No Foolin' (Willowdale Romance Novel) (15 page)

STARING AT THE CLOSET of designer clothes that still seemed far too flashy for a gal most comfortable in old jeans, Kate sighed. She did not want to go to this party. She wanted to stay in with Teague, clothing optional. An A-list party held the same appeal as a trip to the dentist; and old Doc Miller wasn’t so handy with the drill anymore.

“What do I wear to a meeting with Hollywood’s hottest director so I don’t ruin your action-hero career—if I haven’t already?”

Teague laughed. “That’s not going to happen. But wear a nice dress. Anything will be perfect on you.” He was dressed in linen pants and a jacket, looking like perfection—as usual.

Kate piled her hair in an easy twist on her head and put on a long, slinky sundress. Hopefully, he’d be the only one looking at her.

His fingers slipped under the straps. “Just figuring out the terrain so I can take it off easier later.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist. “You’re finally confident that I won’t break?”

She meant her body, not her heart, because that was sure to break when this whole thing ended. On top of the head injury, her emotions were suffering from a major case of denial. Kate was falling for him. There, she said it. Maybe it was some reverse Florence-Nightingale-nurse thing, but the way he’d been taking care of her cleaved her heart in two.

He pulled her closer for a kiss. “I don’t know if you’ll break or not, but I’m going to be very slow .
 . . very careful . . .” He growled those last few words and she laughed. They held hands as they walked through the resort, under the canopy of palm trees to the waiting limo.

STAN REMINGTON’S PARTY was at his home on a hill overlooking Kapalua Bay. The place was packed with people, most of whom took special notice of Kate, some even gesturing or jerking their chins in her direction as they pointed her out to friends.

“I’m going outside,” she said, rubbing her arms, wishing she was a chameleon that could press itself against a stucco wall and disappear.

“I’ll get us drinks and be right out.”

“No, take your time. Do what you need to do with Remington.”

He gazed into her eyes and set his hand on her lower back, then looked over at Stan with a sigh. His shoulders slumped, having to make a decision between the two of them.

“Go,” she whispered, slipping her hand from his and ducking outside to make it easier on him.

She snagged a couple of coconut shrimps from a passing waiter and found a seat, mesmerized by the waterfall pouring out of a hot tub into the pool. Spotting an empty tennis court off to the side of the house, she considered hiding out there. Instead, she took off her sandals and dipped her toes in the warm water.

What was she doing in this bizarre, make-believe world? She was desperate to get away from these fake people. That’s what she had thought about Teague at first. But he’d surprised her. He was wonderful, and some woman would be very lucky to have him on day, if he ever brought his heart out from its shell. She’d been so wrong when she first met him, believing he was anything like Tommy or George.

She frowned. Where had George gone? She hadn’t heard from him since he’d shown up at the bungalow. Teague had promised he’d be leaving them alone, but who knew what kind of trouble he was getting into? Thank goodness Dina was texting her so Kate knew she and the baby were alright.

She sensed someone approaching her and turned around, hoping it was Teague. Wrong answer. It was his publicist, June, probably coming to drown her.

She smiled at Kate and took a seat next to her. “I’m surprised to see you here. I thought Teague was coming solo.”

Kate shrugged. “I said I didn’t mind staying behind, but he insisted I come. He’s been fretting like an old lady ever since the accident.”

June leaned toward Kate and wrapped her fingers around her forearm. “I don’t know what’s going on with you two, but if you really care about him, you need to leave. Stan Remington is now considering a few other actors for this upcoming role. Because of you.”

Kate opened her mouth to say something—she wasn’t sure what—but didn’t get the chance.

June released her arm and pointed a finger at her. “This was going to be a career maker for Teague, and he’s very close to losing it because of you and this stupid romance. Remington is very aware of what goes on the press. He likes bad boys and wild partiers to take on his roles. People who will get him press, someone who lives up to the role in real life. Everyone’s saying Teague’s whipped. And that’s not good for his reputation. We’ve worked too hard to get him where he is. You’re ruining him. End this.”

Kate’s throat was hot with rage. “Shouldn’t Teague get a say in this?” She could barely get the words out.

June twisted her thin lips. “He never knows what’s best for him. That’s why he hires people like me to make those decisions for him. The best thing you can do for him right now is to get on a plane tomorrow morning and go home. He needs to do something to reclaim his T-Rex reputation.”

Kate wanted to argue—push her in the pool even—but there was a tiny voice inside whispering,
She might be right.

June seemed encouraged by her silence. “You can take my limo back to the resort, pack up your stuff. I’ll tell him you’re leaving. He’ll only try to stop you. If you care about him, trust me—this is what you need to do for him.” She paused and her voice softened, if that was possible. “And you certainly must know that this relationship doesn’t have much of a future. You know his track record. Save yourself some hurt and get out now.”

Kate wished she felt more upset by her suggestion. Instead, she felt resigned.

June reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope. She flipped opened the top, revealing a stash of cash. “I’ve got an incentive for you to take me up on my offer.”

Fortunately, the people mingling and chatting outside didn’t seem to notice the humiliating conversation. Kate pushed her hand away. “I’m not taking your money to leave Teague.” She stood up and shoved her feet back in her sandals. Crossing her arms, she stared across the pool at a neglected palmetto tree tucked in the corner. Everything dies, just like this foolish game they’d been playing. She knew it’d been coming, and here it was.

That’s when she realized the truth of it all. Teague wasn’t like George. S
he
was. Pulling Teague down, ruining his life, just like George had messed things up for her mother. Things would have been so much better for everyone if George had just left them years ago.

Like I’m going to do now.

She wasn’t going to be the reason Teague didn’t get where he wanted to be in his career. She loved him and wouldn’t hurt him like that. Beyond the money he’d offered her, she had no reason to stay. She’d promised him a month; certainly he wouldn’t pay her if she left now. But twenty thousand dollars wasn’t worth ruining things for a man she loved. How could she ever enjoy living in Mama’s house, knowing the deal had cost him his career?

She hoped the few days they spent together had been enough of a distraction to keep his secret safe back in Willowdale, whatever it was. But now she needed another diversion to draw attention away from her so she could slink back into her quiet little life. And once again, she was going to do what she had to do to make things right.

She sighed and looked over at June, who was still clutching the cash. “Put the money away. I’ll go on my own. Tell him I had an emergency at home, and I can’t take the Hollywood fast lane. Tell him it’s over. Tell him he’s better off without me.”

For the first time, Kate saw a smile from June, who patted her knee. “Good girl.”

KATE STUMBLED OUT of the limo and lingered in the lobby. She knew what she had to do, but she had to rustle up the courage first. Hard to do when your knees are knocking. She straightened her shoulders and told herself this was for Teague’s good—and her own.

She got on the elevator and pressed the button for the 27
^th
floor. She rang the doorbell for the suite and stood there long enough that she assumed Simone was out. But the door opened as she was walking away.

“Hello?”

Kate spun around, stunned again by how beautiful Simone was with her halo of curly, golden hair and perfect petite body.
Life sure ain’t fair.
“Hey, Simone. It’s Kate Riley. Teague’s .
 . . girlfriend. Well, not anymore.” She fiddled with the strap of her dress. “Listen, we had a falling out, and I thought maybe it wasn’t too late for the two of you. He’s at Stan Remington’s party. I’m sure you’re welcome to go.”

Simone tilted her head. “Are you shitting me?”

Kate shook her head and clutched her purse in front of her. “This is all too much for me. Teague’s a great guy, but I’m not cut out to be his girlfriend.”

Simone shrugged. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’m going to freshen up and head over to that party.”

KATE GRABBED HER suitcase, giving the room a second glance to make sure she didn’t leave anything there except for a piece of her heart. She snapped her gaze away from the big, beautiful bed where she and Teague had shared .
 . . what
had
they shared, really? A good time, and that was it. It would have to be enough. She was opening the door to leave when her ring clinked against the doorknob. She took it off and left it on the bedside table, along with a note that said, “Thanks, Eugene. Best job I ever had.”

TEAGUE SCANNED THE crowded room for Kate. He’d been so busy with Stan he hadn’t had a moment for her. He spotted June and waved her over. “Where’s Kate?”

“She went back to the room, wasn’t feeling well. But she told me to make sure you stayed here,” she said.

Teague nodded and went back to the little group Remington was entertaining. The two of them shot some pool and downed martinis as the party thinned out. He was smart enough to let the old man win a few rounds. Once the room cleared, they settled on a big, white leather couch and started talking shop.

“You’re here alone?” Remington asked, stretching his arm along the back of the couch.

Teague shrugged. “It appears that way, yes.”

Creases etched the tanned skin around his eyes. “Good, good. So you’ve heard about my next project?” His voice was slow and deliberate, just like someone would use to command a room. The doorbell rang and Remington scrunched his bushy white eyebrows together. “Hold that thought.”

Teague crossed one leg over his knee and bounced his foot, waiting for Remington to return. He hadn’t realized how much he really did want this role. Even though Hollywood had been an escape from his personal hell, he did enjoy the work. Loved it, in fact. This movie could land his name among the big time action stars: Diesel, Willis, Schwarzenegger. He couldn’t wait to tell Kate about it.

Remington sported a big smile as he walked back from the door, someone trailing behind him. “Teague, I think you know Simone Peters, right?”

“TABLE SIX IS READY to kill me. How long till that chicken parmesan is finished?” Kate tucked her hair behind her ears and glared at the cook behind the steam table.

He swiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. “Cool it, Hollywood. It’s ready.” The cook slid two plates toward her, his chubby cheeks red from the heat. “How’s Dina?”

She set the plates on her tray. “Scared. Being alone on bed rest isn’t what most girls do the summer before they’re supposed to start college.” Kate still hadn’t been able to forgive herself for being away while Dina was going through complications with her pregnancy.
I never should have left.

He nodded. “Guess that worked out good for you, taking over for her here. Sorry to hear you lost your job at the school. But Sam’s thrilled to have you back. Says business has doubled since you started waiting tables.”

Kate shrugged. “Glad someone’s happy.”

She set the tray on her shoulder and pushed her way through the swinging doors, ducking out of the path of another waitress. The owner might be happy with her, but the rest of the staff resented all the attention she was getting.
Bunch of surly toddlers
. She sighed. No matter. Just one more problem to deal with. She’d come home and found a registered letter from the school district informing her she’d been let go from her position as middle school nurse because of “inappropriate behavior detrimental to the students.” Someone had snapped a few shots of them frolicking under the waterfall that day.

Well, she had said she wanted a picture of it. At least it hadn’t been a topless photo. She blushed as she remembered the view of her bikini top floating in the current.

Everything had gone wrong since she’d left Teague in Hawaii two weeks earlier. George had called to say he wasn’t going to be back home for a few months, that he was trying to break into Hollywood as an actor, the fool. Turns out, Teague had introduced him to his publicist, June. Then, she found Dina on bed rest. Worst of all, she missed Teague. It seemed like they had tucked in months of a relationship during that time, even though it had only been a week.

She had to remind herself the whole thing hadn’t been a dream. And she had to remember it meant a whole lot more to her than it did to Teague. She’d seen a few clips on TV that he’d already moved on to Simone. She’d cried herself to sleep that night and then reminded herself who she’d been dealing with: Teague Reynolds. The man who admitted to her he could never love anyone.

He’d had his fill and moved on. That’s how the tabloids told the story. So much for Kate being the one to break things off like he’d promised. She’d endured more pitying looks than she could stand since she’d been home. She thought about wearing a t-shirt around town that read, “I’m fine. Really.”

Kate dropped off the plates at table six. “Is there anything else I can get you folks?” She smoothed her hands down the red, flowered dress with the big, puffy white sleeves, aware of how ridiculous a grown woman looked in this costume.

The woman paused for a moment and then looked up at Kate, wrinkling her nose in curiosity. “What’s Teague Reynolds really like?”

Her husband set down his fork and rolled his eyes.

Kate forced a big grin. “He’s exactly like the magazines say.” She walked behind the hostess station and slumped against the wall. This was some sort of karmic payback. One week in paradise with a guy like Teague certainly came with an awful big price tag.

After allowing herself five minutes to grumble, she stood up, brushed off her apron and poured drinks for the table of four in the corner. Because that’s what her mother always did, no matter what had gone wrong. You brush yourself off and move on. And Kate had plenty to move on from.

TEAGUE GLANCED OUT the window at Stan Remington’s office. He was about to sign a contract that would change his life. This was what he had been working toward with each calculated move to take the right role, to date the right girl. But it didn’t feel as good as he’d imagined. Kate had already changed his life. But then she’d left him, and he certainly couldn’t blame her. Her life had been nothing but trouble once he’d shown up in town. Her stepfather had skipped out, the press was on their tail, she’d been injured. Anyone would’ve run.

When June told him that Kate had said he was no good for her, he silently agreed. She was right to leave him. He laughed softly to himself. He did tell her to go ahead and break his heart. He never imagined it could happen.

“Just sign the last two pages and we’ve got a deal.” Remington tapped his pen on the contract spread out on his big Brazilian cherry wood desk.

Teague scrawled his name on the dotted lines while his agent sat smiling behind them. He had about two months to resolve things with Jennifer and the baby. His nephew. His only real family. What was he going to do with a newborn? If Stan Remington thought Kate was bad for his press, what would a drooling, cooing child do for his image?

Worry about that later.

Remington pumped Teague’s hand and clapped his back. “Welcome to the majors, kid. You’re gonna be a big star.”

THE HOSTESS PEEKED behind the partition. “Kate, got a new table in your section.”

“Be right out.” She straightened her apron and tried to force a smile. No luck. She just couldn’t do it. Grabbing her order pad, she headed back to her section. Her sturdy, white nurse shoes stopped in their tracks.
Shoot.
What did Mama always say?
Don’t complain,’cause things could always be worse?
And something worse had just parked its butt at one of her tables.

She gritted her teeth and took her time walking over. “Afternoon, Chief Larsen.” She hadn’t seen him since getting back to town. They’d managed to stay friends all these years after the breakup—she’d even urged Tonya to go out with him. But that rat had called the tabloids on her and Teague.

He beamed at her. “Hi, there, Katie. Got all of that Hawaii sand out of your hair yet? I saw some of the pictures and I must say—”

Kate cut him off. “Our specials today are the eggplant parmesan or our four-cheese ravioli. Can I start you off with a drink?”

He patted the seat beside him. “Care to join me?”

She wouldn’t look at him. “Absolutely not.”

“Oh, now that you’ve had a taste of the glamorous life, you’re too good for the little folk in Willowdale?”

She tapped her pen on the order pad, biting back all the vile things she wanted to say. None of this would have happened if he hadn’t tipped off the press. “What can I get you to drink?”

“A cola would be fine, and I’ll try those raviolis.”

She took his order and sent his drink out with the busboy. What was he doing in here, in her section? Tommy was definitely a Jelly Jar diner kind of guy.

Someone had left that week’s
People
behind the hostess station, just to annoy her, no doubt. It was open to a page with Teague and Simone strolling down a beach. A beach very similar to the one she and Teague had walked along. She tossed the magazine in the garbage and totaled up the check for table six. She ignored Tommy as she dropped it off and went back to get his food.

She held the plate of raviolis on her tray, hoping he’d burn his tongue. “Here we are,” she said grabbing the plate off her tray.

“Guess who I saw in town today?”

She pressed her eyes shut. “I don’t care who you saw in town today.”

“Ah, I was wrong, then. I thought you might be interested to know I saw Teague Reynolds over at the park.”

Kate’s eyes popped open and she froze. “You’re a liar,” she said through her teeth, holding the plate midair.

Tommy chewed on a toothpick and shrugged. “You could ask the woman he was with. Although she was in a delicate condition. Might not want to upset a pregnant gal.”

She stared at him, waiting for him to say he was kidding. But he didn’t. He shrugged. “Just reporting the facts.”

She shook her head and closed her eyes. So that was his secret. A baby. First Tommy and now Teague had gotten someone pregnant? No. Years of hurt coursed through her veins like rain in a bloated river. Years of saying, “No, no it’s alright. Tommy did the right thing. I’m just fine.” She opened her eyes and saw Tommy’s smirk.

A shot of pain whomped her square in the chest. She lowered the plate and dumped the raviolis on his lap. “Careful, darlin’, they’re hot.”

He jumped up, brushing them off and shrieking more like a little girl than a big, beefy cop.

“Oops. Sorry, maybe this will cool you off.” Kate poured the rest of the soda on his lap. “If you’re so sure you saw Teague Reynolds, maybe you should call the press again. I know what good friends you are with the media in Asheville. Hope they rewarded you well for the big scoop.”

Tommy brushed at his pants. “I didn’t call anyone! I told you I wouldn’t, and I didn’t. Just thought you’d like to know the truth about your big-time boyfriend is all. And look how you thank me.”

She tossed her tray on the hostess station and took off her apron.

Sam, the owner, ran out from the kitchen. He hurried over to Tommy, dabbing at his pants with a kitchen towel, while hollering at the bus boys to bring a mop. “What’s gotten into you, Kate? Don’t bother coming back. I don’t care who you dated in Hollywood. We don’t treat our customers like that here at Scalia’s. You’re fired.”

“God bless America,” Kate said, walking out the door. Didn’t matter if she lost her silly waitressing job. She was done in this town and had no idea what to do next. She looked up and down Main Street, chewing her bottom lip. She should really call Tonya or Jeanne for some chocolate therapy, but she was too stunned at the moment.

After walking in circles for a few moments, she leaned up against the building and started hyperventilating. Tommy was lying, right? But Teague did have a secret he was hiding in Willowdale. A pregnant mistress certainly was something for a guy like him to hide. She slid down to the ground and tucked her head between her knees, trying to breathe.

She told herself she was going to drive straight home and forget about Tommy’s wild accusations. But of course, once she gathered her composure she drove toward the park. She slowed down and passed the kids’ playground, packed with children flying on the swings, mothers worrying after the little tots running around. She was congratulating herself for being right about Tommy lying, when she spotted a couple tucked back in the park on a bench under a tree.

Yep, T-Rex himself with his arm around a young woman. He smiled at her, and she laughed at whatever he was saying. She was beautiful, with wavy, dark hair, and long, elegant fingers laced over her big baby belly.

Kate’s own stomach threatened to hurl its contents. She sped off, wondering who she was more ticked at: Teague, for being there; or Tommy, for being right.

TEAGUE WALKED JENNIFER back to her room at the Willowdale Residential Treatment Center and Living Facility and stopped in at the director’s office. He sank into a leather chair and dropped his head in his hands. “What do you think we should do about this?”

Jane Johnson took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. “Mr. Reynolds, Jennifer understands she is having a baby and seems quite happy about it.”

He swallowed hard, hating what he was going to say. “With her .
 . . condition, can she even take care of the baby? She can’t even take care of herself.”

She shook her head and smoothed her hand across her legal pad. “No, she can’t. I have to admit, this is a new one for us. We’re figuring this out as we go. What would you like to see happen? You have a role in this, too. You’re the child’s uncle.”

He looked out the window behind her, lost in thought. An uncle. Finally, he had an actual link to his biological family. Too bad he had no idea how to deal with this. “I just don’t know what to do.” He pulled a wad of cash from his wallet it and slid it across her desk. “Make sure she has everything she needs. Including privacy. I appreciate your discretion so far. The press cannot know about this.” Money. That was all he had to offer. He was useless.

She held up her hands. “Trust me, I know. Look what happened to poor Kate Riley for being linked with you. Who knows what it would do to Jennifer?”

His hand froze over the woman’s desk. “What are you talking about?”

She closed the file and looked up, surprised. “Kate lost her job at the school because of racy photos of you two in all those magazines.” She shrugged. “The school district figured it wasn’t appropriate for her to keep working with the middle-school students after .
 . .” She waved her hand in the air looking for the right word.

He tugged his hand through his hair. Damn. He’d been nothing but trouble for her. Whether he was two or thirty-two, Teague was nothing but a burden and bad luck to the people around him.

He pushed up out of the chair. “Thank you, Miss Johnson.”

He had to find her. He had to apologize, to ask for a second chance. He’d been miserable without her. He knew why she’d left, of course. Which is why he shouldn’t have gotten close to her in the first place. But he had, damn it, and he wanted more. Maybe he could make it right and take care of her now that she didn’t have a job. Maybe Kate really did need him, after all.

He stopped at the reception desk and asked to borrow the phone book. His movie scripts were thicker than the little volume of numbers for Willowdale. The number and address for Kate’s stepfather were listed and he jotted them down. He settled behind the seat of the new car he’d bought specifically for driving to Willowdale so he wouldn’t raise suspicions taking a cab. He’d never be willing to ask a stranger for a ride again.