It's News to Her by Helen R. Myers Page A

a gold digger, but as you saw, that had little effect on him.”
    â€œHe is, and always will be, one of a kind.”
    At any other time, her open affection for Henry would have left him almost jealous. “I wish you’d champion me with the same enthusiasm.”
    â€œI might—when you’re eighty.”
    He would have yielded to the need to kiss her for that wicked remark, but a splash and shriek had them both starting and Hunter running to the bathroom. Rushing inside, she quickly shut the door behind her.
    Cord heard Hunter asking Lenore if she was all right and heard more splashing and sputtering. Shortly after that, Hunter cracked open the door.
    â€œIt’s okay. She started to doze off and got a mouthful of water.”
    The door shut again, and Cord listened to Hunter gently give Lenore directives as she helped her safely out of the tub. They both finally emerged—a still-dampLenore wrapped in the hotel bathrobe leaning against a considerably wetter Hunter.
    â€œCord has turned down the air conditioner so you won’t get chilled,” Hunter said, getting her tucked under the sheet and blankets.
    â€œI feel so badly about your pretty outfit,” Lenore said.
    â€œA little water isn’t going to hurt anything.”
    â€œOh, my, this feels so good. You’ve certainly spoiled me.”
    As Hunter covered her and kissed her good-night, she said, “It’s been our pleasure. I hope you do get some rest.” Then she retrieved her shoulder bag and stepped toward the door to wait on Cord.
    Cord kissed Lenore, as well. “I’ll be back in time to have coffee and breakfast with you, then we’ll go across the street together. Understood? No sneaking around behind my back.”
    â€œAnd my clothes? Perhaps an overnight bag with a few more things if it’s not too much trouble?” Lenore asked.
    â€œI’ll have Inez put together anything she thinks you need,” he said of his grandparents’ housekeeper. “I love you,” he murmured.
    â€œWill she stay put?” Hunter asked as they walked down the hall.
    â€œHeaven knows. Thankfully, the hospital is only across the street.”
    Cord did stop at the desk to reiterate his concerns and directives about his step-grandmother, left his businesscard that included his cell number. Then he escorted Hunter back to his car.
    â€œI’m following you home again,” he said as he keyed the ignition. “And paying for your dry cleaning.”
    â€œThat’s silly. Besides, you all but admitted that you were beat. And where exactly are Lane and Phil?”
    â€œThey made other arrangements to get home.” At Hunter’s unspoken rebuke, he shrugged. “Yes, against protocol, but I knew this was a bad situation, and I wanted some private time.”
    â€œThen go have it,” she said as he crossed the road and entered the hospital’s parking lot. “I can get home just fine by myself.”
    â€œOnce I see that for myself, you won’t have to call me to confirm it.”
    Shaking her head, Hunter didn’t say another word. As soon as he stopped behind her car, she got out, used her remote to unlock her SUV and climbed in. Once Cord moved out of her way, she backed out of the slot and took off for her condo.
    Once she was in the garage, Cord wasted no time in jogging after her before she triggered the electric-door mechanism to shut him out. She looked anything but happy about that.
    â€œI’m not inviting you in,” she warned.
    â€œI know. But you can say good-night.”
    â€œCord.”
    â€œWhy do I feel like high-fiving somebody whenever I get you to use my name?”
    â€œBecause I say it under duress. Even though you’revery good to Lenore, you’re still a bad boy at heart and like to chase a challenge.”
    â€œThat was partly right at one time, but that’s not who I am anymore” Cord raised his right hand