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

as though making an oath to her. “You’re the difference.”
    â€œI’m flattered. Good night.”
    Instead he stepped closer. She didn’t back away, but he saw doubt darken her eyes.
    â€œI’m leaving,” he said when he reached her, “but not before I kiss you.” Which he did.
    She held herself very still at first, but as his lips moved against hers, caressed and nibbled, she made a soft, pleading sound before slightly tilting her head and perfecting their fit. It was all the encouragement Cord needed to progress to a deeper kiss.
    Craving more of her taste, his lips parted hers. That’s when she seemed to come out of her trance and, with a gasp, pulled away.
    â€œOh, God, what am I thinking?” she whispered.
    â€œHopefully that you enjoyed this as much as I did,” he replied, staring at her lustrous, soft lips. “I have a feeling I could get drunk kissing you. We’ll have to find out. Soon.”
    â€œCord, that was my mistake,” she said, her voice not quite steady. “Honestly, I’m not a tease. Blame my momentary weakness on emotional overload. I shouldn’t have given you the impression— Don’t put me in this predicament. Go home. Please.”
    He left because he wasn’t going to lie to her. If she needed a little more time to get used to the idea, that was fine, but he was going to kiss her again—and more.

Chapter Five
    O n Friday morning after checking on Lenore, learning that Cord was there taking good care of her, and that there was no change in Henry’s condition, Hunter attended her daily production meeting. She passed on the news to the staff about Henry’s status and answered what questions she could. But it was a relief when everyone returned their focus back to work, and she could lose herself in stories and the minutiae that kept them all bustling most of the day.
    Just the mention of Cord’s name, and she grew hot all over, helplessly remembering the feel of his mouth on hers and the surprising tenderness that had almost instantly had her aching for more. She’d never meant to encourage him, felt a fool after all of her previous protests and knew he had to think her a hypocrite orworse, a tease. How would she ever take a call from him again, let alone look him in the face? As it was, when Lenore offered to pass her cell phone to Cord, Hunter had almost been too short with her in her desperation to get off the phone. That’s why, when she emerged from Fred’s office to check on another detail and approached her desk only to see reporter Eva tellingly holding her phone up, her heart plummeted.
    â€œCall for you, Hunter.”
    Please, no, she thought. “Who is it?”
    â€œA lady who claims to be a friend? Danica Anthony.”
    All but groaning with relief, Hunter pointed to her office. “An old college friend,” Hunter said, passing her to take the call in there. “Thanks,” she told the single mom who was determinedly trying to move up at the station and could be relied upon to screen calls and run errands when there was a lull.
    Hunter shut her door and picked up her phone even before sitting down at her desk. “Danica? How are you? Long time no word.”
    â€œLook who’s talking. I have an excuse—chasing after a toddler and caring for a cranky three-month-old. You only have success and a full schedule to apologize for.”
    Laughing, Hunter made it to her chair, pressing her hand to her tummy to try and keep her insides from quivering. She’d so dreaded that the caller was Cord. “I think I have the easier job. I did get to peek at the cuties on Facebook. Mommy is looking good, too.”
    â€œThanks. I still have eight pounds to go, but Paul wants to treat me for progress made, and the opportunitycoincides with an old chum of his being in town. He’s single, Hunter. Is there any chance I can talk you into helping me create a