Page 46 of Playing with Temptation

Nate surveyed the landscape in the backyard. It was a valid concern. One he shared.

Even if he could get Kendra to give them another try, could he trust that she wouldn’t walk away from him again?

He closed his eyes, a shudder moving down his spine.

God, I hope so.

CHAPTER 15

Kendra paced in the green room of the late-night show. Nate was scheduled for taping in less than half an hour and he wasn’t answering her calls.

A wave of sadness rolled over her. The way he’d taken off after the panel this morning…had he gone to see someone else? Was he with her now?

She shook her head to clear it. Who Nate Johnston was with was none of her business, as long as he wasn’t doing anything that would further tarnish his brand.

There was a giggle in the hallway, followed by a deep chuckle. Kendra recognized both laughs. The giggle was that of an intern who’d been hovering, hoping to meet Nate. The chuckle indicated she’d finally found him.

Kendra opened the door, and they both looked at her abruptly. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten how to answer your phone.”

There was a gleam in Nate’s eye. He smiled and signed the back of the T-shirt the intern was wearing before slipping past Kendra into the green room.

She inhaled, taking a moment to calm herself. “You were supposed to be here half an hour ago.”

“You know how traffic is in LA. Besides, I called the studio on my way here. A quick touch-up in the makeup chair and I’m good.”

He’d called the studio, rather than calling her? She gritted her teeth, placing a fist on her hip. “And you’ve been drinking.”

He adjusted his tie. “Relax. I had a couple of beers over lunch. Besides, you’re my media consultant, not my mother.”

Heat crawled up her neck and exploded in her cheeks. She folded her arms and exhaled, straining to keep her voice even. “But it is my job to dig you out of the PR hole you created for yourself and to make sure you don’t dig it any deeper.”

Nate narrowed his gaze at her. “Your concern is noted, but everything is fine. So just take a deep breath. Your dog and pony show will go on as scheduled.”

Despite her blood boiling, she didn’t acknowledge the dig.

Nate was trying to get a rise out of her. He was obviously hurt and angry about her decision to pull away.

Kendra silently counted to ten, her fists clenched. She bit back the angry words she wanted to say, her tone neutral. “Our plane leaves in a few hours. I thought maybe we could grab a bite while I catch you up on the appearances scheduled for the next few weeks.”

“Actually, I may have other plans after the show.” His gaze held hers.

“Oh, well, maybe on the plane—”

“I was hoping to catch a few winks on the plane. It’s been an exhausting few days.” He folded his arms tightly against his broad chest. His head tilted as he assessed her. Nate was being a world-class ass, but there was something in his warm brown eyes that still melted her heart. Made her want to kiss him.

“Kara will email the updated itinerary to you along with my notes.”

“Great.” Nate shifted his gaze toward the door. A wide smile spread across his face when the intern peeked her head in to let them know that makeup was ready for him. He indicated he’d be there shortly, then turned back to Kendra. “Anything else?”

She shook her head, overwhelmed with a growing sense of envy. Wishing he’d look at her the way he looked at that intern just now. Her stomach dropped to her knees. “Have a good show.”

Something in his demeanor softened. He headed across the room, turning back to look at her over his shoulder. Sadness lurked behind his dark eyes as he opened his mouth to speak, but then he turned and left instead.

Kendra fought back the tears that prickled her eyes, her heart thumping against her chest.

* * *

Nate closed the green room door behind him and exhaled.

What an ass.

He’d only meant to be distant. Maybe make her jealous by appearing to eat up the attention of the far-too-young-and-shallow intern. Instead he’d come off as bitter and angry, and he’d been a total jerk.

She maintained her cool, and he was left feeling worse than ever. That’s what he deserved for playing childish games.

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