The Father of Her Son - By Kathleen Pickering Page 0,57
“You’re right, Red. Please, would you like a seat while we chat?”
Kelly felt an odd mix of anger and amusement. His willingness to correct his bad behavior had an irresistible charm.
Watching her with those commanding blue eyes triggered the memory of his kisses. The fact that her brother was pushing her to marry Evan made the moment feel surreal. She felt like a pawn at the hands of others plotting her future. Nothing raised her ire more than not having a say in her own life plans. Offense would be her best defense with this headstrong man.
“I see you’ve convinced my brother to support your ridiculous idea.”
He winced. “I can’t tell you how much it hurts that you consider marrying me ridiculous.”
“You’re asking me to make a lifetime commitment at a huge risk to the personal happiness of both of us, not to mention running the awful possibility of confusing my son.”
Evan’s voice softened. “I would love for Matt to be my son, too.”
The bare truth in his eyes hit like a thunderbolt. Dare she believe that Evan really wanted this? No. This morning’s broadcast proved he knew how to manipulate an audience, whether a crowded room or a party of one. “So you are suggesting I marry you so that you can have a ready-made family?”
He closed his eyes as if fending off her glib suggestion. When he looked at her again intention filled his eyes. He took her hand in his, his grasp sure, his fingers warm as they intertwined hers with as much intimacy as if he’d touched her naked heart.
“No, you hardheaded woman. I am suggesting you marry me because we have chemistry. We have an uncanny comfort between us. We banter to the point that others enjoy our fun. Ask anyone in Neverland. I heard there’s a secret pool running at the diner on whether we become an item by Thanksgiving.”
She pulled her hand away. The tingling running up her arm caused way too much of a distraction. “You’re kidding.”
He rested his hands on his knees, leaning forward. “Let me finish.”
She leaned back in her chair, half intrigued. “Go on...”
“Whether you will admit it or not, I see your face light up when I come into Neverland. I know my pulse beats faster when you smile at me—heck, when you smile at anyone else. I enjoy my seat at the counter with the star on the floor. I adore the way you handle your camera. I appreciate how courageous you are. How compassionate.” He stopped a moment, inhaling a deep breath as if to fortify himself. “When you made me coffee this morning, I thought nothing would be sweeter than waking up with you beside me every day. And the way we kissed last night convinced me that we need to kiss more—a lot more. I’m actually having trouble keeping from kissing you right now.”
The thought of such intimacy between them made a flush heat her face. “Evan, stop...”
He held up a hand. “No, Kelly. I’m saying that right now, circumstances, over which we have little control, are forcing us to make a decision that perhaps—given the luxury of time—you and I might end up choosing anyway. I am suggesting that to keep Matt safe and in your custody, we take the leap.”
His words left her breathless. In any other situation, she could easily believe him. But given this morning’s show and Michael’s insistence she accept Evan’s plans, how could she be sure he wasn’t on some hero’s quest to save the day for her and Matt? Evan had a noble streak in him. She’d seen enough of his broadcasts when he’d gone over the top to help folks caught in unreasonable situations.
His over-the-top approach to his career had shot him to the top ranks as a celebrity very quickly. America loved him. Although he never told her, Kelly knew he had friends like Brad Pitt and Bono. He was mentored in his early years by the great Walter Cronkite. Could she handle life with a man who could wield serious power should he choose?
Then again, ambition could turn a man away from integrity. What if Evan delivered these smooth-talking lines to get her to capitulate so he could have exclusive coverage of her story? Her situation raised some pretty serious social and political issues. She knew Evan well enough to know his ambitious nature would thrive on creating havoc for Campbell while sinking his teeth into changing current laws to protect women. This type