Page 4 of Until Kendal

He nodded. “I don’t know where I am.”

Mr. Sexy was rich and generous, which wasn’t what I normally thought of as a combination. I glanced around then motioned up the road that led to the closest garage that was probably a mile away. “Okay, we can walk together, and hopefully, Broken Eagles Garage is open. I hate to wake up Wes Silver before his coffee.”

We both walked together, and for a few minutes, it was like I was okay. Tomorrow, I would probably be stiff, but for now, adrenaline kept me holding my head up.

As we left our cars behind, he asked, “Were you at the hotel last night?”

Mr. Sexy remembered me. I realized we were walking in sync, even swinging our hands to the same rhythm, and my face heated.

With most men, I kept my distance. However, I tilted my head and kept on stepping as I said, “I helped my friend cater a wedding and was cleaning up.”

“You had a bad night,” he said quietly.

“You have no idea,” I said then sealed my lips. My problems weren’t his, and I would never see Mr. Sexy again. No one really ever cared if my life went off the rails anyhow.

“I’d like to help with whatever it is.”

In time, my father would fine me. And handsome men never stayed near me long. I shook my head. We made it to the garage, and I pointed to the motorcycle and car shop. “So this is it.”

Standing in front of the door, he asked, “How far is Murfreesboro from here?”

I raised my eyebrow. Mr. Sexy wasn’t just passing through? My lips curved higher. “Welcome to town…”

“Joel.”

Figured. He looked rich, and Joel sounded like it matched. I held out my hand out to shake. “I’m Kendal. Let’s trade info and go make a deal with Wes.”

He took my number and dialed me. Once we finished, he opened the door and said, “I’ll handle the charges for both cars.”

My heart almost stopped, then I shook my head. “I can’t accept.”

"You can," he said as we walked to the desk.

“I’ll find a way to pay you back.” I lifted my chin and met his gaze, squaring my shoulders. Owing anyone wasn’t my style, though it would be a reason to see Joel again. He and I would never work out, though. It was a daydream to think otherwise.

“It’s unnecessary,” he said.

And just as he said that, I knew I couldn’t deny my attraction to him. I didn’t have much to offer, but he made me believe in fairy tales where men and women fell in love. In theory, I knew it existed. I’d been in friends' weddings, but I also knew I would never be the bride because I didn't fall in love, even with a man as delicious and handsome as Joel. He tempted me to break all my rules.

ChapterThree

Joel

I took out my black American Express card to pay, and Kendal’s eyes widened. She hadn’t said anything, but I understood. She must have known I had cash; my Maserati was clearly the first giveaway.

As Wes Silver started to type in the prices, I folded my hands on the movable desk, which wasn’t quite steady. “So we need to rent two cars, as well.”

Wes pointed to a black Honda Civic. “I only have the one.”

For a second, I paused. Years ago, I’d sworn off any car that cost less than eighty thousand, but I didn’t blink breaking that rule today. “We’ll take it.”

“You’lltake it.” Kendal brushed her hand to my side.

She had no idea what her touch did to me. My skin burned for her, and I wanted her more than anything.

Wes handed me the receipt, and as I signed, I said, “I need to go to a hotel and get groceries and one other thing. You probably need to go to work and other things. I don’t mind sharing, Kendal.”

She rocked and lowered her head. “Well, I am late for work, and I needed to… never mind.”

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