Starlight in Her Eyes (7 page)

Colin sat back in his chair, pleased by the comment. “The resilience of youth. I'm glad she's better. And even with only a brief introduction, I'm very fond of Lily.”

“Well, she wasn't too happy with me when I told her she'd watched
Annie
one time too many,” Serena said. “So we compromised.”

“With another kid-friendly musical?” Colin grinned. “I hear
Oliver!
has street urchins.”

“I only wish I'd thought of it,” Serena said. “Believe it or not, she talked me into yet another version of the same movie. My child has fairly strong powers of persuasion, which can be both good and bad, depending on my state of mind.”

“Ah, so the sun will continue to come out, eh?” Colin chuckled. “They only have a hundred or so versions of
Annie
.” Using his coffee stirrer, he swirled his drink. “I understand customers either love this drink or hate it. Let's see, shall we?” As he lightly tapped his cup against hers and they both took a drink, Colin eyed her as he sampled his latte. Scrunching his face, he pretended not to like it when, in fact, he found it quite tasty.

Serena's lips twisted as she lowered her cup. “When I was watching that tape, I was thinking you could be an actor, but I should probably re-evaluate. Your performance just now was shameful. Really…dreadful.”

Colin took another sip and narrowed his eyes. “You're getting to know me too well, Serena.”

“That could be a scary thing.”

Or a wonderful thing. If he didn't know better, Colin would think Serena was flirting. Her voice had dipped an octave and her gaze never left his as she took another sip of her coffee.

“This is delicious,” she said, licking her lips. “Would you like a taste?”

“Certainly, although I should warn you peppermint's not a favorite. Especially since dear Marla carries the scent of peppermint when she attacks me with that detestable hair spray. Guilt by association, perhaps. Unfair or not.”

They traded, sampled, and then promptly switched back again. “I've never liked gingerbread, and that confirms it.” Serena shook her head as if shaking off the aftertaste.

Protesting his choice of holiday beverage or not, Serena could have no idea how enticing he considered her. Colin hadn't missed the interested glances from other men as they'd walked the short distance to the coffee shop, although she didn't seem to notice. Serena was a beautiful woman. Graceful. Elegant. The epitome of femininity.

When she'd removed her coat and draped it over the adjacent chair, he'd admired the way the thin belt of her red dress accentuated her small waist. Earlier that morning, he'd enjoyed the way her dress flirted around her knees and accented her fabulously long legs and red high heels. The woman did like the color red. She wore it well.

Even if it was unconscious on her part, Serena understood it was more sensual for a woman to dress modestly instead of openly displaying her God-given attributes. Dressing like a lady lent an air of mystery while still serving as a stimulus for his male instincts.

Becoming a Christian hadn't rendered him blind, but he now made a conscious effort to rein in his thoughts. By the grace of God, he managed.

“Colin? Should I ask?” Serena's blue eyes were guileless.

“I think perhaps not.” He shook his head. “Sorry, love. Forgive me.” Colin's cheeks grew warm under her scrutiny. He'd been caught red-handed. Surely even the Lord understood his appreciation for her beauty. “You know,” he said, needing a quick change of topic, “gingerbread can be an acquired taste, although there are some who claim it should only be something you eat, not drink.”
Inane, Colin.
He needed to say something intelligent if he had a prayer Serena would go anywhere with him ever again. “I would probably hate it if it didn't bring back wonderful memories of my grandmother.”

Serena's eyes lit with interest. “Tell me.”

“She was my dad's mother and lived in Surrey a few doors down from where I grew up. My grandfather passed away when I was an infant, but I spent more time with her than in my own home. I never really knew my mum's parents, sad to say.” His shoulders heaved with his deep sigh. “Grandmother Nell was a fabulous baker. The house always smelled of divine spices and fresh breads. It's a wonder I wasn't a chubby child. I also credit Grandmother Nell with fostering my interest in pursuing a television career.”

“Because she read to you or you watched television with her?”

“She did those things, yes, but more because she had a fierce belief in me. She told me I could do anything I wanted in life, but I needed to trust in God more than myself to make it happen.”

“Wise words,” Serena said. “Grandmother Nell sounds like a wonderful woman.”

Colin brushed his thumb back and forth across the outside of his warm cup. “She was, and she always quoted the scripture, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.' She died when I was ten, and unfortunately, I didn't hear those words, or anything like them, for many years after. Not that I blame anyone but myself for my wayward behavior. Suffice it to say, I ended up believing the lie that I could do everything on my own.”

“You're a Christian now, aren't you, Colin?” Serena's eyes met his without wavering.

He sensed his response was important to her. “A fairly new one, yes. I'm a blessed man, and His grace is far more than I deserve. You're a believer as well?” He felt sure of her answer but wanted to hear it directly from Serena.

“Yes, although I'll admit I haven't been as faithful as I should have been, especially in the last few years.”

When Serena's expression clouded, Colin understood it wasn't the time to discuss such things. In time, they would, but not now. At a time when they could sit and talk for a much longer time, unfettered by work schedules, and not during a short afternoon coffee break.

“Tell me more about Lily.” Based on the way Serena brightened at his question, Colin knew he'd struck the right chord.

As he listened, Colin noted how she avoided any mention of Lily's father. Everything Serena told him about Lily revealed her deep love for her child. Her eyes shone with tenderness, and she smiled often. But there was also a vulnerability about her that drew on his protective instincts. She seemed to have that effect on others at the television station, too.

They'd guarded her secret well, if it could even be termed as such. If Colin hadn't done some digging on the Internet, he wouldn't have known of her personal connection to Graham Preston.

He hoped she'd feel comfortable enough at some point to tell him the truth about Graham. For now, he'd ask no questions.

Serena had been through a terrible tragedy, and that loss alone could have decimated her. While an aura of sadness seemed to hover about her, she seemed well-adjusted to her life without Graham.

He could imagine having Lily was a great comfort to her but couldn't know whether she didn't talk about Graham because the wounds were still too fresh or for some other reason.

“Colin Young, how are you?” Paulina Kovach approached their table. Tall and attractive, the blonde news anchor gave him the type of smile he recognized all too well. A lift of a brow, a suggestive wink, a touch of the hand might come next. Barely more than a year ago, he might have taken advantage of her unspoken offer without a second thought. No questions, no regrets, no tomorrows. What a fool he'd been. If only he could take back his past behavior, he would in a heartbeat.

Thank you, Jesus, for the woman sharing my table now.

Sure enough, Paulina kissed him on both cheeks before extending her hand.

Colin rose to his feet and briefly took her hand before releasing it. “Nice to see you again, Paulina.” He motioned to Serena, who suddenly appeared ill at ease. “Do you know Serena Monroe?”

“I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed your ‘Out and About' segments,” Paulina said, ignoring Serena. “They're inventive and humorous. Whoever is responsible for that concept should be commended. So simple, yet brilliant.”

“Thank you. I'm glad you've enjoyed them. We've had fun.” Colin nodded to his table companion. “As a matter of fact, Serena is the person to commend for those segments. She has all manner of fabulous ideas for
Wake Up, Philadelphia!
”

Paulina turned and eyed Serena up and down with such blatant disdain that it shouldn't shock him, and yet it did. “Serena, my apologies. I didn't catch your name when Colin first mentioned you, and I didn't recognize you without your hair in that bun and the glasses you always wear. I don't believe I've seen you since Graham's funeral. How have you been?”

Serena blanched, and Colin cringed at Paulina's insensitivity. Although she remained seated, Serena lifted her chin and leveled her gaze on Paulina. “I'm well, thank you.” She said it with such quiet dignity that Colin wanted to applaud her.

Paulina turned her full attention back to him. “Colin, be a darling and save me a slow dance at the Liberty Bell Ball. It's always a fantastic evening.”

“I'll be there.”

With a wink, Paulina excused herself and joined a group of people he recognized from the evening news staff. He'd been introduced to many of them during his first week in town and had shared lunch or dinner with a number of them. He'd also turned down a number of invitations to go to clubs after work. Mindless flirtations and after-hours networking no longer had a place in his life.

Serena abruptly rose and draped her coat around her shoulders before he could assist her.

“Please stay a while longer.” Colin didn't bother to hide his disappointment. “You haven't finished your coffee.” He hated that the closeness they'd shared only a minute before had been spoiled.

“I've had enough…coffee.” After buttoning her red wool coat, Serena slipped on her gloves. “My break is over, and I need to get back to the office.”

“I'm coming with you.” Tossing on his overcoat, Colin grabbed his scarf and followed her as she headed out the door of the coffee shop.

Her jaw was tight, her lips set in a firm line.

“Serena, I hope you don't believe I did anything to encourage Paulina,” he said as they reached the sidewalk. “Her remarks to you were unfortunate and smug.”

Serena's brow creased and she appeared genuinely surprised. “Not at all. You were a perfect gentleman. You'd think I'd be accustomed to that kind of behavior by now, but I honestly don't think I'll ever get used to it.” The dark skies and biting wind only added to the pall that Paulina's appearance had cast over the afternoon.

“Colin, how did you know I was the one who'd suggested we send a camera crew with you to tape your segments around the city?” she asked, without looking at him as they walked.

He hadn't known a woman could move so fast in high heels.

His brow creased. “I believe Larry—Lawrence—mentioned it to me in passing at some point. Does it matter?”

“No. Not really.” She dipped her head. “For what it's worth, thank you for mentioning it to Paulina.”

“Not at all. Matter of fact, I'm enjoying the segments and wondering if they aren't more popular than the show itself.”

They'd reached the revolving door at the front of the television station's high-rise building and, ushering her inside, Colin stepped in behind her. He caught the scent of her light perfume, understated yet utterly feminine.

“That's not true,” she said, pulling off her gloves. “The segments are effective as fillers, but I doubt you could base a daily, hour-long show on them alone. You need the mix of the interviews, the live audience, and the exchanges between the co-hosts.”

They headed toward the bank of elevators.

Colin stepped into the compartment beside her, the only two occupants of the elevator. For that, he was thankful. “Serena, pardon me if this is too personal and pushes the boundaries, but have you ever considered becoming a producer? You have excellent ideas and obviously care about the success of the show a great deal. I'm aware the taped segments aren't the only suggestions you've made in the short time I've been at the station. You've clearly earned the respect and admiration of everyone, and you're as loyal an employee as anyone could ask.”

Serena blinked, and Colin was surprised to glimpse the moisture in her eyes.

“I considered it briefly—not that anyone has asked—but I also understand the responsibilities and the stress of being a producer. They make it look easy, but it's not. More than that, Lily is the most important person in the world to me. She's in school now during a large part of the year, but even so, I wouldn't want a position that would take away from the precious time I have to spend with her, as it is. Being a producer isn't a part-time job, and I need to be more than a part-time mother to my daughter.”

Colin nodded. “Understood. For what it's worth, I agree and admire your dedication to your daughter. It shows.”

When the elevator doors opened, Serena exited and headed down the hallway toward her office without looking back.

Call him stubborn, but he wanted to see what she would do when she realized he wasn't beside her. He stood his ground.

Not more than twenty seconds later, Serena halted. Her shoulders slumped and she stood frozen to the spot. Then she turned and walked back to where he waited outside the elevator.

Thankfully, the corridor was otherwise deserted and no one else was within hearing distance. Not even a lurking intern.

Serena's consternation must somehow be deeply rooted in her relationship with Graham. If he were still a betting man, he'd stake a month's salary on it. Standing in front of him, her blue eyes shone with sincerity yet held the same hurt he'd glimpsed early on.

Stepping closer, Colin lowered his voice. “Who or what has hurt you, love? What pain do you carry?” The Adam's apple in his throat slid up and down. He hoped she could tell he asked out of deep concern and care. As her good friend, if nothing more, although he desired so much more than friendship with this woman. In his past life, before Christ, he would have run away as fast and as far as he could from a woman who carried such burdens and had a small child. His life had changed when Serena Monroe marched into his life, clipboard and all. He might be a new Christian, but her appearance was what Nikki would undoubtedly call a “God-ordained” moment.