Playing With Temptation

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

“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

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.