The Playboy (Chandler Brothers 2)

But he took pleasure in knowing that when she left town, it would be with her head held high. “That’s my girl,” he said under his breath, then realized that she was no such thing, and never would be.

“Once you’re gone you do realize that Rick will forget all about you,” Lisa said, as her parting shot.

Rick took a step forward, instinct compelling him to correct Lisa and protect Kendall. But Kendall replied first, proving she didn’t need him to look out for her. She’d always gotten along fine on her own.

“Let’s get a couple of things straight,” Kendall said. “One, I’m unforgettable, two, I’m not going anywhere, and three, keep your hands off Rick. He’s mine.”

Rick chuckled at the same time Kendall’s words registered, and that elusive thing called hope found its way inside him after all. Kendall’s use of words like not going anywhere and he’s mine provided a jumpstart to his adrenaline and his doubts. Not that he’d take those words of hers at face value.

Turning, he walked into the hall so he could confront Kendall himself. Lisa stormed past him and he let her go. Kendall had said everything that needed to be said—and more. But the question remained, would she say it again, this time to his face, or would she turn and run?

He glanced over. She’d leaned against the back wall and shut her eyes. Rick knew confrontation wasn’t her favorite form of recreation but she’d done well. He was proud of her. He didn’t know if Lisa had pulled her last prank, but at least Kendall had put the other woman on notice. There would be consequences next time.

Kendall breathed deeply, then exhaled. Her breasts rose and fell beneath the lemon-colored tank top she wore. One delicate strap dipped off her shoulder, revealing her smooth skin, and the urge to kiss every inch of her exposed flesh grew strong inside him.

“Easy,” Rick said under his breath. They had a long way to go before he’d indulge in kissing of any kind with this woman who held his heart in her hands. He’d do best starting with the basics. “Congratulations.”

Her eyelids flew open wide. “Rick.” She blinked, obviously startled but not unhappy to see him if the hesitant smile on her face was any indication. “Congratulations about what?”

“You tamed the witch,” he said, speaking of Lisa. A smile tugged at his mouth. “That deserves a round of applause.” He clapped to prove his point as well as to break the tension between them.

“I don’t know if I tamed her.” Kendall laughed, her eyes sparkling. It had only been a few days but God he missed the light in her eyes and her easy laughter. “But I did set her straight.”

He nodded. “So I heard.”

“You were eavesdropping?” she asked, obviously surprised.

“Listening in a public place.”

She rolled her eyes. “Same difference. So . . . how much did you hear?” she asked as she bit down on her glossed lips.

He wanted to take a nibble too. “How much do you want me to know?” he asked instead.

She sighed, shifting from foot to foot, her discomfort obvious. “Rick, I don’t want to get into a game of twenty questions.”

“Neither do I.” He also didn’t want to stand here pining for a woman who’d just reject him again. “So how about you just answer my question. Tell me whatever it is you want me to know.” He stepped closer, taking the biggest risk of his life. But if he’d heard her correctly, she’d finally taken a risk too. If not, this was Rick Chandler’s last stand. “Talk to me.”

Kendall stared at Rick, taking in his beloved face, serious expression, and gorgeous mouth. Now that he stood before her, she didn’t know what to say so she opted for the truth. “I’m scared,” she admitted.

He reached out a hand and stroked her cheek. His roughened skin sent awareness shimmering throughout her body, reminding her not just of their physical connection but the emotional one as well. Obviously their bond remained despite her attempts to shut him out and the relief sweeping through her veins eased her mind a little bit. This was Rick and she could tell him anything.

As she looked into his eyes, she realized how much hinged on her reply. Though she feared he’d reject her, ironically she also feared he’d accept her. The life she’d always wanted and feared at the same time hung just within reach and she wouldn’t be human if she didn’t admit to being petrified.

Drawing a deep breath, she took a huge leap of faith, hoping Rick would be there to catch her. “I’m not leaving Yorkshire Falls after all.”

“Really.” He raised an eyebrow. “Do tell.”

An adorable smile tipped the corner of his mouth and Kendall knew he’d heard her entire conversation with Lisa. But he still deserved to be told firsthand and in a much different tone and manner than she’d taken with the witch, as Rick had aptly called Lisa.