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 Physically she stood close, but emotionally she’d withdrawn and was miles away.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 glaringSTOP sign.
In the silence, his beeper went off 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 she’d 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—”
“Forget it.” She didn’t want to hear the kiss never should have happened, not when awareness still sizzled and made her feel alive.
“Not possible.” His gaze lingered, as warm and hot as his lips had been earlier. On her mouth and almost on her breast. She sucked in a gulp of air.
“You’re right,” she admitted and exhaled hard. “So what did you want to say?” She refused to run from whatever he needed to tell her.
Once again a telephone’s irritating ring interrupted them. This time the distraction came from Rick’s cell and he answered it, regret in his gaze. “Hello?” He listened and then said, “We’ll be right there.” He flipped his phone closed. “We’re late.”
She nodded, accepting the reprieve. She shouldn’t be engaging in intimate conversation with Rick. She couldn’t deny the attraction but letting herself get close to him wasn’t smart. Kendall intended to leave this town—and Rick—soon. No one and nothing could change her views. Not even the sexy cop with the drop-dead smile and warm heart.
CHAPTER FIVE
Kendall took in her surroundings, enjoying Norman’s different ambience. The man had probably been a bird-watcher in another life because various species dominated the walls in photographs and decorative birdhouses hung from the ceiling.
“Rick’s always known how to utilize his best assets,” Raina Chandler said, bringing Kendall back to the conversation at hand. “He used his good looks to charm women even back when he was a kid.”
Izzy, the wife and co-owner of Norman’s, nodded in agreement. “At twelve years old he’d come in here and compliment me, hoping to get a free pack of gum. Imagine someone who looks like me”—she pointed to her gray hair and overweight body—
“buying into the notion that I was as good-looking as Cindy Crawford. Rick always was a charmer.”
Kendall laughed. “I can believe that.” He still was. Dressed in faded blue jeans and a navy and white striped polo shirt, he was the epitome of sexy. But more importantly, he had a good heart.
He’d introduced her to his family and friends, people who were warm, caring, and treated her much differently than those in the salon. People who welcomed her and helped her to forget about her family problems for a little while.
“So, Kendall, how long do you plan to stay in town?” Raina asked, not for the first time.
Kendall was running out of ways to change the subject. “Well . . .”
“You’ve monopolized her enough.” Rick’s brother Chase stepped in.
With his pitch-black hair and blazing blue eyes, he didn’t resemble Rick or Raina. From what Kendall had heard, both Chase and the youngest but absent brother Roman were the epitome of their deceased father. But according to rumor, all three Chandler brothers had always caused a stir among women. Chase was just the most reserved of the three.
“Now, Chase, let me enjoy my time with Crystal’s niece.”
“Grill her is more like it.” Chase snorted and took Kendall’s elbow in a gentlemanly grip.
“I’d like to get to know her for a little while.” Without waiting for his mother’s reply, he led her away from the chattering women.
“Another Chandler brother who rescues women in need?” Kendall asked, once they were alone.