with the story this morning and giving us a chance to tell it our way.”
“Anything for an old friend, and Lilly and I look forward to having both of you to our house for dinner.” Rusty turned toward the camera. “We’ll be right back after these messages.”
Cindy stood and stomped off, pushing right past the producer.
“I’m sorry about what she did,” the producer said. “I would have stopped the segment had it not been for the way Kennedy here handled herself. Have you ever thought about a career in front of the camera?”
“Absolutely not,” Kennedy said with a firm tone. “I’m sorry that I tossed your anchor under the bus.”
The producer waved his hand as if he were brushing something away. “That article you quoted? Well, there are three more just like it, and even before you said it, people have been calling in. Unfortunately, I have no idea what the station executives are thinking when it comes to her, but as of yesterday, I’m no longer her producer, and that’s not sitting well with her. She’s threatened by Rusty, so you might have done us a favor. Besides, it was so much fun to finally see someone give her a taste of her own medicine.” The producer glanced over his shoulder. “But I’d watch your back. She’s a vindictive one.”
“I know that firsthand,” Hawk said.
“Perhaps, but the two of you came off looking like a power couple.” Rusty held up his phone. “Social media is going nuts, calling the two of you the couple of the year. They especially love Kennedy, saying she’s got more class than any woman you’ve ever dated. Hell, most think she’s too good for you.”
“She absolutely is,” Hawk said. When he had to pull the plug on this charade, he was going to come out looking like a real shit because no way would he ever let Kennedy take any heat.
She’d put her entire reputation on the line for him, and he owed her everything.
But he’d start with a Range Rover.
3
If looks could kill, Kennedy would have been dead the second she stepped foot in the office building. She picked up the phone on her desk and hit the front desk button. “Tallulah, can I speak with you in my office for a minute?”
“Is it important? Mr. Jefferson gave me a lot of things to do today.”
“Please. I just need a few minutes of your time,” Kennedy said, letting out a long breath. Most people in the office took the news of her new relationship status with an awkward congratulations. She was sure people were talking about her and Hawk behind her b
ack, but she didn’t care about that. She’d always kept everyone at the office at a safe distance, especially since the John and Tallulah fiasco.
“Can it wait until the end of the day?”
“Hawk and I are leaving at three,” Kennedy said.
“That’s in a half hour.”
“I know.”
“Fine. I’ll be right there.” The line went dead with a loud thud.
“Geez,” Kennedy mumbled. She lowered her laptop screen and pushed it aside. The next few days were going to be weirder than anything she’d ever experienced, and she was up for the task, but she wasn’t prepared for the way Tallulah had reacted.
The sound of heels clicking on the tile floor echoed down the hallway. Tallulah appeared in her doorway. She stepped into the office. “What can I do for you?”
“Close the door, please, and take a seat.”
“I’ll stand, thank you.”
“All right.” Needing to be on the same level, Kennedy rose and leaned against her desk. “Why are you so mad at me?”
“Really? You’re going to pretend like you have no idea why I could possibly have reason to be upset with you?”
“The only thing I can think of is that I didn’t tell you about me and Hawk.” Which is so stupid because there was nothing to tell. “Or that I haven’t given you an answer yet on being in the wedding yet.”
“Wow. Just wow.” Tallulah shook her head. “You have some nerve.” She pulled out her phone and with heavy fingers tapped at the screen before holding up some twitter stream. “You told that horrible woman that you thought I was the one who fed her that gross image of you and Hawk, and then you had to tell her about catching me and John in bed together.”
“I never accused you of anything, and the only people I’ve ever told what really happened that night are my sisters and Hawk. I have no idea how that crazy woman found out.” Kennedy snagged the phone and glanced at Cindy’s twitter thread. “She’s such a fucking bitch.” Quickly, Kennedy flipped open her computer and went to her twitter account. She found the thread and crafted a professional rebuttal. Before hitting publish, she decided to read it out loud to Tallulah. “Tell me what you think of this.” Kennedy cleared her throat. “I find it sad that you tried to humiliate me and my boyfriend this morning on The Morning Dose, but to drag my co-worker and close friend into something that is obviously your issue doesn’t even constitute yellow journalism. I never said I thought Tallulah took that picture, and for you to bring up what might or might not have happened in my previous relationship is in poor taste. Move on. There is no story here, other than two couples who also happen to work together and are friends.” She let out a long breath. “I had to do it in a couple tweets.” She shook out her hands. Whenever this kind of shit happened to Hawk, she would always tell him to take a step back and breathe before reacting.
Only, he tended to use colorful language and said things that only made matters worse.
Hopefully, this would just let the world know she hadn’t tossed her friend under the bus.
Tallulah leaned against the door. “I’m sorry. I should have known you would never do something like that. It’s just that a lot of people don’t actually know what happened between all of us.”
“Please don’t take this as me being mean, but they do. They just aren’t saying anything, and at this point, no one cares anymore, least of all me.” She closed the gap and placed her hands on Tallulah’s forearms. “I’d be honored to be in your wedding, if you’ll still have me.”
“Really? Even after the way I treated you today?”
Kennedy laughed. “I’ve been giving you the cold shoulder for months. Consider it payback.”
“It feels good to laugh with you again.”
Kennedy nodded. “My sister is here.” She waved to Ethel as she made her way down the hallway carrying an overnight bag.
“Well, I’ve got to get back to work anyway. Do you think we could do a girls’ night sometime soon?”
“Absolutely.”
“Because I want to hear all about how you and Hawk got together. And how the hell have you kept it a secret for months. I mean, not a single soul in this office knew. Everyone is totally shocked, and yet, not really, since the two of you make the perfect couple.”
“We’ll talk next week,” Kennedy said as she opened her door for her sister, who gave her an odd look as Tallulah practically skipped by.
“So, the two of you are best buddies again?” Ethel asked.
“I just agreed to be in her wedding.” Kennedy took the bag she’d asked Ethel to pack with a few things she’d need for the weekend, since she’d insanely agreed to spend it at Hawk’s house, making it look more legit with his parents. God, talk about awkward. And why did everyone think she and Hawk were such a likely couple. If one more person told her it was about damn time they hooked up, she figured her head would explode.
“Why would you do that?” Ethel asked. “She broke girl code, and that’s just not cool.”
“Because at the end of the day, she did me a big favor by sleeping with John,” Kennedy said. “Did you remember to pack my black strapless dress and my black pumps?”
“I did,” Ethel said. “It’s hanging in your car. But I also picked two other, more conservative dresses that are a little less revealing. You know how Mom can be.”
“That’s a good idea, thanks.”
“I hope Dad doesn’t act like too much of a dick at dinner tonight. Where are you going?”
“We’re eating at Thirsty’s. No one will bother us inside the bar, but God only knows who will be snapping what pictures.”
“Dad can handle the media. It’s not like our family hasn’t been in the spotlight before.” Ethel plopped herself down on the chair by the desk.
“But that was when we were little and Mom gave up modeling when she got pregnant with me, and by the time she had Bobby, she’d fallen out of the entertainment world.”
“Yeah, but every once in a while, a piece is done on her. Let’s not forget, she was once the top paid model in the country. It shocked the industry when she up and quit to be a mom,” Ethel said, waving her hand in the air. “Why didn’t you tell us about this? We could have kept your secret.”
She wished she didn’t have to continue this lie with her family. It felt dirty and wrong, but if it came out that she and Hawk fabricated this story, it would look really bad.
And not just for Hawk.
“Because at first I thought it was just a fling, and I was waiting for it to blow up in my face. I mean, office romances don’t work out, and sleeping with your boss is never a good idea. And he wanted to keep it out of the media, so I had to respect that.” Her cheeks flushed at the thought of what it would be like to have sex with Hawk. She imagined he would be wild and kinky but tender at the same time. “And then it just became when would it be the right time. We had decided this weekend to tell his parents and next weekend to tell all of you, but the media beat us to the punch.”
“I have to admit, I’m a little hurt that you didn’t trust me. So is Rose.”
“I know,” Kennedy said, easing behind her desk. She glanced out across the hallway, through the glass walls into Hawk’s office. He paced in his office with his hands flapping about wildly, which meant he was still on the phone. He paused for a brief second and smiled before continuing to beat a path in the carpet. “And all I can do is say I’m sorry and hope you’ll forgive me.”
Ethel smiled bright. “You know I do because I totally understand. But damn girl, you’ve gotten good at lying. Hell, we teased the shit out of you about him a few times, and you stuck with your story without batting an eyelash.”
Kennedy better be a damn good liar now. “You have no idea how hard that was. I almost blew it a few times.”
“I bet.” Ethel sat up in her chair and leaned forward like an excited little girl waiting to be told she could go outside and play. Her short curly hair bounced at her ears, and her dark lashes flickered over her
bright-blue eyes. “Do you love him?”
“It’s still all too new to go there.” Kennedy swallowed her fear. Love. What a strong word. One she tossed around too quickly with John. She said the words one night, and after they tumbled out of her mouth, they hadn’t felt right. She lay in bed, staring at John, wondering if she really meant those three little words, feeling shitty because she wasn’t sure.
From that moment on, she told herself she loved him with all her heart.
But she hadn’t.
She cared deeply.
But true love?
She’d yet to know what that really meant. Or felt like.
“Don’t let what happened with John make you shy away from love,” Ethel said.
“I’m not.” This conversation was ridiculous. In a couple of months, she and Hawk would fake break up. It would be a mutual split. However, Hawk would insist on making sure he took any bad press so she and her family would be as protected as possible. The reality that this lie would become her life for more than a weekend had finally settled into her mind, and it weighed heavy on her heart. “I’m just taking things slow with Hawk. I’ve known him a long time, and while he’s always gotten a bad rap when it comes to women, he does have bad taste and judgment when it comes to picking girlfriends.”
“Until you,” Ethel added with a smile as wide as the state of Texas.
Kennedy laughed. “I am a good egg, but that’s not the point. Now, I’ve got a couple of emails I’ve got to finish before my boss—”
“You mean your boyfriend.” Ethel waggled her finger.
“Whatever.” Kennedy rolled her eyes. “Before Hawk comes barging in my office yelling it’s time to go.”
“You’re leaving this early for a date with our folks?”
Kennedy nodded. “He keeps joking he’s taking me to buy a Range Rover, but I think he’s terrified of meeting Dad.”
“Seriously? He’s going to buy you an SUV?” Ethel jumped to her feet.
“No. He’s just messing with me.”
“I’d take the vehicle. You’ve always wanted one of those things.”