The Playboy (Chandler Brothers #2)(32)
Author: Carly Phillips

With a sigh, Kendall shut herself up with a brownie and a sip of the sweet, delicious drink. She was coming to understand what Rick meant when he said not to bother correcting people’s inaccurate assumptions. In such a small community, they believed what they wanted to, evidence or assertion to the contrary be damned. She was shocked to discover she didn’t mind, rather she enjoyed Pearl’s stubborn rosy view.

“Well, I’m fixing this place up and I’d like to start on the main house too.” On another visit to Pearl’s during the week, Kendall had discovered that though the outside was run-down, the only inside problem seemed to be the paint job. She had no desire to insult Eldin by criticizing his skills or suggesting they redo the walls. There were other ways to refresh a house for resale.

“Really? Like what kind of fixing?” Pearl asked.

Kendall didn’t mind answering the what. It was the whys she didn’t want to get into yet.

Why cause Pearl concern over being displaced before Kendall had the chance to look into other relocation options for the older couple? It was the least she could do for Aunt Crystal’s friends. “I thought I’d buy some flowers, Rick said he’d mow the lawn and power-wash the exterior,” she began to explain.

“You are such a sweetheart.” Pearl lurched over and pulled Kendall into a huge hug.

“Why, Eldin and I will be living in splendor in no time. You know we couldn’t afford to do those kinds of fixings on our own. You’re not just as pretty as your aunt, but as sweet too. And of course Eldin and I will help in any way we can.” She sat back down, beaming with happiness and pleasure.

Kendall didn’t know what to say. How could she destroy Pearl’s illusions and scare her into thinking she’d be displaced, yet how could she let her believe she and Eldin could remain in her aunt’s house? Kendall massaged the sudden pulsing in her right temple.

“I’ve got to go tell Eldin!” Pearl grabbed her purse. “Keep the brownies and the plate.”

The older woman’s excitement was tangible.

Kendall groaned.

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll come back another time for our chat.”

Pearl misinterpreted yet again and Kendall didn’t correct her. For one thing she’d already learned the futility and for another Pearl hadn’t given her the chance. She ran off as fast as she could, leaving Kendall speechless, alone with the plate of brownies.

She glanced around and shrugged, then peeled the foil off the treat and began to drown her problems in chocolate.

Hours after Pearl’s excited departure, the kitchen sparkled inside and out. After practically inhaling the entire plate of brownies, Kendall decided to work off the calories.

By the time she finished, anyone who inspected the deepest corner of the cabinets would find nothing but cleanliness and empty space. The closets came next and all were empty anyway except the walk-in in the entryway. By the time she’d tackled that project, Kendall had enough junk accumulated for a garage sale.

Exhausted but still ambitious, she got to work on her bedroom. Since she’d asked Brian to include her bedding and other items in the shipment from New York, from dresser top to inside the closet, the small bedroom now had a homey, lived-in feel. Stepping back, Kendall walked from room to room, admiring the huge improvements.

She’d taken out the day’s frustration on something constructive, but she felt guilty that the reason she wanted to fix up the house was so she could sell—right out from under Pearl and Eldin.

Guilt swelled up inside her. “Darnit.” That’s what Kendall got for letting herself grow fond of people. But how could she help it? These were her aunt’s friends and she liked them, as much as she enjoyed it here in her aunt’s house. But the time would soon come when she walked away.

Not wanting to dwell on leaving yet, Kendall decided to think productively. She glanced at her watch, then tried phoning her sister. Once again, no answer. Either she was out of her room or the little twerp was screening her calls which was the most likely scenario.

Other than the brief phone call the other day, Hannah hadn’t returned Kendall’s gazillion messages.

She rolled her tense shoulders and tried to relax. At least she knew that her sister was safely at school right now. There wasn’t anything Kendall could do about Hannah’s situation for the time being. But there was plenty she could do about her own.

Rick hadn’t been far from her mind all day. His husky voice, his lean, hard body, and the tender way he’d made love to her came back to her at odd, vulnerable moments during the day. She’d find herself zoning out and when she came back to reality, she’d have a dust rag in hand but her body would be tingling as if Rick’s lips or mouth had been roaming over her sensitive skin. Even now she trembled at the memory of his hands gliding along her naked body and wanted a repeat of the event.

His shift would end soon and she knew exactly how to entice him after a long day. After a quick shower, she picked up the phone and called Chase for a little more insight into Rick, the man. What was his favorite food? Music? The basics in life. Armed with answers, she headed to his apartment.

As she’d seen firsthand, he was a man who worried about everyone yet rarely thought about himself. She intended to turn the tables on him. Tonight she planned to take care of him for a change.

Rick dragged himself up the back stairs to his apartment. Exhaustion warred with hunger and he didn’t know how he’d find the energy to find something to eat in his refrigerator.

He’d have stopped downstairs for a bite, but at Norman’s conversation was as much a staple as food and Rick wasn’t in the mood for talking. Not after his last few days.

Working a ten-hour shift, having the impromptu family party at Norman’s, and then spending the night with Kendall only to wake up and haul another ten-hour shift had wiped him out.

Grateful for the solitude, he let himself into his apartment and tossed the keys on the counter.

“Well, no one can say you aren’t a creature of habit.”

He recognized that soft voice and didn’t give a damn that his solitude had just disappeared. “Kendall?”

“That’s me.” She called to him from inside, beyond the hallway.

He walked into the living area to find her sitting on one of his bar stools at the kitchen pass-through area. She looked casually sexy in white fitted leggings and a black tank top, a glass of wine in her hand and a sultry look in her eyes.

His body, which had been begging for sleep seconds earlier, awakened with a roar.