Page 23 of Playing with Temptation

“Fine.” Greer grinned, spooning more peas into Allie’s mouth. “But it’s gon’ make y’all’s sleeping arrangements mighty awkward.”

* * *

“You mean to tell me this huge guesthouse only has one bedroom?” Kendra stood in the living room, her arms folded.

“There’s another bedroom, but we’re renovating it. The furniture’s gone and there are ladders and paint buckets everywhere.” Wade ran a hand through his longish brown hair, which dusted the collar of his suede jacket. “Honest.”

Kendra propped a hand on her hip as she surveyed the space. “The sofa looks comfy enough. Got any extra blankets?”

“Sure thing.” He gave Nate an apologetic stare. “I’ll grab ’em for you.”

“Look, it’s my fault,” Nate said. “I should’ve been clearer when I explained you were coming along. Didn’t think about it because I knew the guesthouse has two bedrooms. I’ll take the sofa.”

“I’ll be fine here.” Kendra raised a hand before he could launch into his objection. “End of discussion.”

* * *

Kendra sank into the bubbles threatening to spill over the side of the old claw-foot tub and sighed. She inhaled the yummy candles perched on the window ledge, which provided the only light in the room. The mingled scent of cranberry and orange wafted through the space, calming her frazzled nerves. She stared up through the skylight, admiring the stars dotting the sky.

Just a few more days. I can handle this.

She repeated the words in her head because the truth was, she didn’t know if she could handle spending this much time with Nate. Especially after what Greer had said.

You do realize he’s still in love with you? You’re still in love with him, too.

Kendra dunked her head beneath the water, holding her breath a few seconds before emerging. Maybe that would disrupt the rogue thoughts of Nate Johnston roaming around the guesthouse barely dressed.

She wiped the water from her face and sat up, pressing her back to the still-cool cast-iron tub as she hugged her knees to her chest.

Concentrate on the job. Nate is just another client.

This was business. She was helping Nate and advancing her career. In fact, over dinner, Greer asked her to consider taking her on as a client once she got the baby food company up and running.

She’d planned to move her consultancy to exclusively serve athletes, but Greer was more than just a potential client. She was a friend. Besides, Kendra believed in what Greer was doing. Having tasted a few of the samples herself, she’d be crazy not to consider it.

There was a light tap at the door. Kendra froze, wrapping her arms tighter around her knees. “Yes?”

“Kai wants to say good-night.”

“It’s not even eight. I’ll call him back as soon as I’m out of the tub.”

“It’s nearly ten there,” Nate reminded her.

She sighed, making sure all of her essential parts were shielded by the bubbles. “The door isn’t locked.” Another apparent casualty of the remodeling. “Come in.”

Light from the hall spilled into the room as Nate stepped inside wearing fitted jeans that hugged his bottom and a tight gray athletic shirt that outlined the hard-earned muscles of his chest and biceps. He handed Kendra his cell phone, then stood back against the door frame, his eyes roving anywhere in the room except on her.

“Kai Kai. How are you?”

“Good. When are you and Daddy coming home?”

“As soon as we can, sweetie. We’re in Montana with Uncle Wade and Aunt Greer.”

“You know them, too?” Kai had been with his dad whenever he visited with Wade and his family.

“Since before you were born.” She smiled. “Auntie Greer’s an old friend.”

“Are Jake and Mariah there? Does Jake still have his train set?” Kai’s voice rose with excitement.

“They’re not here with me now. I’m…we’re in the guesthouse. But yes, he still has his train. Are you being a good boy for Nana?”

“Yes.”

“Did you brush your teeth before bed?”

“Yes, Mommy.” He sighed. “I always brush my teeth before bed.”

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