Her life is not front page news!

News anchor Evan McKenna knows a good thing when he sees it. And Kelly Sullivan and her son Matt definitely fall into that category. If Evan had his way, he’d be part of their little family. Only Kelly is proving resistant to his charms. He knows an attraction this strong is more than one-sided, so something else is keeping them apart. Despite his best efforts, he can’t convince her to tell him.

Then Kelly’s past becomes a major news story, which puts Matt’s safety in jeopardy. Evan is willing to do anything to protect them. For the first time, his career takes a backseat to something more important—family and a future with Kelly. Now he just has to prove it to her….

“Are you helping us for the ratings?”

The look of absolute disgust on Evan’s face had Kelly regretting her words.

“Low blow, Kelly. Why would you ask that?”

She shrugged. “You’re a newsman. I just dealt with some pretty awful reporters, and a reporter with no conscience started this problem. Can you blame me?”

“If I asked you to marry me, do you think I would betray you?” His voice lowered to almost a whisper.

It seemed an honest enough question, yet she still couldn’t stop her doubt. “Offering marriage could be part of your plan.”

He leaned back as if gauging the authenticity of her suggestion. “You’re kidding, right?”

“You don’t understand how much trusting others in the past has hurt me. Matt and I were doing very well until now.”

But a small part of her was beginning to think Evan was that one man she could trust.

Dear Reader,

One of the great perks of fiction writing is I have the opportunity to raise readers’ awareness of social issues within an entertaining platform. Most of my fiction is derived from real-life stories. I get huge satisfaction in creating challenges that my heroes and heroines meet head-on with dignity, grace and a good dose of humor to reach that wonderful happily-ever-after.

The Father of Her Son came into being when chatting about the plot with my author friend Heather Graham. After listening to my idea, Heather said, “Did you know that if a woman is raped in the state of New York, gets pregnant and chooses to keep her child, the state will grant the rapist custodial rights to that baby?”

That floored me! You will be glad to know that amendments are currently being tabled to change that law, but that very sad fact is all too true today.

Then I thought of all those stories of politicians who have behaved in ways completely counter to their platforms and I started wondering: What if a nanny was raped by her employer, became pregnant and discovered that this dangerous man could gain joint custody of her baby and effectively control the rest of her life? What would she do? Me? I’d go underground. No one would ever know who the father of my baby was. And so, The Father of Her Son was born.

I hope you will enjoy both Kelly Sullivan’s and Evan McKenna’s journey through this story. I loved writing it. I loved the opportunity to platform a law that is in dire need of change for the rights of women. I hope you enjoy this story. Please visit me at www.kathleenpickering.com and let me know!

I am so grateful that you are out there, dear reader. And thank you for choosing to read The Father of Her Son. I am honored to spend this one-on-one time with you.

With love,

Kathleen Pickering

The Father of Her Son

Kathleen Pickering

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Pickering believes stories, like myths of old, are excellent tools for teaching life lessons while entertaining. She loves “happily ever after” but believes her characters have to overcome their life challenges with dignity, grace and a good dose of humor to deserve that special ending. Kathleen draws her characters and stories from real-life situations and finds traveling to research her work an added perk. So beware. If she meets you, you may wind up in one of her novels!

To Tony Agius and Lisa Russell…who didn’t let life stop the love.

Here’s wishing you every happiness!

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

THE ATMOSPHERE AROUND the Manhattan newsroom offices at NCTV seemed unusually charged as Evan McKenna pushed through the glass doors on the seventh floor of the Fifth Avenue television station. His assistant, Sarah, paced outside his office, steno pad and file folder in hand.

He’d just come from a quick breakfast across the street at the Neverland Diner, where the proprietor, his friend, a fiery Irish redhead with mesmerizing green eyes and the perfect spray of freckles on her nose, had distracted him a bit longer than expected. He had an important interview scheduled with presidential hopeful Buzz Campbell in an hour but that didn’t explain the extracharged air or his assistant’s frown. Sarah saw him coming and met him halfway.

“What’s up, Sarah?”

She dropped the file into his hands, his favorite pen attached to the steno pad. “He’s here already.”

“Who?”

“Senator Campbell. I sent you a text, but you didn’t answer.”

He ran a hand through his collar-length black hair, his aqua eyes flashing regret. Of course he didn’t answer. He’d been too preoccupied with Kelly Sullivan to heed the alert. He checked his watch. “He’s thirty minutes early. Senators usually keep you waiting.”

“Something about having another engagement. Last minute. He’s in makeup with Steve and Dean.”

“Why Dean?”

She smirked. “He rode the elevator with the senator. Apparently they share the same fraternity. Dean made sure Campbell knew it and has been in the middle of the conversation ever since.”

Evan shook his head. Dean was the type of office friend who would stay just that—an office friend. The guy was good at reporting stories, but his overenthusiasm reeked of insincerity. Evan seldom gave the guy much thought unless Dean was in his face for something. He could see Dean tripping over himself to get time with the senator in Evan’s absence, despite the fact that Evan had landed the interview.

He pulled his pen from its holder and clicked it a few times. “Is the set ready?”

“Yes. They’re waiting for my call.”

“Okay. Tell them we’ll be down in twenty minutes.”

There were five people seated with the senator in the makeup room. Senator Robert “The Buzz” Campbell was holding court with the ease and confidence of a man who knew the effect he had on a crowd. Tanya, the makeup artist, had draped the senator’s shoulders and was touching up his complexion, which honestly didn’t need much help, under the glare of the white lights. He was average height but built like an athlete. His thick blond hair, summer tan and deep blue eyes exuded those movie star looks that would earn him votes from the female population.

Evan nodded to his silver-haired boss, Steve Fiore. With his hawk eyes, Steve never missed a trick and was, as always, a class act in a navy Armani suit. Steve had won the confidence of the network owners for ten years running, and his self-assurance showed. From the body language in the room, Steve occupied a position of favor, chatting with the senator from the right-hand side of his chair.

Evan ignored Dean Porter, whose brown suit and ugly striped tie compounded his lack of professional tact as he lounged in the empty makeup chair to the left of Campbell, as if they were longtime friends. Two other men and a raven-haired beauty who looked to be about thirty were the senator’s entourage.

Evan headed straight for Campbell, offering him his hand. “Senator Campbell, sorry I’m late. I was expecting you in half an hour.”

“Call me Buzz. No problem at all, Evan. Had an unexpected addition to plans. I thought we’d get an early start, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure. I’m just sorry I wasn’t here to greet you.”

Evan glanced at his boss. He had danced pretty hard to get this early interview with Buzz Campbell—before he announced his candidacy. The look on Steve’s face spoke volumes that he was satisfied with Evan’s ability to snag breaking news before any other news station. As a senator, Buzz Campbell’s impact on the political arena garnered enormous popularity at the grassroots level. That he chose Evan and NCTV to announce his plans for the White House was huge for ratings. Evan tucked that satisfaction away as a perk for negotiating his next raise. Once again, his instinct had landed another first for NCTV morning news.

Out of necessity, Dean vacated the makeup seat next to the senator so Tanya’s assistant could touch up Evan’s face from the early morning show.

Senator Campbell winked at Evan’s reflection in the mirror. “Dean here tells me breakfast at that diner across the way is like a religious experience. Hope you didn’t rush on my account.”

The wink acknowledged more than breakfast. Clearly, Dean had told the senator that the religious experience had more to do with the diner’s owner than the meals. All the bucks in the newsroom flirted with Kelly, who managed to fend them off with amazing ease while filling their coffee mugs. To Evan, the woman’s aloofness was part of her allure, and she was totally undeserving of the rogue attitude guys like Dean attached to her. Any insinuation that Kelly was available made Evan want to smash a fist into Dean’s pointed snout.

Instead, he patted his stomach because sure enough, his late breakfast had been memorable. “Excellent down-home Cajun fare prepared by a cook who’d scare you off the sidewalk as soon as pass him, sir. You’d enjoy the experience.”

Buzz laughed, exposing perfect white teeth. “Next time, for sure. For now, let’s discuss some important questions I’d like you to ask me on air.”

* * *

EVAN’S NERVES THRUMMED deep under his controlled exterior. Beneath the hot studio lights, the set was silent except for the exchange between him and Senator Campbell. He’d already exhausted all the carefully choreographed questions Campbell wanted asked. His guest looked completely satisfied sitting across from him in his Brooks Brothers suit, blue shirt and contrasting yellow print tie. With a precious two minutes left, Evan would let the torpedoes fly with some hard-core questions of his own.

“Senator, America has been at war since 2001. How much longer can our country or our economy sustain war, not to mention the loss of America’s sons and daughters on foreign soil?”

The momentary lift of an eyebrow on Campbell’s face was lost on the viewing world since the camera was on Evan, but he hadn’t missed the senator’s surprise—or the delight at a challenge—that rose in the man’s eyes. With camera two recording his answer, Buzz Campbell replied with the face of a concerned father.

“America has no more time for war, Evan. We have to understand the cultural differences driving the forces behind the violence we’re trying to subdue. We must understand the people with whom we are at war and make sure American interests are not violating humanitarian interests in those regions. I will work closely with the United Nations to create dialogues and set strategies for conflict transformation on all levels, insuring all interested countries across the globe take part in finding a plan for peace.”

Excellent response. Kudos for the senator. Evan let his ease reflect his support for the senator’s answer.

“We only have time for one more question, Senator. Given the raw nerve that has been struck by certain politicians and religious groups insisting the government set laws based on religious doctrine, what is your stance on religion influencing government?”

Campbell shook his head. “You know, Evan? Personal interests have always been the motivating factor behind any great society whether right or wrong. While America was founded by God-fearing men and women who used their moral beliefs to fuel our great beginnings, religious doctrine belongs in our hearts, not our politics. I’d like to believe that our leaders will govern our people with wisdom and intelligence—without imposing any religious doctrine that would deny America the freedom of choice. We have to trust that Americans know the difference between right and wrong and will do what is right within this country’s fabric of inalienable rights.”

The senator’s answer raised applause from the set workers, which made both Evan and the senator smile. What a great way to end the segment: with the down-home, middle American approval in the studio reflecting how many viewers would probably respond.

“Thank you for your time, Senator.” Evan closed the interview by looking into the camera as he spoke the trailing statement. He didn’t have to look at the senator to know he’d just earned the regard of the next president of the country.

* * *

THE NEXT MORNING, Evan plowed into Neverland after the show aired, all pumped up from the high ratings the segment with his interview with Buzz Campbell had garnered. He’d done it. He had crawled under the senator’s defenses and forced him to answer some hard questions on camera, and America responded favorably.

Best result of the interview, however, was that Buzz Campbell had understood the gift Evan had presented him in his endorsement. Evan had just gotten off the phone with the senator, who had offered his personal cell phone number. If Evan needed quotes in the future, he could contact the senator anytime for his opinion.

Major score as a TV anchor.

Expecting to hear cheers and congratulations from the customers in Neverland, he was immediately struck with...nothing. The big-screen television on the wall—which was always tuned to NCTV—was playing the Robin Williams version of Peter Pan instead of the usual midmorning talk show that followed Evan’s news program.

Kelly’s almost-six-year-old son Matt called to Evan from the family booth, but the boy’s eyes quickly returned to the oversize screen, enthralled with the sword battle between Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman playing the dastardly Hook.

Bewildered, Evan headed for his seat at the counter. Proud of their renewed friendship and Evan’s success, Kelly had painted a gold star on the floor with his name stenciled on it.

Bunny greeted him first. The enthusiasm in her body language was a dead giveaway. Clearly, the manager was embarrassed his show hadn’t been viewed.

“Morning, Evan. Ready for some breakfast?”

He motioned to the television. “Didn’t you watch the interview?”

She scrunched her shoulders with discomfort. “No. Cable is down. Sorry. How did it go?”

Kelly Sullivan emerged through the kitchen doors. She stopped when his gaze, which he knew was full of questions, captured hers. She wiped her hands on the apron tied to her waste.

“Ah, himself, it is. Good morning, Evan McKenna.”

Evan chose to answer Bunny’s question, but kept his eyes on Kelly. Her agitation was not lost on him. “The interview was outstanding, Bunny. Actually, impeccable. I hammered the senator with direct questions and his answers probably launched his candidacy in the best light.”

Kelly clucked her tongue. “Lies. All of them. I’m sorry, Evan. We watched fairy tales this morning instead of more politics. Really hope you don’t mind.”

Hell, yes, he minded. He didn’t realize how much until he felt this blatant snub. He lowered his voice, not wanting the hurt to show. “You’re my friend, Kelly. I told you yesterday how much this interview meant to me. Couldn’t you have withheld your political sarcasm long enough to support me for this one important show?”

He inhaled a breath, really wanting to rant, but realized he sounded trite. He shook his head, needing to find a different tack other than personal insult. “Ratings, Kelly. You had a captive audience here. I could have used the help.”

He didn’t care that Kelly had gone pale, her mouth compressed as if her teeth might draw blood from those luscious lips. Something was very wrong. Kelly knew as well as he did that her support of NCTV was what brought the major portion of her regular clientele. Every employee at NCTV ate at Neverland at least once a week. Half the fun of eating here was watching themselves, their bosses or the celebrities they handled through the ranks appear on the big screen dominating the diner. Fans knew Neverland was the newsroom’s hot spot and the place swelled with curiosity seekers. Was she giving him a rap on the knuckles because he had asked her on a date yesterday for the seventh—or was it the eighth—time?

“Well, Your Majesty, the television cable line failed last night. I’m waiting for the repairman. The best I could do was play a DVD until he arrives.”

Now he’d been out of line. Kelly might be brash but she would never blatantly snub him. If he’d been listening instead of getting insulted, he would have heard Bunny explain the same thing.

He was an idiot. She’d always supported him from the first time they met seven years ago until his return from a seven-year assignment in Europe just four months ago. He had been thrilled to come home and find Kelly now owner of the diner where she previously worked as a waitress. She’d transformed the old dinosaur into a retro hot spot and renamed it. The fact that she was still single added to his enthusiasm.

But the true shocker had been when she introduced him to her son, Matt, of whom she was very protective and curiously tight-lipped about his origins. Her casual responses to his subtle questions never failed to intrigue him. His curiosity was always piqued by this voluptuous Irish siren who occupied more and more of his thoughts.

But something didn’t seem right. His usually bold and funny friend seemed distressed. Her hand had trembled when she pushed a copper tendril off her cheek. Had he upset her that much? He held up a stopping hand, chastened. “Kelly. I’m sorry. I didn’t understand.”

It took a New York second for her to snap back to her old self. “Indeed, Evan. As pompous an Irishman as ever I’ve met. So, will it be the usual? Or would you like an order of crow with your coffee?”

CHAPTER TWO

KELLY WOULD BURN in hell. She just knew it. Her excuse for not airing Evan’s interview was true. The cable line was down. What she omitted, however, was that she had yanked the cable from the wall specifically to avoid airing Evan’s interview with Senator Robert “The Buzz” Campbell. There was no way she would lay eyes on that bastard if she could help it. Bunny had caught her yanking the cord from the wall and had given her grief. Sidestepping her pointed questions had been tricky enough. Explaining her motives to Evan would be impossible. Luckily, it looked like that conversation had been evaded. Bunny kept her promise and said nothing to Evan.

Damaging the cable was the only way to avoid Evan’s interview and save face with him. Why hadn’t she just burst from the kitchen babbling about how sorry she was that the TV wouldn’t work and how unfortunate for them to miss his show? Why? Because that would have been a lie, and Kelly Sullivan hated lies.

Lies had short roots that could be plucked from one’s explanation in the face of the truth. Worse, if you were caught in a lie, no one would ever trust you again. The nuns at St. Peter’s School for Girls in Kinsale, County Cork, as well as her strict father and fanatically religious mother had taught her well.

However, what she learned on her own just a few short years ago—which her parents and the nuns failed to teach her—was that the truth could also ruin you. With a single word. Like yes. Or no. Answering yes when a man whom you trusted asked if you thought he was handsome. And then saying, no, when he asked if you’d like him to touch you, only to have him accuse you of lying for speaking the truth then use that handsome body to rape you.

Kelly had learned in the worst possible way what damage the truth could do. While lying was a sin, telling the truth could ruin someone’s life. Which was worse? Her only conclusion was to do what she must to keep her world safe. Kelly decided that instead of lying, omitting the truth whenever necessary was a necessary evil. While she would never trust anyone who lied to her, she had certainly perfected the art of portioning out the truth, as God was her witness.

Yes, she would burn in hell, for sure. Evan’s look of horror was proof enough.

She sighed. “Don’t look so glum, Evan. How will it be if I sweeten your disappointment with a free breakfast?”

His laugh was curt. “Well, of course you’ll offer a free meal when I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Well, then, this must be my lucky morning.” She poured his coffee, wishing desperately to get back on track with him. “So tell me, did you trounce the senator with all your unbiased nonsense in true fashion?”

This time to her relief, he laughed. “I think you’ve chastened me enough for my error. Now, let’s hear the end of it, if you will.”

She threw in their ongoing joke. “Will you try the pancakes, then?”

He reached for her hand, sending all sorts of tingles up her arm, which circled around to the back of her neck. He tugged the slightest bit to bring her face closer to his. She complied, if only to give him a quarter since she did feel bad. His fresh, clean soap scent invaded her nostrils like a clear spring morning.

Evan’s voice dropped low and seductive as he said, “No pancakes, Red. I’ll take the usual.” A grin pulled across her lips.

An older gent chuckled from his seat at the table behind Evan. Everyone knew Kelly teased Evan about pancakes because he’d made it clear he hated them. Their open banter, bordering on flirting had become entertainment for Kelly’s patrons. She pulled away, liking her nickname, “Red,” but not the way he spoke it as if the word was a secret code for some fantasy he held about her.

Kelly’s son, Matt, scrambled onto the stool next to Evan. “Hi, Evan!”

Matt’s adoration for Evan tickled her. The kid was beaming. Probably one of the main reasons she rekindled her friendship with Evan was for her son’s benefit. Evan’s attention to Matt on these workday mornings helped fill in the gap of “guy interaction” that Matt lost when Herby died. The fact that Matt liked Evan alleviated her suspicions about the celebrity anchor’s intentions. In the past few months he’d done well in reestablishing the brief friendship that had been severed as soon as it had begun seven years ago.

He mussed the boy’s hair as he always did. “Morning, Matt-man. Miss me?”

Matt grabbed Evan’s wrists with both hands and Evan lifted him off the seat, which set Matt laughing. “Soon you’ll be too big for me to lift you like that, kiddo.”

Matt’s green eyes, so much like Kelly’s own, lit up with joy. “I know. I’ll be six on Saturday.”

“And those six years will certainly earn you a present.”

“Like a Lego set?” Matt was a Lego madman.

Evan shook his head. “You’ll have to wait and see.” He tucked his napkin into the neck of his light blue shirt, covering a striped tie of various shades of the same color. His smile assured Kelly that he’d forgiven her the television transgression.

“I’ll take my eggs anytime you find fitting, my dear.”

Kelly didn’t need to write a ticket for Evan. Once Jake spotted him, he knew exactly how to prepare Evan’s breakfast. Her television anchor celebrity was a creature of habit. Kelly glanced back into the kitchen and saw Jake already preparing Evan’s hash browns and scrambled eggs with Jack cheese and chili peppers.

She left him to answer Matt’s relentless questions while she attended to other patrons. As she filled coffee cups and took orders, Kelly congratulated herself one more time for not letting on that Evan’s appearance this morning—just as his reappearance four months ago, looking more filled out, worldly wise and more strikingly handsome than ever—had shaken her right down to her well-worn running shoes.

Before his return, she’d almost forgotten about the hunky black-haired, blue-eyed newsman she’d met her first day on the job. She’d spotted him jaywalking across the street during Manhattan morning hour like Moses parting the Red Sea. When he walked through the doors of Herby’s diner she’d been so taken by his smile that she poured his cup too full, spilling coffee over the counter.

It was amazing how after seven years, Evan had simply waltzed into Neverland as if a mere day had passed as eager to see her as if he’d never left. He had been quick to explain how the assignment in Paris had turned into a job on the continent. Kelly was surprised to realize she still stewed over his lack of communication over the years and had no desire to hear his excuses. They had struck up a lovely friendship back then that he dropped as abruptly as he had started. Didn’t he know that telephones and email were modern-day conveniences that friends used to keep in touch...even seven years ago?

In reality, Evan had only grazed her thoughts while he was away. Too much had happened. Between dropping out of college for Matt’s birth, working the diner and those two hard years caring for Herby—the diner’s owner and her salvation before he passed away—Kelly didn’t have much time for quiet musings. She had taken pains to be sure Evan understood that she had no more to offer him than friendship, a cup of coffee and an occasional free meal. She had a son to raise and protect. A business to run. Owning the diner and the apartment upstairs that she’d inherited from Herby afforded her an independence she never expected.

She had become a mother and businesswoman with intentions of her own, and she meant to stick by them. A distraction like dating, especially with a charming yet intensely career-driven man like Evan McKenna, was simply unwelcome. If she dated at all she’d be better off with a quiet, easy-mannered guy who worked as hard as she did and had no craving for power or fame.

“Penny for your thoughts, Red?”

Evan had been watching her with more attention than usual.

She had been moving at a brisk clip delivering plates and writing up tickets. She hadn’t realized her mind was reflecting so easily on her face.

“I’m trying to decide if you should get the fresh bacon or the scraps for the stray dogs out back.”

A bearded man next to Matt guffawed.

Her son looked mortified. “Mom!”

Evan drummed his fingers on the counter to a silent beat, exchanging a conspiratorial glance with Matt. Instead of his usual retort, he simply stated, “If you knew what I had planned, you’d give me the whole pig.”

She turned to face him, planting fists on hips. “What are you up to, Evan?”

He tapped his breast pocket. “Got something here I’m willing to share to celebrate the interview, despite the fact you missed the show. It all depends on whether you can get a babysitter for Matt.”

“Mrs. Walsh will watch me!” Matt seemed to know what Evan had planned.

Reaching into the breast pocket of the impeccable navy suit, Evan slid two tickets across the counter. “Front row seats to Billy Elliot.”

She couldn’t help but grin. He must have overheard her telling Bunny yesterday that Billy Elliot was the one Broadway show she wanted to see this season. Temptation tugged, but a clearer head removed its silly hand. Nothing would be sweeter than a few hours’ escape into another world, not to mention Evan’s grin seemed to be doing silly things to her heart, which to her surprise, puttered a tad faster in her chest.

It didn’t matter. Kelly wouldn’t accept the offer. Not only was Evan not her type, there was no room in her plans for a relationship. A boyfriend would only distract her from raising her son. Dating would remove her from the diner for which she was eternally grateful and planned to make more successful than Herby could ever imagine. And lastly, what she was least willing to acknowledge, was that she had never dated...anyone.

She met Evan’s hopeful gaze with a grin. “Nice try, Evan. Won’t happen.”

“Oh, Mom.” Matt’s disappointment was palpable.

“And, I don’t appreciate you tangling Matt into your shenanigans.”

Evan ignored her. “Look closer. Row One. Center.”

She pushed the creamer and sugar toward Evan from its place by the napkin box. “I said, no. Now, be a nice patron and eat quickly. I have a busy morning ahead of me.”

Bunny passed Kelly and stopped when she saw the tickets. Two full plates in hand, she looked from the tickets to Kelly. “Billy Elliot? Are you going?”

Kelly laughed out loud at her trusted manager, who had no trouble waiting tables when the morning, lunch or dinner rush began. “No, Bunny. You and Evan both know I do not date.”

Bunny nodded once, then flashed Evan a saucy glance. “Right, then. I’ll be happy to go with you if she’s too lame-brained to go.”

If Evan was disappointed that Kelly turned him down—yet again, he didn’t show it. This was his eighth try in as many weeks to ask her out. Yet he grinned, shaking his head.

“Well then, ladies. It looks as though you two should take each other. The show starts at nine. The dinner rush should be over by then.”

The women exchanged looks. Even though Kelly had sabotaged his interview, Evan still asked her out. Rebuffed again, he was surrendering the tickets. The man was either a fool, a glutton for punishment or uncommonly generous. Something about the playful and confident look in his eyes both intoxicated and unnerved her. For her own security, Kelly needed to be in control when it came to men—but she had to do something. After all, Evan was a friend.

“Then you must let me pay for the tickets.”

Evan pushed the tickets back and called to Bunny as she planted the overflowing plates before two businessmen at the other end of the counter. “Take your boss out tonight, Bun. She looks like she could use a break.”

Wiping her hands on her apron, Bunny rushed back to scoop up the tickets before Kelly could change her mind. “Absolutely. It’s Tuesday. Quiet enough for us both to escape. Thanks, Evan!”

Kelly mustered a smile. “Yes. Thank you, Evan. You are way too kind.”

She ducked behind the heat-shield window to catch her best cook’s eye from the line of three who ran the morning grill. “Be sure you use the sweetest peppers in his-self’s potatoes. He is eating for free this morning.”

The burly man, sporting a skull and crossbones earring, winked in return. “They’re ready.”

Kelly retrieved Evan’s plate and refilled his coffee mug.

Evan tapped the deep sea-green granite countertop; the one major extravagance Kelly made when renovating the diner. “You enjoy the show tonight. Don’t mind me. I’ll just drown my rejection in Jake’s free, down-home Louisiana cooking.”

She reached under the counter for her ever-present Nikon and snapped a photo of Evan in sheer bliss at Jake’s superb cooking. Smiling to herself, she said, “That’ll be a keeper.”

He swallowed his food. “You certainly are a beautiful sight with a camera for a nose, Kelly Sullivan. I think you missed your calling.”

She gestured to the wall of framed photos she’d taken of patrons eating her food. “I think it’s time your mug took front and center on the Wall of Fame. Don’t you think?”

“Ahh, I thought you’d never offer!”

Matt had grown bored with their conversation and slid off his stool. A booth just outside Kelly’s office was designated as the rest station for family and staff. Matt tugged on Evan’s jacket and pointed to the booth. “Wanna play with my Lego?”

Evan actually looked disappointed. “Sorry, Matt-man. I have to get back to the office. How about we’ll build a spaceship next time?”

“Okay. I’m gonna start mine now!”

Kelly watched him climb into the booth beneath a large framed photo of her and Matt, taken by holding the camera at arm’s length. She smiled. “Again, Evan, thank you for the theater tickets. I hope to repay the gesture one day.”

He wiped his plate with a chunk of bread. “Dinner with me on Saturday night will work wonders to assuage my damaged pride.” The way one eyebrow arched to complement that crooked, playful smile made her stomach flip-flop.

“But, you know...”

He interrupted before she finished her worn-out declaration of no dating. “It’s not a date. It’s dinner for Matt for his birthday.”

The cable man appeared through the door. Bunny glanced her way before leading the man to the back corner of the building.

Guilt tugged on Kelly like an anchor around her neck as she watched the cable guy disappear into her office. Evan had easily forgiven her for not airing his show this morning, but from his excitement yesterday over snagging that interview with the awful Buzz Campbell, not supporting him had hurt Evan even if the circumstance did appear out of her control. She’d have to make amends this time simply to allay her own guilty feelings.

She swallowed hard. “It’s Tuesday, Evan. Do I have to give you an answer now?”

He shrugged. “I am a busy man, Kelly Sullivan. I don’t make time for just anyone. I’d appreciate a commitment.”

His lips twitched to keep from grinning. She liked that, but at the same time she chafed at pushy men. Kelly chided herself. Evan had been sweet with his continued offers to take her out. Seven years of celibacy was a hard taskmaster. Staring into Evan’s smiling eyes made it difficult to drum up reasons to support her stringent decision.

She was a different person from the scared and lonely girl he’d met seven years ago. She had full control of her world now. Yet, she could not deny that if Evan wasn’t so headstrong or ambitious, his looks alone could be enough to make her say yes.

Could she handle one dinner with Evan—especially with Matt in the mix? Matt worshipped Evan. He would love the time with him. Or would the dinner give Matt ideas about Evan becoming a part of their private life? She needed more time to stew over the invitation.

“Ask me later, Your Majesty. I need to take one more look at the FBI records to make sure you’re not a wanted felon.”

He finished the last of his coffee. “Then yes it is, Red. Those records will come up clean. We’ll confirm details Saturday morning. Thanks for breakfast.”

He eased off the stool and waved to Matt before exiting the diner, whistling.

Bunny sidled up next to her, watching Evan leave. “I told the cable man the cord got caught under the chair wheel. I’m making him shorten the cable line.”

Kelly wrapped an arm around her friend for a brief squeeze. “Brilliant solution, Bunny. Thank you.”

She shrugged. “Well, your plan of pulling the cable to land a date couldn’t have worked any better.”

“That was no plan!”

Bunny moved to a table with new customers. “Then why else would you take such a drastic measure to get his undivided attention?”

Kelly left that question unanswered. Better to endure the smile on Bunny’s face—which would surely last past lunch—rather than explain the truth. “It’s a birthday dinner for Matt. He’s going to love it.”

Matt heard his name and pulled his attention from his building bricks. “Does Evan know I want a homemade ice-cream cake?”

Bunny burst into laughter.

Kelly headed for the next customer. “No, son, but I’ll surely tell him.”

CHAPTER THREE

ONE FACT CONSUMED Evan’s thoughts as he headed back to the office. Kelly hadn’t said no to Saturday night. This was the closest he’d gotten to a yes from her and he hightailed it out of Neverland before she could reconsider her halfhearted agreement.

When he’d first returned to New York, Steve Fiore said Kelly owned the revamped Neverland diner. Evan’s heart did a little twist when he found her ensconced behind the counter, eyes wide at the sight of him.

Yet, Kelly had changed. He’d realized why the minute she introduced him to Matt. Evan had done the math. Matt had been conceived within months after he and Kelly first met, on the first day Herby, the old softie, had hired her.

Kelly wouldn’t budge on revealing the paternity of the boy. Honestly, he didn’t care. He was more concerned that perhaps some deadbeat needed to be paying child support. If that was the case, he’d be more than happy to hunt down the bastard. Kelly clearly loved her son to distraction, but whatever she went through to get that great kid into her life, the deed had left its mark. Kelly had lost her innocence. She had become cautious while still remaining alluring. Caring, but from the distance of a football field.

Why the hell hadn’t he called her while he was gone? Checked up on her?

He knew why. But he didn’t even want to go there. Not now that his career launched as he had planned. He swallowed the guilt that he may have hurt her. Back then, he didn’t have the time to concentrate on a relationship. Funny how the tables had turned. Now that his career was on solid ground, he was ready to find a wife and begin a family. After all the women he’d dated, his sights continued to zero in on Kelly. No other woman compared. Getting her to date him would help fill the void in his happiness as only a companion could.

Yes, indeed. He was all for second chances. And for finding answers. He wanted to help Kelly as much as he wanted to date her. Someday, he’d unearth Matt’s father. If the guy had hurt Kelly in any way, he’d make sure the dude got his comeuppance.

Evan’s notoriety in the news world came from his doggedness with a story. If he got wind of possible news, he sniffed out every corner, every fact, every morsel of research until he put flesh on the skeletons he found.

The radar he depended on to alert him to something fishy was pinging intensely over Neverland’s cable being out of service. Something didn’t add up. Yesterday when he confided in Kelly that Buzz Campbell was his secret interview, she had been holding her precious Nikon camera. When he said Campbell’s name the delicate instrument slipped from her hands. Evan managed to catch the camera before it hit the floor, but he hadn’t missed the intense shock that had filled those gorgeous green eyes.

Leaving Neverland now, it hit like a jolt that he actually knew nothing about Kelly other than the usual safe, small talk. Irish born. Parents strict Roman Catholics. Her father owned a limousine service, her mother was a homemaker. Two older brothers, married with kids. A sister and another brother, Michael, the priest. Kelly couldn’t afford to not work. Raising Matt left no time for dating.

She’d delivered the obvious facts.

All in a tidy little nutshell.

Was there more to the sultry redhead than met the eye? Was she a fugitive from Ireland? A runaway from a marriage? Whatever the secret, his gut prodded him to learn more. All avenues pointed to Matt. Kelly was a pro at keeping topics away from her personal life. Like the enchantress she was, she got folks talking about themselves, leaving little room for self-revelation. And when one did ask questions, as Evan always had, she was quick with that sexy little shrug, pensive look or heart-stopping smile and an evasive answer.

Well, now, Kelly was giving him cause for thought. Her clumsiness after he told her about the senator could very well have been coincidence—slippery fingers, given how quickly she’d been moving around. But something in her face, like mortification or fear, hit the alarm button. His instincts had made him one hell of a good newsman. He’d never ignored them before, and he surely would not now.

He wanted to understand this woman who fascinated him. Only, what if he found bad news? Like an abandoned husband somewhere or that she was a conspirator in some illegal activity with the IRA. For sure, even his own family had problems with that faction. What if she’d kidnapped Matt and he wasn’t really hers?

Nah. The kid had her eyes. His gut told him Kelly’s trouble was personal; something that made her cautious. Distant. He didn’t think what she was hiding would be enough to keep him away. If anything, it triggered his protective inclinations. He hadn’t felt like that...ever.

He’d always assumed he’d eventually settle down. His momma didn’t raise a fool. He’d watched his parents, who still loved each other after thirty years. That’s what Evan wanted in his relationship. Something simple and passionate that could stand the test of time.

Question was, how would he fit simple and passionate into his high-powered, fast-rising career? The job took up all of his time. An anchor newsman was just that: weighted and staying put. Constant interviews. Meetings. Brainstorming ideas with his staff. He had become the face most New Yorkers wanted to watch every morning at eight. Could he honestly become a family man when he had married his job?

Perhaps. If his wife was as busy as he. His thoughts drifted back to Kelly, a rare breed that one. He didn’t want to change Kelly one bit. He just wanted to orbit the same world as her and Matt for a while to see if they and he matched.

Evan craved to know what had happened in Kelly’s life to produce Matt. He had his suspicions. Given her insistence on remaining independent and self-sufficient, he could only assume she’d been bullied, or overcontrolled. He was pretty sure she would not lie, but would she omit information? Yes, she was certainly capable of editing answers with a tongue as smooth as a leprechaun’s. He’d continue to follow his hunches. With time, he’d ferret out the answer.

He punched the elevator button in the lobby. Enough. Pushing Kelly and Matt from his mind, he started thinking about this next interview. Thoughts about Kelly had to be put on the back burner until Friday. Right. Like that was possible.

* * *

IT FELT LIKE a bit of hell not going to Neverland for breakfast for the rest of the week. The nature of his job had him on the set early and tying up loose ends afterward, but he’d always managed to shoot over to Kelly’s for breakfast before tackling the tasks after the show. This time, he dived directly into the after-show work instead of going to Neverland. He didn’t want to give Kelly a chance to back away from Saturday’s plans. He’d gotten this far, and he wasn’t about to blow it.

His next show featured a man who fought the courts for custody of his son from his estranged wife. According to his guest, after a whirlwind courtship, he’d married a woman with the best of intentions only to discover, after a year of marriage, that she suffered from dissociative identity disorder—or multiple personalities. After consulting with psychologists, he decided to end the marriage only to have his wife announce she was pregnant. The man stayed on for three more years until he realized that, as the child got older, exposure to his mother’s condition would be detrimental for his development—especially since one of the wife’s personalities tended toward violence.

Evan had learned that in child custody or children’s rights cases, the laws were often too broad to consider more delicate situations. Mothers were widely considered better nurturers for children than the fathers but laws were changing. His interviewee had gained full custody of his son.

Forward thinking, the man had tailored his burgeoning business to accommodate a day care on site for his son and the children of employees. He hired a staff of two preschool instructors. He paid the insurance and offered child care as an incentive to his employees. Not only was he able to bring his son to work but the working mothers on his payroll did, as well. The man’s bottom line increased because his employees were happy to be at work. Evan had wanted to feature this heroic dad and introduce alternatives for working parents and employers willing to take the initiative.

What drove Evan’s television interviews off the charts were these kinds of economic and social platforms that raised social consciousness. Talk show hosts talked about his topics for days afterward, many times pulling in the same folks he interviewed to follow up. But it was Evan who managed to find and interview these persons of interest first. Evan’s keen instinct for a good story kept his boss writing those bonus checks at the end of every quarter. He smiled when Steve knocked on his open office door.

“How about breaking for lunch?”

Evan checked the time in the corner of his computer monitor. Already past noon. “Where are you going?”

Steve shrugged. “Neverland? I’m craving one of Jake’s Friday specials.”

He needed to dodge the diner just one more day. “Hmm. Sounds great, but I’m putting the finishing touches on Monday’s show. I’m not coming in tomorrow.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “Now, that’s a first.”

Evan met his friend’s concerned gaze. Steve came across as wily and distant like a silver fox, but Evan knew better. While Steve was Evan’s boss, the men had built a solid friendship during Evan’s time abroad. Steve had been an anchor at home, helping with story strategies and getting Evan the support he needed from the network while Evan roamed the continent on behalf of NCTV.

Beneath that austere exterior, Steve had a sense of humor and the heart of a family man. He still loved his wife of thirty-five years, boasted about his three grown kids and was waiting on the birth of his first grandchild.

“What’s the look for, Steve?”

“Only a woman could keep you from your desk tomorrow.”

Evan grinned. “Well, it is. And, she’s in Neverland and I don’t want to show up and give her a chance to back out.”

Steve slapped the door frame. “Well, I’ll be damned. So you groveled and she said yes.”

“You betchya, and proud of it.”

“Okay, then, how about lunch at Tao?”

Evan powered down his computer, leaving it in lock mode. He didn’t like to admit he couldn’t trust colleagues not to rifle through his files, but when it came to the ambitions of Dean Porter, anything could happen. He looked at his friend and decided, once again, against airing his concerns. Steve looked relaxed today. NCTV was running smoothly and up for an Emmy. No reason to throw darts at a balloon.

“On second thought, let’s go to Neverland. Tao is uptown and I don’t have much time. Kelly won’t dare mess with our plans with you at the counter.”

Steve chuckled. “That’s my man. I’d hate to miss Jake’s good cooking.”

* * *

THERE WERE ALWAYS new customers in Neverland. That was what made Manhattan so exciting. But Kelly didn’t like the way this particular man watched her while he ate Jake’s special corned beef sandwich.

Not that he looked dangerous. Gray suit, navy tie, blue button-down shirt. Well groomed, indeed, but there was something predatory in his smile, which he flashed every time she glanced his way. Better to get it over with and confront the man. She preferred handling clowns like this head-on, rather than finding them lurking around later.

She pointed to his empty glass. “Would you like another New Castle?”

“Sure.” He pushed his glass forward as she pulled another beer from the icebox.

She poured. “Everything fine with your meal?”

“Everything, except a few answers.”

She frowned, fully expecting a come-on. “What questions?”

He pulled a business card from his pocket. “I’m Jay Doyle. I report for the New York Sentinel.”

The gossip rag of the city. Good Lord, had someone spoken badly of Neverland? She offered him her most winning smile. “Lovely. What can I do for you?”

“Well, it’s a long story, but I was chatting with a former administrative assistant to the senate’s newest presidential candidate and your name came up.”

Her heart skipped a beat. Well, here we go. The devil himself was sitting at her counter with a smile thinking he’d lay a snare. Wouldn’t happen on her watch.

Her body relaxed into war mode. “And who, pray tell, would that senator be?”

Doyle pointed to the TV screen above the counter. “Buzz Campbell. I’m sure you heard him throw his hat into the ring during Evan McKenna’s show on Monday.”

She frowned. “Missed the show, but heard the news. Are you taking a poll or something?”

He was watching her like a hawk. “Of sorts.”

She’d handled morons like him before. She just didn’t have to bite his bait. “Mr. Doyle, I don’t understand.”

Doyle laid a hand on the counter, palm down as if planting a root into her world. The action repulsed her. She didn’t like this man, at all.

“Well, Ms. Sullivan, it seems this ex-assistant has an ax to grind. Something about sexual harassment.”

Years of practice kept the jolt to her gut from showing on her face. “That’s unfortunate. I can promise you I do not sexually harass my employees.”

He chuckled. “No, but when chatting, this assistant mentioned that the senator had a nanny that abruptly left his employ.”

Okay. So he knew. She’d clean up this mess fast. No more dodging questions.

She shared a conspiratorial glance with him. “And, you learned that I was that nanny.”

He seemed surprised by her honesty. “Well, yes.”

She shook her head as if to say she’d never understand busybodies. She added an extra lilt to her question. “So, Mr. Doyle, at the risk of being rude, why would this be any business of yours?”

He pressed a finger to his lips before speaking. “My contact was given the tedious chore of screening candidates to replace you when you quit on such short notice. Mrs. Campbell had seemed bewildered when you left—she’d thought you were quite content with your job. This assistant suggested that perhaps you’d had a run-in with the senator.”

A customer motioned for more coffee at the end of the counter. She released the breath she hadn’t known she was holding. “Will you excuse me for a moment?”

Kelly’s heart pounded double-time. To regain her calm, she refreshed several coffee mugs, delivered a check and several plates before returning to the reporter. Luckily, Matt was on a playdate and was out of sight. Thank heaven for small favors. This guy was pretty sharp, but so far all he had presented to her were suppositions. One glance at Matt and there would be no question. No one ever considered the possibility before today because no one in her present life knew of her connection to Buzz Campbell. Doyle, however, had targeted the guilty party. If he saw Matt she’d have the war of a lifetime on her hands.

She returned to the reporter as he downed the last of his Newcastle. “So, Mr. Doyle, as you can see, it’s lunch hour.”

He lifted a hand. “That apple pie looks excellent. I’ll have a slice, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Would you like a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream?”

“Both. And a coffee. Black.”

She was tempted to have one of the other waitresses finish serving him, but avoiding him would only encourage the man to persist in his questioning—or worse, return at another time. The fact that he was staying for dessert proved he thought he’d sniffed out a lead. She glanced at Bunny and saw from her friend’s expression that she had already assessed the guy as trouble. Kelly shot her a quick grin that confirmed it. As much as her insides quaked, she’d handle this clown and slide him out the door faster than grease off a skillet.

She poured his coffee and watched him shovel a forkful of pie into his mouth. The look on his face as he savored the sweet was priceless. She couldn’t help herself. She reached for the ever-present Nikon and snapped a few shots of Jay Doyle enjoying her favorite pie with a goodly amount of whipped cream in the corner of his mouth.

“Hey, what are you doing?” He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Kelly gestured to the wall covered in photos. “Well, Mr. Doyle. When I spy a customer who is particularly enjoying my food, his or her picture becomes part of Neverland’s Wall of Fame.”

He grinned. “Nice. I’d like that. I’ll bring my wife back to show her.”

“You do that, Mr. Doyle. So, let’s finish with your questions before I get distracted again. As I said, it’s busy in here.”

“Sure. Sure.” He spooned that last bit of pie into his mouth. “Amazing, this pie,” he said as he chewed. “So, it seems this assistant doesn’t think she is the only one with a gripe against Buzz Campbell.”

Kelly stood with arms crossed. “Is she charging him with harassment?”

“More like sexual assault. She had to fight him off. Only, she’s concerned that Campbell’s attorneys would pound her into the ground if she accuses him alone. If more women step forward, the charges will have more power.”

“What does this have to do with me?”

“My informant knows of other women in Campbell’s wake with the same complaint. We were wondering if you were swept into his net, as well.”

Doyle’s gaze was drilling right through her.

She lowered her voice, grateful that the immediate seats surrounding Doyle at the counter had been vacated. “So you want to know if I was assaulted by the senator. Is that correct?”

“It’s the reason I am here, but now that I’ve had your food, I’ll come back for sure.”

“I have another question for you.”

He drained his coffee mug as if they chatted about the weather. His nonchalance was not lost on Kelly. Actually, it made her blood steam that this man could so blithely discuss female degradation while obviously enjoying his meal.

He placed the cup on the counter as if he’d take a refill. Kelly ignored the gesture.

He asked, “What’s your question?”

Instead of pouring, she placed the coffeepot she was holding on the counter between them. “Did Campbell’s assistant approach you or did you approach her?”

“Does it matter?”

Kelly let a grin play across her lips. “Motive means everything to me, Mr. Doyle. I’m simply wondering if you really care about this woman’s story or if you’ve been tapped to do a witch hunt by Campbell’s opposing party.”

The man looked decidedly uncomfortable.

When he didn’t answer, she knew. Politics could be such a dirty business. A rising star under attack by his opponents certainly seemed to be the American model during election years. Only this time, Buzz Campbell’s enemies were right on target. The knowledge that Campbell had taken liberties with other women seeped like acid between her ribs, burning her lungs and making her want to cry, all over again. Under any other circumstance, Kelly would have led the cause against the senator—in a heartbeat. Only, now she had a son to protect. Her own shame and/or vindication no longer mattered. Matt’s anonymity did. God forbid Campbell learned he’d fathered a son. From the three years she spent caring for his daughters, Kelly knew he’d always wanted a boy. The thought made her want to vomit. Having to battle Buzz Campbell for custody of a child born from his assault would ruin Kelly.

She hated to use the word rape. The sound alone slashed her soul like a razor. She’d made a life—a good life—despite the horror of that night and found love for her child like she’d never known. Nothing. Absolutely nothing would destroy the safe and secret world she and Herby, bless his unknowing soul, had created to protect her and Matt from this very moment.

Kelly leaned forward, offering her most conspiratorial voice. “I will tell you how it goes, Mr. Doyle, but please do not repeat it, as my actions are most embarrassing to me. Yes, I was that nanny. Lovely family. Beautiful children, Emily and Mary Kate. But it didn’t take me long to realize that I had chosen the wrong career. Caring for someone else’s children out in the wilds of Long Island with nary a friend or foe to confide in was more than I could handle. I was desperately lonely. So, I quit. Unfortunately, I left without notice. My actions were not professional. I’m not proud of the fact. For that reason, I prefer that my past ties to the Campbells remain confidential. Can you understand that?”

“You’re saying Campbell’s kids were difficult, spoiled brats?”

It was easy to become insulted at that remark. Kelly had loved those two young girls like her own. She had developed an affection for their mother, as well. Indignation laced her words. “Absolutely not, Mr. Doyle. You must not have heard me say that they were lovely children.”

She leaned closer, tapping her finger on the granite inches from his hand to emphasize her point. “It’s important that you understand me very clearly, Mr. Doyle. Given my abrupt departure from the children in my care, it would be nothing but an embarrassment for me. An embarrassment which if advertised could harm my business. I can only hope that after almost seven years, the Campbells hold no complaint against me. If you’re looking for a witch hunt, you’ve come to the wrong place. I have nothing to offer you. You’ll have to look elsewhere for a victim.”

She had moved so close to him in order to tell her story only to him that he looked as if he had gotten lost in her eyes. For once in a very long time, she was glad for her charm.

“Um...I understand. But why would this assistant name you as one of the senator’s targets?”

“Given the time you are citing, I assume you are referring to Helen Thompson.” When he didn’t answer, Kelly shrugged. “We knew each other. She’d been to the house several times. I remember she was very loyal to Mr. Campbell. If he did indeed assault her, I can only imagine she’s feeling betrayed as well as violated. I can understand why she would look for collaboration to support her accusation. I’m sorry, Mr. Doyle. I can’t help her or you in this inquiry. But I would appreciate it if you remained discreet about my ties to the Campbells. Now that I understand how devastated I had left Mrs. Campbell, I’d hate to be held accountable for my immaturity. Would you like more coffee?”

That seemed to finish the interview. Knees quaking, Kelly paid little more attention other than a friendly wave as Jay Doyle paid his bill and exited Neverland. She cleared tables, using all her strength to keep her hands from trembling while sending a silent prayer skyward. Holy Saint Michael, she prayed that was the last she’d see of the Sentinel reporter.

Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. It was bad enough he had been seated in Evan’s favorite stool at the counter. It seemed like a violation of sacred space. Worse, Doyle had hit the truth from which she had carefully erased all connection for so long. She had performed a most uncomfortable two-step to make that man go away but she’d managed. And not one word had been false. Now that he was gone, the urge to throw up what remained of breakfast had her choking back bile.

She filled a glass with cola and sipped slowly to get her wits about her. A turbine of disquiet buzzed in her head. There was no one to whom she could confide her distress, which was rapidly growing into terror that this man would return. She took a moment to absorb the activity and sounds in Neverland. The hum of conversations. Clanking plates and the sizzling grill. The smell of coffee. The ever-present newscasters of NCTV on the screen. The patrons and workers who had become her friends. The city bustling past the windows outside the diner. She released a sigh. Neverland was reality now. The sludge Jay Doyle was trying to unearth was the past. A difficult lesson learned, but most certainly history. All was well in Neverland. Nothing else mattered.

She looked up to see Evan entering the diner with his boss, his gaze seeking her out. With a single glance at her, concern rose in Evan’s eyes. Damn her nerves. He’d read her distress before she had a chance to hide it.

CHAPTER FOUR

STEVE FIORE RUBBED his hands together. “Smells like Friday in here, Kelly. How about serving us up two of Jake’s specials?”

Steve’s eagerness and his genuinely affable nature helped Kelly shake away her dread. Besides, she’d handled Jay Doyle. There was no need to give his interrogation any further attention. The smile that creased her mouth drained her tension.

“Nothing would please me more, Steve.” She gestured to the stool next to Evan’s—which he now occupied, his gaze still on her. “Care to sit next to our star patron? I must warn you, he’ll chatter your ear to bending.”

Evan shook his head. “A man does not chatter, Red. We discuss matters.”

Steve was studying Evan’s name stenciled on the floor beneath the stool. He gestured to the floor below his own seat. “Where’s mine?”

She laughed. “You need your own TV show and must eat here every day to earn that honor.”

Steve looked baffled. “But, Evan wouldn’t have his own show if it wasn’t for me.”

Kelly slapped the counter. “Of course. You’re right. If you are happy with that perch, I’ll stencil your name there tonight.”

Satisfied, Steve sat. “I’ll get a gold star, as well?”

“Sure, Steve, but you’ll have to earn your place on the Wall of Fame.”

Steve glanced at the wall holding the fifty or more photos of patrons, all smiling with a mouthful of food. “McKenna isn’t up there yet.”

“I will be soon,” Evan chimed in. “Had my photo op just a few days ago.”

Kelly wagged a finger at Evan. “But, you’ve been absent all week. That photo may have to wait.”

“Didn’t want to give you a chance to break our date.”

Before she could declare that they were not having a date, two patrons came up for Evan’s autograph, killing the opportunity. At least Steve noticed her consternation. Kelly turned to Jake, who signaled that he had already spotted Evan and Steve’s arrival and was preparing their specials.

Moments later, Matt burst through the diner doors like a miniature whirlwind with Jared and his mom, Donna, hot on his heels.

“Mom! We saw the Tyrannosaurus bones at the museum again. I think he got bigger... Evan!”

Matt had been heading for her until he spotted Evan. He and Matt exchanged their knuckle handshake while she invited Jared and Donna to take a booth near the window. She settled them in, catching up on their adventure at the Museum of Natural History until Matt scooted into the booth next to Jared.

“Mom, Evan says we’re having birthday dinner tomorrow at his penthouse.”

Donna raised an eyebrow and grinned. “Way to score, Kelly.”

Kelly scoffed. “Not what you’re thinking, Donna. Please don’t start any rumors.”

Donna gave the TV show host, now deep in conversation with his boss, an appraising glance. “Evan McKenna would be a rumor worth making, my dear.”

Kelly met her friend’s conspiratorial gaze. The last thing she wanted was uninvited attention over a television personality. “Now, that’s enough. Lunch is on me for entertaining Matt this morning.”

* * *

THE RISING MOUND of clothes littering her bed betrayed Kelly’s angst over tonight’s dinner with Evan. Something about trespassing into the McKenna inner sanctum sent tendrils of disquiet through her gut—a disquiet she was rapidly translating into a conviction that she had made a mistake. She’d been avoiding Evan for so long that agreeing to see him outside of Neverland seemed like surrender. Despite the fact that she had a son, her experience with men was nonexistent! Her apprehension was turning her stomach into knots.

Matt felt it, too. Despite a birthday party at the diner earlier today, then a romp through FAO Schwartz for Nerf guns, followed by several hours in Central Park playing Nerf gun tag, Matt was practically bouncing off the walls asking her when they were going to leave, as if he was sure she’d change her mind any minute and refuse to go.

She finally reached for her first choice, a soft green Indian tunic dress with an embroidered hem that stopped an inch too high above her knees. She looped a tan leather belt low on her hips and slipped into a pair of matching strappy sandals. She let her hair cascade onto her shoulders, slid silver hoop earrings into each ear, a cuff of bangles on her wrist, and finished her look with a spray of her favorite Christian Dior perfume—one luxury in which she dared to indulge.

Ignoring the pile of clothes on her bed, she dashed from the room before giving herself a chance to change her mind. “Matt, are you ready?”

He looked up from his latest Lego construction. “Wow, Mom. You look pretty.”

The admiration in his young eyes squeezed her heart. “Well, it’s your birthday. That’s a great reason to dress up.”

He jumped from the couch. “Let’s go. I hope Evan made an ice-cream cake!”

She reached for her purse and keys, her heart sinking. “Uh-oh. I forgot to tell Evan.”

His grin was priceless. “Don’t worry, Mom. I told him.”

* * *

SHE HARDLY NOTICED the taxi ride to the Upper West Side. Matt was full of questions and it wasn’t until she chided him that he had to be on his best behavior in Evan’s home that he settled down to a round on his game player. As the doorman opened the door to the taxi, she was glad, once again, that she had refused Evan’s offer to pick them up. She wanted this evening to be as little like a date as possible.

Matt bolted into the apartment lobby and ran to the elevators. “This place is cool, Mom! Which button do I press?”

“Elevator B.”

When the light illuminated, she resisted the urge to hightail it right back out the door. This was crazy. A wave of heat suffused her body, making her palms feel damp. Going to Evan’s place was sheer insanity. It didn’t help that Bunny had sent her out the door this afternoon with admonitions like, “Take no prisoners,” echoing in her wake.

She couldn’t believe how awkward she felt—at her age! She was miles out of her league. During the years Evan had been away, she was sure he’d had his fill of women of every kind. She’d not had a single man. She’d never been courted, or wooed. But, tonight was NOT a date. It was a birthday dinner for Matt. Evan was their friend. And honestly, now that Grampy Herby was gone, Kelly was grateful for the male bonding Evan offered her son. It was why she was here in the first place. She would not lose sight of that singular fact.

The elevator doors swooshed open. “Come on, Mom! Which button now?”

Smiling to herself she said, “The one with the letters, PH.”

He pressed it and beamed up at her. “Penthouse. Evan is rich, right?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Jared told me.”

“Oh, and how does Jared know?”

“He heard his mom talking on her cell phone.”

“And, to whom was she telling this priceless information?”

Matt shrugged as if that was a really dumb question. “I don’t know, Mom.”

The elevator opened onto a black marble landing just outside Evan’s door. Creamy yellow Venetian plaster-colored walls were trimmed with wide white moldings. His door, a work in gorgeous carved mahogany stood sentinel guarding the man and his private world.

Kelly felt miles out of her comfort zone. Knowing that Evan lived in opulence like this by his own achievements humbled her to the core. She couldn’t help but think this accomplished and excruciatingly handsome man was toying with her and her son. She ran a diner and lived in the two-bedroom apartment above it. They didn’t belong here.

She was about to sweep Matt back into the elevator when the door opened. Evan stepped out followed by a waft of air, warm and redolent with the savory smell of garlic and Italian sauce. She looked at his grinning face feeling like the typical deer in headlights.

“Hi, Evan!” Matt scrambled past his host and into the apartment as if he had been given a free pass to an amusement park.

“Hi, Matt...”

Evan answered Matt as an afterthought because his eyes were glued to Kelly. He whistled softly. “You look amazing.”

A lightning-fast blush heated her cheeks, ruining her composure. She didn’t like the feeling at all. Not now. Not at hello. Not when he looked excellent in a white button-down rolled up at the elbows and a pair of faded denims that sat on his hips as if they were sculpted to his body. She waved away his compliment, wanting him to stop staring while also soaking in the good feeling. “Go on with you now, Evan. I don’t always wear sneakers and an apron.”

His grin deepened. “You’re blushing.”

“And you’re a blustering fool. Now, will you be inviting me in, or shall I leave Matt to you for the evening?”

* * *

EVAN STEPPED BACK, opening the door wider. No way in hell would he permit Kelly to retreat on him now. Not when she looked so hot in that belted green dress and smelled like dessert. And, Holy Mother of God, those legs!

He stepped back, opening the door wider. He grinned when he realized she was grazing his body with her eyes as if enjoying his look. When her eyes met his, her blush deepened.

“Come on in, Red. It won’t be a party without you.”

She followed his gesture and entered. The soft incense of her perfume shot straight to his groin. What was it about this woman that made her blast his senses like a furnace? The familiar scent didn’t have this effect on him in Neverland, where she was steeped in her own territory and surrounded with patrons and friends. She eased past him as if trying to avoid a sidewinder. He’d have to tread slowly and carefully to put her at ease.

“Don’t worry. I won’t bite. Promise.”

“Of course, you won’t.” The temperature rising up her neck betrayed how foolish she felt.

He tilted his head into her line of vision. “Kelly, I am honored that you and Matt are here. I don’t want to do anything to make you uncomfortable. Please, feel welcome.”

She glanced into the apartment, where Matt seemed to have vanished. “I appreciate you saying that, Evan. Matt can use a male figure in his world.”

“I get that. I was an only child, too. My dad was a huge influence.”

She frowned. “You never told me you were an only child.”

“Really? How did we never get to that topic?”

She chuckled. “Because you always have your nose in my business.”

He gestured to the table beneath a huge framed mirror. “You can put your bag here if you’d like.”

He could sense that she was starting to calm when she lifted her face and inhaled. “I smell spaghetti sauce.”

“My boss’s family recipe. I’m hopeful this Irishman meets Steve’s Italian standards.”

“I’m sure Matt told you spaghetti is his favorite meal.”

“That and ice-cream cake. This newsman listens.” He tapped his ear to punctuate his promise.

Matt charged back toward them from somewhere in the open expanse, his face animated with delight. “Mom! Evan has a basketball hoop. Inside!”

Kelly appraised Evan’s home. He liked the way she smiled as she took in the mahogany entrance, the sprawling floors reflecting the same deep, polished timber as the door.

Her gaze rested on the huge, deep blue jewel-toned Oriental rug that delineated the living room. There were overstuffed caramel-colored couches, matching ottomans and inlaid antique tables with carved wooden elephants flanking the couches.

“Your home certainly is welcoming, Evan.”

He enjoyed his home. He’d taken pains to ensure that despite its modern decor, his home offered warmth and comfort—from the art-deco reading lights perched on each table to the “floating” mahogany wall unit that divided the living room from the open kitchen. The unit was stacked with books, unusual pottery and knickknacks from his travels. He’d placed the dining room by the floor-to-ceiling windows to give the effect of bringing outdoors inside.

He’d set a table on the balcony with place settings for three. Potted trees along the balustrade brought the park in the distance up to Evan’s living space. Candles dotted the table, though they had yet to be lit in the waning light. He felt a surge of pride as Kelly appraised his home. What struck him more was that he liked the way she looked in his place. Kelly against the backdrop of his belongings sent his senses thrumming.

Kelly frowned. “I don’t see a basketball hoop, Matt. For goodness’ sake, were you snooping?”

Evan pointed to an area blocked by another floating wall. Over its top, she would be able to see that the ceiling rose to a second level.

“It’s over there,” he said. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

Kelly followed him around the wall. A large open game area held a regulation pool table, an antique table with two chairs set for a chess game, a Ping-Pong table and yes, the rest of the room was laid out to accommodate a half court, regulation-height basketball hoop.

At the far end of the room, a detached staircase led up to a loft that housed his master bedroom suite backlit with more windows. Evan gestured toward the stairs.

“The stairs lead to my room. That hallway at the foot of the stairs goes to guest bedrooms. Would you like a tour?”

Kelly’s jaw dropped. “You live here? Alone?”

He shrugged. “I bought it when I took the home job. Do you like it?”

She smiled. “It’s wonderful. You’re a lucky man.”

Matt tugged on Evan’s hand. “What’s that?” He pointed to the pinball machine.

“Wow,” Kelly said.

Evan grinned. “That is an original Flash Gordon pinball machine. Ever play one?”

Matt’s wide-eyed look held awe. “I don’t know what it is.”

Evan crossed the distance to the pinball machine in a few strides. “Come on, Matt-man. I’ll set you up. The sounds are great. You can play while I finish making your birthday supper.”

Evan pinched a handful of quarters from a bowl on the table next to another overstuffed lounge chair. He tugged the ottoman over to the machine.

Matt scrambled onto the ottoman, looking into the pinball machine as if he’d discovered a secret world. “Wow! What does it do?”

Evan dropped a quarter into the slot. The machine lit up. Bells sounded and a dastardly but hilarious, “Ah, ha, ha!” resounded.

Matt yelled with delight. “How do you play?”

Evan showed Matt how to launch the silver ball and manipulate the flippers on the sides of the table. The machine dinged and pinged with lights flashing every time the ball hit a bumper beneath the glass. It didn’t take long for Matt to become completely absorbed with the game—especially with that large bowl of quarters on hand. The boy was grinning from ear to ear.

“Oh, man. This is the best birthday, ever!”

Satisfied that Matt was entertained for the moment, Evan gestured toward the kitchen, where a pot of water boiled on the stove. “Kelly, would you like a glass of wine?”

With a longing look at the pinball machine, she said, “I’ve never played.”

Chuckling, he led her to a chair at the black granite counter. “I’ll make sure you get a turn.” He circled to the work side of the counter. He poured a glass of Cabernet to match his. “Anything for you, Kelly. When are you going to figure that out?”

He regretted his words the moment they left his mouth. Kelly stiffened in her seat, her glass stopping in midair.

She pointed a finger at him. “Now, Sir Smooth, save the suave words for your lady friends.”

Oh, well. Now he had to save face. He held up a stopping hand. “Sorry. I can’t help myself with your hair down like that.”

She lowered her voice to a whisper. “If it wasn’t Matt’s birthday, we would not be here. Now behave!”

He tapped his glass to hers. “Mea culpa.”

Well, he’d pay in spades. Just watching her lift the glass to those luscious lips was payback enough. Damn. He’d love to be that glass.

Before taking another sip she gave him her sternest look. “No tomfoolery here now, Evan McKenna. You promised.”

He sipped his wine if only to do something with his mouth other than try to kiss her, and nearly groaned when she let the flavor of her wine swirl on her tongue before swallowing.

“Mmm. This is delicious.”

I’ll bet you are. If he was going to make this night a success he had to get his head out of the bedroom, or the living room floor, or the dining room table. He held up the bottle. “It’s a good year.”

“Oh, yes? And which year is that?”

“The year we met.”

She almost choked.

He reached over to pat her back. “Did I have that bad an effect on you?”

She held a hand to her throat. “That year was rather awful for me. I’d say the following year was a better time.”

“Why do you say that?”

She frowned. “Well, it doesn’t matter. That year began a prestigious career for you. So I’m happy to toast to a fine year.” She lifted her glass.

He studied her from across the counter. There she was dodging information, one more time. “Yes, there was that.”

She smiled sweetly. “Is there anything I can do to help with the meal?”

She looked uncomfortable again and it pained him that she felt she had to be so protective. He shook his head. “You serve folks every day. I want you to relax and enjoy yourself.”

Behind them the pinball machine dinged wildly. Matt jumped up and down on the ottoman. “Score!”

“Easy on the furniture, son.”

“Okay.” Without even looking at Kelly, he slipped another quarter into the machine and began playing again.

“Don’t worry. I bought the furniture to handle my rowdiest friends. Matt can do no harm in here. Let him be free.”

Kelly smiled. “That’s nice. Thank you. He doesn’t get much room in the apartment.”

“Well, you and Matt are welcome here anytime.”

“I’ll be sure to call first. Wouldn’t want to interrupt a hot date.”

He laughed. Boy, did she have the wrong idea. “Not much worry there.”

She slanted him a sideways glance. “Oh, please. Your reputation precedes you.”

“Lies. All of them.”

“Hmm. I seem to remember some political, fund-raising auction and you were the main prize for a dinner date.”

“Oh, don’t remind me of that hellish night.”

She chuckled. “If I remember correctly, three women pooled their money and you ended up taking them all out. Even I bought the tabloids to read about your escapades.”

He slapped his chest. “Tell me you didn’t.”

“I didn’t. But, I was tempted.”

He leaned closer. “And what about you?”

“I never...”

“Yes?”

There it was again. Their easy conversation stalled midway by Kelly’s refusal to speak her mind. What would it take to make her trust him?

She sipped her wine. “I never discuss my private life.”

He laughed. “Touché.”

He’d have to try another way to penetrate her defenses. Instead, he tasted the sauce. Not bad. He turned the burner off. Dropped fresh pasta into the boiling water. “Just five minutes and we can eat.”

He stirred the pasta in the pot, wanting very much to stir another proverbial pot. Taking a shot at the hard questions with Kelly would certainly quash any flirting he had on his mind.

He added more wine to her glass. “So tell me, Kelly. Who is your best friend?”

She frowned. “Bunny, I’d say.”

“No, she is your employee.”

“Well, she has also grown to be my friend.”

He sipped his wine. “As luck would have it.” He took another tack. “Then tell me this. Is she your confidante? Someone you can trust?”

“No. Herby was the closest person to me and now he’s gone.”

The pinball machine sounded. “Bwaa, ha, ha!” Matt’s laughter pulled their attention to him.

Across the counter, Evan could sense Kelly’s defenses rising, as he expected. He found it hard to believe that someone as personable as Kelly didn’t allow anyone except a kindly old gent into her inner sanctuary.

She turned her attention back to him. “Why do you ask, Evan?”

He poured the steaming pasta into a colander in the sink then shook the extra water from the noodles. He placed a pasta bowl next to the sink.

“You seemed distressed yesterday afternoon when Steve and I arrived at Neverland. You did a fine job of distracting Steve, my dear, but not me. I was wondering if you have anyone to talk to when something bothers you.”

She managed a smile. “Not much bothers me, Evan.”

He shook his head. “You don’t fool me, Kelly Sullivan. Something rattled your cage yesterday, and I saw it. As your friend, I want you to know, I’m here if you ever need me.”

He was talking as he worked, pouring the pasta into the serving bowl, ladling the sauce over the top, pulling the Parmesan cheese from the refrigerator and slicing a chunk into the hand grater.

Kelly placed her goblet on the counter, pulling herself up on the stool like a Valkyrie. “I appreciate the offer, Evan, but let me be honest with you.”

Uh-oh. Would she unleash her Irish ire even before Matt had his cake? “Okay. Shoot.”

“You are a newsman. A very clever, crafty and intelligent researcher who surpasses his counterparts in every way.”

He didn’t expect the compliment. “Why, thank you, Red.”

She shook her head. “I am not done.”

He met her fiery gaze. “Oh.”

“You have been snooping for answers about my life since you returned. I like my privacy. If I wanted to share things with you or anyone, I would have. Sometimes you’re a tad too big for your britches—even if they do fit you to a fine turn.”

He burst out laughing at that. “Well I’ve never been shot down and built up so effectively in one delivery.”

She nodded once. “The pleasure is mine.”

He wanted to thank her for the pleasure of just watching her get all heated up defending herself. He loved the way her chest heaved beneath the gauzy green dress with the embroidery that matched the dye and traced the V-neck of the dress right into her delightful cleavage. That, along with the jangle of her bracelets mixed with her bravado and unabashed ease in standing her ground with him, all turned him on something fierce. He tore his eyes from the daring in her emerald-green gaze and pulled garlic bread from the warming drawer beneath the oven. He tossed the salad with his favorite homemade balsamic dressing, if only to give himself time to regroup. This intoxicating woman was having an even more profound effect on him simply by sitting in his kitchen.

She settled back down into her seat, as if ready to move on from the topic. “You are quite the chef.”

He tapped his wineglass to hers. “There is so much you don’t know about me, Ms. Sullivan. Hopefully, we’ll change that.”

He lifted his focus to the game room. “Yo, Matt-man. Help me serve dinner.”

“Almost done!” Matt was becoming a pinball wizard in his own right, working the flippers as if he had been born in the sixties.

Evan laughed. “I think I’ve created a monster.”

Kelly sipped her wine. “I suppose we’ve all created a few of those in our time, now, Evan. Haven’t we?”

CHAPTER FIVE

WHEN THE PHONE rang at five-thirty Monday morning, Kelly was already up preparing lunch for Matt’s first day of school. She reached for the phone frowning. Either someone was in distress or calling long-distance. Those long-distance calls usually left her distressed. She wasn’t happy when she read the caller ID. She considered not answering, but Mum would chase her down until they finally spoke. She might as well take the call. Matt still slept.

“Top of the morning to ya, Kelly m’ love!”

Kelly scrunched her face. “And a fine morning it is, Mum. What a surprise to hear from you so early.”

“It’s almost noon here. I knew you’d be up being the businesswoman you are. Have you found yourself a husband yet?”

She rolled her eyes at the familiar question. “Saints be praised, no. Neverland is all mine, and I don’t have to share it with anyone.”

“You’ve always been a peculiar child.”

“Mum, did you call me just to air your insults?”

“I’m only well meaning. You know that.”

What would Mum say if she knew about her six-year-old grandson? Keeping Matt’s existence unknown to her family had been easy since none of them ever ventured farther than the Kinsale county line. As far as Matt was concerned, Grampy Herby had been his grandfather, and his death had closed that door. He was too young to consider anything else. Although they were few and far between, Kelly was vigilant in never taking long-distance calls when Matt was within earshot. Of all of her careful planning and covering her tracks, this was the trickiest tightrope she walked.

“So, what can I do for you today, Mum? How is Da?”

“He’s just fine. I’m calling to tell you that Michael has moved to New York. He left yesterday. Have ye heard from him?”

A lump caught in her throat. “Michael?”

“Yes! They’ve assigned him as pastor of a lovely parish in Brooklyn. I know he’ll be busy, but he wants to see you as soon as possible. Being near his baby sister was part of his reason for going to the States.”

The floor shifted beneath her feet. Oh, my God! She dropped onto the stool at the counter. With her brother living a train ride away, she would be busted in no time.

“Kelly? Are you there?”

“Yes. Of course. That is wonderful news. How can I find him?”

“His new parish is called The Church of The Little Flower, after Saint Theresa. Isn’t that lovely?”

“He will be wonderful for the congregation, I’m sure. Is it a large church?” Lord, she would begin babbling soon, but staunch Catholic that her mother was, anything to do with the church was exciting conversation. Kelly asked nonsense so she could get her wits about her.

“It’s a good size, he tells me. He showed me a photo before he left. The church is lovely. Beautiful windows.”

“I have to call him. Do you know his phone number?” She scribbled the number on a notepad. “I’ll contact him as soon as I can. This is quite a surprise.”

Mum chuckled. “I knew you’d be happy. I’ll be going now. Your Da will be wanting his lunch. Will you call me to tell me how your reunion goes?”

“Of course!” Her heart was about to pound out of her chest.

“That’s a good daughter.”

“Big hug and kiss to all. Bye, Mum.”

She hung up way too fast, but she couldn’t help it. What was she going to do? She sat, head in hands in the predawn light thinking her world was about to cave in around her head. How would she explain Matt to Michael, let alone Michael to Matt? Well, when the time came she’d be honest and matter-of-fact. If he was old enough to tackle a first day of school, he’d be old enough to wrap his brain around the idea that they had family in a foreign country. She’d figure out the details later.

She lifted her head. She’d dealt with worse. Offense made the best defense she’d always heard. As she finished packing Matt’s lunch, a plan started forming in her mind. Good Catholic girl that she was, she just might have to make a visit to church.

* * *

LUCKILY, MATT’S SCHOOL was within walking distance and the morning was sunny and warm. He looked like a little man in his light blue Henley and chino shorts. He gripped the straps of his new Urban Hero backpack with enough nervous energy to make Kelly glad to be accompanying the small troupe of kids and their mothers. Actually, nothing would have stopped her from this momentous occasion in her son’s life. If all of New York clamored for breakfast at Neverland, she’d send them away, or make them wait. Life would always go on, but these precious moments were meant to be cherished.

She walked with Donna while Matt and Jared chattered with their friends. When they arrived at the school with kids swarming everywhere, Matt froze in place. Kelly hugged him hard as the teachers began rounding up the kids.

“You’ll have a great day today, Matt. I’ll be right here waiting for you at two-thirty.”

Matt watched the other kids lining up as if deciding whether or not it was a good idea to join them. Kelly leaned over. “Remember when we checked out your classroom last week? I can’t wait to hear about all the fun things you do when I see you later.”

Jared tugged on his shirt. “C’mon, dude!”

Jared’s enthusiasm seemed to cinch Matt’s resolve. “Okay, Mom. See you later!”

Kelly stared at the doorway he disappeared through, amazed at the mixture of pride and abandonment she felt that her baby was stepping out into the world without her. He’d probably fare better than she would, worrying about him all day.

She and Donna headed back for Neverland.

“So, I’ve been dying to ask you. How did your date go Saturday night with Evan?”

The absurdity of the question made her laugh. “Matt’s birthday dinner was great fun. Did you know Evan has half of a basketball court in his game room?”

Donna chuckled. “Okay, avoid the question.”

“It was no date, Donna, but it was really nice of Evan to go to all that effort for Matt. He’s a good friend.”

Do you have anyone to confide in? Evan’s question flooded her mind. Was it only two nights ago that he had made the evening so very comfortable for both her and Matt? The thought of having him for a confidant reached deeper than she had imagined, but then again, he was a man used to adjusting the world to get what he wanted. She pushed the thought of Evan from her mind and was glad when they reached Neverland. “So, I’ll see you back at school around two-fifteen, Donna?”

“Okay! I’m headed downtown. Jeff and I are celebrating our anniversary this weekend. I have to find a gift.”

Anniversary. A husband. Time spent together. She wondered if she’d ever know what that was like. She tied on her apron and approached the nearest customers to take their orders.

* * *

MICHAEL HAD CALLED twice but she hadn’t answered the phone. She couldn’t until she had the chance to put her plan into action. She’d had to wait until Saturday. Now, she passed through the front doors of the Church of the Little Flower. As she worked her way down the center aisle, she was struck by the cool air wafting through the shadowed vestibule, the smell of incense, beeswax and summer flowers that were bunched in bouquets along the altar. With one phone call to the rectory, Kelly learned that the pastor and the only other priest in the rectory listened to Confession on Saturday afternoons.

The only problem, Kelly thought as she watched the two confessionals with the little red lights glowing above the priests’ doors, was to discern which cubicle held her brother. If Kelly was going to pull off her plan, she at least needed the ear of the correct priest.

An elderly woman exited from behind the curtain of the closest confessional. Kelly approached her.

“Excuse me. I’d like to speak with Pastor Sullivan. Do you know where he is?”

The woman indicated the confessional from which she came. “He’s in there, my dear.” She patted Kelly’s arm and headed for the kneeling bench before a small altar in an alcove.

Kelly stared at the vacant cubicle adjacent to the closed door where her brother sat. She hadn’t seen Michael in eight years and had spoken to him maybe that many times throughout the years because he had been so involved in the seminary and the two other parishes where he’d been assigned. He had no idea Kelly was in his church. Her knees almost buckled as she stepped closer. Inhaling a deep, fortifying breath, she pulled the curtain closed behind her, knelt and waited for her brother to open the small door to listen to her anonymously through the darkened screen.

She waited, her pulse pounding, until finally the door slid open.

“Good afternoon.”

She smiled at the sound of his gentle voice. She spoke quietly, imagining herself as a regular Brooklyn girl and hid her accent as best she could. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been several years since my last confession and I need your help.”

“Several years is a long time.”

“I know, Father, but I didn’t know how to handle my situation.” She worked to keep from falling into her lilt since her brother’s accent was so very predominant.

“How can I help you, lass?”

She hesitated. She’d never told anyone her secret. Now she was about to reveal it to her brother, a family member, the kiss of death—even if she was in disguise.

“You can feel free to speak. I will not judge you.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I have a son out of wedlock. He just turned six and my family does not know he exists.”

Father Michael remained silent for a moment. “And this boy’s father?”

She shook her head, even though her brother could not see. “He does not know about the boy.”

“And why would you not tell him?”

The memory of that awful night flooded her. It was as if the dam of tears she held back for all these years poured from her at the sound of her brother’s concerned voice. “Because, Michael, the man raped me. I couldn’t get far enough away from him! I didn’t know I was pregnant until I was long gone.”

Oh, God, she used the hated R word and it cut into her heart like a razor blade. Blinded by her own tears, it was too late before she realized she’d returned to her native accent and her brother was charging from the confessional and reaching for her from behind the curtain.

“Kelly!”

He pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly she could hardly breathe. She laid her head against his chest and sobbed, the cool fabric of his vestments soothing her hot skin. Each hiccupping breath released the pain and horror she’d tamped down for all those years in order to continue putting one foot in front of the other.

“What are you doing coming to confession like that? Why didn’t you call me?”

Kelly couldn’t stop crying, so Michael led her from the side door of the church to the garden behind the rectory. They sat together on a bench beneath an ancient oak tree. Becoming reduced to a weeping fool was not part of her original plan.

With her brother’s strong arm around her shoulder, those huge blue eyes watching her as if she’d crumble any moment, she sucked in the Sullivan courage and managed to smile at Michael through her tears.

“Well, I never thought that the first time I finally told my story I’d turn in to a blubbering schoolgirl.”

Michael tucked a finger beneath her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. His handsome face framed with a mop of auburn hair was so familiar.

“So, I have the honor of being the first to hear that there is an addition to our family?”

She nodded. “Mum and Da are so closed minded. I couldn’t tell them and bring shame to my Matthew.”

He smiled. “So, he’s named for the apostle who began life as an outcast. You are deep, Kelly, my girl.”

“He’s a wonderful boy.”

He grabbed her hands. “Truly, you were raped?”

She sucked in a huge breath. “Yes, Michael, but please don’t ask me for details, because I won’t tell you. I had every intention of putting Matt up for adoption, but at the last moment, I couldn’t. He is my life.”

“Now, how shall we tell the family of your blessed news?”

She pulled away. “We won’t! Not yet, at least. I’m not ready.”

“That is wrong, Kelly.”

The anger that she had used all these years to shield her secret erupted. “Michael, I confessed this so-called sin to you, a priest, in God’s confessional. You are under oath to God and the Church to keep my secret.”

His eyes narrowed. “Why, you conniving little sister! Holding me to my vows is irreverent and untrustworthy.”

She frowned. “Perhaps, but it is Church doctrine, and I need the security of your silence.”

“And this is the greeting I get after not seeing you since you were nineteen.” He pulled her to her feet. “Did you become more mule-headed while growing into a beautiful woman?”

Just like her brother to add sugar to a dose of truth. “Michael, I would never have told anyone in our family about Matthew, especially now that I have become an American citizen, but you’ve come to my side of the world. Now that you are here, I see Matt cannot be kept secret from our family for much longer, but I must rely on your discretion. When I’m ready to tell our folks, I’ll need your help, but not until I am ready. I will not tolerate anyone treating my son unkindly.”

He exhaled a long breath. “I understand. Kelly, I can’t tell you how upset I am that you carried this burden alone for all these years. Why didn’t you call me?”

Again, Evan’s words rushed in... Do you have someone to confide in? She closed her eyes to dispel the image of him in her mind. “My situation was so complicated. I feared if I spoke one word the entire story would tumble out. No one can know who Matt’s father is.”

“Kelly, do you think I am daft? You came here as a nanny and now own a diner. I can already guess.”

A jolt of panic stole her breath. She swallowed hard. “Still. Don’t ask. I will not tell you, Michael. I have to protect my son. New York laws don’t protect rape victims from their assailant if they become pregnant and keep the child. If he were to file suit, I would have to give him joint custody—at best!”

Michael glanced toward the church. “I can leave Peter to hear confession. Let’s go inside to talk. I’ll make you some tea.”

“I can’t, Michael. I have to get back to work.”

“Well, then, are you free tonight?”

“No. Give me a few days and I’ll bring Matt to meet you. I want to tell him about you first. Okay?”

He hugged her again. “Kelly, I wish you would have trusted me sooner. I hate to think how difficult this ordeal must have been for you.”

“The Lord has provided for me, Michael. He sent me to Herby George who was my shining light during the dark hours. Now I have Neverland, a roof over my head and the love of a beautiful child. I am blessed.”

“Herbert George should be sainted.”

She smiled. “Aye.”

“And, your new citizenship? Another secret?”

“Not so much. My American friends know.”

“Oh, but we in Ireland don’t deserve such courtesy?”

“I’m sorry, Michael. I’ve become so used to keeping my own counsel.”

“To hide the child.”

“Yes.”

Michael watched her for a long, silent moment. She could see him struggling with the rising anger she knew all too well, against the man who raped her, but what Michael needed to understand was that even now, that man could be a danger.

“Michael, please. You must trust me that silence is the safest road for me.”

“I’d like to get my hands on that...”

She squeezed his arm. “No, Michael. The devil will get his due. We need only carry on with our lives as quietly as possible.” She managed a smile. “Wait until you see Matthew. He is a marvelous boy. And, Neverland. I’ve done a splendid job of making my mark in Manhattan—no matter how small. I’ll even let you eat for free.”

“You are amazing, Kelly.”

His compliment warmed her heart. “And without a man, which Mum seemed to think was impossible. I am proud of my accomplishments.”

“And so you should be. Now, for your sins you must say two rosaries, come back here next Friday, do the stations of the cross and then recite ten novenas to make up for your irreverent confession.”

She laughed and hugged her brother. “I have missed you, Michael!”

“When will you come back?”

She bit her lip as she tried to figure out a way to break the news to Matt. “This is going to be tricky. Matt thinks Herby George was his only relative.”

“You’ve lied to the child?”

“No! I simply omitted information.”

He frowned. “I’m thinking you might be due for another round in the confessional.”

“Believe me, the good Lord knows all my faults.”

“Sounds to me like you’ve carved out some rules of your own to get by.”

“They’ve gotten me this far, Michael. Don’t be judging me now.”

“As if my judgment would matter. So, when?”

She tapped a finger to her lips. “Friday? For dinner?”

He turned to escort her from the garden. “That will do. We have a lot of time to catch up on. Come early so you can do those stations of the cross.”

CHAPTER SIX

EVAN’S EARLY ARRIVAL at Neverland the next day took her by surprise. She slid a coffee cup across the counter, ignoring his self-important grin.

“Sunday morning, Evan? Thought you’d sleep in.”

“Not when I promised Matt to take you both to the zoo.”

“What?”

Evan glanced at Matt on the stool to his left, which now had Steve Fiore’s name stenciled on the floor below. “You didn’t tell her?”

Matt had the good sense to look reticent. He squeezed one eye shut as he looked at Kelly. “Well, if I told her she might say no, and I wanna go.”

Kelly’s eyes widened. “Dishonesty is not the answer, young man.”

He held up open hands. “I wasn’t dishonest. I just didn’t say anything!”

Kelly almost fell over. Matt was now using her own tools as a way to obtain his goal. She was downright mortified. Her motive had been self-preservation.

Evan sipped his coffee as if completely innocent of the impending train wreck. Going to the zoo was a bad idea. It would be their second time out together in a “family” setting in a week. She didn’t want to give either Evan or Matt the wrong idea.

“Evan, I know you mean well...”

He held up a stopping hand. “My limo will be arriving in fifteen minutes. Instead of telling me the usual reasons, how about you run upstairs, get into some play clothes and let’s go. I hear the monkeys are especially funny at lunchtime.”

The absurdity of his statement made her chuckle. “And why is that?”

He shrugged. “I have no idea. I just made that up.”

Matt leaned over the counter. “Come on, Mom! We’ll have fun. They even have two gorillas!”

Evan pounded his chest. “We can play Tarzan and Jane.”

Bunny sidled next to Kelly. “I’ll go if she says no.”

Two women at the table adjacent to the counter said, “We’ll go, too.”

Bunny nudged Kelly’s arm. “Take your son to the zoo. He had a wonderful first week at school. Celebrate a little.”

Matt folded his hands as if praying. “Please, Mom? Please? Please? Please?”

As much as her gut said no, she could not resist the barrage of possibilities. Most of all, Evan’s question, Do you have someone to confide in? She sure would like to bounce some ideas off another adult on how to approach Matt’s introduction to her brother. A man’s perspective just might help.

“Well, I suppose it’s not every day we get to ride in a limousine to the zoo.”

Evan clapped his hands. “Excellent, Red. I’ll make sure the monkeys don’t eat all your peanuts.”

She grinned. “It’s not the monkeys that concern me.”

“Hold on there. I’m your friend. Remember?”

She took off her apron. “Just making a point, Evan McKenna. Now give me ten minutes and I’ll be right down.”

* * *

AN HOUR LATER, with a bag of peanuts in hand and wearing a turquoise T-shirt, denim skirt and strappy sandals, Kelly realized she couldn’t remember the last time she’d impulsively taken a day off to play. She pushed her sunglasses onto her nose against the noontime glare to watch Evan and Matt imitate the elephants. She had been studying the zoo map, wanting to see the gorillas, snow leopard and lemurs before they finished their tour.

She laughed out loud. She’d actually mapped out an agenda for her own amusement. How long had it been since she’d done that?

Evan looked over. “What’s so funny, Red?”

She shook her head. “Oh, nothing. You two are more amusing than the wildlife.”

He grinned. “Really?”

Why was it that he could make everything she said sound like a come-on? Maybe because a hunk like him had women throwing themselves at him all the time, and he was used to flirting. “Oh, sure. I can’t wait to compare you to the gorilla next. Should be a perfect fit.”

He grinned. “If only they had mules here.”

“Hey, if you are comparing me...”

“Oh, never you, lass. You’re as malleable as marshmallow fluff.”

“Now I’m insulted!”

His laughter was disarming. “Kelly, I’ve never met a more independent or resilient woman than you. Now, how about some lunch before we tackle the rest of the zoo?”

Matt jumped up and down. “I want a hot dog, French fries and a root beer.”

“Done.”

Evan reached for Kelly’s hand, and the gesture was clearly impulsive because he let his hand drop at the surprise she felt fill her face.

Instead he ruffled Matt’s hair. “There’s a concession stand down this path. One hot dog, coming up.”

He fell into step beside her while Matt ran ahead, then tracked back to them. “I hope you are enjoying yourself as much as I am.”

“Actually, I didn’t realize how much I needed to take a day off. I have to admit you had a good idea.”

“I find it comfortable being with you. I like this.” The sweeping gesture of his hands indicated the three of them and their surroundings.

“Well, I don’t want you or Matt getting the wrong impression.”

He frowned. “Don’t tell me you are going to launch...”

She held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate your friendship. More than you can imagine.”

“But we can only be friends because you don’t date?”

“Yes.”

“Kelly, you really do not have to reiterate that fact every time we meet. I heard you the first, second, third and the millionth time. I get it. But I like you. I like Matt. I’m hoping we can be friends. And friends spend time with each other. Can you tolerate that?”

They reached the concession stand. Oblivious to their conversation, Matt pointed to the picture of an ice-cream cone plastered on a poster near the ordering window.

“Can I get one, Mom?”

She paused to read the brief menu on the board. “Let’s eat our lunch first and see how we feel afterward.”

Evan nudged her. “Does the same answer apply to my question?”

She laughed. “No, Evan. I can answer you right off. I am happy to be your friend. Thank you for understanding.” She chuckled. “I can tell you that my gal friends will be green with envy.”

“So will the guys in the newsroom.”

“Really?”

He looked dismayed at her surprise. “Kelly, your male patrons think you are a hotter item than, oh, say, your Friday Special.”

She laughed. “Given how much you like that Reuben sandwich, I’m flattered.” When she was with Evan, she laughed often. She liked that.

Matt had ordered his hot dog, Evan seconded the order. She asked for a knish with mustard and a bottled water. Kelly was acutely aware that Evan watched her as she spoke. Goodness, his grin was like a physical touch. She could see how women fell for him and sent a grateful prayer skyward that she had already set the boundaries between them. The last thing she wanted was to be another notch on his bedpost.

They stayed at the zoo until closing time at five-thirty. Traffic back into Manhattan wasn’t too bad for a Sunday. Matt turned on the small television in the limo and promptly fell asleep, sprawled on the cushions along the side lounge. Kelly and Evan sat on either side of the backseat. Despite the arm’s length between them, no matter how much she tried, Kelly could not ignore the pull Evan’s body had on hers. Never mind how good Evan looked in a business suit during the week—now in jeans and a black T-shirt with sleeves pulled across well-formed biceps, his dark hair pushed back and almost too long on his neck, the scent of his skin rising on the air between them, Kelly had to swallow a few times to reel herself in. His strong hand lay palm down on his thigh. She couldn’t even look at his hand without remembering that he had reached for hers earlier—and how nice it would have been to slide her hand into his, just once.

Evan had become quiet, staring out the window. His profile, strong and kind and appealing, tugged at her as well, especially because he appeared so relaxed. He had been wonderful with Matt today, matching that small boy’s energy moment for moment. The proof lay in the fact that Matt lay sleeping when usually he’d still be bouncing around the limo. If Evan wasn’t such an ambitious man, one who took conquering the world as a sport and winning hearts as a hobby, she might actually consider him as a keeper one day. But no. She already knew what happened at the hands of a man who knew no boundaries.

While as a lover, she could never truly relax with Evan, as a friend it was abundantly clear that she could rely on him. He’d already proven himself in that arena with Matt and his constant presence. She was okay with accepting the man’s limitations. Besides, by the time she was ready to date, she’d want a nice simple man with a good sense of humor and a strong heart, with eyes only for her. She could wait for that day because in the meantime she had so much more to do.

* * *

CAUGHT IN HIS own thoughts about how perfectly the afternoon had passed with Kelly and Matt, it took a moment before the heat of Kelly’s stare penetrated Evan’s awareness. The way her brow, lightly dusted with freckles, furrowed in concentration betrayed how she was battling with thoughts of her own. Wouldn’t it be great if she was rethinking her stance on their friendship-only status? He liked the fit of Kelly and Matt in his world. He hadn’t realized how much he missed creating his own family life until spending time with these two. He smiled when he realized she was unaware that she was staring at him.

He turned his full focus on her. “Penny for your thoughts, Red?”

Ever the body language reader, he didn’t miss the fact that she took time to clear her throat, which meant that she was stealing a precious moment to regroup.

She leaned toward him. “Actually, I wanted to ask your advice about something.”

He turned his body to face her. “If I can help, I will.”

She leaned back, but kept her voice low. “I have a brother who is a priest.”

He smiled. “I know. You’ve told me.”

She looked at her hands. “That’s right. I forgot. Well, it seems Michael has found himself shepherding a new flock of parishioners in Brooklyn.”

“That’s terrific, Kelly. You must be happy to have family here.”

She released a sigh. “Yes, and no.”

“What do you mean?”

Kelly glanced at Matt to reassure herself he was asleep. “Until yesterday, Michael did not know about Matt. No one in Ireland does. And worse, Matt knows nothing about my family.”

A soft whistle escaped his lips. “My God, Kelly. How did you pull that one off?”

She shrugged. “It’s probably been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Until recently, we had Herby George. Everyone else who knows me lives in Ireland. The distance makes it easier. Having Matt out of wedlock, I knew my parents would never accept him. I decided not to expose my son or myself to their disapproval. I keep communications with Ireland short and sweet.”

Along with the barrage of questions that rose in his mind, a swell of new respect for this woman’s indomitable spirit filled him. He hoped she could see admiration reflected in his eyes. The questions could wait. He didn’t want to raise Kelly’s defenses with an interrogation.

She tilted her head, as if trying to read him. “Why are you shaking your head?”

He wanted to reach for her, but refrained. Instead he pressed his back against the limo wall. “Because you truly amaze me, Kelly. You are like a lioness with her cub. I’d love to do a news piece on you.”

Horror rose in her eyes. “Never, Evan! Don’t even think something like that.”

He held up his hand. “Easy, girl. It’s just a statement of my admiration for you.”

She settled back into her seat. “Okay.”

He watched her struggle, as if she wanted to say something. “Kelly. When it comes to you, I feel like that gorilla in the zoo pounding my chest to protect you.”

“I am more than capable of caring for my son and myself.”

He had to smile at her Irish ire. “Don’t I know it! But, hear me out. Please believe me when I say that you can rely on me. I want nothing more than to be a steel-vaulted, sealed-at-the-lips trusted friend.” He leaned closer. “Everyone needs a friend, Kelly. I am here for you.”

She managed a smile. “Okay, then. Thank you, Evan.”

He squeezed her hand, enjoying the soft silk of her skin. “So, how can I help you?”

“Michael insists on meeting Matt. It’s time. When I tell Matt about Michael and his grandparents in Ireland, he’s going to have so many questions. I’m not sure how to handle them.”

Evan hadn’t released her hand, and she hadn’t pulled away. He liked that. He curled his fingers through hers. He liked the warmth of her hand in his, the delicate yet capable fingers heating beneath the press of his own.

“You will answer his questions with the same bravery and truth you’ve used as a single parent to get you both this far.”

“Matt thinks his only family was Herby George.”

He waited until she lifted her green eyes to meet his. “You can be honest with him. Tell him your parents are difficult, sometimes unkind. And that you two lived your quiet life surrounded with people who supported you.”

She slowly nodded. “I see your point.”

He watched her closely as he delivered his next thought. “What about Matt’s father? Is there family around who could complicate matters?”

Evan didn’t miss the internal flinch Kelly immediately suppressed before she pulled her hand from his, which sent his radar pinging, all over again. When she didn’t respond, he added. “Is your brother receptive to meeting Matt?”

Here, her smile became genuine. “He nearly horsewhipped me for keeping Matt secret from him. He’s demanding I do penance for my sin of omission.” She laughed out loud. “They will get along famously.”

She inhaled a deep breath. “So, should Matt speak any of this to you, I trust you will handle your response with the same wisdom you just shared with me?”

“It depends, my friend.”

“On what?”

“Dinner. Tomorrow night. You can’t say no.”

“That sounds suspiciously like a date.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. If I ask another woman, she’ll think I have designs on her. I don’t have time for dating. You and I already set our friendship on solid footing. I know I’m safe with you.”

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