Read Anything but Love Online

Authors: Celya Bowers

Anything but Love (6 page)

“Nothing. I thought we were going to dance,” Kendall said. “I mean, I can feel your body against mine, but I don’t think we’re dancing.”

“Sorry, you just get my body all excited. I can’t control it, Kendall. You’re a beautiful woman and you’re really working that outfit.”

“Are you always such a smooth talker? I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“Oh, you got jokes. I’ll just have to show you what I mean.” Cole knew this was a mistake, but he couldn’t deny himself one more second. He kissed her on the lips softly. He was determined to go slow, to savor her like a glass of fine imported wine. He tasted her lips with his tongue and gently bit her bottom lip. He felt her surrender as her hands encircled his neck, bringing his face closer to hers.

Cole was too engrossed in the kiss to realize that the music had ended until he heard the applause from their table. Kendall would definitely think he was out to embarrass her now. Gradually, he ended the kiss. “Sorry, I got carried away. I was just trying to relax you.”

Kendall looked up at Cole. She should be furious, but the kiss had felt too good. “I know. But you know what they say about paybacks.” She grabbed his hand and led him off the dance floor, enjoying the look of shock on not only Cole’s face, but everyone else’s at the table as they took their seats.

Jami laughed. “Kendall, when you let your hair down, you don’t mess around.”

“I’m just making up for lost time.” Kendall signaled for the waiter. She’d let her hair down, all right. She had been seen sucking face with the man least likely to return her feelings. Her heart would be the victim again. But she could prevent Cole from stomping on it. She just had to beat him at his own game.

The waiter approached her. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Scotch on the rocks. Make it a double.”

The waiter nodded and left the table. Max voiced his concern from across the table. “Kendall, are you sure? Remember what happened the last time?”

“That was an isolated incident.” She didn’t want to dredge up the past. She already felt exposed with Cole’s hot kisses heating up her body.

Max nodded, not believing her. He grabbed Jami’s hand and led her to the dance floor. There was something tender in the way Max held Jami close to his body as they swayed to the music. Kendall wished she could be that free.

“How are things at InfaCare?” Cole whispered in her ear.

That brought her back to the present with a jolt. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about your hospital. How are things? I was thinking of making a donation.”

Kendall’s head started buzzing. How did he know it was her hospital? “We can always use a donation. What were you thinking of?”

The waiter returned with her drink. Before she could reach for her wallet, Cole paid for it. “I’ll get it.”

“T-thank you, Cole.” Kendall grabbed the drink and took a long sip. Initially, she’d thought the liquor would put out the fire in her body, but it only added fuel to the inferno.

“Hey, you better slow down. That’s some strong stuff.”

Kendall took another long drink. “I hate to tell you this, but I’m capable of making my own drinking decisions.” She downed the remainder of the liquor in one swallow to prove her point.

Which was not the smartest thing she could have done. The burning liquid left a trail of fire from her throat to her stomach. She closed her eyes against the pain.

“I bet you’re regretting that little cowboy-at-the-bar moment,” he drawled. He shook his glass, making his ice clink like a bell. “Scotch is like kissing you. It should be done slowly, so one can savor the flavor.”

Kendall’s eyes popped open and she looked at Cole. “What did you say?”

“I was asking you about your hospital.”

He was lying, she knew it, but decided against calling him on it. “What about my hospital?”

He set his glass on the table and faced her with a smile so mischievous that he reminded her of one of her nephews when they were naughty. This was not going to go well.

“I would like to make a donation to the hospital, and there’s only one condition.”

Kendall needed another drink. Anytime anyone wanted to do something for her or to her, there were always conditions. “What is it? You want your name on the hospital?”

“No, I’m not that vain. I was thinking I could present the check to the hospital next month at the Arlington Annual Charity Gala and you can be my date.”

“I can be your what?”

“You heard me.”

“You can just make a donation anonymously,” Kendall countered. She had no intention of going to the city’s one charity event with this man. It would look too much like a date.

“I want to present the hospital with a check. I know you are close to going into the red, and I do believe in your cause.” He signaled the waiter. “I don’t think even you would refuse a large donation.”

“How large?”

He smiled a smile so masculine that it could only mean more trouble. “Magnum.”

She had a feeling he wasn’t just talking about his charitable donation. “Dollar amount?”

The waiter interrupted their conversation. Cole ordered another round of drinks. “You want another Scotch? Or have you had enough of the rugged manly drink?”

“Another scotch.”

The waiter nodded and left the table. Kendall watched as the members of the table headed to the dance floor. The band had picked up the tempo of the music and had started playing old school music.

Cole cleared his throat. “Would you like to dance?”

Kendall shook her head. If she danced with him, he’d probably try to kiss her again, and she didn’t have her wits back yet. “No, thank you.” She coughed. “You were saying something about donating to the hospital?”

He winked at her. “Yes. I will donate one million dollars on the condition that you attend the charity gala with me as my date.”

“Why do I have to go as your date?” Kendall picked up her glass, then put it back down when she realized it was empty.

“Maybe I enjoy your company.”

The waiter returned with their drinks and placed them on the table. After the young man was gone, Kendall took a quick sip of courage, then asked, “Why?”

Cole took a long drink of his Scotch and set the glass on the table. He picked up Kendall’s hand. “Whether you believe me or not, I think you’re a very attractive woman. I would love to be in your company. Kendall, I don’t know why you hate me so.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“You don’t like me,” Cole pointed out.

If he only knew the truth. “I like you fine,” Kendall said quietly.

“Oh, yeah, I can tell you really mean that. Your ex really did a number on you, didn’t he?”

“What are you talking about?”

Cole took another sip. “It’s clear that you see me as the enemy, but you treat Max like a dear friend. You treat him differently. But me, I can feel the tension between us.”

She felt it too. It was tension, but not the kind Cole thought. It was the kind Kendall couldn’t ignore much longer. “Cole, it’s not what you think.” It was a billion times worse.

“Why don’t you tell me?”

Kendall shook her head. “You just had your tongue down my throat. Now you want me to tell you all my secrets.”

Cole studied her for a short moment. “Actually, I want to kiss you again and again. Until you can’t breathe or think. But for now I will settle for a date to the charity dinner.”

Kendall pondered her situation. That donation which she knew was nothing for Cole would go a long way toward setting the hospital up for at least the next year. Maybe she could open the cancer wing sooner than she anticipated. She had only one answer. “Looks like you just bought yourself a date for one million dollars.”

CHAPTER 6

Exactly four weeks later, Kendall stood in front of her floor-length antique brass mirror laughing uncontrollably. It was almost as if she were sixteen again and her prom wish had come true: Coltrane Highpoint was her date for the evening.

Okay, back to reality. Cole was escorting her to the charity gala for one reason, and one reason only: It was part of the deal he’d struck with her nearly a month before. So technically it wasn’t even a date.

But tell that to her teenaged heart.

Kendall took one last look at her attire and nodded approvingly. The pink bias-cut sequined gown accented her curves, and the v-neck hinted at her full cleavage. However, she wasn’t particularly fond of the front slit that ran from mid-thigh. It exposed the length of her legs each time she took a step. Tonight she’d find out exactly what kind of man Cole was. Most men’s eyes automatically focused on her breasts, then slowly they made eye contact; others stared at her legs. Was Cole a breast or a thigh man?

She glanced back at Jordan as he lay on her king-sized bed, watching her. “What do you think?”

Jordan barked once.

Kendall looked in the mirror and finger-combed her shoulder-length hair. “I take it you’re still mad at me for not taking you out tonight?”

Jordan barked twice.

Kendall nodded. “You think I’m going to way too much trouble for Cole, don’t you?” She exhaled. “So do I. But my mother, sister-in-law, and best friend will not let me do otherwise.”

Jordan raised his head and his little ears perked up. He cocked his head to one side, telling her he didn’t believe one word of her previous statement. He was right, because Kendall didn’t believe it herself.

“Okay, you got me,” she confessed. “I bought this very expensive dress to knock Cole’s socks off. That will show him.” Was that her sounding like a bitter woman? “Let it go, Kendall. That was almost twenty-five years ago. This is a new day,” she told herself. “You’re just gonna blow his pea brain, accept that check, and not let him put those sweet-tasting lips anywhere near yours.”

She slipped on her pink stilettos and sat on the bed next to Jordan. As usual when something bothered her, she talked it out with Jordan. He was an excellent listener. Like now, when Jordan was listening to her insane ramblings about the one man she was genuinely attracted to.

“Okay, even I don’t believe that. To be honest, Jordan, I could really go for one of Cole’s sweet kisses right now.”

* * *

Cole wasn’t sure what he was expecting when he rang Kendall’s doorbell. But once the door opened and he took one look at her, he knew that definitely wasn’t it. He was expecting the uptight doctor to be dressed in some traditional black tasteful gown for the evening. Never in his wildest and most lustful fantasies would he have imagined this form-fitting pink number.

Instantly remembering Max’s warning, Cole averted his gaze from her breasts. It wasn’t easy, especially since he was a breast man, but he did it. He maintained eye contact and hoped and prayed the lower part of his body didn’t get a mind of its own.

“Are you just going to stand there gawking or are you coming inside?” Kendall stepped aside to let him inside her house.

Hoping to God he didn’t voice the retort on the tip of his tongue, Cole nodded and stepped into the foyer. He watched her every graceful move. “You look beautiful, Kendall,” he mumbled. “I wasn’t expecting such a lovely dress.”

She smoothed her hands over the dress, tracing the outline of her gorgeous figure. “My mom picked this out. Can you believe it?”

Cole did, and would have to thank her for her contribution. “It’s lovely and complements your complexion.”

She picked up a small pink evening bag and smiled at him. “Really? I thought it was a little out there, but I’m glad I let Mom and my sister-in-law talk me into it.” She walked toward him. “Ready?”

Cole heard the pad of four paws on hardwood as Jordan trotted in from another room. Cole kneeled down to greet the canine wonder, but Jordan wasn’t having it. He trotted past Cole and sat at Kendall’s feet and whined. This was definitely a woman’s dog, Cole thought.

“No, Jordi, I can’t pick you up. I’ll ruin this dress. I’ll be back soon and we’ll go for nice long run,” Kendall promised.

Jordan scampered off in the opposite direction. Kendall laughed. “He’s mad. He’s going to sulk in the garage.”

Cole stared at her. She was smiling like a proud parent. “I take it that happens quite a bit.”

Kendall started to walk toward the door. “Usually, if I’m going out on a date or something. It’s a wonder he didn’t try to bite you. That’s what happened the last time I had a date.”

He wanted to ask how long ago, but that wouldn’t be proper…or would it? “Well, thank goodness he didn’t draw blood tonight or we’d never get to the ball.” He opened her front door and waved her outside. “Your carriage awaits, Cinderella.”

“Why did you say that?”

He noticed the change in her tone, almost accusatory. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it, Kendall.”

She took a deep breath, fighting off whatever was rolling around in her head. “It’s okay, Cole. I guess I’m just a little on edge about this evening.”

* * *

Unfortunately, Kendall’s disposition only got worse. The minute she and Cole arrived at the Arlington Annual Charity Gala, everyone was treating them as if they were a true couple. She hated it, but Cole loved the attention and quickly fell into character by calling her “honey” at appropriate times in front of the Gala president. They were photographed and placed at a discreet table in the corner of the large ballroom in the Hilton Hotel.

“Away from prying eyes,” said the president. “Just in case you lovebirds want to make out.” She winked at them.

The Charity Gala was best described as the catch-all affair for every charity in Arlington. Instead of all the local organizations doing fundraisers year-round, there was one large charity event where one could donate to any charity they so desired. This year it was a carnival theme and tonight was the official presentations of the check.

Kendall nibbled on her vegetarian meal as Cole did the same with his filet mignon. She was amazed at the number of people, mostly women, who visited their table. She couldn’t decide if it was a territorial thing or not. “Seems like you have quite a following.”

He smiled at her. “Jealous? I have been writing for quite a while, you know. I have a dedicated fan base. Some people do love my subject matter and find it entertaining.”

Kendall was one of those loyal fans. She’d read every book he’d ever published, but pride would prevent her from divulging that little secret. “I’m sure some people find that kind of book intriguing.”

“But you’re not one of those people,” Cole said.

“I have no idea what you mean.” Kendall ate a spoonful of garlic mashed potatoes.

He took a drink of wine and leaned toward her. “I have a photographic memory. I distinctly remember seeing at least four of my books on your bookshelf. So even if you don’t read, thanks for at least buying them.” He took another bite of steak. “Why don’t you quit trying to fight it? Things would move much faster if you’d just admit defeat and fall into my arms.”

She leaned forward, making sure he had a good look at her cleavage, and whispered, “Cole, the only way I’d fall into your arms would be if I stumbled and lost my footing.”

He knew it was a lie, but said nothing. “Here’s to whoever is on the bottom.” He picked up his wine glass and toasted her. “You know, it doesn’t really matter who falls first, as long as the end result is the one we both want.”

“Does everything that comes out of your mouth have to do with sex?” Kendall felt herself growing warm at his mere suggestions. What was she going to do when she could no longer resist his innuendos?

Cole signaled the waiter for another glass of wine. “I think you might want to rephrase that question.”

* * *

A couple of hours later, it was time for Cole to present his check to Kendall for the hospital. He stood, walked to the podium, and pulled out his prepared speech. Kendall knew nothing about this part, of course.

“Good evening,” Cole began. “I’ll make this short and sweet.” He glanced in Kendall’s direction. She was smiling back at him. Whether it was the wine or genuine interest, he didn’t know, but as soon as he could he would find out.

“As most of you know, I was raised right here in Arlington, Texas. While New York was very good to me, I couldn’t seem to get my hometown out of my head. I returned here last year and can honestly say I’m very proud of the changes that have taken place. One in particular is InfaCare. It’s refreshing to know that there’s still a place where the less fortunate can take their children and not have to worry about how they’re going to pay for quality healthcare. Being from a single-parent household, I can understand the need for it. I would like to present my check for one million dollars to Dr. Kendall Matthews for the InfaCare Hospital.”

Kendall was shocked at his speech. Okay, she hadn’t remembered he was from a single-parent household until he said so, and it touched her heart. Cole was very good with words, she reminded herself as she rose from her seat. She walked to the podium, accepted the check, and made her speech.

“Thank you, Mr. Highpoint. Our president says he will leave no child behind in education. At InfaCare that’s also our motto. No child should be left behind when the system fails them. No parent should have to worry when their child needs medical care and they don’t have health insurance because they’ve been laid off. With your generous donation we will be able to keep our doors open. Thank you for helping us serve our community.” She started to walk off but Cole caught her hand.

“We have to pose for more pictures,” he told her.

Before she could think straight, flashbulbs were going off in front of her eyes, blinding her. Kendall reached for Cole’s hand for a little security as the sea of press photographers began to eat them up.

“See, it’s not so hard to lean on someone else, Doc.” Cole led her to the safety of his car.

After they were settled in the car, Kendall began to wonder how safe she really was. Being so close to this man was a mistake, but what could she do? She was as helpless as the infants at the hospital.

“I was thinking we could take a little drive since you’re all dressed up,” Cole suggested. “There’s something I want to show you.”

“Is this anything like showing me etchings?” Kendall laughed. “Really, Cole, I would have thought you’d have something better than that lame line. After all, you do write for a living.”

Cole joined in her laughter and headed to the southern part of Arlington. They were headed to Arlington Lake, she realized. What on earth were they going to do at the lake? “Cole, you know this is private property. You have to have an access code to get in.”

“I know that.” He stopped at the gate and punched in a long sequence of numbers. “I have it under control.” At his words the gates opened and they entered.

The houses surrounding the lake were some of the priciest vacation homes in the county. He stopped at the third two-story structure. “This is what I wanted to show you. I just bought this last week. Actually, Charlie told me about it.”

Kendall nodded. Her brother had mentioned the vacation home, but Kendall thought it was too good to be true. Apparently it wasn’t. Cole probably got it for a song. “That’s great, Cole, but why do you need a vacation home in the same city you live in?”

“I guess it’s the artist in me. I think it will be great for me to write in. When I lived in New York, I had two homes, one in Manhattan, and one in the suburbs. Come on, you’ll have to tell me what you think.”

Kendall took his hand and let him lead her down the path to trouble. He unlocked the front door and ushered her inside. After he turned on the lights, Kendall couldn’t believe her eyes. This house looked cozy. The plaid couch looked inviting; the green chaise lounge had a purple wrap tossed across it. “This is beautiful, Cole.”

“Thank you, Kendall. I actually think you mean it this time.” Cole walked toward her. “Who hurt you so bad that you treat me like I’m lower than dirt?”

Kendall was too tired to fight him. After three glasses of wine, she couldn’t keep up the charade. “It was you, Cole.”

He stopped dead in his approach. “What?”

Kendall sat down on the couch, wishing she had something strong to drink. Maybe it was time to clear all the dirt from the past. Cole towered over her waiting for an explanation. “Remember when I turned sixteen?”

Cole sat beside her. “Vaguely. I remember I was a senior at Texas University. You had just gotten your driver’s license and your mom threw you a party.”

Kendall nodded. “Do you remember what happened during the party?”

“Vaguely. Kendall, it was almost twenty-five years ago.”

Kendall sighed. “I heard you talking on the phone to some girl. I guess she wanted you to come visit, but you said you couldn’t because you were at a stupid kiddie birthday party.”

“Say what?”

“I was so crushed because I wanted to ask you to escort me to the junior prom, but I couldn’t after I heard that. You still considered me a kid, and that hurt me so bad.”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Kendall. I was twenty-one at the time, and you were sixteen.”

“I didn’t see it that way. I thought you were the cutest boy I knew, and you thought I was a kid.” Kendall wiped tears from the past from her eyes.

“Kendall, I’m sorry.” He picked up her hand and rubbed it. “I was a jerk then, but that’s no excuse for doing that to you.”

“Everyone thinks I’m so hard on men because of my ex. It was you. I kept that hurt in my heart so no one could ever hurt me like you did. Even when my ex-husband cheated on me, it didn’t hurt as bad as that day.”

Cole kissed her forehead before taking her in his arms. “Kendall, I’m sorry. I know that means nothing right now, but I’m truly sorry. I had no idea.”

Something about being in this man’s arms did something to her sense of practicality. Tears held in check for a quarter of a century ran full force. Cole wiped her eyes and kissed her gently on the lips.

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