Page 3 of Playing with Temptation

Kendra gave Marcus a grateful smile. She sat taller and returned her attention to Nate. “I can do this, Nate. I won’t let you down.”

Nate ignored her plea. He turned to Marcus. “I think we’re pushing the panic button here.”

“Cards on the table, bro?” Marcus motioned for the server to come over. “It was Bat-Signal time the second that video hit the airwaves. The building is on fire. Don’t be too proud to accept the help of a friendly face wearing a cape and toting a fire hose.”

Nate gritted his teeth as Kendra held back a grin, her eyes gleaming. He sat stewing as Marcus explained to the server that he’d be leaving, so she should deliver his meal and the bill to Nate.

He loved his family, but it was a universal truth that older brothers could be asses.

Marcus stood and slipped on his wool coat. He gripped Nate’s shoulder. “You said you’d do whatever it took to make this right. I’m playing that card now. You’re two adults with a common goal. Figure it out.” He shifted his gaze to Kendra. “Walk me out?”

She grabbed her wrap and followed him out.

Damn.

Next time he’d be careful with the promises he made his brother. His only hope was to convince Kendra to walk away.

Again.

CHAPTER 2

“You seem pleased.” Kendra pulled the wrap tightly around her shoulders to combat the biting winter wind rushing into the lobby as patrons entered and exited. It was an unusual cold spell for North Carolina. “I’m not sure we were in the same room, because Nate isn’t buying this.”

“Not yet, but then you were prepared to turn me down when you arrived. What changed your mind?”

Her cheeks warmed. She agreed to dinner because she’d been intrigued by Marcus’s proposal. It was her chance to finally establish a boutique PR and media coaching firm that catered to high-end talent. But she’d decided to take Nate on as a client the moment she laid eyes on him. Six feet three inches of brown-skin Adonis. Handsome and fit as ever. There was no way she’d admit that to his brother or to anyone.

“Despite what Nate thinks, he needs my help. Besides, I owe him.” She couldn’t erase the pain she’d caused when she’d walked away seven years ago, but she could make things right for him. Allow him to end his career on his terms.

Marcus squeezed her arm. “You don’t owe either of us anything, but I’m glad you’re on board.”

“This isn’t a done deal. I meant what I said. I’m willing to work through Nate resenting my help, but I won’t do this if he’s resistant. If he won’t listen to me, this doesn’t work.”

“Then you’ve got some convincing to do.” Marcus winked, tipped the valet and drove off.

Great. Kendra drew in a deep breath, then strutted back into the restaurant, spine straight and tall. You’ve got this, girl.

Nate didn’t bother standing when she returned. He stared as if he couldn’t believe she had the nerve to sashay her tail back into the private dining room. As if he’d expected her to turn and run.

“You need convincing, so let’s talk. Ask me anything you want. We can discuss the ideas I have so far or the crisis management work I’ve done for high-profile corporate clients.”

The server set their meals on the table. When she left, Nate took a swig of his beer, then set the glass on the table with a thud. “Fine. Let’s talk about what happened between us.”

“Nate…” Her voice wavered for a moment. She cleared her throat and lengthened her spine, holding his gaze. “We’ve talked about this.”

“‘I’m so sorry, Nate, I just can’t do this’ isn’t a discussion, Kendra.” The veins in his neck corded as he repeated her words that night verbatim. “You’ve shut me down anytime I’ve tried to have a real conversation about that night. If you want me to trust you, start by being honest about what happened between us.”

“This isn’t productive.” She shivered beneath his cold stare. “Discussing my proposed PR plan is.”

“If Marcus says you can do the job, I trust his judgment. What I need is to know I can trust you. So for once, be honest with me about why you walked out. Why you waited until I asked you to marry me and you were pregnant with my son to decide I wasn’t the right man for you.”

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