Won’t happen. I can promise you Campbell is scrambling to find a way to make this story as untrue as possible. Matt will be safe with me. You have to go to Neverland tomorrow if only to show the world that you’re not hiding from the senator. Once my mom gets here, she’ll watch Matt for you.” He grinned. “She’s a formidable woman. You two will get along.”
“Let me think about it.”
He stood. “Okay. I’ll show you your rooms.”
“I didn’t agree to stay.”
“But you will, because you know it’s the best solution.”
He tried to take her hand, but she pulled away. “You are awfully sure of yourself.”
The concern in his eyes touched her heart. “In truth, I don’t trust anyone else to keep you safe. This building is like a vault. It’s perfect.”
“But I have to go home to get clothes and sleeping gear. Someone might follow me back.”
He shrugged. “That’s bound to happen. They still won’t gain access.”
She glanced at her watch. Two o’clock. “Okay. I’ll call Bunny and see if she can stay through the dinner shift.”
He led her across the game room to the hallway she’d seen before. “I’ll work from here for the rest of the afternoon. Why don’t you take a few hours? I’ll call my driver. I think once you see how many sharks are in that pool out there, you’ll be glad you agreed. I specifically bought this place for its privacy.”
Matt ran up behind them. “Where are you guys going?”
Kelly took Matt’s hand. “We’re going to have a sleepover tonight with Evan. He’s showing me our rooms.”
“Cool! Does that mean I can go to work with him in the morning?”
* * *
NOT ONLY WERE reporters camped outside of Neverland, but along the counter and seated at tables, as well. Kelly first stopped when they swarmed her exiting Evan’s car; now she entered the diner and stopped to make the same sweeping declaration she spoke to the reporters outside.
“Lovely to see you all, but I have no story for you. If you are eating, then you are welcome to stay. Enjoy the menu and tell your friends about Neverland. Otherwise, please leave. You’re crowding the dining room.”
Her statement did nothing to stop the barrage of questions. She was grateful that Jake muscled his way through the group to lead her toward the kitchen. One reporter said, “Miss Sullivan, were you Buzz Campbell’s lover?”
Her heart jolted at the revolting thought. The outrage must have reflected on her face because camera shutters clicked like mousetraps snapping shut. Her feet planted firmly, she turned to the speaker of the offending question. Jake tugged her arm as if understanding what she was about to do. He shook his head, but she ignored him.
“I will make one statement, and please, be very clear on my answer because I will say nothing further. Never, and I repeat, never were Senator Campbell and I lovers. That is absolutely ridiculous. Now, please, either enjoy a meal or go home.”
When the volley of questions began about Matt, Jake pulled her through the kitchen to the back hall leading up to her apartment.
“You okay, Kelly?”
She laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’m going to need help from all of you. I’m keeping Matt out of sight for a while. If Bunny gets a free minute, please send her up with the schedule.”
Her burly cook gave her a look of reassurance. “We’ll do whatever you need.”
She managed a smile. “Thanks.”
“And, hey...”
She met the sparkle in his eyes. “Yes?”
“There’s an upside to all of this...mess.”
“Oh, yes?”
“Business is booming.”
She had to laugh. “Can you handle the load?”
He grinned. “Piece of cake.”
She took the stairs two at a time. Damn it all. Evan was right about the sharks. Well, it was small consolation that maybe she could make a profit from them.
* * *
SHE RETURNED TO Evan’s penthouse after rush hour. Matt threw the door open to greet her. The savory aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafted around them in a homey hug. She’d been so busy packing and getting everything in order at Neverland that she’d forgotten about food and now realized how hungry she was.
“Mom! I made meatballs! Evan showed me how.”
She wheeled the carry-on with Matt’s clothes through the door, a small satchel of gear for herself hooked through the handle.
“Is that what smells so good?” She handed the gear off to him. “Would you take these to our rooms, honey? Thanks.”
She found Evan in the kitchen already pouring her a glass of wine.