Page 34 of Playing with Temptation

“You mean, the resentment you feel now.” Maya’s voice wavered.

“I don’t mean to make you feel bad. That’s why I try not to talk about Dad. It’s never a conversation that will go well between us.”

“Even when we don’t discuss him, that ugly little truth is hidden in the words we don’t say.” Maya cleared her throat. “Do you have any idea how much it hurts to know that deep down my sister wishes I were never born?”

“That isn’t true.”

“I wish it were as easy for me to believe that as it is for you.” Maya sighed. “If it were the other way around, maybe I’d feel the same.”

“No, you wouldn’t. You’re the sweetest, most loving person I know. I know it doesn’t always seem like it, but I’m grateful to have you in my life. I’m thrilled you found someone who loves you as much as I do. You deserve a great guy like Liam. He’s about as close as a guy can get to being worthy of you.”

“Thanks, sis.” The smile returned to Maya’s voice.

“Speaking of that handsome man of yours, when are you two going to finally set a date?” Kendra settled onto the couch.

“I was thinking we’d wait until next summer to get married.”

“Why so long? Is it a family thing for him?” The Westbrooks owned a huge international resort firm based in London, and they were well connected back in the UK.

“It’s nothing like that, it’s just… I keep hoping that if I wait long enough, you and Dad will work things out.”

“I promised I’d be on my best behavior on your wedding day,” Kendra reminded her sister.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but the reality is that the tension between you two makes everyone uncomfortable.”

“I won’t let that happen on your wedding day, Maya. I promise.”

“The minute you see him, you’ll pick a fight. Happens every time.” Maya’s voice rose to a crescendo. Suddenly it became sad. “You’re not just punishing Dad. It hurts that I can’t sit down with two of my favorite people on my wedding day.”

Kendra’s heart ached. Whatever her issues were with their father, Maya wasn’t to blame. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

“I know, but we can talk about that another day. Right now, let’s talk about the real reason you called. You’re still in love with Nate, and it terrifies you.”

Kendra didn’t deny the accusation. “I won’t break his heart again. He couldn’t take that. Neither could I. Besides, his evil twin would probably strangle me with her bare hands.”

“Or at least hire someone to off you.” Maya laughed, the tension between them easing.

“No, she’d definitely do it herself.” Kendra was only half kidding. Vi would probably relish the feel of her warm blood on her hands. Nate’s twin could be your best friend or your worst enemy. Once the former, Kendra was now the latter.

“The solution is simple,” Maya said. “Don’t break his heart this time.”

That was Maya. Making a complicated relationship like the one she and Nate shared seem so simple. Apparently, she’d forgotten what a convoluted relationship she and Liam had just a few months prior. When she was still terrified of bringing someone new into her daughters’ lives, afraid Liam would disappoint them.

Thankfully, she’d been wrong. Liam was an amazing man who’d left behind his playboy ways once he found the woman of his dreams—her little sister.

“I didn’t set out to break his heart before. I panicked. How can I be sure it won’t happen again?”

“You can’t, but you can be honest with Nate and yourself about what freaked you out then.” Maya’s voice was soothing. “And any lingering fears holding you back now.”

“I won’t put my career aside for Nate again,” Kendra suddenly interjected. The declaration took her by surprise.

“Then talk to him,” Maya said simply. “No more excuses.”

She was gone before Kendra could object.

“They’re not excuses,” she said to the empty room as she tossed her phone on the sofa. “It’s the truth.”

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