Page 57 of Temptation

When she’d told me she didn’t need to attend the event after I’d insisted, I’d thought she’d been afraid of intruding. Selfishly, I’d wanted her by my side. And I’d wanted her to see the fruition of her hard work. If only I’d realized… I should’ve realized.

Her skin was still just as pale as it had been before, and she looked as if she might be sick.

I leaned in, rubbing circles on her back. I told myself I was merely comforting a colleague, but it was a lie. “Do you want to leave?”

“No.” She frowned and shook her head. “Of course not.” She straightened, pressing her shoulders back. “I’ll be fine. I just… For some reason, it’s affecting me more today. I think maybe because I know the patients are kids. And I didn’t get enough sleep because I wanted to make this the best day ever for them.”

My heart softened. Of course she had.

But when she took a step forward, she seemed to sway. There was no way she was ready to join the others. I peeked inside the bathroom and noticed it was a single stall with a large bench.

“Knox,” she hissed when I grabbed her arm, ushering her inside. “What are you doing?”

“I know you say you’ll be fine. And I know you’re tough. But it’s not going to be ‘the best day ever’ if you faint in front of them. You’re not ready to go in there. Not like this.” I guided her to the bench then locked the door.

“B-but—” She sputtered. “We’re… This…” Her eyes went wide. At least she no longer looked like she was going to be sick.

“No one saw us,” I said. “If that’s what you’re worried about.”

She nodded. Her shoulders relaxed. After a moment, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall. “I’m sorry. I just need a minute. And maybe some breakfast. And then I’ll be fine.”

“You haven’t eaten?” I asked. When she shook her head, I cursed under my breath. “Why not?”

“I was too nervous about making sure the event was a success. And I worried about traffic. And…”

“Let’s get you something to eat,” I said.

“What?” She jerked her head back. “We can’t just leave. Especially not you.”

Of course I could. And I would. I would do whatever the fuck it took to make sure Kendall was okay. That thought should’ve scared me, but if anything, it only felt right.

“As your boss—” I shoved my hands in my pockets “—I think you should go home.”

Her eyes shifted, green slits of fury flecked with gold. “No.”

“Kendall,” I growled.

She stood and placed her hands on her hips, this conversation having the complete opposite effect of what I’d intended. I’d wanted to help her relax. I’d wanted to assure her that she’d done her job and she could leave.

Yet she was standing her ground.

I shouldn’t have been surprised. Hell, I’d always encouraged her to speak her mind. If I hadn’t been so annoyed by her stubbornness, I would’ve been proud of her.

“I want to stay. If these kids can endure all that they do just to survive,” she said, eyes blazing with passion, “I sure as heck can handle this.”

I bit back a smile, admiring her determination. Admiring her fire, despite her discomfort. But as much as I respected her dedication, I was more concerned with taking care of her.

“Should I threaten to fire you?” I asked, mostly in jest. Part of me wanted to fire her because then she’d no longer be off-limits. Well, at least, she’d no longer be off-limits forthatreason.

She stepped closer, closing the distance between us. “Maybe I should quit.”

Tension crackled between us. I pushed her, and she challenged me.

“Am I really that terrible to work for?” I asked, my voice low as I searched her expression. Her breathing was shallow, and I would’ve killed to know what she was thinking.

“No. Yes. Ugh.” She turned and threw her hands in the air. “This is all your fault.” She started pacing, her heels clicking against the tile floor.

I furrowed my brow. “How is thismyfault?”

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