Page 64 of Playing with Temptation

Lines spanned the older man’s forehead. His expression was weary with years of hurt and rejection. Something they had in common.

“She hated me even when she was a girl. Not at first, but between her mother and brother…she became so resentful. I wanted to set the record straight, but she was a kid. I couldn’t get into all the reasons things didn’t work out between her mother and me. The way she saw it, I chose my new family over her and her brother.”

“Didn’t you?” Nate worked to keep the accusation out of his tone, but the words dripped with it.

Curtis groaned. “No, I didn’t leave Anna for Alita. Didn’t even know her then. I left because I was unhappy. We both were. I wouldn’t spend my life that way, like my old man did.”

“I respect that, sir, but I’m sure you understand how it made your children feel. Especially Kendra. From her perspective, she’s the reason you up and left.”

“That’s ridiculous.” He rubbed his chin. Deep lines spanned his forehead.

“Have you told her that?”

“I’ve tried to show her and her brother how much I care for them. When they were younger, they’d come down and spend summers and holidays with us. As they got older, they resented being made to visit. It only made them hate me more.” A pained expression accompanied the man’s memories. “When they were old enough to choose, they both stopped coming. I tried giving them space, but they became more and more distant.”

“I don’t doubt you’ve tried in the past, Mr. Williams. All I’m saying is, it’s worth trying again. Because if you don’t, I don’t know if she’ll ever learn to trust any man. She’ll always be afraid that the next guy is going to cheat on her or leave her.”

“So you do want her back.”

“I never wanted to lose her. I love her, asked her to marry me. As angry as I’ve been with her all these years, the truth is, I haven’t met anyone I’d rather be with. I know she feels the same, but she’s afraid.”

“You tell her that?”

“Not in those exact words.”

“Hmm…” The old man leaned forward, his hands between his knees. “Guess Kendra’s not the only one who’s afraid.”

Nate’s nostrils flared. “If I were afraid, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Maybe it was easier to come and talk to me than to lay it all out on the line and risk her walking away again.”

Nate’s gaze dropped to his hands. What the old man said was true. He hadn’t been very romantic or heartfelt with Kendra. Instead, he’d pointed out that getting back together was in Kai’s best interest. That line of thinking relegated Kendra to a nice bonus accessory. Something a woman like her would never stand for.

No wonder she’d turned him down. In an effort to protect his heart, he’d handled the situation poorly.

Curtis nodded knowingly, pain in his voice. “Been there. A man can only take so much, I suppose.”

“You’re right, Mr. Williams. My approach to Kendra was all wrong.” Nate tapped the table with his forefinger. “But I’m right, too. I know she hasn’t made it easy for you, but she has the right to be angry about you leaving her and Dash. She handled it badly. Maybe we’re all guilty of that. But Kendra is an amazing woman. She deserves the best from both of us. It’s time we both man up and give her that.”

Curtis frowned at the censure, then sighed. “I convinced myself it was best just to give Kendra and Dash space and hope they came around. I guess that was just what was easiest.”

“I’m having a little party this weekend to celebrate my new contract with the Marauders. I’d appreciate it if you and your wife would come. If you’re willing, I’ll have my assistant book your flights and hotel. Just say the word.”

“I want to be the father my daughter deserves.” The older man nodded. “We’ll come to your party, but you don’t need to pay for anything. This is something I need to do.”

Nate’s heart beat against his rib cage. Mission accomplished. Mr. Williams would make another effort to work things out with his daughter.

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