Page 75 of Defending her Heart

ME: Nevermind. We can reschedule. It’s not a big deal.

RILEY: You’d call bullshit on us if we responded like that.

ME: Seriously, my problems don’t need to interfere. Walker has a huge game tonight, and Row’s exhausted. My sex life will still be a topic for discussion on another day.

ROWAN: Power nap it is. I’ll be at your place by six. That work for you, Mrs. Bankes?

RILEY: Leaving work soon and will pick up the provisions. Pack an overnight bag. Kendall asking for sex advice means lots of wine.

ME: I didn’t say I needed sex advice.

RILEY: Mhm

ROWAN: I’m practically a virgin so I can’t offer much on that front, but I can be your voice of reason.

RILEY: Pretty sure Kendall only uses her voice to scream out, “Yes, Nash. Faster. Harder.”

ME: I hate you both. I’m calling Jackson and will watch the game with him.

RILEY: If you don’t show up at my house by 6, we’re crashing Jackson and Taylor’s. See you in two hours.

ROWAN: Love ya.

There’s no going back now.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

KENDALL

“So let me get this straight.” Riley scoops up a mound of guacamole on her chip and waves it in the air. “You more than like Nash, who obviously more than likes you. You have the best sex in the world, but you aren’t sure what to do about it.” She shoves the loaded chip in her mouth and carries on with her mouth full. “And for the record, Walker and I have the best sex in the world. But whatever.”

“That about sums it up. Minus the best sex debate.”

Rowan leans forward and pulls a cheesy chunk of chips off the top and puts it on her paper plate. “I don’t think sex has ever been the issue. With either of you.” She gives Riley and me a pointed stare. “What’s preventing you from taking the next step with Nash?”

“You mean besides us both being blatantly vocal a few weeks ago about not wanting or having time for a relationship?”

“That ship has sailed.” Riley refills our wine and clinks her glass against mine.

“Is this about Jason?”

Leave it to Rowan to see through me. This is why I sent the 911 text. I need to get it all off my chest and have them tell me what to do.

“Yeah. I’m emotionally damaged. I have trust issues that go deep, you know that.”

“It’s obvious Nash doesn’t have a secret family. You met his daughter and his parents. If there was a wife or a minivan of kids somewhere, they would have mentioned it by now,” Riley says.

“Maybe. But it’s not like they know anything is going on between us.”

“I call bullshit on that. Even Walker picked up on the googly eyes at Thanksgiving and again at Paisley’s party. He’s been asking me if something is going on between the two of you. More than your and Paisley’s adorable relationship.”

“I’d say Miles stole that title away from me. Did you see the two of them at the party?”

“We did, but that’s not why we’re here tonight.” Rowan redirects the conversation. “What is it you don’t trust about Nash?”

I sink back into the cushions and sigh. “Nothing.”

“Why do you say that like it’s a bad thing?” Rowan pats my knee.

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