Page 32 of Playing with Temptation

Kendra’s expression softened, and she let out a quiet sigh as she squeezed his arm. “I know how much Wade means to you and to the fans. It’s probably good you combated that accusation right away and that you spoke so highly of him. You handled the situation well.”

“Really?”

“Really. Just don’t do it again. If we say no questions, then don’t address questions. Not even from Stephanie Weiss. Got it?”

“Got it.” He looked down at his watch. “We better head out. Marcus and I have a late lunch meeting over at the foundation. We’ll drop you off at the house on the way.”

“Aren’t we flying back to Pleasure Cove tonight?” Her shoulders tensed and there was a hint of panic in the slight elevation of her tone.

“Change of plans. I finally connected with Dade. We’re meeting tomorrow for lunch, so we’ll have to stay one more night. Hope that’s cool.”

“It’s important that you sit down with Dade and iron things out.” Kendra waved a hand. “I’ll try again with the hotels.”

“No need.” Nate shoved his hands in his pockets. “There’s plenty of room for both of us.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. Feel free to work from my office. I’ll even make dinner tonight. To thank you for everything,” he added quickly.

She cocked an eyebrow, her adorable nose crinkling. “You cook now?”

“Okay, so maybe I’m just heating it up. Same difference.”

Kendra laughed, then looked thoughtful, the gears turning in that brilliant head of hers. She nodded reluctantly. “Sure.”

He gave her a quick nod, then they headed toward the exit, his heart dancing with a growing sense of hope.

* * *

Kendra paced in front of the fireplace in the den, her body filled with nervous energy, prompted by the memories of when she was last there.

She halted, catching her breath as she fought back the vivid sensation of Nate planting soft kisses along her collarbone and shoulders. Kisses that led to a wild and passionate night together.

Kendra swallowed hard, then resumed her pacing. Finally, she plopped on the sofa and pulled out her phone. She called her mother, but there was no answer. Next, she called her sister.

“How’s the trip?”

Kendra released a slow breath, fortified by the lilt in Maya’s voice. “Professionally? Things are going well. Personally? I’m losing it.”

“Why, what’s going on between you and Nate?”

“I’m sitting on the infamous sofa, trying my hardest to keep my head together, but all I keep thinking about is the last time I was here, when I couldn’t keep my legs together.”

Maya chuckled. “What are you doing at Nate’s anyway? Thought you were staying at a hotel.”

“So did I, but we ended up staying overnight in Montana sharing Wade and Greer’s guesthouse.”

Maya cleared her throat. “The more important question is, did you two share a bed?”

“No,” Kendra said quickly. The silence seemed to extend forever. Her sister was the master of the well-used pause to get her to spill her guts. She groaned. “But he kissed me.”

“Did you kiss him back?” The lilt returned to Maya’s voice. She was on the verge of a giggle.

“Until I regained my clarity.”

“Clarity, huh? Sounds more like delusion, if you’re still pretending Nate doesn’t mean anything to you.”

“Of course he does. He’s Kai’s dad. He was my best friend. My first.” She said the words wistfully, recalling that weekend her mother had taken her brother to Raleigh on a college tour. “I’ll always care for him. That doesn’t mean we’re meant to be together.”

“And what does Nate think?” Maya’s tone was subdued.

Kendra swung her legs beneath her and exhaled. “He wants us to be a family.”

“Oh my gosh, Kendra. That’s great news.” Maya paused when Kendra didn’t respond. “Isn’t it?”

“Seems like it’s more about Nate wanting to be with Kai.” A dull ache filled her chest. “He didn’t say he wanted to be with me. He just keeps going on about how great it would be to finally be a family.”

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