by Tina Cambria
A SON FOR CHRISTMAS
Tina Cambria
About this Book
Copyright © 2018 Casselton House, LLC
Cover image used under license from Shutterstock.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Tina's Books
CHAPTER ONE
Kendra Stevens sometimes wondered if it were possible for a recurring nightmare to actually play out in real life. She’d dreamed it many times, and it was always the same. She would come face-to-face with Shane McCarthy, and he would act as though he’d never seen her before.
Now, she was seated at the table in the fifth-floor conference room at QJV Enterprises, papers spread in front of her, resigned to spending the next hour experiencing a different kind of nightmare—an impromptu budget meeting that had been deemed mandatory for all department heads. An hour she felt would have been much better spent catching up on the hundreds of unread e-mails that had accumulated in her inbox the past few days while she’d been on vacation.
The pre-meeting group chatter mushroomed into a collective buzz coursing through the room. Kendra looked around to see several women at the table sitting up straighter and thrusting their chests out almost in unison. Following their glances, she twisted in her seat toward the door and sucked in a bucket of air.
Shane McCarthy.
Even though she hadn’t seen him in seven years, there was no mistaking the tall, handsome man in the doorway. Easily over six feet, with the athletic build of a basketball player and hair the color of strong coffee, he took charge without uttering a word.
This was the nightmare that had awakened her so many times over the past few years. Soaked in sweat, heart racing, she would jump out of bed and run to the bathroom. She needed the bright overhead light that allowed her to see herself in the mirror above the sink. Only then could she be sure that she was in her own home, her safe little world, the place she had worked so hard to control and keep on an even keel. No matter what.
But she knew she wasn’t dreaming now. Shane was definitely back in San Francisco. Not a vision in her subconscious, but most assuredly in the flesh and at a meeting where she worked. What was he doing at QJV? The last she’d heard, he was serving with the army in the Middle East.
Not exactly a shocker that he scanned the room as he entered. She chalked that up to his military background. When his gaze landed on Kendra, it lingered, and she caught the slightest glint of recognition—or maybe it was surprise—in his eyes.
This was where real life took a different turn than her recurring nightmare. Because in her dreams, Shane always gave her a blank stare. As though she were a complete stranger. As though they’d never spoken to each other before. As though they’d never touched each other in the most intimate way.
And this was where real life had the potential to be even more terrifying than anything that she’d imagined while sleeping. Because if Shane recognized her, if he remembered what they’d done, if he figured out what she’d done after he’d left for basic training, he could destroy everything she’d worked so hard for the past few years.
Her stomach knotted even as she was drawn to him, unable to crush the same feelings he’d aroused years earlier. She’d forgotten how his eyes sparkled when he smiled. It was no mystery why the females in the room reacted so positively to Shane’s striking good looks. Throw in the fit of his gray suit—yes, it was obvious he found the time to work out regularly. Finding a woman who wouldn’t feel some kind of attraction to him would be close to impossible.
But how could she still feel any kind of attraction to him? Not with the ton of anger and resentment inside her. And now she was going to have to work with him? She fought down her rising panic and managed to nod, returning Shane’s glance with a slight smile. No need to launch into a full-blown reunion in front of a gathering of company executives.
Clint Wheeler, the company president, introduced Shane to the group as the new head of security, mentioning that he’d led many special operations around the globe while serving in the army. When he said Shane had the perfect background for the security department at a multi-national telecommunications firm, Kendra noted the murmurs of approval throughout the room.
Turning toward her, Clint said, “Kendra, you’ll want to put out a press release about Shane joining QJV and, of course, be sure to highlight all of his credentials.”
“I’ll get right on it,” she responded, immediately entering a reminder into her smartphone. Like it was any other business task. It took every bit of concentration she could muster to appear calm. No way would anyone in the room suspect Shane McCarthy had the potential to turn her perfect little world upside down.
“Kendra Stevens is our head of PR,” Clint explained, turning back toward Shane. “You two should probably get together later so you can fill her in on the details of your background for the press release.”
“Great idea,” Shane agreed, nodding at Kendra. “I’ll be happy to provide you with all the information you need.” He gave her an easy smile that made his warm brown eyes crinkle. It was like an invitation to take up where they’d left off.
A flood of memories rushed through her. But did he remember too? And even if he did, how could she forget the way things had ended between them? The bad memories overtook the good ones, and fear slithered up her spine.
How could this be happening?
Kendra inhaled deeply and forced herself to return his smile. Shane wouldn’t be the only one providing information. Wait until he heard her information briefing and found out about his six-year-old son.
* * *
Throughout the budget meeting, Shane focused on details that pertained to his department. But every time Kendra spoke up, he couldn’t help wondering how they’d managed to lose touch after he joined the army. Her full lips and light blue eyes framed by shoulder-length blond hair created an appealing combination.
Nothing wrong with her looks or personality. Nothing wrong at all.
He realized he hadn’t been paying attention to what the company president had said for the past thirty seconds or so. Eyeing Clint Wheeler, Shane was relieved to see his new boss was engaged in a round of questions with the chief financial officer and didn’t seem to know he had drifted off into a daydream.
Taking advantage of the back and forth between the two company leaders, his thoughts drifted back to Kendra and their long-ago relationship. He remembered some of their intimate encounters, and a deep, satisfied sigh slipped out. Hard to think of sex that could be any better. He wouldn’t mind rekindling that flame. Starting tonight.
Glancing across the table at Kendra, he nodded his head in approval at her appearance. His return to San Francisco had taken an extremely positive turn. The new job was something he’d worked toward for a long time. But he’d never imaged it would also bring the opportunity to reconnect with a former girlfriend.
Activ
ating the planning skills he’d honed in his years as an army officer, Shane formulated a new mission, one that would involve shifting the meeting with Kendra from normal business hours to a discussion over drinks. Or even dinner.
A smile flickered across his face as he prepared to focus on the budget figures once again. Tonight was shaping up very differently than what he’d been expecting. And he had a good feeling about the evening ahead.
* * *
Kendra’s pulse quickened when Shane approached her after the budget meeting ended. The other executives hurried out of the room, leaving just the two of them to gather their papers.
“Listen,” he said, moving close enough that she inhaled a faint whiff of his woodsy aftershave, “would you like to get together later to catch up? A drink? Or maybe dinner?”
Her first thought was that he wasted no time in getting to the point. Then her pulse ratcheted up a few more notches. Dinner tonight? Who would watch her son Matt?
“I-I’d have to check,” she stammered.
His glance dropped, and she could tell he was sizing her up.
“By the way, you look fabulous,” he said.
“You’re looking great too.” She strained to keep her tone nonchalant. “So, you really didn’t forget about me?”
And if he remembered me, why hadn’t he contacted me even once after he left for the army?
“How could I forget?” Shane grasped her hand and moved forward as though to hug her but stopped short. His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “You gave me quite a sendoff before I headed to army basic combat training and Officer Candidate School.”
She was certain a deep flush had worked its way up her neck. There was no way to control the unpleasant effect she sometimes experienced when she felt embarrassed. “This really isn’t the place to discuss that…” Her voice betrayed her discomfort with the subject of their previous relationship.
“Look, here’s my card. Hot off the presses.” Shane handed her a QJV business card, and Kendra swore she felt a blast of heat. “Text me when you figure out your schedule for tonight,” he said. “I’d love to find out more about how you’re doing, and you can grill me for the details you need for your press release.”
Tucking his business card in her folder, she forced a smile and said, “We definitely have a lot of catching up to do.”
CHAPTER TWO
Kendra struggled to keep her mind on her work until her sister Alicia confirmed she would pick up Matt from his after-school program and take him to her house for a sleepover. Her hands shook as she texted a message to Shane, asking where she should meet him after work.
Hands still trembling, she set her cell phone on her desk. What on earth was she doing? A few hours earlier, her life had been perfectly organized. Everything was tied up with a neat little bow on top. Was it really possible that in a few hours she’d be catching up with Shane? It was all happening so fast. She was terrified of how he’d react when he found out about his son.
Noticing the words on her computer screen were blurred, Kendra wiped at the tears filling her eyes. What was the matter with her? He was nothing to her now, right?
That wasn’t entirely true. He was the father of her child. A child he didn’t even know about.
Hurt and anger bubbled up from a place she’d thought was packed away for good. But now regret also worked its way in and exploded, filling her with guilt. Shane had been wrong, but she’d been wrong too.
Still, her life was good now. She’d worked so hard to establish her career, and it was finally paying off. Things couldn’t be better. She loved her challenging, well-paying job. Her beautiful, healthy son and loving family were more than she could hope for. On top of all that, she had a nice home and good friends.
The last thing I need is for Shane to cause trouble. He could really mess up my perfect life.
How could she focus on the pile of work in front of her? She wasn’t going to be able to avoid the reality of Shane not only being back in the Bay Area, but actually being at the same company where she’d worked her way up through the ranks over the past few years. And if Pop and Alicia somehow figured out he was back in town—well, Kendra was sure her father and sister would have something to say about that.
Her world was spiraling out of control. When she’d gotten up that morning, life was fantastic. Now everything she’d built in the past few years could crumble in an instant.
Kendra didn’t want Shane back in her life, but did she have any choice? She was forced to work with him at QJV now. So, it would be better for her to make the first move regarding their son. It was time to tell him the truth, the truth that could turn her life upside down, the truth she’d denied for years.
Because deep down, she knew she shouldn’t have kept their son a secret.
A ding from her cell phone interrupted Kendra’s thoughts. Shane’s reply suggested a seven o’clock dinner at Antonio’s by Fisherman’s Wharf. A romantic Italian restaurant. Where was this going?
Despite the rush hour traffic, she pulled up in front of Antonio’s a few minutes before seven o’clock. Stepping out of her car and handing her keys to the valet parking attendant, she took a deep breath to calm herself. Once inside the restaurant, the aroma of fresh-baked bread took her back to childhood visits to her grandmother and instantly made her more comfortable.
Kendra peeked into the dining room as she told the hostess she was meeting Shane McCarthy. Snowy white tablecloths were accented with burgundy napkins folded pyramid-style atop each white dinner plate. The warm glow of large lighted candles in glass hurricane lamps throughout the dining room infused her with a sense of well-being as she followed the hostess. Maybe this little get-together wouldn’t be as stressful as she’d been dreading.
Seated at a banquette-style booth in a dimly-lit corner, Shane smiled and gave a welcoming wave. Even in the subdued lighting, she couldn’t help but be drawn in by the square set of his jaw, the movie star smile, and his friendly eyes. A tingly sensation she hadn’t experienced in a while rippled through her body.
Taking note of the framed mirrors and pictures of the Tuscan countryside on the walls, she wondered how a restaurant could get more romantic. About the only thing missing was a violinist playing a song about what a lovely night it was.
Shane slid out from his seat and stood to greet her, leaning over to kiss her cheek when she reached the booth. It was the kind of kiss you’d give your grandmother. Was it a romantic evening or simply two friends getting together to talk about old times and discuss information for a corporate press release? She couldn’t help feeling confused.
He smiled, and his eyes gleamed as they both settled into their seats. “I’m glad you could make it tonight.”
“No problem.”
“Hey, I hope you don’t mind I went ahead and ordered a bottle of red wine. But you can order something else to drink if you’d like.”
“No, I’m sure the red wine will be perfect.” Everything else about him was perfect, so why would his wine selection be any different?
When the waiter arrived with a bottle of pinot noir, he removed the cork and poured a small amount into a wine glass. After getting Shane’s approval, the waiter filled both of their glasses before leaving them alone to review the menu.
“To reconnecting with friends,” Shane said, tapping his glass against Kendra’s in a toast.
“Yes, to reconnecting.” Taking a sip of the wine, she changed the toast in her head. To reconnecting with a former lover.
“Quite a coincidence we’re working at the same company,” he said.
“Seriously. I never expected to see you again.”
“It’s been a while.” He propped his chin on his fist and fixed his stare directly on her eyes. “So, what’s going on?”
“What do you mean?” Was her anxiety coming through in her voice? Suddenly realizing she hadn’t actually formulated any kind of plan for telling Shane about his son, Kendra felt foolish for hoping the right words would come
when the moment seemed right.
“I mean, what’s hot with you right now?” He took a sip of wine. “Probably getting ready for the holidays.”
“Well, with Thanksgiving coming next week, I guess it’s time to get serious about Christmas shopping.”
“Right,” he said. “Do you have a lot of people to shop for? You’re not married, are you?” He glanced at the ring finger of her left hand.
“No, I’m single.” She stared straight back at Shane. “What about you?”
“Same here.”
“I’m surprised.”
“Why would you be surprised?” His questioning eyes glinted with a touch of amusement. “I’m barely thirty. Plenty of years ahead for me.”
“Oh, probably because you’re so attractive. And nice. Guess I thought someone would’ve snapped you up by now.”
“Snapped me up.” He laughed. “That’s an interesting way to put it.”
“Maybe saying ‘snapped you up’ wasn’t the best choice of words. I didn’t mean to imply you’re a piece of merchandise on the clearance rack or anything like that.”
“No offense taken. After all, you did say I’m attractive.” He winked at her. “And nice.”
Kendra felt the dreaded flush as it crept up her neck again. Why had she launched right in to saying she thought he was attractive? Shane was going to think she was coming on to him.
“Well, you are attractive and nice,” she said. Despite everything, she couldn’t deny his good looks and friendliness. “I guess that’s what I liked about you back in college.”
“College seems like a long time ago.”
“That’s why I figured you’d be married by now.” She leaned forward, her curiosity about his recent romantic activities bubbling.
“I really haven’t had time to settle down with anyone, with all the travel and special operations I’ve been involved with in the military. I’ve been focusing on my career the past few years.”
“Sounds reasonable.” Kendra sagged against the back of her seat and rubbed the base of her skull. He obviously wasn’t going to reveal more details.