Page 39 of Defending her Heart

Paisley drones on about peanut butter this and peanut butter that for another five minutes, but I’m not annoyed because she did me a solid.

Operation Grovel is now full-speed ahead.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

KENDALL

It’s been two days since Nash’s apology and explanation, and I still haven’t decided what to do next. I’m not ghosting him since it’s not like we used to talk every day anyway. I haven’t changed my routine or gone out of my way to ignore him, or to see him either.

His parents picked up Paisley yesterday, and part of me wonders if he’ll come by some day this week. It’s unlikely, knowing his schedule, but a girl can dream.

Well, not dream. It’s not like I’m pining away to see him again.

Liar.

“Grammy!” Paisley drops her purple marker on the table and runs into her grandmother’s arms.

“Hi, angel,” Beth says as she kisses the top of Paisley’s head.

“Where’s Grandpa?”

“He’s out shopping for dinner. I heard somebody requested tacos tonight.”

“Is he getting the crunchy shells?”

“Is there any other kind? Go pick up and say goodbye to your friends and teacher.” When Paisley rushes off, Beth comes over to me and holds out a small gift bag. “This is from Nash.”

I curl my bottom lip into my mouth and stare at the bag. “Oh.” I feel my face flushing with embarrassment. If she knows what happened between us, I’ll die of embarrassment.

“He said it’s a thank you gift for watching Paisley. I told him he’s a little late on sending a thank you, but he insisted I deliver it today.”

“Oh,” I say in relief, accepting the bag. “Thank you.”

Even though I’m dying to see what’s inside, I wait until all the children have been picked up before sitting at my desk and pulling out the tissue paper.

Reaching inside the bag, I pull out a wooden box with a wide gold ribbon around it and a wax seal. I recognize the fancy script from Le Kendricks, the most decadent and expensive chocolate shop in the city.

Before breaking the wax, I can already smell the rich chocolate. The shop is known for its white chocolate shaped mice and dark chocolate penguin shapes. They’re adorable, but that’s not what’s in this box.

Carefully packed in small compartments are little chocolate footballs. Unable to resist, I take a small bite of one and moan as the richest peanut butter and creamy chocolate melt in my mouth.

I didn’t think there was any better candy than the holiday shaped Reese's peanut butter cups, but Nash just proved me wrong. I finish one football and have no desire to control myself, immediately picking up another. Before I devour the entire box, I close the lid and put it back in the bag.

I’m not going to say the way to my heart is through chocolate and peanut butter, but it’s a sure-fire way to get to my vagina.

Sending Nash a thank you message too soon will make him think I’m easily bought, so I pack up my things and decide to text him later tonight.

IT’S NOT UNTIL MY LUNCHbreak the following day that I realize I never thanked Nash for the chocolates. Is it proper to thank someone for an apology gift? I’m not up on etiquette. Last night got away from me after bringing my sister to her physical therapy appointment, followed by cooking dinner together and playing a card game that she insisted Mom and I play with her.

She was especially agitated and we weren’t sure why, so the last thing on my mind were chocolates and Nash. I didn’t even get to think about him as I went to sleep because Dani insisted on sleeping with me. When she has her bad days, I can’t deny her.

Sharon comes into the staff room during my lunch break carrying a gorgeous vase of white flowers and elegant greenery.

Barry lets out a whistle. “You and Dave renewing your vows, Sharon? You look like you’re holding a bridal bouquet.”

“They’re not for me.” She walks over to me and sets the heavy vase on the table in front of my lunch box. “They’re for Kendall.”

My turkey and cheese sandwich gets lodged in my throat as my eyes grow wide in astonishment.

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