Page 63 of Playing with Temptation

“This is what we need to do to finally put this all to bed, right?” When she sighed heavily, but didn’t respond, he continued. “Then that’s what we’re going to do.”

Nate valued his privacy, but he valued his family more. Whether she believed it or not, Dray was family. He’d do whatever he needed to do to prove that to her.

* * *

Nate exited Jacksonville International Airport, picked up his rental car and drove to the home of Curtis Williams—Kendra’s father.

He didn’t expect to fix a decades-long problem in a single visit. But if Kendra took even the smallest step toward working things out with her father, maybe it’d go a long way toward helping him regain her trust, too.

Or maybe this was a horrible idea that would destroy everything they’d rebuilt in the past weeks.

Nate scrubbed a hand across his forehead. It was a risky move, but the payoff would be worth it.

He entered the pretty little gated community near Dutton Island and parked in the drive of the idyllic home with its covered porches spanning the width of the house on the first and second floor.

Nate rang the bell and held his breath as a shadow approached through the glass door with a colorful, geometric design.

The door opened, and the aromatic scent of spicy beef cooking wafted out to greet him. “Mr. Williams, I don’t know if you remember me, but—”

“You were my daughter’s best friend.” The older man emphasized the phrase. “And the father of my grandson. Of course I know who you are.” Curtis Williams folded his arms and held his gaze. “How’s he coming along after his surgery?”

“Kai’s doing well, sir. He loved the musical greeting card and arrangement of cookies you and your wife sent.” There was an awkward pause. “May I come in?”

The man stepped aside and let him in, leading him to the living room of the spacious first floor. He invited him to have a seat.

A wave of sadness passed over the man’s face. His gaze raked the floor before returning to Nate’s. “Saw that nonsense on the news about her. Kendra loves Kai more than anything in the world. She ought to sue their asses for implying otherwise.”

“The past week or so has been tough for her.” Guilt tugged at Nate’s chest. He hated that Kendra had gotten caught up in the crosshairs of the plot aimed squarely at him. “I know she’d love to hear from you.”

“It’s not as simple as that. Kendra is as stubborn as her mother.” The old man scowled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I left her a couple of voice mails, but she hasn’t returned them. I only got to speak to my grandson because Maya put him on the phone when she and the girls were visiting Kai.” He eyed Nate. “Did Kendra send you?”

Nate shook his head.

“Didn’t think so.” He heaved a sigh, then leveled his stare at Nate again. “Then what brings you here? You asking for her hand? If so, I don’t think my blessing would make much of an impression on her.”

Nate scooted to the edge of his seat. “I’m here to ask you to make the effort to fix your relationship with your daughter.”

Curtis raised an eyebrow. “Why do you care? You two aren’t together anymore.”

“I believe that your estranged relationship with Kendra is a primary reason things didn’t work out with us.” Nate held the man’s gaze.

“You sure I’m the reason?” He poked a thumb in his chest. “I remember the report about that groupie in your room. Wasn’t too long after that she left you.”

“I didn’t invite her to my room.” Nate frowned. “And nothing happened. Not that night or any other night while we were together.”

“Still don’t see what that has to do with the relationship between me and my daughter.”

“Frankly, sir, you don’t have a relationship. You’re simply related.”

“If you came here to tell me things I already know—”

“I didn’t.” Nate held up a hand. “I came to tell you that Kendra might act like she doesn’t need you, but she does. She needs her father as much now as she did when she was a little girl.”

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