The Enemy’s Son
By Kristen James
Copyright 2011 Kristen James
All Rights Reserved
https://www.writerkristenjames.com/
© Kristen James
www.writerkristenjames.com
www.facebook.com/WriterKristenJames
Newsletter Signup!
Edited by Jacqui Castle
Cover Photo: Vincent Besnault. Digital Vision. Getty Images
By Kristen James:
More Than Memories, Book 1
A Wedding to Remember, Book 2
Embers of Hope, Book 1
More Than a Promise, Book 2
Costa Rica
A Cowboy For Christmas
The Cowboy Kiss
The Enemy’s Son
The Fairy and Her Giant
The River People
Praise for Kristen James’ Writing:
“I just loved this book[More than Memories]! Primarily because Ms. James’ equation for the plot kept me guessing the entire time.” Big Al’s Books and Pals, 5 Stars
“James has a great way with words and builds very realistic characters. I really enjoyed this story and although I usually do not go for romance, the relationship between Trent and Molly held my attention as they searched through their past to piece together the detail of Molly’s mysterious disappearance.” Reader review of More Than Memories
“A Cowboy for Christmas is a great romance for the holidays or anytime you like. A bit fun and flirty read that will not disappoint.” Coffee Time Romance
“Kristen James has done it again with another romance novel to warm your heart. [A Cowboy for Christmas] She has created truly down to earth and likable characters with Missy and Brent. The story is perfect for the holidays! Not too long, not too short, I finished the book in about a day. Like her other book, More Than Memories, you become immersed in the story, the plot and the descriptive scenery.” Reader Review
“A beautifully woven plot, Embers of Hope, will have you crying with Cassie, cheering for Jason, and praying Eric does not return to distinguish the flames that are spreading between Jason and Savanna.” Reader Review
Chapter One
Cora tapped her nails on the table and glanced at her watch. While other people were laughing and talking over dinner all around, her temperature rose. She hated waiting for anyone, and this instance was especially irritating because she was worried about her father. He never ran late. Never. She called his cell and office once more and left another message when he didn’t answer.
Jerry was her only living family member and she knew she worried too much about him. He did the same with her. It’s me and you. That’s what they always said.
Usually she found her Dad waiting at a table for her, with dinner ordered and the most expensive bottle of wine available and ready to serve. Because he had lived most of his life with limited resources, he enjoyed splurging on her. Keith Holloway paid him way more than his accounting job warranted, but that was something Cora had been grateful for when they desperately needed the money back when she started college. Now she was a top reporter in the area and making her own money.
I should go. She grabbed her purse and threw a twenty on the table, even though she hadn’t ordered anything.
Outside, warm June air washed over her as she walked past the blooming rhododendrons lining the building. Summer had exploded into full bloom, turning her home in central Oregon into a paradise. The sweet smell of flowers and freshly cut grass filled the air. A soft breeze brought the relief of escape, as silly as that was. Cora filled her lungs and exhaled, trying to send the stress out with her breath. She’d go home and wait for her dad to call. Of course he’d feel horrible for making her worry; that thought dissolved any lingering anger.
“Cora Evans?” A voice from behind stopped her as she pushed the unlock button for her red Miata. She turned and found a tall man watching her with intense, rich light brown eyes that were set in a chiseled face. His dark hair looked almost too long. Almost.
They stared at each other like teenagers going on their first date, both trying not to smile. It was that perfect moment when you catch a stranger’s eye and share a second of blatant appreciation for each other. Except this wasn’t a passing look on the street. He wanted something.
A sportscaster? Then again, not everyone worked in her industry. And what did it matter what he did, when he was focusing on her as if he’d found the lost city of Atlantis?
She couldn’t look away either, even while she felt her body temperature rising.
“Miss Evans?” He raised one eyebrow as he waited for her to answer. She managed to pull her eyes away from his face, and focus on his striking blue dress shirt, just long enough to collect herself.
“Yes?” Cora hesitated, looking up again and drowning in his warm, appreciative gaze. His eyes had a glow to them. Almost by habit, she took a mental picture of him. She kept a detached gaze while taking in his surprised eyes, full lips, and bronze complexion.
Oh, he’s a model! He wanted some press.
Strangely enough, he acted as mesmerized as she felt.
“I didn’t expect. . .” He searched for the words to finish his sentence, but by now the pause had grown too long to cover.
“You didn’t expect me?” she asked, amused. The semi-sharp angles on his clean-shaven face gave him a determined, focused look. His eyes were focused on her as if he’d never seen a woman before.
“You’re breathtaking.”
Now he could be the amused one because his words put a rose blush on her cheeks. She had no idea of how to answer that, unless she wanted to say “Are you busy tonight?”
Wow. After an hour of staring at each other over dinner, maybe she’d let him steal a kiss. They could take a walk to the park where he could gaze into her eyes and tell her how beautiful she was. He would ever so slowly lean in for a kiss. He’d pretend to be shy, of course, but knowing. She could picture his bedroom eyes and the unspoken question…
Wait! She needed to figure out where on earth her father had gone.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass or scare you just then, but I needed to let you know your father can’t meet you tonight.”
Then why didn’t he call? And who are you? Come to think of it, that line sounded like he had practiced it.
“You know my father?” she asked. He didn’t answer her question, and Cora wondered if he would prefer for her to stare at him and forget she asked. His sure, sweet smile made her want to smile back at him, but she dug down deep for some self control. Something was off here. “I don’t believe I’ve met you before.”
He flashed a smile; a bright, friendly and sexy-as-all-get-out smile.
“No, you haven’t. I’m Nick.” He extended his hand, and she hesitated, but took it in hers. She let go quickly, feeling nervous about the small amount of physical contact. “I just stopped by to let you know your father’s tied up at work.”
She had spent hours interviewing people and practicing active listening and eye contact. So why did this feel so awkward?
“I tried to call him.” How ridiculous. Why did her father send a stranger to relay the message? Several questions having to do with Jerry’s work and Keith Holloway began running through her mind. People throughout the city applauded Keith as a hero for donating money in all the right places, but she just didn’t trust the Holloways.
Her reporting skills kicked in, even while she laughed inwardly. Not everything was a scandal waiting to happen.
“Why didn’t my dad just call me?”
With a helpful expression, he said, “He’s busy at the moment.”
He’s lying, but why? Three details about the man intrigued Cora: his hesitance, hi
s looks, and the fact that she had never met or heard of him. Nick… the name didn’t ring a bell at all. She wanted to know more, but also felt a pressing need to get out of there.
“Well, thank you for driving over here to let me know.” She turned and opened her car door.
“I don’t want you to miss dinner. Since you’re already here, I’d love to accompany you. It’s an excellent restaurant.” He tilted his head and displayed a poor-little-puppy look. She’d bet few women said no to that face.
Maybe he had read her mind a bit ago. She wanted to fall into his wonderful trap, but this just felt too weird.
“Thank you for the invitation, but I’ll be fine.” She said the words with a smile although she wasn’t too happy about leaving him behind.
He stood with his hands in his pockets, as if he was strolling down the beach, and watched her back out of the parking space and drive around the corner. It felt like a missed opportunity for sure, but her instincts were screaming at her. Had she missed something?
Well, hello. Her dad was missing, which was strange enough by itself, and now a hot stranger showed up to tell her about it.
She felt rattled all right; she pulled over and waited. As a reporter for the local news station, she could keep her cool in front of a news camera or an audience, even when an interview got heated. This evening, however, a short conversation with a lone man left her dizzy.
Cora wondered what Nick did for Keith. Was he some kind of errand boy? Keith employed numerous people who seemed to lack an exact job description. A new determination filled her, and Cora decided it was time to talk to her father about his employment and ask him to resign. Beg him, if she had to. He didn’t belong with these other men. The extra money wasn’t worth the constant worry, and she could support them both if need be.
Cora put the car in neutral. She watched Nick’s red Mustang rev up and pull out of the parking lot. She turned on her headlights in the fading daylight, hoping to mask her car, and turned around and followed him at a distance.
Chapter Two