Playing With Temptation
Reese Ryan
A love for all timeNorth Carolina pro-footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive, and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot of winning the championship . . . and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father. . . and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she could do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and family that’s almost within reach?
A love for all time
North Carolina pro footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot at winning the championship...and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.
Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father...and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she can do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and a family that’s almost within reach?
“Let me take you to lunch, if you don’t have any plans.”
Kendra’s heart beat faster. Her mouth felt dry as she stared into his warm eyes. “Sure. Why? Did you want to go over the appearances scheduled for next week?”
“No, I’d like to talk about us. I know you asked me not to.” He countered her objection before she could make it. “And while I respect your feelings, I don’t believe you’re being honest about how you feel or what you want.”
Nate cupped her face in his strong hand, lifting her chin so her eyes met his.
Kendra backed up until her back pressed against the wall. Her heart beat so quickly she was sure he could hear it. She stared at him, unable to speak. Her chest was heavy with all the things she wanted to say, and her head was spinning, reminding her of all the reasons she shouldn’t say them.
He captured her mouth in a kiss. Slow and sweet. Filled with warmth, affection and desire. Her hands slipped beneath his jacket, pressing into his back. Her body softened against his.
Dear Reader (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32),
Reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as a young girl changed my life. It ignited a desire to weave stories that make readers laugh, cry and swoon.
Elements of that story subconsciously weave themselves into the fabric of every story I write. Unconventional heroines, family drama, crises of self-identity, the revealing of devastating secrets—all are present in my Pleasure Cove series.
The Johnstons and Williamses—two polar-opposite families—lie at the heart of the series.
In Playing with Temptation, we become intimately acquainted with both families. Passionate and driven—on and off the football field—Nate Johnston’s propensity for unfiltered honesty jeopardizes his future, forcing him to entrust that future to the woman who destroyed it seven years ago—his ex, Kendra Williams.
Enjoy your visit to Pleasure Cove. Then, for series news, reader giveaways and more, visit reeseryan.com (http://www.reeseryan.com/).
Happy reading,
Reese Ryan
Playing with Temptation
Reese Ryan
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
REESE RYAN writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring colorful characters and sinfully sweet romances. She challenges her heroines with family and career drama, reformed bad boys, revealed secrets and the occasional identity crisis, but always rewards them with a well-earned happy ending.
A native of The Land (Cleveland, Ohio), Reese resides in North Carolina, where she carefully treads the line between being a Southerner and a Yankee, despite her insistence on calling soda “pop.” She gauges her progress by the number of “bless your lil’ hearts” she receives each week. She is currently down to two.
Reese is an avid reader with a to-be-read stack that resembles a small skyscraper, and a music lover with a serious thing for brilliant singer/songwriters and an incurable addiction to Broadway soundtracks and film scores. Connect with Reese via Instagram, Facebook or reeseryan.com (http://www.reeseryan.com/).
Dedicated to self-sacrificing single mothers
like my mother and paternal grandmother.
And to devoted fathers like my husband.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to author Michele Summers for driving out to the boonies for an into-the-wee-hours brainstorming session for this story.
Thank you to my good friend and beta reader Lani Bennett for allowing me to bounce ideas off you for this story and others.
To Shannon Criss, Keyla Hernandez and the rest of the Kimani editorial team, thank you for providing insight and feedback that made the story stronger while also allowing me to remain true to my vision.
Contents
Cover (#u36377200-0f10-57bf-9902-676f2159d465)
Back Cover Text (#u75cb6788-719d-5338-8713-7a1b9e01fcd0)
Introduction (#uc9402444-9ccd-5289-95c3-2cf66a328731)
Dear Reader (#u8974dfce-4e3e-53bb-bf40-62dda0bc9960)
Title Page (#u5c41ede5-3a35-5740-a73a-bc084a18e62e)
About the Author (#u051d0b73-2b68-566a-b324-2761ae7a73d2)
Dedication (#u9fc163a9-73a5-5bd7-b467-15aa7858042d)
Chapter 1 (#uf59a9659-8e9b-516a-91b8-1380ae16fbde)
Chapter 2 (#ub2c267d7-ba33-5796-aa96-377630fa61c0)
Chapter 3 (#ue06c2436-8eb8-59de-b8ed-d4d2e8cee290)
Chapter 4 (#u750ab94a-3adc-50b6-b094-b1764c992ae7)
Chapter 5 (#uf0b96704-291b-5c23-9724-cbae6ffd8fe4)
Chapter 6 (#ua45ba711-69d1-51af-8443-c8c5b15aed02)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 21 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 22 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 23 (#litres_trial_promo)
Extract (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
Nate Johnston entered the private dining room at his favorite seafood restaurant and froze, his expensive Italian loafers rooted to the floor.
The ghost of relationships past.
Kendra didn’t need to turn around for him to recognize the woman he’d once shared his bed with; the mother of his six-year-old son. He sensed her presence—like something warm wiggling beneath his skin—the instant he stepped into the room.
Nate was in the midst of the biggest crisis of his eight-year-long professional football career. Why would his brother invite him to dinner with the woman who shattered his heart seven years ago?
“Glad you’re here, Nate. Have a seat.” His brother Marcus indicated the seat next to Kendra.
Nate narrowed his gaze at his brother and took the seat beside him instead. “You asked me to meet you for dinner to discuss the situation.”
As if Kendra and every other sports network viewer hadn’t seen the grainy cell phone footage of him in a club, after a few drinks, ripping his teammates to shreds following the ass-whipping they’d endured at the hands of their division rivals. A devastating loss that put the brakes on the Memphis Marauders play-off run for the third year in a row.
The video had been edited to make him look like the villain. It didn’t include him detailing how his own mistakes—a dropped pass and a costly fumble—had contributed to the loss.
“That’s why she’s here.” Marcus’s response was terse. As Nate’s sports agent, Marcus’s job had become ten times harder since the tape hit the airwaves that morning.
“Hello, Nate.” Kendra’s apologetic smile indicated she knew something he didn’t.
Nate’s attention was drawn to her expressive face. How did she manage to get more beautiful every time he saw her?
Head full of short, dark curls. Sheen on high blast. Style on point. Body-hugging knit dress in his favorite color on her—Marauders blue. The color perfectly contrasted the expanse of smooth brown skin exposed by the neckline of her dress.
An uneasy feeling crawled up his spine. Nate turned to his brother. “What do you mean that’s why she’s here?”
“It means we’ve got a ton of damage control to do, in addition to negotiating your new contract with the Marauders and trying to renew your two biggest endorsement deals. I can’t handle everything alone. I’ve asked for Kendra’s assistance.”
Marcus had every right to be pissed, and Nate expected a little brotherly payback. But Marcus was a few cans short of a six-pack if he expected him to work with the woman who left him on one knee, ring in hand.
“What’s wrong with the PR firm we’ve been using?”
“They’re great when things are good, but we’re in crisis mode. We need someone tough who’ll get ahead of this thing and change the narrative out there about you.”
“And out of all the possibilities in the free world, you believe the woman who rejected my proposal is the best person for the job?” He slid his gaze to Kendra. Her cheeks glowed beneath her warm, dark skin.
A twinge of guilt settled in his gut. It was a low blow, but so was walking out on him when he asked her to marry him seven years ago. He’d convinced himself he was over it and her. Yet the rejection still stung, especially being relegated to a part-time father.
Nate’s father had tucked him and his six siblings into bed every night. Read them stories, taught them how to fish, fix their bikes and change the brakes on a car. He was still very much part of their lives. Nate had looked forward to being the kind of father who was present in his kids’ lives every day.
Kendra had destroyed his chance of being that kind of dad to Kai.
When she’d responded to his marriage proposal by walking out, she’d left a hole in his chest where his heart had once been. Discovering the pregnancy a few weeks later, then announcing she fully intended to raise the baby on her own, had ripped out his soul and left him in a tailspin.
He still couldn’t forgive her for reducing him to a baby daddy. For being the reason he didn’t get to tuck Kai into bed most nights. Now Marcus wanted to put his future in her hands?
Oh, hell naw.
“I know she’s the best person for the job.” Marcus’s expression was unwavering.
“I understand why you’re still upset.” Kendra’s eyes conveyed the apology he’d already heard too many times. “But this isn’t about our past. It’s about ensuring your future on your terms. I can help you do that because I’m damn good at what I do. But I don’t want to be here if you don’t want me here.”
“Good, then it’s settled. What’s for dinner?” Nate picked up his menu.
Marcus pushed the menu down. “Don’t be a smart-ass, Nate. More importantly, don’t let your ego get in the way of what’s best for your career and your bank account. You’ve dug a king-size hole for yourself, little brother. It’s my job to get you back on solid ground. I can do that, but I need Dray’s help.”
Nate narrowed his gaze at Marcus. Dray? Really? They were suddenly cozy enough that his brother was using the nickname he’d called her when they were together?
He turned his attention to Kendra. Her arms were folded, inadvertently pressing her breasts higher. His heartbeat quickened and his throat suddenly felt dry.
Focus, buddy, and not on those.
He gulped water from his glass, then cleared his throat. “I don’t doubt your ability, Kendra, but given our history, working together is ill-advised. Am I the only one who gets that?”
“It’s an awkward situation,” Kendra acknowledged with a soft sigh, “but you’re Kai’s father. We’ll always have a connection. Whether you believe it or not, Nate, I want what’s best for you. That hasn’t changed.”
Nate swallowed the lump in his throat. “Let’s not pretend this is a charitable arrangement. It’s your chance to make a name for yourself.”
Kendra pursed her lips painted a rich, velvety red reminiscent of a full-bodied glass of vintage port. As proud and stubborn as her mother, the woman was allergic to accepting help. It had taken him nearly a year to convince her to accept child support for Kai.
“This is an opportunity for me, which means I’m invested in your success. When we worked together, informally, you were a media darling.”
Nate tapped his finger on the table. Kendra wasn’t wrong. She’d been a huge help back then. He’d even asked her to help a couple of his college buddies who’d run into trouble.
He sucked in a deep breath. “You’re good, but that isn’t the point.”
“Then what is the point?” She leaned forward, her arms folded, elbows on the table, providing an excellent view of her cleavage.
Nate was beginning to think she was doing it on purpose. Distracting him and trying to get him off his game. He swallowed hard, ignoring the blood emptying from his brain and rushing below his belt.
He glanced over at his smirking brother, who seemed to enjoy watching Kendra take him to task.
“You’re going to make me say it? Fine.” Nate leaned forward, palms pressed to the table. “I prefer to work with someone I know has my back. Someone who’ll ride this out instead of hitting the door the second the road gets hard. I want to work with someone who’ll stand their ground and fight for me.”
Kendra grimaced, as if he’d knocked the wind out of her.
Part of him relished the pain evident in her eyes. It didn’t begin to rival the pain she’d inflicted on him. Yet another part of him couldn’t bear to see the hurt in her chocolate-brown eyes.
“Your feelings are valid.” Marcus spoke after what felt like a full minute of silence. His tone was apologetic, though Nate wasn’t sure if the apology was meant for him or Kendra. “That’s why you two need to hash things out.”
“You’re not hearing me, Marcus. There is nothing for us to hash out.”
Marcus placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “You’re my brother. I’d take a bullet for you. But as your agent, I have to be the voice of reason. Tell you what you need to hear. You screwed up. Royally. At the worst possible time. This is mission-critical. We need Dray. She knows you better than anyone, and she’s a master at crisis management. Besides, she has a vested interest in seeing you succeed. All of our futures are on the line here, Nate. I wouldn’t bring Dray in if I didn’t trust her implicitly.”
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 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
“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.”
Her heart clenched at the bitterness that laced his words. It took her back to that night. The night she’d made the biggest mistake of her life.
“I underestimated how difficult it was to be the wife of a pro athlete.”
“I’d been with the Marauders for a year by then. How would your life have been any different?”
“There’s a huge difference between being the live-in girlfriend and being the wife and mother of your children.”
“A marriage license is just a piece of paper, Kendra. Other than having it and my last name, nothing would’ve changed.”
She tipped her chin, determined to keep her emotions in check. “It isn’t a meaningless piece of paper. It’s a lifelong commitment. That means something to me.”
Nate snorted. “If it means so much to you, why’d you turn it down when I offered it?”
“I couldn’t be one of those football wives who doesn’t have a life of her own and pretends not to know what happens on the road.”
His expression morphed from anger to hurt again. “So it was about that girl who let herself into my room in Cleveland. I told you, I didn’t know her, and nothing happened between us. When I discovered her in my room, I called security and they sent her ass packing. End of story. I called you right away and told you about it. I wasn’t trying to hide anything.”
“The sports channels picked up the story. I would’ve heard about it.”
Nate ran a hand through his close-cropped curls and heaved a sigh. “So that’s what you think of me? That the minute I’m out of sight I can’t keep it in my pants? News flash, Kendra, if I’d wanted to be with someone else, I would’ve been. Football groupies have been throwing themselves at me since high school. I didn’t want them. I wanted you. I loved you. You obviously didn’t feel the same.”
“That isn’t true.” The accusation hit her like a bullet to the chest, piercing her heart and severing arteries. Nate was the only man she’d ever loved. She loved him still, but their time was past, and it was all her fault. “I’m a realist. You’re only human. A man can only take so much temptation.”
“If you felt that way, you should’ve come to me. We could’ve worked things out.”
“How, Nate? You weren’t going to leave the team, and I’d never ask you to give up your dream.” She hadn’t meant to stress the word.
Nate shifted in his seat, lowering his gaze. He hadn’t missed the implication. She’d supported his dream, but he hadn’t supported hers. He took another sip of his beer. “I never gave you any reason to doubt me.”
“It was my issue, not yours. I fully own that.”
“Just to be clear, you blew up our relationship, our family, because you thought I might eventually cheat on you?”
“It isn’t as simple as that.” She poked at the flounder she no longer had an appetite for. “My fears are very real, and I have them for good reason. That’s my problem, not yours.”
Nate laughed bitterly. “It sure as hell felt like my problem when you turned down my proposal in a roomful of our family and friends.”
She cringed, remembering the moment he dropped to one knee and presented her with a beautiful, custom diamond engagement ring. The memory of that moment was as vivid now as it was then. Euphoric joy immediately followed by debilitating fear and a panic attack that stole her breath.
Chest heaving and the room spinning, she had only one clear thought—she couldn’t marry Nate.
Until that moment, she’d anticipated the day he’d propose and dreamed of an intimate wedding ceremony on the beach. Then Nate asked her to marry him and the room went black.
Visions of ruthless groupies who’d do anything to get with a ballplayer filled her head. Her own father hadn’t been faithful to her mother. How could she expect Nate to do so with so much temptation?
She’d broken it off, packed her things and made the long drive back to Pleasure Cove. Weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with Kai.
“You didn’t deserve that. I should’ve told you how I’d been feeling, but—”
“You didn’t trust me enough to have an honest discussion then. Give me one reason I should trust you now.” The ache reflected in his dark eyes penetrated her skin more than the bone-chilling air outside had.
Kendra choked back the thickness in her throat. “Because I’m the same girl who cheered you on at every game from peewee to the pros. The one who wouldn’t let you give up on your dream when you weren’t drafted.”
Nate’s expression softened, but he didn’t respond.
Encouraged, Kendra continued. “We were so young then, Nate. I handled my feelings poorly. But I’ve never been anything but supportive of your career, and I’ve proven that I’m willing to go to bat for you. Who was it that convinced those arena football teams to give you a shot? Who sent your arena highlight clips to pro teams until the Marauders invited you to try out?”
“You.” He rubbed his chin. “I owe my entire career to you.”
“Our relationship may have ended, but my support of your career hasn’t. No consultant will fight for your career harder than I will. Deep down, I think you know that.”
Nate kneaded the back of his neck. “Okay, fine.”
“Really?”
“Just until we secure my new contract.”
Her buzz was quickly doused—like a too-short candlewick. The muscles of her face strained to maintain her smile. “Of course.”
“We’ll make it a six-month contract. You’ll be well paid and Marcus will give you references, contacts...anything you need to rebrand your business. All right?”
“It’s a generous offer, thank you. I accept.”
* * *
“All right then.” Nate inhaled Kendra’s sweet scent: a gentle breeze wafting through a summer garden bursting with jasmine and gardenias. He pretended not to notice the disappointment on her face. It tugged at his heart and made him want to promise her the world just to see a genuine smile light those brown eyes. “I’ll call Marcus tonight and have him draw up the contract.”
“Great, I’ll have my lawyer review it and we can go from there.”
“How is your brother doing?” Nate sipped his beer, amused by how formally Kendra referred to her brother, Dashon, a contract law attorney.
Kendra shrugged. “He’s still Dash. Being himself and doing his own thing.”
“New York must be treating him well. I hear he rarely returns to Pleasure Cove.” Nate carved into his prime rib covered with a creamy mushroom and lobster sauce—one of Nadine’s specialties.
Kendra’s mouth twisted. He’d obviously touched a nerve. He wouldn’t pry further. They didn’t need to be best friends. Just have a personable working relationship. “He comes home about as often as Quincy.”
Touché. His globe-trotting younger brother was quickly making a name for himself as a photographer. His shadow rarely darkened the Johnston family’s doorstep.
Nate contemplated the quiet look of concern that furrowed Kendra’s brows. “Did I say something wrong?”
She stopped pushing the food around her plate and put down her fork. “No, but there’s something we need to address, so I’m just going to say it.”
He put down his utensils and sat back warily. “I’m listening.”
“What happened between us in Memphis—”
“Which time?” Nate couldn’t help the smirk that tightened his mouth when he remembered how an argument between them had descended into hot, angry sex on two different occasions.
“Both.” Kendra clearly wasn’t amused. Nor did she seem to have the same fond memories of those occasions. “That can’t happen again.”
“I was hoping it would be one of the amenities you’d throw into the deal.” He held back a grin as he drained the last of his beer.
She pointed one of her painted fingernails at him. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. If this is going to work, you have to take me seriously.”
“Oh, I took what we did very seriously.” He raised an eyebrow and resumed eating his meal.
She let out a frustrated sigh and settled back in her seat. “This is your career we’re talking about here, Nate. I need to maintain my focus, and I can’t stay focused on cleaning up your rep if I’m thinking about...” Her words trailed off and there was a deep flush in her cheeks beneath her smooth brown skin. She shook her head, as if trying to shake off the memories. “Neither of us can afford the distraction.”
“Agreed.” He adjusted in his chair, his own body reacting to the memories. Her scent. Her taste. The sound of her soft pleas. “Though it worries me that my media consultant can’t multitask.”
They dissolved into laughter, and for a moment, it felt like old times. It was the first time either of them seemed relaxed since he’d arrived.
Nate smiled, relishing the sound of her laughter. One of the countless details about her he missed. “Okay, Ms. Media Consultant, where do we begin?”
Chapter 3 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
“This sounds like a great opportunity.” Maya Alvarez, Kendra’s half sister, sipped her mocha latte as they sat at the breakfast bar in the gorgeous penthouse Maya shared with her fiancé, hotelier Liam Westbrook. “So why aren’t you excited about it?”
Kendra took a sip of the frothy peppermint mocha her sister made for her and let out an appreciative moan. “I am, but what if I’m jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire?”
“It’s a tricky situation. I certainly couldn’t work with the girls’ dad. Not for all the money in the world.” Maya placed a hand on Kendra’s in response to her fallen expression. “But it’s different with you and Nate.”
“How? Carlos walked out on you, just like I walked out on Nate. The only difference was you and Carlos were married.” Kendra drank more of her coffee. “He feels the same way you do. Honestly, I can’t blame him.”
“You’ve maintained an amicable relationship. Friendly enough that you two hooked up.” Maya peered over her coffee cup, her dark eyes dancing with amusement.
“Shut. Up.” Kendra pointed a finger at her giggling sister. “I shouldn’t have told you that. I still can’t believe it happened. Twice.”
“Are we talking instances or the actual amount of times you guys—”
“Stop it, Maya!” Kendra’s face and neck warmed. “Everyone knows you’re not supposed to hold the things your sister says when she’s drunk against her.”
“All right, fine.” Maya was still giggling. “I’m just saying, things can’t be that bad between you. Besides, Nate’s a terrific guy, and we both know you still have feelings for him.”
“Of course I care about him. That doesn’t mean we should be together.” It was too quiet without the children around. Nothing to distract her from a conversation she’d rather not have. Liam had taken them to see the aquariums he’d just had installed at his family’s luxury resort so she and Maya could talk. “Things between us are...complicated.”
“Things were complicated for us, too. Every day I’m grateful Liam recognized that what we have was worth fighting for, despite the complications.” Maya’s face glowed when she spoke of Liam.
Kendra missed that feeling—the infinite joy of being in love with a man who adored her. She ignored the growing sense of envy that felt like a boulder tethered to her ankle, threatening to drown her in a sea of self-pity. She forced a smile. “I’m happy for you. You’re perfect together, and Liam is so good with the kids.”
“Sofie and Ella adore him.”
“So does Kai. He talks about his Uncle Liam all the time. You’d think he was a superhero or something. He’s making the Johnston men jealous.”
“Liam has really taken to Kai, too.” A warm smile lit Maya’s eyes like a candle lighting a paper lantern from within.
No matter how many times Kendra saw that smile—and it was often in the weeks since Liam and Maya had gotten engaged—she couldn’t stop her reaction to it. Intense joy for her sister, followed by deep sorrow for herself.
Maya seemed to recognize her pain. Her brows furrowed with concern. “I’m glad you accepted the offer, but I’m a little worried, too. Are you sure you’re going to be okay with this? Six months is a long time.”
“This is my shot to finally build the kind of clientele I’ve always wanted. I’m not going to blow it. Besides, Nate needs my help. I know it won’t make up for how I hurt him, but at least it’s something.”
“When is your first meeting?”
“Tomorrow, so I’d better get it together.”
Maya’s smile was reassuring. “Everything will be fine, and who knows? Maybe you two will make up.”
“Don’t even go there, and please don’t give Kai false hope about me and his dad getting back together. I don’t think he could bear that. He misses him so much when he’s away during the season. Now that the girls have Liam in their lives, Kai is more aware of his father’s absence.”
“I didn’t realize—”
Kendra squeezed her sister’s forearm. “I’m thankful Liam’s in his life. What he’s feeling now...it would’ve come up eventually. We’ll deal with it. He’ll be fine.”
“Either way, I know this is going to work out for the best. You have to believe that.”
“It has to. If Nate ends up with a West Coast team, Kai will see him even less. He’d be heartbroken.” Kendra’s voice wavered. She sipped her coffee, hoping her sister didn’t notice. “If I can prevent that from happening, I have to at least try.”
Kendra avoided Maya’s gaze and the pity she knew she’d see there. They both turned toward the front door in response to the jangling of keys that signaled Liam and the children’s arrival.
Kai practically jumped into her arms. He was a sweet, affectionate boy. She kissed her son’s forehead, dreading the days when he got older and would think it uncool to give her a big hug and a sloppy kiss.
She took in her handsome, smiling child. Wide, round eyes. Nate’s nose—a narrow bridge with slightly flared nostrils. A wide smile stretched his Cupid’s bow mouth—a near duplicate of hers. His thick ringlets were cut into a frohawk. He was only six, but his long arms and legs indicated he would be tall—like his father.
Kai was the perfect mélange of her and Nate’s features, and he’d inherited an ideal mix of their personalities. He was truly the best of them.
Kendra smiled, warmth spreading through her chest as she choked back tears. Maybe she didn’t get their relationship right, but she would always have the best part of Nate.
For that she was grateful.
Chapter 4 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
Nate fluffed the pillows on the sofa in his office for the third time, then readjusted the chain on his neck again.
This isn’t a date. It’s business. Be cool.
He eased onto the sofa and drummed his fingers on his knee. Kendra would arrive shortly for their first official meeting.
She and Marcus had met before the ink dried so she could lay out her ideas and they could come to consensus on a plan. Marcus had thought it was best for him to sit out that meeting.
Fine by him.
He recognized the necessity of jumping through PR hoops. Still, he resented wasting time and money defending himself about truthful comments made in private.
Not that there was any such thing as privacy anymore in the social media age.
A car door slammed. Nate glanced at his watch and smiled. On time, as always. Kendra was right; in many ways, she hadn’t changed. Organized and efficient, she’d never been late for anything.
Nate opened the door before Kendra could ring the bell, startling her. She dropped her leather portfolio, her papers sailing across the porch.
He planned to help her recover them, but froze, mesmerized by the perfectly round shape of her curvy bottom in a narrow black pencil skirt as she bent to retrieve them. Finally shaken from his daze, he stooped to pick up a few sheets that had landed near his feet. He handed them to her, his fingertips grazing her soft skin.
Kendra withdrew her hand, as if she, too, felt the spark of electricity that charged his skin when they touched. She gave him an uneasy smile as she accepted the papers and stuffed them back into the portfolio. “Not the graceful entrance I hoped to make.”
“Also not quite as entertaining as your entrance to the junior prom.” He grinned.
“You did not just go there. You’re never going to forget that, are you?”
He chuckled. “Don’t think anyone in Pleasure Cove ever will. Principal Dansby nearly crapped himself when you came strolling up to the stage in your purple Prince tribute gown with your right butt cheek on display.”
Kendra shuddered, shifting the portfolio to her other arm. Her cheeks glowed red beneath her dark brown skin. “You know the ass-baring feature was completely unintentional. I told my mother wearing panty hose was a bad idea. If I hadn’t been wearing them, my dress couldn’t have gotten tucked into the back of them. I still blame her for the entire fiasco.”
“We managed to have a good time, despite getting tossed out—thanks to your indecent exposure.” He smiled at the warm memory of the two of them strolling on the beach that night, hand in hand.
They’d crashed a sunset wedding on the beach. Kendra had been moved by the ceremony, her eyes brimming with tears. She said it was the most perfect thing she’d ever seen. He wiped the tears from her face and promised to marry her one day in a sunset ceremony right there on that beach.
He’d attempted to keep his promise, but look how that turned out. Nate shook his head, purging the memory from his brain. Jaw stiff, his hands clenched into fists.
Kendra seemed aware of the shift in his mood. She clutched her portfolio. “Is this still a good time?”
“As good as any.” He opened the door wider and stepped aside to allow her to enter.
“This place looks incredible.” Her eyes danced as she glanced around the open space. “I haven’t been here since they first broke ground.”
That had been by design. He’d bought the land and had this place constructed because he expected to build a life here with her. To one day watch their children surf the same beaches they’d surfed together as kids. When everything fell apart, he’d done his damnedest to keep her out of the space that was meant to be theirs.
“Thanks.” He crammed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Can I take your coat or get you anything before we get started?”
She removed her wrap, unveiling a low-cut silk blouse that complemented her curves nicely. “That coffee smells great. I’d love a cup.”
“Coming up.” He headed for the kitchen. “Is it okay if we work in here today?”
“Of course. I want to make this as convenient as possible. I’m willing to accommodate your schedule in any way necessary.” Kendra set her portfolio and laptop on the black, poured concrete kitchen countertop.
He grabbed two mugs from the cabinet, filled her cup, added cream and handed it to her.
Kendra thanked him and settled onto her seat, then opened her laptop and pulled two copies of a thick, bound document from her leather bag. She handed him one and opened the other. “I’d like to give you the overview of the plan Marcus and I agreed on.”
Nate thumbed through the document quickly. Neat, efficient, color-coded. Very Kendra. He dropped it onto the countertop with a thud. Leaning back in his seat, he sipped his coffee. “Shoot.”
* * *
Nate was determined to make her turn and run, just as she had seven years ago. Well, they were beyond that. She’d signed her name to a contract and walked away from her most lucrative client.
No turning back.
She’d stayed up late the past few nights working on the proposal, and Nate wouldn’t give it more than a cursory glance?
Fine.
She hadn’t expected him to give in easily. But if he was already annoyed with her treatise on how to get his career back on track, he certainly wasn’t going to like the steps she’d outlined.
Too bad.
This was what needed to happen if he wanted to get out of this predicament and land his new contract and endorsements.
Kendra met his defiant gaze. “Our campaign will focus on three strategies. First, you need to meet with each person you mentioned on that tape and apologize. Talk to them man-to-man and explain what happened—before we go public. Call anyone you can’t get a sit-down with. Then we make the public apology.”
Nate was growing more agitated by the minute. He folded his arms. “If I’m apologizing to each of them individually, what’s the purpose of a public apology?”
“You said your tight end was more concerned with his individual stats than winning a championship. That your quarterback, and long-time friend, has been dialing it in all year. You slammed your defensive players for skating on their natural talents and having poor work ethics. And you claimed your running back is three years past his expiration date. All of that is public. So your apology needs to be, too.”
“It’s not like I didn’t call myself out for my mistakes, too. Funny how they didn’t include that part.”
“I get it. That makes me believe that this Stephanie Weiss who broke the story is out to get you. This was calculated. Vindictive.”
Nate bristled at the mention of Stephanie’s name. “If they were going to leak the video, I just wish they’d shown everything.”
“Fortunately, someone leaked the full video. Probably the person who actually recorded it. At the press conference, we’ll play the missing part where you skewer your own mistakes, too. Then you’ll make a statement. We’ll go from the emotional angle of the disappointment you were feeling—with yourself and the rest of the team. Any sports fan can sympathize with that. Explain that while the critique was your honest assessment of what led to the loss, you regret the harsh words you used to express it.”
Nate’s lips puckered like he was sucking on a lemon. He nearly drained his coffee mug. “Fine. Anything else?”
“Be honest. Tell them your team is your family, and like most family disputes, this one will be resolved behind closed doors, not in the public arena.”
“Won’t they want to ask questions?”
“Doesn’t mean you have to answer them.” She shrugged. “We’ll establish from the outset that you won’t be entertaining questions.”
“That’s an idea I can get behind,” he mumbled. “What’s the second strategy?”
“We have to change the narrative out there about you on our terms. We’ll cherry-pick media outlets that are trustworthy, but we’ll lay the ground rules about which topics are off-limits.”
“If I’m not talking about the tape—which is what they’re all going to want to talk about—what am I there to discuss?”
“At this time of year, there are a million opportunities to discuss the play-off games—on radio, television, newspapers and blogs. You can offer your razor-sharp game analysis there. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a career as an analyst once you retire.”
Nate shrugged. “I could do that, I guess.”
“And you’ll be phenomenal at it.” Kendra smiled, encouraged that Nate had taken well to at least part of the plan. “You’ll also need to talk about your philanthropy.”
He frowned, his eyebrows forming angry slashes over his dark eyes. “The Johnston Family Foundation isn’t some cheap publicity stunt. I’m not looking to blow my own horn.”
“I know, which makes the work you do all the more admirable.” She held up a hand, holding off the next wave of protest. “But just think how much more good you could do if you publicized the work you’re doing with wounded veterans and high-risk children from low-income families.”
Nate stood and paced the floor. “Our clients have been through enough. They need someone to give them a hand, not someone else who only sees them as a means to their own end. No.” He shook his head. “I won’t do it.”
Kendra inhaled deeply, then took a different approach. One Nate might better understand.
“You don’t want to take advantage of your clients. I admire that. But if we can’t repair your reputation, you won’t be in a position to help them as much as you’d like.”
He didn’t respond, but stopped pacing and rested his chin on his closed fist.
“Besides, if more companies—including your current sponsors—were aware of the programs your foundation offers and the difference you’re making in people’s lives, they’d want to contribute. That means you’ll be able to help even more people. Isn’t that what you want?”
“You know I do, but I won’t betray their trust.”
“I’d never ask you to do that.” Kendra softened her voice. “All I’m asking is that you give them the opportunity to help themselves and others. I’m sure a lot of the families your foundation has helped would be eager to participate in a goodwill campaign to spread the word and increase funding.”
Nate dropped into his seat, as if he were exhausted from a fight. “Fine. I’ll agree to some media coverage for the foundation programs, but I need final approval on anything we put out there.”
“Absolutely.” She hoped he didn’t see how relieved she was. “Any other concerns?”
“Yeah. What if the interviewers aren’t willing to stick to the script?”
She nodded solemnly. “Always a possibility. One we’ll make sure you’re prepared to handle in a way that won’t aggravate the situation.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It will be.” She smiled, hoping to reassure him.
“And the third strategy? Do I even want to know what it is?”
He knew her well enough to know she’d saved the option he’d like least for last.
“It’s time for you to come out of the Stone Age and start using social media.”
“C’mon, Kendra. I’ve got a crisis on my hands. You said so yourself. I don’t have time to mess around on social media.”
“The public is only seeing you through the filter of the news media and talking heads out there. Social media puts you in control of your own message, in real time. Your fans—and potential sponsors—will get a better sense of who you are.”
He shook his head slowly, thoughtfully. A marked improvement over the adamant refusal issued moments earlier. “The last thing I want is more people in my business.”
“I understand your reluctance. Especially in light of what’s happened. The reality is, they’re already in your business. This way you become the gatekeeper. You let them in, but in a way you completely control.”
Nate grunted. “Don’t really have a choice, do I?”
Kendra tried to hold back her grin. “Not really, but I promise to make it as painless as possible. I’ll actually be running the accounts for you, so it won’t be as much work as you’re imagining. Promise.”
He nodded reluctantly. “If you really think this is the only way we win, okay. I’ll do it. Anything else we need to discuss?” His posture was tense. As if he couldn’t wait to get her out of his house.
She tried to pretend it didn’t hurt that he wanted her as far away from him as possible. “Actually, there is something else we need to discuss. What’s the story on Stephanie Weiss?”
Nate frowned. “Marcus didn’t tell you?”
“He thought it would be better if you explained.” She shifted in her chair. “I gather you two were together at some point, or Marcus wouldn’t have been so cryptic about your connection.”
“Not one of my best decisions.” He tapped a finger on the countertop, staring beyond her. “Stephanie dragged me into the middle of a scandal back then that nearly ruined my relationship with my teammates. Now she’s done it again.”
“Exactly what happened with her?” She sighed when he narrowed his gaze at her. “If I’m going to help you, I need to understand what’s going on, and not just what I’ve read on the internet. I need the complete picture. We can’t afford to get blindsided again.”
An uncomfortable silence settled over them as he stared out the window onto the backyard. He didn’t want to talk to one ex about another.
She got that. She’d probably feel the same. Still, she needed to know more about this Stephanie Weiss. Beyond what she learned from watching her reports online and reading her bio. And if she was being honest, it wasn’t just her professional curiosity that needed to be satisfied. “Did you love her?”
He scowled, the corners of his mouth pinched. His resentment of the question rolled off him in waves. His answer was quiet, but emphatic. “No.”
Kendra went to the coffee machine and refilled her cup. She held her hand out for his. “You don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. I’m a big girl. I can handle the truth.”
“I told you the truth. I wasn’t in love with her.” He thrust his empty cup into her hand. “We were only together a few months. What difference does it make, anyway?”
“Helps me understand her frame of mind. If we’re dealing with a woman scorned nursing a vendetta, we need to stay two steps ahead of her.” She returned the mug to him, filled with black coffee.
“That’s the only reason you want to know?” He peered at her over the rim of his mug as he took a sip of his coffee.
She returned to her seat and tapped a few keys on her computer, waking the screen up. “Of course.”
He smirked, unconvinced. With good reason. She was lying through her teeth.
“So, what led to this scandal and why does she have it in for you?” Kendra put down her mug, prepared to type her notes.
“Do we really need to get into all of this? It’s ancient history.”
“Not to her, I’m guessing.”
“Stephanie was listening to my phone calls. Checking my text messages. She discovered a teammate of mine was in serious trouble. She broke the story using the info she’d gathered, saying it was from an unnamed source. When I read the story, I recognized what she’d done. Since we were dating, my teammates and the public believed I’d been feeding Stephanie information. I broke it off with her, publicly denied I was the source and discredited her story.” He frowned. “She was fired, and none of the top media outlets wanted anything to do with her.”
“I’m sorry you ended up in the middle of it.”
“Should’ve known better than to sleep with the enemy, right?”
“Real journalists aren’t your enemy. They won’t always give you the glowing praise you want, but the good ones are honest and fair. They’re only interested in the truth. Those are the media personalities we need to make our allies.”
“Good luck finding any of those.” He finished his coffee and moved to the sink to rinse his cup.
“Got a few in mind. I think you’ll be pleased.”
He grunted, his biceps bulging as he folded his arms over his chest. The gray quick-dry athletic material stretched to accommodate his firm pecs. He flipped his wrist and checked his watch. “Anything else?”
Kendra swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. Nate seemed fully aware of her reaction to him and utterly pleased with himself for evoking it. She shook her head. “No, I think we’re good. For now. I’ll keep you updated. Marcus’s assistant, Kara, gave me access to your calendar. I’ll add any interviews and appearances as I book them.”
“All right.” He pinned her with his gaze. “Is that all?”
“Kara will make the flight arrangements for your apology tour once you request meetings with each of the guys. I’d begin with Marauders’ owner Bud Flynn and then the head coach.”
The smug expression crumbled. “Why? I didn’t say anything about either of them.”
“This media circus is disruptive to the entire team. Besides, Bud has been like a second father to you. He gave you your big break. Don’t you think you owe him an apology?”
Nate sighed. “I’ll call him as soon as I’m done.”
“Good.”
“Don’t mean to rush you.” He checked his watch again. “But I have another appointment.”
“Right. Sorry. I know you’re busy.” Kendra put on her wrap and packed up her things. She slipped her bag on her shoulder, tucked the portfolio under her arm and turned around, nearly running into Nate.
“Look, I know I’m not the easiest guy to work with, but I do appreciate the work you’ve put into this.” He leaned in closer, his warm breath whispering against her skin. “And I just want you to know...”
The doorbell rang. Nate sighed and cursed under his breath before turning toward the door.
“Nate, what were you going to say?” Kendra followed him, her heart beating hard. Something in her desperately needed to know what Nate was going to say before they’d been interrupted by the bell.
“Doesn’t matter.” He shook his head then turned to open the door.
“I came a few minutes early so we could work on those positions you had so much trouble with the other day.” A tall, gorgeous blonde wearing a short skirt, a cropped top and thigh-high boots floated inside carrying a large duffel that looked like it weighed twice as much as she did. The woman finally noticed Kendra. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you had company.”
“I was just leaving.” Kendra forced a polite smile.
Nate placed his hand low on the woman’s back and introduced them. “Layne, this is Kendra—Kai’s mom. She’ll be handling my PR. Kendra, this is my friend Layne.”
Layne gave Nate an odd smile before offering Kendra a limp handshake. “Pleased to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” She turned to Nate without waiting for a response. “I’ll go ahead and get everything set up.”
“Great. Thanks, Layne.”
The woman sauntered off, obviously familiar with the house.
“She’s pretty.” The words came out before Kendra could reel them back in. “She’s built like a dancer.”
Nate smirked, holding the door open a bit wider. “She takes great care of her body. And mine.”
“I certainly don’t want to get in the way of that.” Kendra forced a smile despite the deep ache in her chest at the thought of Nate and Ms. Ballerina Body doing God knows what. “I’ll follow up tomorrow to see how the phone calls went, and if I need to run interference with anyone.”
“Don’t think that’ll be necessary, but thank you. Kiss li’l man for me. Tell him Dad’s got a surprise for him this weekend.”
Before she could respond, he’d closed the door behind her. The sound echoed in her head like the closing of a vault.
Maybe she was still nursing feelings for Nate, but he’d obviously gotten over her.
Chapter 5 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
Nate sank into the whirlpool after his hot yoga session with Layne and made his calls.
He’d tucked his tail and done a good bit of explaining. First to Bud Flynn, then to Coach Emerson. Bud was out of the country. He tentatively accepted Nate’s apology by phone, but insisted they meet in person once he returned. He scheduled a meeting with Coach Emerson.
Nate left a message for two of his teammates and had incredibly awkward conversations with a few others.
Except for the team’s quarterback, Wade Willis, who agreed his performance had been subpar, none of the guys went easy on him. Eating a king-size slice of humble pie was exactly what he deserved for running his big mouth.
Tomorrow he’d board a plane to meet with Wade at his ranch in Montana. Then he’d head to Memphis for meetings with Coach Emerson and Lee Davis, the head of team personnel. He dreaded the meeting with Lee—the only member of the Marauders’ front office he’d never really seen eye-to-eye with. Lee had been itching to trade him, and the video scandal was just the ammunition he needed.
Nate slipped deeper into the water, allowing the warmth to wash over his aching muscles. The heat eased the tension in his shoulders and worked out the kinks in his back.
After eight years in the league, he was nursing his fair share of injuries. Each season it became more difficult to rebound from the beating his body took on any given Sunday.
If he were smart, he’d forget about a new contract and retire. Accept that he was a great player in his own right, but would never know the pride of hoisting a championship trophy. He’d be in good company. A host of athletes in every major sport were on that list.
Still, he wasn’t ready to give up. The Marauders were a few pieces shy of being a contender with a legitimate shot at the championship. He shifted to get the knot in his back closer to the jet.
His recent actions certainly hadn’t made the task of getting the Marauders championship-ready any easier.
Closing his eyes, he tried to relax—something he’d never been very good at. His brain seemed to go a mile a minute—even when he slept.
Nate massaged the knot that formed in his neck as he recalled the hurt and anger in each man’s voice. The tension he’d created between them. Then there was the meeting with Kendra.
His body reacted to the vivid vision of her that crept over his senses. Kendra was sexy as ever in that fitted skirt and a low-cut blouse. He’d had to shove his hands in his pockets, not trusting that he’d keep his hands to himself.
When she spoke, he’d been mesmerized by her lips, overwhelmed with the desire to taste her mouth and slide his fingers in her dark curls.
Get it together, man.
He shook his head and stood, the chilly air assaulting his wet skin. Nate stepped out of the tub and slipped on a thick terry cloth robe. He slid on his sport sandals and went inside.
Nate uncapped a beer from the fridge and took a long pull. Kendra’s words echoed in his head.
Neither of us can afford the distraction.
There was too much at stake. His career, the foundation and most of all...his heart. If he let her in, she’d shatter it again.
Twice, he thought he could have her body without getting caught up in the feelings they once shared.
He’d been wrong.
Kendra had walked away unscathed, while he was left brooding like a wounded animal, lashing out at everyone around him.
Nate finished his beer and tossed the bottle in the recycle bin before hopping into the shower.
This time he’d keep his hands and his heart to himself.
* * *
Kendra settled in behind the rickety old secondhand desk in her office, which doubled as the spare bedroom.
Marcus had already arranged for Nate to be a guest on a few of the smaller sports commentary shows on the major sports network.
She reviewed the list of media personalities she’d compiled. Kendra was confident that half of the people on the list would agree to their stipulations about topics Nate wouldn’t discuss. The other half were iffy, but the riskiest options offered the biggest return. She needed to see what Marcus thought of those. She dialed his cell.
Marcus answered immediately. “I was just about to ask Kara to call you.”
“Why, what’s up?” Kendra stopped scrolling through the list. Something in his tone told her she wouldn’t like what he was about to say.
“Nate called everyone on the list.”
“Great. Will he be meeting with all of them?”
“Bud Flynn’s out of town. They’ll meet when he gets back, but he accepted his apology, for whatever that’s worth.”
“And the rest of the team?”
“Wade was cool. Everyone else was pretty pissed, as we expected. Two of the guys haven’t returned his calls.”
“Let me guess, Tyree Thomason and Dade Hendricks.” According to Nate, his relationships with the tight end and running back were strained even before the video was leaked.
“You’ve got it. Nate also arranged a sit-down with Lee Davis, the team’s personnel manager. The guy is definitely not a fan. He’s been trying to get the team to trade Nate since the upheaval Stephanie caused three years ago, but Bud Flynn won’t go for it.”
“Nate needs to be smart about what he says when he talks to these guys. It’s one thing to be contrite during a phone call. It’s another to keep it together in person. I hope he remembers everything we talked about.”
“He won’t have a choice. I’m sending you with him.” Marcus said the words so fast she nearly missed his meaning.
“Wait...what? We didn’t discuss me going.”
“I know, and I’m sorry. I don’t mean to spring this on you at the last minute, but I’ve been thinking about it all day. It’s too risky to send Nate alone.”
“Then why don’t you go with him?”
“I would, but I have meetings scheduled with the networks and one of the team execs. I can’t miss them.”
Kendra groaned. “Fine. When is he leaving?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, and again I’m sorry about this. I realize how inconvenient this is, and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t so critical. Will your mom or Maya be able to watch Kai for a few days? If not, my mom or Alison would be happy to.”
“I’ll make arrangements. Just have Kara email me everything I need to know.”
“Great. Oh, and Kendra?”
“Yes?”
“Pack for a week. Just in case.”
Kendra ended the call and gritted her teeth. There was an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. She curled her fingers to her palms in response to the visceral memory of the electricity she felt when Nate’s fingers brushed her skin.
Sitting across the table from Nate during their first two meetings had been tough, but she’d found strength in the knowledge that their meetings would be brief. She could retreat, lick her wounds and summon her courage before it was time to do it again. Being confined on a small plane with Nate for hours would be difficult for both of them.
Kendra drew in a deep breath and picked up the phone. First, she called her mother to make arrangements for Kai. Anna Williams didn’t bother to hide how ecstatic she was that Kendra would be spending the next few days on the road alone with Nate. She gladly agreed to care for Kai.
After messaging her sister to let her know about her trip, she dragged her luggage out of the closet and packed.
* * *
Kendra closed the book she was reading to Kai. He’d been asleep for at least ten minutes. She finished reading the story anyway, needing an excuse to hold him a bit longer.
She slipped her arm from beneath Kai, tucked the covers under his chin and kissed his forehead.
Her cell phone rang. She followed the sound to the kitchen, where she’d left it.
“Hey, Maya. What’s up?”
“Got your message. I wanted to check on you. You sure you’ll be okay on the road with Nate for an entire week?”
Kendra collapsed onto the sofa, physically drained from preparing for the trip, mentally exhausted from wrestling with the same question. “Don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“We always have a choice,” Maya said. “But sometimes fate pushes us in the right direction.”
“You’re not going to tell me you think this is the stars aligning again—like they did for you and Liam—are you?”
“Are you going to try to tell me again that you don’t still have feelings for Nate?” There was a smirk in her sister’s voice.
“He’s my son’s father, so we’ll always have some sort of—”
“Connection.” Maya finished her sentence. “I know, I know. That’s not what I asked. I’m asking if you’re still in love with him.”
“We’ve been through this before.”
“And you’ve never given me a straight answer.” The pitch of Maya’s voice rose.
“Seems like a clear hint I don’t want to talk about it.” Kendra paced the floor, then rearranged photos on the mantel. “So leave it alone.”
“So it’s all right for you to be all up in my business, but when it’s your turn, suddenly you’re invoking the Fifth?”
Kendra pressed a palm to her forehead. Maya usually dropped the topic once her agitation became apparent. Suddenly her sister wasn’t inclined to let the subject go.
“I’m not sure how I feel,” Kendra admitted. It was unsettling to hear the words spoken aloud where she could no longer hide from them. “Being around him like this...it’s definitely making me feel some kind of way.”
Maya’s tone softened. “I know it’s probably a little overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Just be open to wherever this takes you. Nate’s a good guy. He adores Kai, and I have a strong feeling he’s still very much in love with you.”
“Don’t know about that. It was kind of hard to read with his arm draped around the skinny chick who showed up at his place as he was rushing me out the door.” Kendra hated the pouty tone with which she conveyed the news.
“Is he seeing her?”
“I guess so. She seemed to know her way around his place well enough. From the size of the bag she was toting, she planned to stay awhile.”
“How did he introduce her?”
“As his friend.”
“Well, there you go.” There was a lilt in Maya’s voice again. “She’s his friend until we hear otherwise.”
“Like you and Liam were just ‘friends’ over the summer?”
Maya huffed. “You’re determined to ruin this, aren’t you?”
“Maya, seriously, do I need to have the same talk with you I had with my mom? This is business—not a romantic getaway. Nate doesn’t want me on this trip any more than I want to be on it.”
“Wouldn’t be so sure about that. We’ll see.”
“Enough with the matchmaking,” Kendra said. “I still have a ton of things to do. Oh, and my mom has a doctor’s appointment on Friday, so she won’t be able to pick Kai up from school. Is it okay if he goes home with Sarah and the girls until my mom can pick him up?”
Liam’s housekeeper, Sarah, had taken on the expanded role of part-time nanny since Maya and the girls had moved into his penthouse.
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem. She loves Kai. That boy is a charmer, just like his dad.”
Kendra thanked her sister and ended their call, hoping she’d be strong enough to resist Nate’s charm this time around.
Chapter 6 (#u02b632ad-eecd-52c2-9177-94e46c892a32)
Nate climbed the stairs to the small private plane they sometimes chartered for his travel. He got a whiff of a familiar scent. Jasmine with a hint of gardenias.
No, no way.
He removed his shades and stood, stunned, taking in his ex’s apologetic expression.
“Guess that answers my question about whether you knew I was coming along.” She brushed off her skirt and crossed her legs.
Nate tucked his shades in the inside pocket of his jacket. He stood trying to decide whether or not he’d sit across from Kendra.
He grunted and flopped into his usual seat adjacent to the couch. She seemed relieved he’d chosen to sit across from her.
“No.” He held back a few choice names he had for his brother right now. “Marcus failed to mention it. I realize I screwed up, but I don’t appreciate the two of you treating me like a child. I’m a grown-ass man.”
“Then start acting like one.” Her expression was neutral, her tone unbothered. “Channel your passion for the game in a way that will help your team rather than hurt it. Tap into your desire to win in a way that will motivate your teammates instead of alienating them.”
Nate turned to survey the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, visible from the window. “Damn. I see we’re not pulling punches today.”
Kendra smiled sweetly, one long leg crossed over the other and her hands folded in her lap. “You didn’t hire me to soothe your ego. You hired me to get results, and that’s what you’ll get, as long as you stick to the plan.”
Nate tried to hold on to the resentment he felt when he realized Marcus had sent Kendra to be his babysitter. That anger was quickly losing ground to the other feeling that grabbed hold of his chest the moment her eyes met his.
Longing.
He wanted her. In his arms. In his bed. In his life. A sentiment he’d fought for the past seven years. Being in such close proximity to the constant object of his affection wasn’t helping him win that battle.
Kendra was smart as a whip, sexy as hell and confident in her abilities. Something about that combination made his heart beat faster. That and the expanse of smooth brown skin framed between the hem of her skirt and the top of her leather boots.
Nate raised his hands, his palms facing her. “Relax. I don’t plan on going off script again. After all, that’s why I’m headed to freaking Montana in the middle of winter, isn’t it?” He pulled his jacket closer around him, just thinking of the thirty-degree temperature drop they’d experience once they landed.
She tilted her head, assessing him before responding. “Hopefully, you’re also doing it because it’s the right thing to do. Wade isn’t just your quarterback, he’s your friend.”
They weren’t playing touch football anymore. Kendra had delivered a full-contact, center-mass hit that had knocked him on his ass.
Deservedly so.
She wasn’t tiptoeing around his ego. He admired that. Only Kendra Williams could piss him off and make him want her with a single utterance.
It was going to be a rough few days. For him, at least. Kendra seemed unaffected by him. That gave her the upper hand.
He needed to find a way to change that.
* * *
Kendra gave herself a mental high five. She stood her ground and told Nate the cold, hard truth while remaining calm, despite the anxiety raging beneath the surface.
Handling Nate with kid gloves wouldn’t benefit either of them. Marcus hired her because she’d always been straight with Nate and told him what he needed to hear—whether he wanted to hear it or not. Their painful history aside, she would do just that.
She’d hoped her resolve to be tough with Nate would mitigate her feelings for him. It hadn’t. Judging by the half frown that softened the edges of his mouth, a mischievous grin lay just beneath his show of displeasure. So it wasn’t deterring him much, either.
Kendra held her poise, despite her increasingly shallow breaths as Nate’s gaze raked over her. Heat curled its way up her spine like a black snake climbing a southern red cedar tree in search of prey.
“Of course Wade is my friend, but this is a business,” Nate said finally, shifting his gaze out the window for a moment before returning it to her. “Wade understands that more than anyone.”
The pilot announced they would take off soon. A growing sense of panic made her limbs feel heavy. She fumbled with her seat belt. It wouldn’t catch. They were going to take off and she’d go sailing across the plane.
“Relax. I’ve got it.” Nate knelt in front of her, his large hands covering hers, stilling their movement.
The warmth of his skin penetrated hers and trailed up her arms, her heart beating faster and her breath quickening. Her skin tingled, electricity zipping along her spine.
Even kneeling, Nate’s large body loomed over hers. His broad chest and wide shoulders invaded her space as he leaned forward and buckled the seat belt effortlessly.
Nate’s gaze met hers and one corner of his mouth curved, his eyes twinkling.
Kendra’s hands shook as she inhaled his scent. Her body remembering when last he’d been this close to her on his knees. Her nipples pebbled and a small, inadvertent gasp escaped her mouth.
Nate grinned, then licked his lower lip.
Maybe he was remembering that night, too.
Kendra shut her eyes briefly and exhaled.
No, no, no. This is strictly business. Nothing more.
“Thank you.” She settled back against the headrest. “But you’d better get back in your seat.”
Nate gave her a knowing grin as he returned to his seat and fastened himself in.
Kendra released a small sigh, missing his nearness, yet thankful for the distance.
“This flight is nearly five hours, and these smaller commuter planes...well, the ride can be a little bumpier than on a commercial flight. You sure you want to do this?”
Kendra nodded in response as she focused on taking long, deep breaths. She wasn’t terrified of flying, it just wasn’t her preferred mode of travel.
Nothing a rum and Coke or two couldn’t resolve.
Only this wasn’t a pleasure trip. It was strictly business, and she needed to keep her head clear. That meant toughing it out.
Nate regarded her with apprehension. “Look, I appreciate your commitment, but you don’t need to do this. I can handle this on my own, so just say the word and we’ll get you off this flight. But I need to know now. Before we take off.”
“No.” Kendra shook her head vehemently. “I’m fine.”
“All right.” Nate settled back in his seat, his eyes glued to her, as if he expected her head to start spinning.
“I appreciate you looking out for me, despite the fact that you’d rather I not be here.”
He shrugged, looking out the window again as the plane taxied down the runway. “Maybe I just didn’t want you killing my vibe with your projectile vomiting.”
Kendra couldn’t help laughing. She dissolved into a fit of giggles that escalated to a laugh so hard it made her belly ache.
Nate laughed, too. He wiped tears from the corners of his eyes. “Better now?”
She stopped laughing long enough to realize that the tense muscles in her back and neck had relaxed. They were airborne and the plane was leveling off. She nodded. “Much. Thank you.”
He winked at her. “Good. Now, I assume that in addition to being assigned babysitting duty, you tagged along so we could go over a few things.”
She nodded, pulling her portfolio from her bag. “How far outside the box are you willing to go?”
Nate crooked a brow and shifted in his seat, folding his right ankle over his left knee. “What do you mean?”
“A popular home improvement show is looking for a few celebs who want to surprise a family member with a kitchen redo. Marcus suggested they do your mom’s kitchen.”
“That means my parents would have to be on the show.” He ran a hand over his head. “Don’t know if I like that. They don’t like being in the spotlight.”
“Marcus said your mom loves these shows and she’s always wanted to be on one.” She tapped her pen on her pad. “This is a great opportunity for you to do something fabulous for her, Nate. Something you’ve always wanted to do. The bonus is it would be great for your image, too.”
Nate groaned as he pressed his head against the headrest. “If Marcus thinks Mama will go for it, fine. I’ll do it. Anything else?”
“By the end of the day, your brother should have more info on those guest spots to discuss the play-offs and a finalized list of media personalities that we’ll pitch additional guest spots to.”
“Great. Make sure I get a copy of that list.”
“Absolutely.” Kendra made another note, then put her pen and pad away. “Now, about these meetings with the team and your teammates.”
“I don’t need you standing next to me like some ventriloquist.” Nate’s tone was tinged with annoyance. “I know what to say to these guys.”
“Great. Then you won’t mind running it by me.” Kendra gave Nate a warm smile, but he wasn’t buying it. “I’m here to ensure you’re prepared for these meetings and that we stay on message, but I won’t be in any of them. These guys are like your family. It’ll only make things weirder if I’m there.”
“Good.” He nodded, seemingly relieved.
“Let’s just go over the basics of what you plan to say to Wade. I’ll check out a restaurant in town and get some work done while you meet with him.”
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