John couldn’t believe his eyes.

Philip’s date was the blonde! The one John had met in Austin.

She’d recognized him, too. He could see the surprise in her eyes.

Philip proudly drew the blonde forward. “John, this is Claudia Hathaway, the new prof I was telling you about. Claudia, my cousin John Renzo.”

She tilted her head, studying John. “Actually, I believe we’ve met.”

“You’ve met?” Philip looked from one to the other.

John shrugged. “But I didn’t know her name.” He couldn’t stop staring at her. God, she was even more gorgeous than he’d remembered. Tonight, in that black clingy outfit, she looked fantastic. Although she was lean, her body was sexy, with curves in the right places. And she was the wonderful Claudia that Philip had been talking about for weeks?

How was that possible?

Dear Reader,

Well, we hope your New Year’s resolutions included reading some fabulous new books—because we can provide the reading material! We begin with Stranded with the Groom by Christine Rimmer, part of our new MONTANA MAVERICKS: GOLD RUSH GROOMS miniseries. When a staged wedding reenactment turns into the real thing, can the actual honeymoon be far behind? Tune in next month for the next installment in this exciting new continuity.

Victoria Pade concludes her NORTHBRIDGE NUPTIALS miniseries with Having the Bachelor’s Baby, in which a woman trying to push aside memories of her one night of passion with the town’s former bad boy finds herself left with one little reminder of that encounter—she’s pregnant with his child. Judy Duarte begins her new miniseries, BAYSIDE BACHELORS, with Hailey’s Hero, featuring a cautious woman who finds herself losing her heart to a rugged rebel who might break it…. THE HATHAWAYS OF MORGAN CREEK by Patricia Kay continues with His Best Friend, in which a woman is torn between two men—the one she really wants, and the one to whom he owes his life. Mary J. Forbes’s sophomore Special Edition is A Father, Again, featuring a grown-up reunion between a single mother and her teenaged crush. And a disabled child, an exhausted mother and a down-but-not-out rodeo hero all come together in a big way, in Christine Wenger’s debut novel, The Cowboy Way.

So enjoy, and come back next month for six compelling new novels, from Silhouette Special Edition.

Happy New Year!

Gail Chasan

Senior Editor

Silhouette Special Edition

His Best Friend
Patricia Kay

www.millsandboon.co.uk

This book is dedicated, with thanks, to the

supportive staff at my local CURVES.

You’ve made a big difference in my life!

PATRICIA KAY,

formerly writing as Trisha Alexander, is the USA TODAY bestselling author of more that thirty contemporary romances. She lives in Houston, Texas. To learn more about her, visit her Web site at www.patriciakay.com.

CAST OF CHARACTERS —
The Hathaways of Morgan Creek

Stella Morgan Hathaway (91 years old)—Matriarch of the Hathaway family. Morgan Creek is named after her great-grandfather Jeremiah Morgan. A strong, domineering woman, she is used to controlling her family and their lives.

Jonathan Morgan Hathaway (68 years old)—Her only son.

Kathleen Bryce Hathaway (64 years old)—Jonathan’s wife.

Bryce Hathaway (41 years old)—Jonathan and Kathleen’s only son, he heads the family business and recently married Amy Jordan.

Amy Hathaway (33 years old)—Bryce’s wife, she has brought happiness back into his life.

Calista Hathaway (4 years old)—Amy’s daughter from her first marriage, recently adopted by Bryce.

Chloe Hathaway Standish (37 years old)—The oldest Hathaway daughter.

Lorna Morgan Hathaway (33 years old)—The middle Hathaway daughter.

Claudia Elizabeth Hathaway (29 years old)—The youngest Hathaway daughter.

Greg Standish (39 years old)—Chloe’s husband.

Cameron Kathleen Standish (15 years old)—Chloe and Greg’s daughter.

Stella Ann Hathaway (9 years old)—Bryce’s oldest daughter.

Susan Adele Hathaway (8 years old)—Bryce’s youngest daughter.

Contents

Prologue

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

Prologue

Claudia Hathaway decided to drive to Austin and spend the day with Sally Bennett, her best friend from college days at U.T. They would shop till they dropped, hitting all the trendiest places, have a fab lunch, then catch a chick flick.

“Oh, Claudia, I hate that you’re moving to Houston,” Sally wailed as she hugged Claudia hello. “We’re never gonna see each other anymore.”

Claudia rolled her eyes. “It’s not the end of the world, Sally. Houston’s only three hours away, less if I live near Highway 290.” She squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “It’s not like I live next door now. I mean, it takes me almost an hour to get here.”

“I know, but it just seems so far.”

“We’ll just have to fix firm dates to see each other. One month I’ll come up here and the next you’ll visit me there.” Claudia couldn’t help it. She was so excited about her new job and the move to Houston, it was hard for her to sympathize with Sally. Besides, what she’d said was true. Houston wasn’t that far away. “Now c’mon, cheer up. Let’s hit those sales.”

End-of-summer sales at Austin stores were always terrific, and that day was no exception. Claudia bought several pairs of nice slacks, a couple of summer sweaters and two jackets—one in a nubby black linen, the other a silk weave in a gorgeous shade the salesclerk called claret. Claudia justified her extravagance by telling herself she could wear all the new clothes on the job, and college professors needed to look good, didn’t they?

She and Sally decided on lunch at a trendy new restaurant overlooking the water on Town Lake. The place had been recently written up in Texas Monthly magazine, and supposedly the crab cakes were to die for.

After they’d placed their order and Sally had flirted shamelessly with their handsome waiter, she turned her attention back to Claudia and what was now becoming her favorite point of contention.

“I just don’t see why you didn’t look for a job in Austin. We could have had so much fun together if you lived here.” This was followed by a put-upon sigh.

Claudia smothered her own sigh. She loved Sally like a sister, but sometimes Sally strained her patience. However, Sally was her best friend and had supported her when she needed support, so she didn’t allow her impatience to show in her voice. “I agree it would be fun to live near you. Unfortunately, you live too near Morgan Creek. If I lived in Austin, I’d never have any peace. It’d be just like it was when I was in college. I’d still be expected home for Sunday dinner. My mother would constantly grill me on who I was dating. And my grandmother would never stop bugging me about not working for the company.” The company was Hathaway Baking, one of the largest and most successful baking companies in the Texas/Oklahoma area.

“I know.” But Sally still sounded glum.

“And no matter how many times I told them, especially Gran, that I hate the business world and that my decision had nothing to do with our company and everything to do with the fact I’m just not cut out to work in business, she just will never accept it. So the best thing for me to do is what I’m doing—putting some distance between me and my well-meaning but extremely irritating family.” She grinned to soften her words, because no matter how irritating some of her family members could be, she genuinely loved them and knew she would miss them.

“I would think by now you’d be used to your grandmother. I mean, she always wants her own way, you know that.”

“Yes, but it still gets old listening to her. Not only old, but dangerous. ’Cause, eventually, if you’re subjected to her gloves of steel long enough, you start weakening, and before you know it, you’re doing exactly what she wants you to do. No, I’ve made the right decision. I love Gran, but she’s too stubborn and she knows exactly how to layer on the guilt until a person has no willpower left.” Out of the corner of her eye, Claudia saw their waiter approaching with their drinks. “Now c’mon, let’s change the subject and talk about something fun.”

For the rest of their meal, Claudia’s approaching move wasn’t discussed. Instead, they talked about mutual friends, Sally’s dating life, which—according to her—was practically nonexistent right now, and where they might go on vacation together next summer.

“I ate too much,” Claudia moaned when they’d finished. “But it was soooo good.”

“Like you have to worry,” Sally said, giving Claudia’s figure an envious glance.

Claudia knew she was lucky. She seemed to have the kind of metabolism that allowed her to eat whatever she wanted without gaining weight, whereas poor Sally had to watch every bite religiously.

As she’d put it once, “Even the smell of carbohydrates causes my weight to shoot up two pounds!”

While their waiter calculated their bill, Claudia excused herself and headed for the ladies’ room. As she rounded the corner leading to the restrooms, she was nearly knocked off her feet by a man walking fast in the opposite direction.

“Whoa, steady there,” he said, grabbing her shoulders to keep her upright. “Sorry about that. I should have been looking where I was going.”

Flustered, Claudia said, “You’re right, you should have.” Instantly sorry—after all, she was as much at fault as he was—she quickly amended, “Now I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching, either.” It was only then she really looked at him.

He was major cute. Major. Not handsome. Just cute, with a friendly, open face and dark eyes and thick, dark hair that was tousled and falling down on his forehead, and the nicest smile. Wow, Claudia thought. Now she really was flustered.

“Well,” he said.

“Well,” she said.

Then they both laughed.

“I—I was going to the ladies’.” Claudia inwardly winced. I was going to the ladies’. What kind of stupid remark was that?

He grinned. “I just came from the mens’.”

For the life of her, she couldn’t think of another thing to say. So she stood there and wished she was clever and smart and had a snappy comeback the way cooler, cleverer, smarter women would have had. Finally, she realized she was staring at him and she could feel her face heating in embarrassment. She thanked all the gods in heaven that it was dimly lit back there because if he’d seen how she was blushing, she would have died. Just melted down into a puddle.

“Well, I’m sorry I wasn’t looking,” she said again. Oh, please. Could she act any dumber?

Clutching her handbag to her chest, she scurried off to the restroom without looking back.

Holy cow.

John Renzo felt as if he’d been slammed in his chest with a sledgehammer. Whoa, she was gorgeous. So gorgeous, he’d babbled like a thirteen-year-old confronted with his first big crush.

On a scale of one to ten, John would put her at about twenty. She was definitely the total package. Short blond spiky hair, huge blue eyes and a tall, slender body with curves in all the right places.

And that mouth!

Her lips were plump and pouty, just the kind he liked to kiss. John considered himself a connoisseur of lips. Hell, he’d practically majored in lips in college.

She looked like Meg Ryan.

Maybe she was Meg Ryan!

He laughed at his own idiocy. She was too young to be Meg Ryan. He guessed her age at about twenty-eight. Thirty tops. Just right for his thirty-four.

He was still thinking about the perfect girl he’d nearly run down when he rejoined his buddies at their table.

“Hey, man, we thought you fell in!”

The joker was Matt Zelinsky, a videographer at the film production company where John worked.

“Ha ha,” John said, pulling out his chair and joining the group. “You order yet?”

“Not yet.” Jason Webb, a friend of Matt’s who had recently become a regular part of their group, licked the salt from his margarita.

Just then, their waitress, a pretty young thing with wildly curly red hair, bounced over to their table. “Y’all ready to order?”

While the other three flirted with the waitress and placed their orders, John looked around the room to see if he could spy the Meg Ryan look-alike. Nope. He couldn’t see her anywhere.

“Are you ready, sir?” the waitress said.

John grinned. “Sir? You think I’m a sir?”

She laughed. “I have to call everyone sir.”

“Even girls?” John teased. Then, taking pity on her, he said, “I’ll have the chicken quesadillas.”

As he handed her the menu, he suddenly saw the blonde. She must have just returned from the rest room because she was in the process of sitting down at a table where a pretty brunette was already seated.

Listening to his buddies with half an ear, he covertly watched the blonde, all the while trying to figure out if he had nerve enough to approach her again. He had just about decided to get up and walk over when she and her friend stood, gathered their belongings and walked off.

Damn!

They were leaving!

“John. Hey, John. You deaf or something? I asked you a question.”

John looked blankly at his friends, mumbled an apology, pushed back his chair and, ignoring their startled questions, took off after the blonde.

By the time he got to the front door, they’d already exited. John dashed out, looked left, then right. There they were, walking toward the parking lot. He reached them just as they climbed into a Jeep Wrangler—the blonde on the driver’s side. Her eyes widened when she saw him.

“Don’t be alarmed. I’m not a stalker.” He grinned. “I did follow you out, though.”

Now she smiled, too. “You did?”

Was it his imagination, or did she seem pleased?

“Yeah, I, uh…” Oh, hell. Might as well go for broke. “Look, I know you don’t know me, but I’m a really nice guy. If you doubt it, my friends inside will all vouch for me.”

Now the friend was smiling, too.

“Anyway, I wondered if I could call you sometime. Maybe we could catch a movie or even just meet for coffee.”

Her smile turned regretful. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think so.”

John was surprised by how disappointed he felt.

“Thing is,” she continued, “I don’t live in Austin.”

“Oh.”

“I’m just visiting for the day.”

He nodded. “Just my luck, I guess.”

“But thanks. I…I’m flattered.”

Still smiling, she turned the key in the ignition.

“Hey, wait,” he said. Digging into his shirt pocket, he pulled out one of his business cards. He handed it to her. “If you come back and feel like it, that’s my number.”

She didn’t say anything, but she did tuck the card into her purse. Then, with a wave, she drove off.

John stood and watched until the Jeep was out of sight, then, regretfully, he headed back inside the restaurant.

Chapter One

One month later…

“You’re breaking up with me?” Allison Carruthers, who had been John’s girlfriend for the past year, stared at him in disbelief. “But I—I thought we were—” Her voice broke.

John knew what she’d thought. That one day they would probably get married. How could he explain without making the situation even worse than it was?

He wished he could explain how her anger and negativity had finally worn him down. But the one time he’d tried to talk to her about her tendency to expect the worst, she hadn’t understood what he was talking about. She’d told him he was the one with the problem and that at least one person in a partnership had to be cautious and sensible.

Maybe if he loved her, he could have coped with that aspect of her personality. But the bottom line was, he had finally realized he wasn’t in love with her.

“I’m sorry, Allison. I don’t blame you for being upset. You deserve better.” Why not try to leave her with her pride?

“I should have known this would happen. It’s so typical. Men are so self-centered. I guess I didn’t stroke your ego enough, right?”

John knew it was best to just ignore her gibe. “Look, I’ll move my stuff out tomorrow.”

She shook her head. Her face had become stony. “No. You’ll move your stuff out today.”

John nodded. He’d wanted to make a clean break, but he’d been afraid it would have been adding insult to injury to dump the news that he wanted to sever their relationship, then immediately move his things out of her apartment.

He headed for the bedroom they’d shared for the past nine months. Opening the closet, he pulled down the suitcase he’d stored on the top shelf, then placed it on the unmade bed. Not wanting to take the time to fold his things properly, he pulled clothes off hangers and haphazardly tossed them into the open suitcase. Next came the contents of the two drawers that held his underwear, socks and T-shirts. Soon it was obvious to him that the suitcase wasn’t going to hold everything. Damn. He looked around. He needed some kind of big bag.

Remembering the garbage bags in the kitchen pantry, he headed in that direction. He stopped dead when he saw Allison. She was standing at the living room window with her back to him. Her shoulders shook. She was crying.

He swore to himself. He felt like a complete and total jerk. “Allison,” he said softly, walking toward her. When he touched her shoulder, she twisted away.

“Don’t touch me.” Her voice was thick with tears.

Knowing the best thing he could do now was clear out of there fast, he left Allison and went into the kitchen for the garbage bags. Doubling two of them, he headed back to the bedroom and threw in the rest of his belongings. Once he was sure he had everything, he closed the suitcase. Removing the key to the apartment from his key chain, he placed it on the dresser. With the suitcase in one hand and the garbage bags in the other, he walked back out to the living area.

Allison still stood at the window. She turned around when she heard him. The tears were gone, but her face was blotchy. She was trying for an I-don’t-give-a-damn look, but her eyes gave her away. It made John feel even worse to see the sadness in them. Despite everything, they’d shared a lot of good times together, and he hated that she was hurting.

“I’ll call you, let you know where I’m staying, okay?” he said.

“Don’t bother.”

“Al…”

“Just go, John.”

He sighed. The kindest thing he could do now was clear out fast. “Do you want me to write you a check now for what I think my share of this month’s expenses will be?”

She bit her lip.

He knew she was torn between telling him to drop dead and the necessity to be practical. Setting his things down, he dug out his checkbook. Best to make it as easy as possible for her. He filled in a generous amount and placed the check on the coffee table.

“I left my key on the dresser,” he said, picking up his bags again.

“Fine.”

He hesitated. He had to say something. Finally, he settled for, “Take care, Al.” Then, with a heavy heart, he quietly let himself out the door.

Claudia smiled as her Marketing 2255, Principles of Selling students noisily filed out of the classroom. When the last one had passed through the open doorway, she sat back in relief. Although she’d been teaching at Bayou City College for almost a month now, she still felt like a rank newbie. She wondered how long it would be before she felt like a real professor.

A real professor.

Professor Hathaway.

Every time one of her students called her Professor Hathaway, she wanted to laugh. It seemed so incredible that she was actually here. She was thrilled to have landed this job. Thrilled to be teaching in Houston and at such a fine college. Thrilled to be considered valuable on her own merits and not because she was a Hathaway.

Here at the college, no one even knew she was part of the Hathaway baking empire, and that was the way she wanted it to stay. Claudia needed to be judged for herself, not for her family’s wealth and influence.

People who didn’t have money thought those who did led a charmed life. Yes, it was nice not to have to worry about what things cost, to lead a comfortable, sheltered life, but there was a downside to that kind of wealth, too. You never knew if people liked you for yourself or because of what they imagined you could do for them.

Claudia knew firsthand what could happen. She had a couple of bad experiences behind her, and she didn’t want to add another if she could help it. So she intended to keep her family background a secret as long as possible.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

Claudia jumped. She’d been so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t heard anyone enter. “Philip. Hi.”

Philip Larkin, the CFO at the college, smiled down at her. “Got a few minutes?”

“Sure.” From the hopeful expression on his face, Claudia knew Philip was probably going to ask her out again. On Monday, she’d finally said yes, and on Wednesday—today was Friday—they’d gone to an early movie after her last class, then stopped for pizza afterward.

She’d had a good time. Philip was very nice—a considerate, thoughtful date. He was nice-looking, too, with thick brown hair and blue eyes. On top of that, he actually listened to her instead of constantly talking about himself, the way so many guys seemed to do.

Despite everything in his favor, Claudia didn’t know if she wanted to go out with Philip again. She’d been telling herself it was because she wasn’t certain it was a good idea to date a colleague, especially one in the administrative end of the school.

But the truth was, Claudia felt no spark of attraction to Philip. It was a shame, too, because in addition to his other attributes, he was intelligent and obviously a really decent guy.

What’s wrong with you? Do you think nice-looking, decent men with good jobs grow on trees?

She almost laughed at the thought, because it sounded so much like something her sisters would say. Her mother, of course, would want to know his pedigree.

“My cousin is turning thirty on Sunday,” Philip said now. “She’s invited some friends over to celebrate with her tomorrow night. I’d really like to take you to the party with me.”

Claudia picked up a paper clip.

Philip sat on the edge of her desk. As always, he was dressed impeccably in spotless slacks, dress shirt and tie. Claudia knew he’d probably also worn a sport coat this morning, but imagined it was hanging in his office. “There’ll be an interesting bunch of people there,” he continued. “I think you’d enjoy meeting them. Jennifer—that’s my cousin—works for one of the local TV stations here. She’s a program coordinator—” He grinned. “She says that means she’s in charge of all the grunt work.”

Claudia turned the paper clip round and round in her hand. “Look, Philip, I’m really not good with lots of people I don’t know—”

“I promise you. You’ll enjoy it. Jen’s brother is going to be there, too. John’s a documentary filmmaker. He’s been working in Austin the past six years, but he’s in the process of moving to Houston. He won’t know most of the people there, either, so you won’t be the only one.”

“Oh, I don’t know…”

“Come on. It’ll be fun. You’ll like these people, especially Jen. She’s a sweetheart.”

“Well…” Claudia decided she was being stupid. There weren’t exactly dozens of guys lined up waiting to take her out. And after all, going out with Philip didn’t mean she had to marry him. Besides, the party did sound like fun. “All right,” she finally said. “You talked me into it.”

“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Philip grinned all the way back to his office. Yes! She’d said yes. What he would have done if she’d continued to say no, he wasn’t sure. All he knew was, where Claudia was concerned, he had no intention of giving up. Since Emily there had been no one he’d cared about, but that had all changed a month ago when Claudia had begun teaching at the college.

He’d known the moment he met her that she was special and that she was going to be important to him. He’d have felt foolish saying that to anyone, even John, but it was true. Philip had never believed in love at first sight, feeling that it took time to fall in love, that it was important to be friends first, that real love wasn’t based on physical attraction but mutual interests and ideas.

Yet with Claudia, all those long-held beliefs flew out the window. It still amazed him that he could have fallen in love so quickly…and so hard.

He couldn’t wait for John and Jen to meet her. It would be interesting to see what their reaction was. John, he knew, would see exactly what it was that had ensnared Philip so quickly, but women were different.

What if Jen didn’t like Claudia? Would that make a difference?

Philip was so caught up in his thoughts, he jumped when Sarah Frost, his assistant, spoke to him.

“Sorry, I wasn’t listening,” he said.

“I said Dean Channing has called a meeting.” Her dark eyes looked somber.

Philip frowned. “What’s wrong?” But he was afraid he knew.

Sarah lowered her voice after first looking around to make sure no one else was in earshot. “I think it’s about Professor Tate.”

Philip swore under his breath. Just what he needed today. A week ago, Jeffrey Tate had been accused of sexual harassment by one of the sophomores. He swore he was innocent. The girl’s parents were threatening to sue if Tate wasn’t fired. But Philip knew Dean Channing was afraid Tate would sue if he was.

“All right,” Philip said in resignation. “Print out all the information on Professor Tate’s salary and benefits package, will you? I’d better be ready for anything when I get there.”

All thoughts of Claudia were pushed from Philip’s mind as he headed for his office.

After Philip went back to the administrative wing, Claudia began to clear off her desk. She had given a pop quiz in the form of an essay assignment to her Composition I class—much to their dismay—and she would have to read and grade the papers tonight. And she needed to read ahead for the Principles of Marketing class, which met tomorrow. And there was nothing in her condo to eat, which meant she’d better stop at the supermarket on the way home. She sighed. She’d better get a move on if she hoped to get everything done.

Claudia taught two classes of Composition I, which was a first-year course; one class of Composition II, a second-year course; two classes of Principles of Selling; and one class of Principles of Marketing—a total of 18 classroom hours a week. What with lesson planning, grading papers and tests, special projects and other related duties, it was a heavy load, especially for a first-year professor, but Claudia didn’t mind. She loved teaching, particularly at this level. She’d found she had a natural rapport with her students, especially once they realized she had hands-on marketing experience herself.

With all her belongings packed into her tote, she slung her handbag over her shoulder and headed out to the parking lot. The late September heat blasted her when she exited the air-conditioned building. And when she unlocked the Jeep, it felt like an oven inside. After tossing her stuff into the back, she took off her brown linen jacket, exposing the white tank top she wore underneath.

With her favorite rock station blasting—and Claudia singing along in her slightly off-key voice—she edged the Jeep into Southwest Freeway traffic and headed south toward the Loop and her Galleria-area condo. Traffic was already heavy and it was only four o’clock on a Wednesday afternoon. But then, traffic always seemed to be heavy here.

Her family, most of whom lived in Morgan Creek, the small Texas town where Hathaway Baking had its main plant and offices, couldn’t understand why she wanted to work somewhere like Houston, but Claudia loved the city. Yes, there were a lot of people. And yes, it was hot and humid for five months out of the year. And yes, the traffic could be horrendous.

But there was so much energy in the city. It was exciting. There was a feeling here that anything could be accomplished if you just worked hard enough. And the shopping, the theater and arts scene, the restaurants and the museums were fabulous.

Claudia loved it all. There was nothing about Morgan Creek she missed except her siblings and her nieces. But a person couldn’t have everything. Sometimes you had to choose, and she’d chosen to cut the cord that she’d felt slowly strangling her.

She had managed to spend a few hours in Morgan Creek last Sunday, and that was nice. She’d enjoyed talking to Bryce and Lorna, telling them about her new job and hearing about everything that had happened since she’d left. It had been nice to see how happy Bryce was now, too, married to Amy—who had been nanny to his two young daughters—and father to her little girl. Bryce certainly deserved to be happy, Claudia thought, after suffering through so much pain when he lost his first wife, whom he’d loved so dearly.

Claudia had spent Saturday afternoon and evening with Sally in Austin, and that had been fun, too. All in all, it was a good weekend, even though not everything had worked out the way she’d hoped. One of the reasons she’d made the trip home so soon after moving to Houston was that she’d been unable to get the cute guy she’d met that day in August out of her mind. She’d kept thinking about him and finally she’d decided she would call him when she got to Sally’s, see if he wanted to go to a party they were invited to attend that night.

Remembering how she’d felt when she’d called the number on the card she’d gotten from him, Claudia frowned. She’d been so sure Jason Webb liked her. That he’d meant it when he’d given her his business card and asked her to call him the next time she was in Austin.

But Jason Webb didn’t remember her. In fact, he seemed to have no idea who she was, even after she’d mentioned the restaurant where they’d literally bumped into one another. He said he was sorry, but he didn’t remember meeting her. Claudia was so embarrassed, she didn’t elaborate or try to explain. She just said she was sorry to have bothered him and hung up. It wasn’t meant to be, she told herself afterward, furious with herself for being a romantic fool.

Deliberately, she had put him out of her mind, but obviously that hadn’t worked, for here she was, thinking about him again.

“Stop that,” she muttered. “You’ll never see Jason Webb again, and even if you did, you probably wouldn’t like him.”

Seeing the entrance to the supermarket, she put on her turn signal and all thoughts of Jason Webb were finally wiped from her mind as she mentally began to form her shopping list.

John made good time driving into Houston from Austin. He had mixed emotions about his company’s relocating. On the one hand, he hated leaving Austin—a city he loved. On the other, he was looking forward to living close to his family again, especially his sister and his cousin, Philip—who also happened to be his best friend. Not to mention the man who had saved his life.

John knew if he lived to be a hundred, he could never repay Philip who—three years ago, without a moment’s hesitation—had agreed to give John one of his kidneys after both John’s kidneys failed as a result of the damage caused by a severe case of nephritis when he was ten.

Which reminded John—he should call Philip, let him know he was on his way in. Whipping out his cell phone, he punched five. Speed dial kicked in and moments later, Philip answered.

“Hey, cuz,” John said. “I’m headin’ into town. Just left Prairie View.” He glanced at the clock on his dashboard. “I should get to Jen’s about two.”

“Oh, you’re going straight there?”

“Yeah, I told her I’d help her get ready for tonight. I guess she’s expecting a bunch of people.”

“About thirty, she said.”

“You still cool about me bunking with you until I find a place?”

“Sure. No problem.”

“Why don’t you come over to Jen’s early, too?”

“I would, but I’m bringing a date tonight, and I told her I’d pick her up at seven.”

There was something in Philip’s voice that made John smile. “So who’s the date? Anybody I know?”

“It’s that new prof I told you about. The one I’ve been trying to get to go out with me for weeks.”

“So you finally wore her down, huh?”

“Actually, I took her to a movie Wednesday night.”

John could almost hear the smile in his cousin’s voice. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“Just remember. I saw her first.”

“She’s that hot?” John teased. He laughed when Philip sputtered something about her being a nice girl. “Nice girls can be hot, too.” Then he took pity on his cousin. “Tell me about her. What’s she look like?”

“I’d rather wait and just let you see for yourself.”

“Not even a hint?”

Before Philip could answer, John saw flashing lights ahead of him. “I’d better hang up. There’re cops up ahead.”

“Okay, see you tonight.”

Vehicles slowed as drivers rubbernecked the fender bender that had brought the cops out, but once past the scene, traffic quickly resumed speed. As John covered the final miles to his sister’s place, he thought about his cousin and the girl he was bringing to the party tonight. He was glad the elusive Claudia had finally said yes to Phil, who had not had good luck with women.

In fact, since Emily had broken their engagement—jeez, was it already three years since she’d taken that job in London?—Phil hadn’t been seriously interested in anyone. John had begun to think he’d never get over Emily, so when he’d started talking about how much he liked this new prof they’d hired, John had been happy for his cousin and had hoped the girl would like Phil, too.

Funny how a guy could go along for years never meeting anyone who interested him, then wham, along came the perfect girl. John grimaced. He’d met the perfect girl, too. In fact, meeting her had been the catalyst that had finally forced him to face and do something about the situation with Allison. Unfortunately, he’d made a major mistake in not finding out who the girl was and how to get in touch with her.

Instead, he’d given her one of his business cards, hoping she’d call him. And she hadn’t. He was still kicking himself for goofing up so badly, because although their meeting had been brief, John knew he wasn’t likely to meet anyone even remotely like her again.

Nope. Opportunity had knocked and he hadn’t answered. He wouldn’t get a second chance.

Claudia couldn’t decide what to wear. Why hadn’t she asked Philip if the party was casual or dressy? She wondered if she should try to call him and find out.

Finally she settled on an outfit that could go either way—a long, black jersey skirt with a slit up the back, black chunky mules and a black tank top. Around her neck she looped a long gray, fringed scarf. Digging around in her jewelry box, she found some black hoop earrings. Four black and silver bracelets came next. Claudia was from the school of thought that believed if one bracelet was good, four was better.

Looking at her unpainted nails, she wished she’d taken the time to get a manicure, but it was too late now. She would have to do in her unvarnished state.

Her doorbell rang at precisely seven. She smiled. She had known Philip would be punctual. All she’d had to do was take one look at his neat, everything-in-its-place office to know he believed in order. Most of the time, Claudia did, too, so that was fine.

She opened the door. “Hi.”

“Hi.” His gaze took her in. “Wow. You look great.”

“Thanks.” He was his usual well-dressed self in neat khakis, a dark blue knit shirt and shiny brown loafers. Claudia grabbed her sack purse from the little table next to the door. “I’m ready.”

As they walked down the path to the visitor parking lot, Philip said, “This is a nice area.”

“Yes, I think so.”

“The rent must be high, though.”

Claudia wasn’t renting. She’d bought her condo, but she knew if she said so, he’d wonder how she could afford it. She thought fast. “Actually, my grandmother left me a little money, and I figured real estate would give me a better return than the stock market.”

“That was very smart.”

“I can’t take all the credit. My brother helped me come to that decision.”

“Older brother?”

“Yes.”

“So you have a brother? Are there just the two of you?”

“Um, no. I, uh, have two older sisters.” By now they were underway, heading east on Potomac toward Westheimer.

“You’re lucky. I’m an only. But I told you that the other night, didn’t I?”

There had been times Claudia had wished she were an only child, too. But now she knew Philip was right. She was lucky. Especially since her siblings were all people she would choose as friends if they weren’t related to her. Her parents were a different story.

“I guess that’s why I’ve been so close to Jen and John,” Philip continued. “Or maybe it’s because we’re double cousins.”

“Double cousins?”

“Yeah. My mother is John’s father’s sister. And his mother is my father’s sister.”

“Really? Who married first?”

“John’s mom—my aunt Linda—and his dad Lou got married first. Then my dad met my uncle Lou’s sister Margie—my mom—and two years later they got married. John is two years older than me.”

“So I guess your two families get along really well.”

“Best friends all around.” He smiled. “I’ve never heard one cross word between them.”

“Now you’re the lucky one.”

“Oh? Your family doesn’t get along?”

Claudia shrugged. She didn’t want to get into her family’s dynamics. Couldn’t if she hoped to keep the Hathaway Baking connection a secret. “It’s just normal stuff. Dad drinks too much. Mom is controlling. That kind of thing.”

Philip obviously sensed her reluctance to say more for soon after he changed the subject. They were deep into the respective talents of Sheryl Crow versus Shania Twain when Philip pulled up in front of a small bungalow in an area he identified as the outskirts of River Oaks. “I don’t know if you know anything about River Oaks?”

“Just that it’s a really high-rent district.”

“Yeah, it is. Jen doesn’t own this place, though. She and a girlfriend—a co-worker, actually—rent the house.”

There were already a dozen or more cars parked along the street. Philip pulled into the driveway, saying, “Family has its privileges.”

“Will your parents be here tonight?”

“No. We’re doing the family thing tomorrow at Jen’s parents’ house. Tomorrow is actually her birthday.”

“So both families live here in Houston?”

“Yep. Native Houstonians all.”

As they walked up onto the small front stoop, Claudia could hear laughter and music inside. Philip rang the doorbell, then without waiting for someone to answer, opened the door and gestured her inside.

A pretty dark-haired young woman in a red sundress that showed off a golden tan walked toward them. She smiled at Philip. “Hey, cuz, you made it.”

“Happy birthday, Jen.” Philip leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Thanks.” Her dark-eyed gaze moved curiously to Claudia. “Hi. I’m Jennifer, Philip’s cousin.” She extended her hand.

“Hi, Jennifer. I’m Claudia. Claudia Hathaway.” They shook hands.

“I’m glad you could come.” Jennifer’s smile was warm and friendly.

Claudia knew instantly she would like this woman. Suddenly she was very glad she’d accepted Philip’s invitation. “Me, too.”

Claudia and Philip followed Jennifer into the living room were several groups of young people stood talking. In rapid succession Jennifer introduced them in a blur of names Claudia knew she wouldn’t remember. Most seemed to be Jennifer’s co-workers at the TV station.

“Where’s John?” Philip asked Jennifer when she’d finished with the introductions.

“Out back, I think.”

“Come on, Claudia. Let’s go out. I want you to meet John.”

Giving Jennifer a smile, Claudia let herself be led through the house and out the back door where several young men stood drinking beer.

“There you are!” Philip said.

The men turned around.

Claudia stared in disbelief.

For walking toward them with a huge smile on his face was none other than Jason Webb.

Chapter Two

John couldn’t believe his eyes. Philip’s date was the blonde! The one John had met in Austin.

She’d recognized him, too. He could see the surprise in her eyes.

“John,” Philip was saying. “Hey, man, it’s good to see you.” John returned Philip’s hug, but all the while, his mind was spinning.

Releasing John, Philip proudly drew the blonde forward. “John, this is Claudia Hathaway, the new prof I was telling you about. Claudia, my cousin, John Renzo.”

She tilted her head, studying John. “Actually, I believe we’ve met.”

“You’ve met?” Philip looked from one to the other.

“Yeah,” John said, nodding agreement. “You’re right. We have met.”

Now Philip was frowning. “But you never said anything.”

John shrugged. “I didn’t know her name.” He couldn’t stop staring at her. God, she was even more gorgeous than he’d remembered. Tonight, in that black clingy outfit, she looked fantastic. Although she was lean, her body was sexy, with curves in the right places. And she was the wonderful Claudia that Philip had been talking about for weeks? How was that possible?

Philip gave Claudia a puzzled smile. “How did you two meet?”

“We kind of bumped into each other. At a restaurant in Austin one weekend when I went in to meet Sally. I told you about Sally—my college roommate?”

“I nearly knocked Claudia over,” John said. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

Philip smiled. “Typical.” Turning to Claudia, he added, “John’s always been accident-prone. As a kid, he kept falling out of trees or running into walls.”

John grinned. “Hey, I was adventurous. I liked to take chances.” He still couldn’t get over the fact that the girl he’d thought about so many times over the past month was actually standing there. In the flesh. In the gorgeous flesh.

“That’s true,” Philip conceded, “I’m a much more careful sort. I prefer not to take unnecessary risks.”

“Which is why you have the kind of job you do, and I have the kind of job I do,” John said.

“I’m afraid I’m more like John,” Claudia said. “When I was little, I always had a black-and-blue mark or a scab somewhere.”

“Then I balance you out perfectly,” Philip said happily, putting a possessive arm around Claudia.

John knew the hot stab of jealousy he felt was beneath him. He should be glad for Philip. Claudia was the kind of girl any man would love to claim, and if she liked Philip, then good for him. But even as he told himself this, he wished he could trade places with his cousin. He wished it more than he’d wished anything in a long time.

“Hey, you two, quit monopolizing Claudia.”

All three turned at the sound of Jennifer’s voice. “Claudia,” she said, “come with me. Some other guests have arrived that I’d like you to meet. Anyway, once these two get together, they forget anyone else is around. Let’s let them talk for a while.”

“All right.” With a little wave goodbye, Claudia followed Jennifer into the house.

Once they were gone, Philip said, “What’s the real story here?”

“What do you mean, real story?”

“You know. The real story about what happened between you and Claudia.”

“Nothing happened.”

“Yet you remembered her, and she remembered you.”

“Wouldn’t you remember her if you’d met her casually? Hell, she’s gorgeous. Besides, one of the guys I was with mentioned how she kind of resembles Meg Ryan. That really planted her in my mind.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask her out.”

“Maybe I did.” Seeing the look on Philip’s face, John laughed. “Don’t worry. She said no.”

Philip grinned. “Shows she’s got good sense.” He walked over to the cooler where the beer was iced down and removed a can. Popping the top, he took a long drink.

“Yeah,” John said, “she obviously realized you’re a much more upstanding citizen than me.”

For a while after that, they talked about John’s new job in Houston, but Philip seemed antsy, and John knew his cousin wanted to go back inside and find Claudia. John didn’t blame him. If she was John’s date, he wouldn’t leave her alone for a minute.

For the next hour or so, John stayed away from Philip and Claudia. He busied himself talking to the other people. But he kept watching for a chance to talk to Claudia alone. About nine-thirty, he spotted her sitting by herself on the window seat in the dining room. Philip was nowhere in sight. John quickly walked over.

“Mind if I join you?”

She smiled. “No.” She scooted over.

He sat down beside her. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too.”

She had a disconcerting way of looking directly into his eyes. “Small world, huh?”

“Yes, it is.”

For a brief moment, John felt awkward. But he pressed on. “So. Were you living here in Houston that day we met?”

She shook her head. “Uh-uh. I moved here the first of September…when I started my job at the college.”

Boy, he liked her voice. It was low and musical. Sexy. Oh, come on! Who do you think you’re kidding? You like everything about her! “Where’d you move from?”

“A little town south of Austin.”

“Were you a teacher there?”

“No. This is my first teaching job.”

“Do you like it?”

“So far I love it.”

“I moved to Houston to take a new job, too.”

“Philip said you’re a filmmaker.”

“Yeah.”

“What kind of films?”

“All kinds. Documentaries. Advertising films. Training films. You name it, we do it.”

“Are you a cameraman? Is that the right term?”

He grinned. “No. And no. Producing and directing is my area of expertise. And the correct terminology is camera operator or videographer. But we’re loose. We answer to just about anything.”

For a moment she fell silent, and as casually as he could manage, he said, “You know, after I met you that day? I kind of hoped I’d hear from you again.”

“Oh, really?”

Something about the way she’d responded struck him as odd. “Yeah. I was disappointed when I didn’t. In fact, I was kind of kicking myself for not finding out your name so I could call you.”

She seemed to consider that for a moment. Then, blue eyes meeting his, she said, “I did try to call you.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Last weekend, actually. I was in Austin for the day and thought I’d invite you to a party some friends were giving.”

“But…did you call my cell phone number?”

She shrugged. “I called whatever number was on that card you gave me.”

“That’s my cell phone.” He couldn’t believe he’d missed her call. “I don’t remember getting a missed message signal.”

“That’s because someone answered the phone.”

“Somebody else answered my cell phone?” Now John was thoroughly confused. How was that possible? His cell phone never left his possession. “Maybe you misdialed.”

“I didn’t misdial.”

“I don’t understand.”

“There’s something I don’t understand, either. Why did you tell me your name was Jason Webb?”

“Jason Webb?” Something was totally screwy here. “Jason is a friend of mine. Why would you think I was Jason?”

“That’s what it said on the card you gave me.”

John stared at her. Then he swore. “I’m an idiot!” He realized he must have mistakenly pulled out the card Jason had given him earlier that day instead of his own. “I gave you the wrong card. Jason was one of the guys I was having lunch with that day, and he had some new business cards he passed out. I must have stuck his in the pocket where I keep some of mine.”

“Ah,” she said. “That explains it.”

“So you talked to Jason?”

She smiled. “Yes.”

“What did he say?”

“Well, he obviously had no idea who I was, and I was too embarrassed to try to explain. See, the thing is, I thought it was you I was talking to…and that you didn’t remember me.”

John wanted to say there was no way he could have ever forgotten her, but he stopped himself just in time. No matter how much he liked this girl, she was Philip’s date. John had no right to undercut him. Nor did he want to.

But he couldn’t help wondering what might have happened if he’d given her the right card. Would she still have come here with Philip? Or would she be John’s date tonight?

Yet what difference did it make now? Even if she encouraged him, there was nothing he could do to change things. She was here with Philip, and he knew Philip was already halfway in love with her. Unless his cousin decided he was no longer interested in her, John could do nothing but sit on the sidelines.

And keep kicking himself.

“Are you having a good time?”

Claudia smiled at Jennifer. “Yes, I am. You have nice friends.”

“Thank you.”

“And the food is great. Did you make it all yourself?”

“Uh-huh. I love to cook and bake. If I wasn’t in the communications field, I would’ve gone to culinary school.” She made a face. “Some days I really wish I had.”

“I was like that all the years I worked in sales. Last year I finally decided I had to make some changes in my life or go nuts. So I picked up the last few graduate hours I needed and started applying for jobs, and now…here I am.”

Jennifer studied her gravely. “I have a feeling you’re braver than I am.”

“Oh, I doubt that. You probably just haven’t reached the point where you’re ready to make a change. Maybe you never will. I mean, I’m sure people in all professions get frustrated at times.”

Jennifer nodded. “Yes, you’re probably right. I know my dad complains about his work a lot, and so has John. In fact, he just changed companies.”

“He did mention that.”

“Yeah, the company he worked for in Austin wasn’t getting the kinds of projects he hoped to work on. So he started looking around a month or so ago and ended up landing a job with a really successful film company here. He’s thrilled.” She smiled. “So am I. I missed him when he lived in Austin. Now all my family is right here in Houston, and that’s the way I like it.”

“Philip was telling me about your family on the way over. How you and he are double cousins.”

“Yes, it’s kind of neat. Our parents are really close. Thank goodness. It would be awful if they didn’t get along. I feel so sorry for people whose families are constantly fighting.”

“Me, too,” Claudia said fervently.

“Philip told me you have a couple of sisters and a brother?”

“Yes.”

Jennifer seemed to hesitate, then said, “Phil really likes you.”

Claudia didn’t know what to say. Involuntarily, her gaze moved past Jennifer to John, who stood nearby talking to a cute redhead. When he laughed and touched the redhead’s arm, Claudia jerked her gaze away. “Philip is very nice.”

Jennifer studied her thoughtfully. “Yes, he is. Have you two been dating long?”

Claudia shook her head. “This is only the second time I’ve been out with him.”

“Really? I thought—” Jennifer broke off. “Obviously, I misunderstood.”

Claudia would have liked to pursue this statement, but just then, Philip walked up to them. “I hope you’re telling Claudia what a great guy I am,” he said to Jennifer.

She laughed. “Oh, you men. You’re impossible. You think the entire world revolves around you, don’t you?”

“You mean it doesn’t?” This came from John, who had also walked up behind them. He put his arm companionably around Philip’s shoulders.

Jennifer rolled her eyes.

Claudia laughed.

“Now where were we?” Jennifer said to Claudia.

“You were telling her what a great guy I am,” Philip said, grinning.

“On that note, I think I’d better check on the food,” Jennifer said. “Last time I looked, the potato casserole was fast disappearing.” She was laughing as she walked away.

“I guess that’s my cue to leave, too,” John said. But he didn’t look as if he wanted to go.

For a moment, no one spoke. Because of the silence between them, Claudia became aware of the music playing. It was an old rock tune, one of her favorites. “Now’s your chance to impress me, Philip. I’d love to dance.”

“Me?” He gave her a look of mock horror. “I have two left feet. But John’s a good dancer.” He turned to John. “Can I trust you with her?”

Claudia’s heart did a little skip as John’s gaze met hers. “Of course you can, said the big bad wolf,” John answered in a deep voice.

All three laughed and John took her arm, leading her out to the small area that had been cleared for dancing.

Claudia soon discovered John was a great dancer. He had a loose body with a natural rhythm that couldn’t be taught. Claudia loved to dance, so when “Proud Mary” wound up and the next song was a slow ballad, she allowed herself to be drawn into his arms for that one, too.

“Having a good time?” he asked.

He was wearing some kind of woodsy scent—aftershave or cologne—she couldn’t tell which. Whatever it was, she liked it. “Yes, I am.”

He pulled her just a fraction closer. “Me, too.”

Claudia closed her eyes. She had a feeling it might be a mistake to indulge in any fantasies about John, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.

Why didn’t you give me the right business card?

She was acutely aware of their bodies touching. No wonder some religions banned the activity. Dancing had to be one of the sexiest things two people could do.

She forced herself to smile brightly when the song ended. “Thanks. I enjoyed that.”

Philip was waiting right where they’d left him. He reached for her hand. “That’s enough. I want her now.”

“I don’t blame you,” John said lightly. He bowed to Claudia. “Thank you, ma’am.” Then, with a little salute, he headed off in the direction of the kitchen.

For the remainder of the evening, Claudia didn’t see much of him. He was either outside or in another room, and she decided that was for the best. Whatever might have been if they’d been able to connect seemed to be a closed chapter.

It was probably best to put him out of her mind for good.

On the way home, Philip was in a talkative mood. “So what did you think of John and Jen?”

“I liked them both a lot.”

“And they liked you.” He smiled. “Jennifer said she thought you were terrific.”

“I think she and I could be friends.” And John…was it foolish to think they could be something more than friends?

“She’s a really nice person. I wish something good would happen for her the way it has for me.” He reached over and squeezed her hand for a moment.

Claudia knew he was referring to meeting her, and that made her uncomfortable. Yet she couldn’t think of anything to say without making too big a deal out of his comment. “Why? Did something bad happen to her?”

He didn’t answer for a moment. When he did, his voice had sobered. “Two years ago her fiancé was killed. He was an Air Force pilot whose helicopter was shot down in Iraq only days before he was supposed to be sent home.”

“Oh, God, how terrible.”

“Yeah, it was. She had a really rough time. She’s still not over it.”

“That’s just awful. Is she dating at all?”

“Not that I know of.”

She waited a few moments before saying, “What about…John? I take it he’s not involved with anyone, either.”

“Nope, not now. He was seeing somebody pretty steady. In fact, they were living together. Everyone thought he was finally ready to make a commitment, but they broke up in August.”

“Oh?” August was when Claudia met John. “What happened?”

“All he said was that something made him realize he wasn’t in love with Allison. So he broke it off.”

Claudia told herself she was indulging in a romantic fantasy to even consider that John might have been referring to meeting her when he said something had happened to cause him to break off his relationship.

You sure have a high opinion of yourself, don’t you? Men like John do not break off long-term relationships because they exchange a couple of words with you! Then again, she had no idea what John was really like, now did she?

“Jen and her mother were both glad when they broke up,” Philip continued.

“Why’s that? Didn’t they like Allison?”

“They both thought Allison was too negative and moody.” He laughed. “But I think those two feel no one is good enough for John.”

Claudia wanted to keep asking him questions about John, but they had just pulled up in front of Claudia’s condominium complex, so her window of opportunity was over.

“Thanks for inviting me to the party,” Claudia said when they reached her door. “I had a really nice time.” Opening her purse, she withdrew her keys.

“I’m glad,” he said. “I did, too.”

She unlocked the door. “Well, good night, Philip.”

“Good night, Claudia.” And then, before she could avoid it, he leaned over and kissed her. Unless she wanted to make a huge thing out of it, she couldn’t pull away. So she closed her eyes and pretended it was John kissing her. Even that didn’t help. There were just no fireworks, at least for her. Gently, she broke the kiss before it could go on too long. The last thing she wanted to do was send the wrong message.

“I’d better go in,” she said. “It’s late.” Because she felt she sounded too abrupt, she smiled. “See you Monday.”

If he’d been like some of the guys she’d dated in the past, he would have tried to change her mind, but Philip obviously wasn’t that kind of person, because all he said was, “Sweet dreams,” and then he turned and walked away.

Inside, Claudia leaned against the closed door gratefully. She hated dating. There ought to be some kind of test you could give a person that would tell you if he was someone you’d want to go out with more than once. Some kind of magic word you could say, and if he didn’t give you the right answer back, you’d know he wasn’t for you.

Oh, sure, just like bad things should only happen to bad people….

Laughing at herself, she turned out the hall light and headed for bed.

Philip couldn’t stop thinking about how it had felt to kiss Claudia. He’d wanted to deepen the kiss, but he was afraid to push. She hadn’t seemed ready, and he didn’t want to blow his chances with her just because he was greedy for more than she was willing to give.

She was wonderful.

So different from Emily.

Maybe that was part of the reason he liked Claudia so much, because she was so different. Normally Philip didn’t allow himself to dwell on Emily and the way she’d dumped him, but tonight the memories didn’t hurt. That was Claudia’s doing. Now that he’d met her and knew he could really care for her, he was glad Emily had showed her true colors before they’d gotten married.

He should have seen the breakup coming because Emily had made no bones about her ambition. A financial analyst with one of the big oil companies, she couldn’t understand why he was content to work for a small college. She’d kept pushing him to look for another job, one that paid better and had more prestige.

“There’s nowhere for you to go there, Philip,” she’d said more than once.

He’d tried to explain that he liked the small college venue. That he didn’t want a high-stress job. That there was more to life than making lots of money. He guessed he’d blinded himself to the fact that she’d never agreed with him, so when she’d told him she’d gotten a “stupendous” job offer in London and intended to take it, he’d been stunned.

Philip wasn’t like John. John attracted women like flypaper attracts flies. Philip knew why. John was outgoing and fun and he had a job women found glamorous. Philip was much quieter and cautious, and his job sounded dull to other people.

But Claudia…Claudia was different.

She was a teacher. Obviously, money and glamour were not important to her or she’d be in another profession.

And when John had asked her out, she’d said no. Philip smiled over that one.

That fact alone would have told him he’d met the right woman for him.

Chapter Three

“You’ll never guess who was at the party last night!”

“If you say Johnny Depp, I’ll have to kill you.”

Claudia laughed. Sally was currently wildly in love with Johnny Depp. “No, Sally, not Johnny Depp.”

“Well, that’s a relief! Who, then?”

“You know that cute guy? The one I met in August?”

“The one you called last weekend that didn’t remember you, you mean?”

“Yes, that one.”

“He was at the party?”

“Uh-huh. He’s Philip’s cousin!”

“You’re kidding.”

“And guess what else?”

“There’s more?”

Claudia explained about the mix-up with the business card and how John wasn’t Jason Webb but John Renzo. “Sally, he’s going to be living here. He’s taken a job in Houston.”

“What’re you going to do?” Sally said when Claudia had finished.

“What can I do?”

“I know you really liked him. Do you think you’ll go out with him?”

“I don’t think that’s in the cards.”

“Because of his cousin?”

Claudia sighed. “Yes. They’re really tight. So even if he still wanted to, I doubt John will ask me out.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“I don’t know. Right now I’m totally confused.”

“Aside from seeing John at the party, how’d it go?”

“It was fun. I had a good time. Everyone there was really nice. And Jennifer and I really hit it off. I think we could be good friends. If only…” But what was the use of wishing? It wasn’t as if wishes would change anything.

“If only what?”

Claudia sighed again, more deeply this time. “I just wish things would work out the way they’re supposed to once in a while.” She remembered how she’d felt when she and John were dancing. “I mean, I think I could really like John. There’s a real chemistry between us. But now that I’ve gone out with Philip, and I know he really likes me, everything is totally screwed up. John won’t want to step on Philip’s toes and Philip wants to see me again. Oh, shoot. I don’t know what to do.”

“Did Philip kiss you good-night?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“And nothing. The kiss was pleasant, but that’s it. There was absolutely no zing.”

Sally was silent for a few seconds. Then she sighed, too. “Why does life have to be so complicated?”

Claudia laughed. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

After they hung up, Claudia sat there pensively for a long time. She kept going over and over everything that had happened the previous evening. The things John had said and not said. The things Philip had said and not said. And the things she had said and not said.

Finally she came to a decision. It wouldn’t matter how many times she went out with Philip. She would never feel any differently toward him. She liked him as a friend and hoped she could keep him as a friend. But there was simply no chemistry between them at all, at least not on her part, and there never would be.

So when he asked her out again—and he would, of that, she had no doubt—she would turn him down.

She would be kind and let him down gently.

And who knew? Maybe Philip would find someone else to date. And then she and John…

Claudia let the thought trail off, afraid to hope.

John spent Monday morning getting brought up to speed on the current working projects at Buffalo Films, his new employer. He’d toured the facility when he’d interviewed, but Kurt Kenyon, who was the owner’s right-hand man and in effect managed the day-to-day operation of the company, gave him a more in-depth tour and introduced him to all the employees who were working in-house that day.

Soon John’s head was swimming with names. Buffalo had about sixty employees, and at least forty of them were there that morning. John knew it would take a while before he could put names to faces, but he made an effort to at least retain the names of the art director and the acquisitions director.

After the tour, Kurt showed John into a small office that contained a no-nonsense metal desk, a four-drawer filing cabinet, a computer and printer, and two chairs—one behind the desk, one off to the side.

“Right now, this’ll be your office,” Kurt said. “When a bigger one becomes available, we’ll move you.”

“This is fine,” John said. He didn’t expect to be in his office much anyway.

Kurt nodded. “Ready to dive in?”

“More than ready.”

“Good. I’ve got a special project for you. In fact, the only reason we got the project was because these people heard you were coming on board.”

John was pleased to know his reputation had preceded him. “Who is it?”

“The Fairchild Cancer Center. They’ve contracted for a promo video with the proviso that you’ll direct.”

“No kidding? But I thought they had their own media department.”

“They’re trying to cut costs and have decided the media department is going. Guess it’ll be cheaper for them to contract out.”

“What kind of promo video?”

“They’re working on an experimental treatment for certain types of cancer and they want us to follow one of the patients who’s participating. A start-to-finish kind of thing.”

“How’re they planning to use the promotion?”

“It’ll be sent to hospitals and cancer specialists around the world as well as shown on various health channels.”

“Budget?”

Kurt named a figure.

John’s eyes widened. At least they seemed willing to spend enough to put out a high-quality product.

“Richard Philbin, their public relations manager, wants to meet with you this afternoon.”

“How much of a crew can I have?”

“A videographer—I’m thinking Paul, you met him earlier, he’s the one with the shaved head, a PA—Laurie’s the best one we’ve got, and an audio tech—probably Doug. They’re a good crew. They’ve worked on several projects together. You saw one of them. That Larrimer spot? You know, the dancers?”

John nodded, pleased he’d have a production assistant. That would take a whole load of crap off his shoulders.

“Okay. Here’s Philbin’s number.” Kurt handed John a business card. “Give him a call. We’ll either talk today after you’ve met with him or tomorrow morning if your meeting runs late. By the way, Susan ordered some business cards for you. We should have them tomorrow.”

John didn’t reach Richard Philbin on the first try and had to leave a message. But Philbin returned his call within the hour and they agreed to meet at three that afternoon in Philbin’s office.

Since John hadn’t anticipated a client meeting, he hadn’t dressed for one that morning. So at noon, instead of going out for Thai food with some of the guys, he headed for Philip’s town house where he changed into black dress slacks, a black shirt and gray tie—his official look.

John arrived at Fairchild fifteen minutes before he was due. Luckily, Philbin’s earlier appointment finished ahead of time, so John only had to wait ten minutes before being ushered into Philbin’s nicely furnished tenth-floor office in the middle of the medical center area.

Philbin turned out to be a handsome gray-haired man of about fifty. He gave John a quick once-over and seemed to approve. After handshakes and an offer of coffee or a Coke, Philbin got right down to business. “What I’m looking for,” he said, leaning back in his chair, “is a video that seems more human interest than self-serving promotion. You know, the kind of thing Dateline or 60 Minutes would do.” He smiled. “Is that possible?”

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