Part 37 (1/2)

”No,” he said, laughing, ”I don't.”

”Yes, you do.”

”No.”

”Yes.”

”No.” He stopped her reb.u.t.tal with a pa.s.sionate kiss that reminded her of how much he loved her.

”Yes.”

”Always have to have the last word, huh?”

”You bet.” The playful exchange had helped with the nerves, and Kate felt ready to face whatever this day might bring.

”I'll keep that in mind.” He walked her out to the black sedan with the polarized windows that would make it impossible for anyone to see who was in the car.

”You'll be careful flying?”

”You bet.”

”Call me when you're on your way back?”

”I will.” He kissed her one last time and held the door for her. ”Knock 'em dead today, darlin'.”

”I'll try.”

She slid into the car and forced a smile for him. ”See you later.”

He leaned into the car and kissed her again. ”I love you.”

She caressed his face. ”I love you, too.”

Reid closed the door and then slapped the roof to tell the driver to go.

As the car pulled up the long lane that led to the main road, Kate thought about him going to see her dad and what might transpire between them. She knew she ought to call her dad and warn him that Reid was coming, but then she decided the element of surprise might work in Reid's favor.

The two men had once been close friends. Perhaps that history might inspire some civility in her father. She could only hope so. While she appreciated Reid's honesty and knew it was critical to their relations.h.i.+p, she sort of wished he hadn't told her his plans. It was one more thing to worry about in a day already full of worries.

The car drove past the media still gathered outside her gate, and though they strained to peer inside the car, Kate took comfort in knowing they couldn't see her.

What a way to live, she thought, trapped in her own home. On the way into town, she went over the answers she and Jill had rehea.r.s.ed to the most probable questions. Jill had made it clear with the segment producer that Kate would not directly address the s.e.x tape but would speak about her relations.h.i.+p with Reid and their engagement. She was prepared to talk about their age difference, the possibility of children and some vague thoughts about her career. Jill had encouraged her to hold off on any big career announcements until they had time to make a concrete plan.

Jill met her at the Hermitage Hotel on Sixth Avenue in downtown Nashville, where a suite had been secured to film the interview. Nancy Ferguson, one of the top stars in celebrity news, had flown in to interview her. Nancy had treated her well in the past. Kate hoped she treated her well this time, too.

On the sidewalk outside the hotel, Kate hugged her sister. ”Back in the suit, huh?”

”I thought it was appropriate for the day's agenda.”

”Back in jeans after this, you hear me?”

”Yes, ma'am.” Jill took a perusing look at the brown sweaterdress they'd chosen for Kate. ”You look great. I love that color on you.”

”Thanks, now let's get this the h.e.l.l over with.”

Laughing, Jill linked her arm through Kate's and led her into the hotel.

They attracted a few stares and a couple of murmurs on the way through the lobby, but they'd chosen the Hermitage intentionally, hoping the staff and clientele could be counted on for discretion. Jill had suggested she come in via the loading dock, but Kate had refused to do that. At some point, she'd have to show her face in public again, and as far as she was concerned, there was no time like the present.

Nancy Ferguson's a.s.sistant met them on the top floor with handshakes and effusive thanks for giving Nancy the exclusive.

”No problem,” Kate said, even though it was a huge problem.

The hair-and-makeup people descended the second they were in the suite, undoing all of Kate's efforts in record time. While she wanted to protest, she let them have their way because arguing about it would take time she could better spend at home.

When she was ready, they brought her into the main salon, where cameras and lights had been erected around two chairs.

Nancy came in a minute later, drinking from a mug and talking a mile a minute. A pet.i.te blonde, Nancy had built her career on probing celebrity interviews. She was known for getting stars to divulge information they wouldn't tell their own mothers. If Nancy tried that c.r.a.p today, she would leave disappointed.

”Kate!” Nancy said, deftly handing her mug to one of her lackeys. ”It's so good to see you again!”

Kate returned Nancy's embrace because she was expected to, not because she was particularly happy to see the woman.

”Thank you so much for this,” Nancy said. ”I can't tell you what it means to me that you picked me out of everyone who wanted this interview.”

”No problem.”

”Have a seat. Get comfortable.”

Sure, as if that was going to happen. Kate took the seat that Nancy designated for her and sat still while microphones were adjusted, hair was fussed over-again-and bronzer was reapplied. While they did their thing, Kate thought about Reid and their rides on Thunder and Saroya, one of the other horses in Kate's stable, a gorgeous white mare with a gentle disposition. Kate had insisted that Reid ride Thunder, even though he'd protested that the horse was hers now and he didn't feel right taking him away from her.

”It makes me happy to see you on him,” Kate had said, which was all her fiance had needed to hear.

”Whatever makes you happy,” he'd said.

Kate smiled, thinking of the afternoon they'd spent exploring every inch of the property and the picnic they'd enjoyed by the creek. The unusually warm autumn weather had provided the perfect backdrop for yet another exceptional day together. The more time she could spend exactly that way, the happier she would be.

They'd also made plans for his unused home, which Ashton had agreed would make an outstanding place for women in need to get back on their feet. He'd also offered to handle all the legal work involved in the project.

”Kate?” Nancy asked, drawing Kate out of her musings. ”Are you ready?”

”Sure, whenever you are.”

Before Kate's eyes, Nancy morphed into her on-air personality, launching into an elaborate intro scripted on cue cards that were held by a man standing to Kate's right.

”Kate, we're so very pleased to welcome you to the Nancy Ferguson Show today for an exclusive interview.”

”Happy to be here.” Could the whole world tell she was lying? She hoped not.