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  “When this all comes down, I’m nervous for how far she could escalate things. Not so much for myself, but…” He let the statement trail off.

  She nodded and muttered something to herself that he didn’t catch. Then all was quiet, except for the incessant scratching of her pencil against the paper. Finally she looked up. “Okay, here’s what I think we should do… Do you feel as though you’re in danger?”

  “Well, I sleep behind a locked door,” he whispered. “But other than that I feel relatively safe. She’s never tried to come in, and I can usually defuse her when I’m awake.”

  “Our plan will require some patience.”

  Haven’t I been patient enough? “Okay.”

  “I think it’s wise to get an Order of Protection.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  Claudia leaned farther back in her chair and propped a pair of red-soled, black high-heeled pumps up onto the desk. “She’s already done a number of things that qualify for just cause, but time has run out. You have to file immediately following the incident. I don’t think we should wait until after she’s been served and has a chance to come after you. My first priority is to make sure you’re safe. We will have to wait until she does something else that would qualify as domestic violence, and then with her history, you could file for an Order of Protection.”

  “What about Kate?” He sound panicked, and hated it.

  She didn’t react, not so much as a twitch of an eyelash. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do unless Shea goes after her.”

  “But she’ll blame Kate. She’ll blame anyone and everyone but herself. And if she can’t get to me…” His breathing was erratic as he considered the possibilities. “Claudia, I have to protect Kate.”

  There was a soft thud as her feet met the floor again. She leaned forward and smiled. “How closely do you work with her?”

  “I’m her photographer, so when we’re both working, I’m with her nearly the whole time.”

  “That’s good. After the Order is in place, the safest place for her is with you.”

  Staying close to Kate was exactly what he wanted, but by the time this all came down, Jesse would be back. “She has a boyfriend.”

  “Oh.” Claudia tapped her pencil on her lip. “Well, let’s not worry about that right now, okay? You go back to your life and I’ll get things started.”

  His body felt numb as he tried to process what was happening around him.

  “Rich?”

  He looked at her. “Um hum.”

  “You do realize that you can’t tell Kate what we’re doing. Under no circumstances can you tell her that you’re filing for divorce. And you need to be careful how close you get to her until the papers have been served.”

  “I don’t know if I can…”

  “You can.” Her voice was quiet and serious. “If you want to keep Kate out of this, you have to keep your distance.”

  “But…”

  “I deal with this every day, Rich.” She paused and then asked, “Is Kate the reason for this divorce?”

  “No,” he said adamantly.

  “Regardless of the reason, people will blame her if they think you’re in love with her.” She raised a knowing eyebrow, and he knew that Roxy had filled her in on the lovesick act at the party. “So I’m going to encourage you to be on your best behavior. You don’t want to give Shea or anyone else an excuse to use Kate as the scapegoat for what’s coming.”

  Grateful that he was still able to work with Kate every day, he stood and shook Claudia’s hand. “I understand.”

  “One more thing, Rich.” She smiled. “You’re probably going to need someone to talk to.”

  You think?

  “Nate would probably be the best person for that. Let him know how important it is to keep this quiet. If you need me to stress that importance, I can.”

  Rich sighed in relief. Having Nate to open up to would be a great help. “Thank you.”

  “And you know that I can’t discuss this with anyone.”

  There was little doubt she was referring to Roxy. “I figured, but thanks for telling me that.”

  “I’m glad you called, Rich. I’ll be in touch. Feel free to call me if you need anything else.”

  As he left Claudia’s office, his emotions were running on overdrive—from relief to panic to dread. He hated the thought of cooling things with Kate, just when Jesse had decided to take himself out of the picture. But if it meant protecting her from rumors, from Shea, then he would gladly play it cool.

  Grateful that today was a dayshift, he climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key. He hoped it wouldn’t be long before Shea went on another one of her tirades that, this time, would release him from her forever.

  He pulled into the station parking lot and cursed himself as he searched for Kate’s car. Only a half hour since being in Claudia’s office and, already, he had a hard time not needing to be close to Kate. This was going to be excruciating. He scrubbed his face and stepped out to make the walk into the building.

  “Good morning, Rich.” Kate’s voice made him stop dead in his tracks.

  His breathing ceased and his stomach jumped. He turned around and had to shove his hands into his pockets to keep from pulling her into his arms. “Good morning, beau- Kate. How are you this fine day?”

  She smiled and his heart melted. “I’m surviving,” she said on a sigh as she continued walking toward the doors where real life would take over. “How are you this morning?”

  He chuckled. “I’m surviving too.” Surviving until I show you exactly how I feel about you.

  Her laughter filled his heart which dropped to his stomach when his phone rang. He flipped it open to reveal yet another accusatory text message from Shea. He shook his head and groaned.

  “Shea?” Kate asked, already knowing the answer.

  “Yeah. You know I just don’t understand her sometimes. Just when I think she can’t surprise me, she does.”

  “She was quite a piece of work. I couldn’t believe…”

  “What do you mean?” His brows pulled together. His stomach flip-flopped uncomfortably as he waited for Kate to verify his suspicion.

  She stopped walking and turned to face him, her eyebrow raised. “Shea talked to me at the party?”

  “No,” he choked. “What did she say?”

  Kate shook her head, a plastic, unfeeling smile on her lips. “Oh, she asked me if you were better than Jesse.”

  His heart pounded in his chest. His lungs stopped breathing and he felt light-headed. “Oh, no.”

  “And…” She opened the door and stepped into the newsroom, walking quietly to her desk. He followed her because she hadn’t really given him a choice. She’d left the ‘and’ just hanging in the air without further explanation. Once her stuff was settled on her desk, she turned to him. Her face was emotionless as she spoke, “And she said that you loved me.”

  “She said what?” he choked.

  “Never mind.” She shrugged, looking nervous. “I guess it’s not important.”

  Not important? There was nothing on this planet more important. Rich did love Kate. He knew it, and obviously Shea did too. This certainly complicated things. And that complication strengthened his resolve. He would back off. He would protect Kate at all costs, even if it meant ripping his heart out.

  Chapter Eleven

  Long distance relationships suck!

  Jesse had been in Arizona with his dad for a little over two weeks. Tony was doing better and, despite the diagnosis, Jesse was talking as though he’d be coming home in time for Christmas. Kate missed him so much; his smile, his sense of humor, his gorgeous body. She couldn’t wait to have him wrap his arms around her again. His absence had most definitely made her heart grow fonder. The phone calls, text messages and emails were fine, but having him with her, in the flesh, was something she desperately ached for.

  “Morning meeting in five.” Dale’s familiar message made her realize that she
was out of time and needed to put the finishing touches on her email to Jesse.

  Give my best to Tony.

  Let me know when you have your ticket.

  I can’t wait to have you home.

  I miss you SO much!

  Love you, Kate.

  Inside the conference room, everybody took a seat and chatted quietly while they waited for Dale. Olivia sat down next to Kate and leaned over. “So when does Jesse come home?”

  Kate sighed and turned to meet the eyes of her friend. “I’m not exactly sure. Soon, I hope.”

  Dale walked into the room and grabbed a marker near the dry erase board. “Okay, we have a busy day.” He scribbled a few various stories, then began filling in names next to them. “Kim, I’d like you to take breaking news.” Greg snorted. Dale continued, “Karen, I’d like you to take that story you pitched last night and run with it. I’d like to lead with it.”

  She smiled and quietly said, “Sure thing, Dale.”

  “Clayton,” Dale addressed the pouting child two chairs down. “You’re going to PA for Olivia.”

  “What?!” Clayton slammed his fist down on the table. “I haven’t PA’d since right out of college. That’s so unfair.”

  “Don’t do this, Clayton,” Dale warned.

  “But…”

  “You brought this on yourself.” He left the juvenile delinquent to sulk and turned his attention to Kate. “Kate, I’d like you and Rich to go out to the Children’s Hospital.”

  A disgusted breath whooshed out from Clayton. “You have got to be kidding me.”

  Dale rolled his eyes, but didn’t show any other reaction. “Well, that’s it. Let’s cover the black.” Everybody jumped up and starting filing out the door. “Kate,” Dale said and she turned around to face him, “would you track down Rich and meet me in my office in a few minutes?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Rich and Nate had their heads together, deep in what looked like an intense conversation. They were each sitting in a chair opposite each other and their foreheads were practically touching. Nate’s voice was low. “I’m glad you finally called her. She’s the best.”

  Her? It bothered Kate that Rich was calling a mysterious ‘her’, but it bothered her even more that it bothered her.

  “It sucks that you can’t tell Kate though.”

  Kate stopped dead in her tracks, held her breath and listened, hoping to find out what he couldn’t tell her.

  Rich pressed his palms into his eyes and sighed. “Yeah, man, that’s the worst part.”

  Silence dragged on between the two men, and when she couldn’t take it anymore, Kate coughed quietly and both their heads jerked in her direction. “Hi,” she whispered, lifting her hand awkwardly.

  Rich jumped to his feet and strode over to her with forced patience. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “I, um, Dale wants to see us in his office.” Telling Rich that she knew he was keeping something from her, something that he didn’t want her to know, would only make both of them uncomfortable.

  “Oh. Do you know what he wants?”

  She shook her head, avoiding his eyes. “No. You don’t think he knows…” She let her statement dwindle, afraid of bringing up his feelings for her.

  He tipped his head to the side, his eyes searched hers. “Think he knows what?”

  Nate started to chuckle nervously, saving her from answering his question. “I’ve got to get going, and you two need to get into Dale’s office. Have a good one.” He slapped Rich on the back, hoisted his camera over his shoulder and headed into the newsroom.

  There was no way Kate was going to stand around waiting for Rich’s interrogation. He hadn’t so much as gotten close to crossing the professional line since Jesse had left. Which surprised her. She’d fully expected an onslaught of suggestive texts, provocative conversations, and inappropriate declarations, but he’d been a perfect gentleman. She began wondering if she’d imagined the whole thing. It seemed quite ridiculous that Rich could have feelings for her and maybe, just maybe, he’d come to his senses.

  “Please come in.” Dale motioned toward the couch that sat against the wall, behind a couple of chairs.

  Rich slumped into the couch and patted the spot next to him. She questioned him with her eyes. He smiled, shook his head, and she took the spot at his left. His hand reached toward her. He hesitated, and rested it on his own knee. He was mocking her. She’d get even later.

  Dale came around the desk, turned one of the chairs around to face them, and sat down. “Kate, I just wanted to take a second to explain how important this story is. It’s the annual sing-a-long. We are the only station that is allowed into the event and the kids, and our investors, really look forward to it.” He looked at Rich. “I forget, have you ever covered this before?”

  Rich nodded. “Only once, five years ago, before Clayton made it his baby.”

  Dale chuckled, but quickly hid his amusement. “Yeah, well, he won’t be covering it this year. I need your best work on this, you guys.” He smiled. “Thanks, I can’t wait to see what comes back. I have the utmost confidence it will be fantastic.”

  Rich stood and Kate followed his lead, right on his heels as they walked out of the office. “No pressure,” he murmured under his breath.

  She looked up into his blue eyes, and tried to force a smile. “Yeah, no kidding.”

  **

  The smell of cleanliness was overwhelming. The stench of antiseptic and disinfectant made Kate’s stomach turn. A vanilla scented candle would do wonders for this facility. It’s too bad that it wasn’t really an option.

  Rich and Kate walked up to the reception desk. “May I help you?” asked the lady with gray hair, wearing a candy striper smock.

  “Yes, I’m Kate Callahan with KHB. This is my photographer, Rich Spencer. We’re here for the sing-a-long.”

  “Oh good, they’re expecting you.” She picked up the phone and spoke to someone on the other end. “Um hum. I’ll send them right over.” She stood and leaned over the counter, pointing the way. “Follow the hall to the first set of double-doors on your right. Just go on in, they’re getting the kids ready now.”

  “Thank you.” Kate smiled and looked up at Rich to make sure he’d gotten the directions as well.

  The room didn’t look much like a hospital at all. It was filled with vibrantly colored murals on the walls. Tiny orange chairs were set up facing an oak, upright piano that was off to one side.

  Slowly children of all ages began to fill the room—some on their own power, most with the assistance of an adult. Despite the difficulty life had dealt them, Kate had never seen a happier group of children. They were smiling. Even the ones with masks that covered most of their faces had eyes twinkling with excitement.

  Once the children were settled, they waited. And waited. And waited.

  A dark-haired woman with a hospital badge was on her cell phone in the corner. She was talking low, but her frustration was apparent in her exaggerated movements. She snapped it shut and approached Kate and Rich.

  “Hi, I’m Rhonda, the Event’s Coordinator. Thank you for coming, but it looks like we’re going to have to cancel today’s sing-a-long.” She sighed and blinked quickly to keep the glistening of her eyes at bay. “I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”

  “What’s wrong?” Rich asked quietly.

  She huffed in frustration as her irritation returned. “The guy who was supposed to play the piano for us… forgot.” She waved her hand toward the group of antsy children. “How can you possibly forget a room full of angels that are looking so forward to this?” She shook her head. “I hate that I have to send them back to their rooms without this.”

  Rich’s deep blue eyes sparkled. “You may not have to do that.”

  Her brows narrowed and she looked confused. Kate probably did too. “But there’s no one to play the piano.”

  Rich smiled and Kate had to fight the urge to kick him. Nothing about this situation deemed a smil
e, let alone a sexy, knowing one like he sported. “Do you have a guitar?” he asked.

  “I think there’s one…” She placed her hands over her heart. “You mean you can play?” He nodded and she bit on her lip. “I don’t have any music.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t need any, as long as they don’t mind a few mistakes.”

  “Wait right here, Mr. Spencer. I will find you a guitar, even if I have to go to Wal-Mart and buy one.” She rushed out of the room, only to return seconds later with a guitar in her hand. “It’s not the best but…”

  “It’s perfect,” Rich said with a smile, playing the first of many chords.

  Rhonda laughed and all the children turned to see what had happened behind them. She clapped her hands and walked toward the front of the group. “Children, I have some bad news.” A collective disappointed groan filled the room. “Mr. Moore can’t make it.” A few of the children started to actually cry. “But…Mr. Spencer from KHB is going to take his place. Can you all say hello?”

  “Hello, Mr. Spencer,” they said in unison, while some of them waved in their direction. All the sweet faces grinned from ear to ear. As much as Kate detested Clayton Tate, she understood why he enjoyed this assignment so much. The kids’ excitement was contagious and she found a smile of her own spreading across her face.

  Rich carefully placed the camera on its tripod before heading toward the front. “Okay, who’s ready for some songs?”

  The room erupted with varying degrees of enthusiasm as well as song titles being requested. His fingers were magnificent, caressing the strings, relaying familiar melodies which caused the kids to get even more ecstatic. A few cords sounded, only to pause for his beautiful tenor voice.

  The children joined in, and sang the best rendition of Rudolph Kate had ever heard. Frosty was next, followed by Jingle Bells.

  Instinct took over and she lifted the camera from the tripod and put it on her shoulder. Rich’s voice was strong and, as she pointed the camera at him, he flashed her the smirk that always melted her heart.