He wasn’t content with the simple touch when his body demanded so much more but before he could take what he wanted, Rick was interrupted by the distinctive ring of a cell phone. Out of habit, he reached for the phone clipped on his belt buckle.
With obvious regret she stepped away. “It’s mine,” she said in a husky voice.
But she was his, Rick thought, as his handprint, stark white against the black fitted material of her top, pointed out. And he planned to pick up where they left off as soon as this unwanted interruption was over.
“Hello?” She grabbed the phone and spoke as if she were expecting an urgent call.
He didn’t eavesdrop but he couldn’t miss her raised voice either and by the time she’d hung up, Rick realized the moment between them had vanished. Sexual tension had been replaced by plain aggravation as an agitated Kendall paced back and forth on the other side of the room, muttering to herself.
“What’s wrong?”
“Family problems.” She crossed the floor and came up beside him. Her brows furrowed, puckering her forehead.
He wanted to smooth her skin and remove her worries. Her distress drew him toward her, even as his head warned him to mind his own business. “Anything I can do to help?” he asked anyway.
She shook her head. “Thanks but nothing you need to concern yourself with.” She spoke as if they hadn’t just been locked in a heated embrace, as if he couldn’t possibly care about more than her body.
He expelled a frustrated sigh. She was shutting him out. Physically she stood close, but emotionally she’d withdrawn and was miles away. The handprint that once branded her as his now acted as a glaring STOP sign.
In the silence, his phone rang and he glanced down, the number reminding him of why he’d come to Kendall’s house in the first place. Chase was calling him from Norman’s where his family and friends were waiting to surprise Kendall.
Rick didn’t know what was bothering her, what kind of family business she had to take care of, but it was obviously serious, and he doubted she’d go anywhere now. Not without good reason.
She met his gaze, a mix of emotions in her eyes and expression. “My sister’s half a step away from being expelled from boarding school,” she said at last.
He stepped toward her, wrapping one arm around her in a show of support, the only gesture he sensed she’d accept. He was right. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.
Things couldn’t go more wrong, so Rick steeled himself and said, “I don’t suppose now’s the time to tell you my family and friends are waiting at Norman’s for a welcome to town party?”
Kendall sighed. His admission surprised her and despite her fury with her sister, she softened toward Rick once more. She was in no mood for people but since Rick cared enough to bring family and friends together for her benefit, the least she could do was put her personal problems on the back burner and accompany him to Norman’s.
She turned toward him with a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
He inclined his head. “My pleasure.”
She inhaled his potent male scent and the desire to lose herself in him and forget her problems and the party grew stronger. She couldn’t. “Give me a few minutes to shower and change.”
“You got it.”
* * *
Quicker than Kendall thought possible, she doused herself in hot water, washed off the paint, moussed her hair, and quickly chose an outfit. It helped that Brian’s package had also included most of her wardrobe. He’d turned her keys over to her landlady, who packed up items in her closet and drawers for him to send along. She thanked herself for having foresight to think ahead for once. A quick glance in the mirror and she squared her shoulders, set to go but not quite ready to face Rick. How could she be when the tingling in her veins from their mini-makeout session hadn’t dissipated?
But forcing lightness into her step, she bounded down the stairs, skidding to a halt in front of him. “I’m all set.”
He let out a long, slow whistle. “You sure are.” He grabbed for her hand and twirled her around.
For a full view, she assumed. Her leather pants were courtesy of her modeling days, same with the lace top. Neither were overly expensive since she hadn’t modeled for designer catalogue companies but she knew the clothing would make her stand out in a crowd. Despite the fact that this party was nothing more than a means to cement the idea of them as a couple, she wanted to make a good impression. Though she was loath to admit it, she wanted Rick’s family and friends to like her. She wanted him to like her too.
He squeezed her hand tighter. “Kendall, about before—”