Kissing Kendall

by Jennifer Shirk

  “No thanks, Grams. Georgie and Dee already dragged me there a few weeks ago.” She gave her a wry smile. “Apparently it didn’t take.”

  “Nonsense. Spa treatments always take. That’s why they’re so expensive and women still pay for them.”

  “Well, I’ll be sure to mention that the next time I’m there. Maybe they’ll give me a discount.”

  Maeve pursed her lips but let the subject matter drop. “So how’s the bakery coming along, dear? Almost ready for the grand opening?”

  At the mention of the bakery, her anxiety got the better of her. There was so much to do and still so much to learn, not to mention fear over the money she had invested into it. New businesses seemed to pop up every summer in their town, but only a few lasted more than one season. She hoped she wouldn’t become one of those statistics.

  “I’m almost ready,” she answered. “The awnings will be put up next week. In the meantime, I found a great wholesale food market only twenty minutes away where I’m buying the bulk of my ingredients. Then there are some last-minute cupcake decorations I ordered that I’m still waiting on. Walt looked over my business plan last week and gave it a thumbs-up. Oh, and I joined the American Bakers Association too.”

  Maeve’s eyes widened. “Good heavens, you have been busy. Have you had any kind of break? I think you’re working much too hard.”

  “I have to work hard if I want this to succeed, Grams. But don’t worry; work has been good for me. It…it helps me keep my mind off of things I’d rather not dwell on.”

  Her grandmother nodded, getting a far-off look in her eyes. “Yes, I sort of feel the same way about traveling. I like the diversion. It keeps me from thinking too much.”

  Maeve’s words began to sink in. She studied her grandmother for a moment and realized for the first time that they had more in common than she had originally thought. “Grams, what are you trying so hard to forget?”

  Maeve sighed as she continued to gaze out into the restaurant. Her grandmother seemed so sad and so lost right then—if it weren’t for the age difference between them, it would have been like looking into a mirror.

  “I confess, I still think about your parents,” Maeve said, in a tone that was soft and almost foreign. “You were so young to have lost them. And for me, well, you never think you’re going to outlive your own child. Even after all these years, it’s still hard for me to accept.”

  Kendall tried to swallow past the lump that lingered in her throat. “Yeah, life is full of the unexpected.”

  Her grandmother swiped a tear from her eye and cleared her throat. “Oh, look at me getting you all upset. You’ve had enough heartache of your own. And now I go away and come back to find you pale as a ghost. You still must not be eating properly. I told Dee I would get on her if she didn’t keep an eye on you while I was gone.”

  “Well, maybe I haven’t done such a great job of eating regular meals. But don’t blame Dee, really. She and Georgie have been so good to me.”

  “Brad, too?” she prompted.

  Kendall went very still. Brad? Why would she ask about him of all people? She didn’t want any reminders of Brad today—or any other day, for that matter. The man was a constant disruption to her thoughts, and that kiss now plagued her mind as well. All weekend she’d thought about calling him, which then only produced all the reasons why that was such a bad idea. She was a confused mess.

  She grabbed her water and slowly took a sip, stalling for time. “Um, what about Brad?”

  Maeve narrowed her eyes. “How has he been treating you?”

  “I guess like he always treats me.” Minus a few long embraces and one knockout punch of a kiss. But she didn’t feel the need to mention that extra info to anyone, let alone her grandmother.

  Maeve wrinkled her nose. “That’s too bad.”

  “What do you mean? Brad’s been a wonderful friend to me. Why would I want him treating me any differently than that?”

  Maeve harrumphed. “Sex really is wasted on the young.”

  “Grammy!” Kendall exclaimed. “How could you say that? I am not having sex with Brad, or anyone else for that matter.”

  “Which only proves my previous statement, dear.”

  “Cute,” she muttered. “Real cute. Look, if you’re so concerned about my sex life, why bring up Brad? You should be asking me about my date with Rick last week.”

  Maeve’s hazel eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in and tapped the tip of Kendall’s nose. “Ah, but that’s no fun, dear. You don’t get those cute little rosy ringlets on your cheek when you mention Rick’s name, only when you mention Brad’s.”

  “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation,” she huffed out, shooing her grandmother’s hand away. “If I do get all pink and rosy talking about Brad, it’s because he and I are so completely wrong for each other that I’m embarrassed you would even mention it. Now let’s order.” She picked up her menu with more force than necessary and flipped it open, pretending to give it her full attention, even though she already knew the food choices by heart.

  Maeve slowly picked up her own menu. “Perhaps you should have something to eat, dear. Low blood sugar is making you grouchy.”

  “I’m not grouchy,” she snapped.

  “Obviously.”

  Kendall pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. Okay, maybe she was touchy. Just a tad.

  “I’m sorry, Grams. Look, let’s call a truce and try to have a nice lunch. All I ask is that you give it a break and not mention Brad to me anymore, okay?”

  “Fine, no more mention of Brad,” she agreed. “Just see what you can do about that snippiness, because he’s on his way over here right now.”

  “What?” Her head popped up. She lowered the menu and, sure enough, there was Brad making his way to their table.

  Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh…

  He looked…really good. Almost too good, all crisp, pressed, and professional in his police uniform. Even though he dressed the part of a man who carried a gun and could uphold the law, he managed to walk with a nonchalant grace she had to admire. He crossed the room with his head high and chest out—certainly not like a man whose heart had been affected by rejection. He didn’t look the least bit uncomfortable at approaching her after what happened between them after their kiss. Unlike her.

  Good grief, he was getting closer! She raised the menu and ducked her head, as if that could make her invisible.

  “Ladies,” he smoothly announced.

  “Gentleman,” Maeve answered.

  Kendall crouched down a notch farther and continued to study the menu.

  Maeve kicked her shin, which Kendall took as her cue that she should be polite and at least look up. “Oh, uh, hello, Brad.” Goodness, her heart was pounding so hard, Brad and the entire restaurant had to hear it. She could only hope he’d just say hello and mosey on his way again before she embarrassed herself and stroked out in front of everyone.

  “Would you like to sit down?” her grandmother asked, gesturing to the empty seat on Kendall’s right.

  Kendall shot her grandmother an evil glare, which was unfortunately missed, since Maeve kept her gaze on Brad. Please say no, she prayed. Please say no. But she couldn’t help holding her breath, waiting to hear if he would.

  Brad smiled. “Sure. I just stopped in to pick up a sandwich to go, but I can definitely spare a minute for the company of two beautiful ladies.”

  He pulled out his chair, moving it closer to Kendall to accommodate his long legs, and sat down. His thigh grazed hers and she jumped, practically laying her taut nerves out on display. She wiggled to her left, hoping to distance herself from any further contact with him, but there was no room to move over. He could have at least been considerate and pulled up a chair next to her grandmother where there was plenty of room. She scowled at him, and his eyes lit with amusement, as if he knew damn well that he was invading her space.

  How had he managed to turn the tables on her like that? She had r
ejected him. She was the one who should be in control of her emotions. Why was he so unaffected? Maybe he had moved on already. Which was fine with her. She wanted him to move on, ask out another woman. So why had she suddenly lost her appetite?

  Maeve sat forward, folding her hands on the table. “Kendall was filling me in on all the bakery business she’s been getting done before the big opening. Are you doing any more work for her?”

  “I’m about finished, ma’am. But, of course, if Kendall needs me for anything else…” His blue-eyed gaze locked on Kendall’s, and he continued. “All she has to do is ask and I’m her man.”

  Kendall tried to take a deep breath, but her chest grew tight. She suddenly felt very undeserving of Brad, who was still so good to her after everything that happened the other night—not to mention how she was acting toward him now. “Thank you,” she said softly.

  He draped an arm over her shoulder and leaned in. “Hey, what are friends for, right?”

  His playful tone made her crack a smile. And unlike her, he was obviously trying his best to keep their friendship from going into that awkward stage she had feared. But when she looked up and gazed into his eyes, she didn’t see friendship at all. There was something else, something almost lazily seductive lingering there instead.

  She snapped her head straight and focused on her grandmother. No, no, no. She wasn’t about to go there. It was too easy for her to get lost in the way Brad was looking at her.

  “I just saw in the paper this morning that they’re still selling tickets for that PBA beef and beer fund-raiser, Brad. Will you be going?” her grandmother asked, watching him with a speculating squint.

  “Yes, ma’am. Got to support the team,” he said with an easy grin.

  “Oh, and will you be bringing a date?”

  “Grammy!” Kendall burst.

  Maeve’s eyebrows shot up in fake shock. “What? I’m just making conversation.” She gave an elegant shrug. “Is it against the law to ask questions these days?”

  “Well, maybe he doesn’t want to be asked those kinds of questions,” Kendall said between clenched teeth.

  Brad chuckled. “It’s okay, Mrs. Lennox. I don’t mind. No, I don’t have a date.”

  Maeve eagerly clasped her hands together. “Wonderful! Why don’t you take my granddaughter then? She’s just been telling me about how hard she’s been working lately. It would be nice for her to have a break and an evening out with an old friend.”

  Kendall sat up straight, alarm bells ringing in her head. “Grammy, I’m sure he—”

  “Well, actually, Kendall,” Brad cut in, “I was going to ask you if you wanted to go with me. Like old times.”

  He was?

  “You were?” She turned and stared at him. “Oh, but I don’t know about that, Brad. I… It’s probably not a good idea. I mean, what about Brandi?”

  Brad grabbed his chin, pretending to look deep in thought. “You know, it’s interesting you should mention her, because something happened this weekend that had me rethinking my relationship with her.”

  Her grandmother’s eyes lit with interest. “Really? And what have you…re-thought?”

  “Grammy,” she protested.

  Brad ignored her and continued to answer her grandmother. “Well, just that life is too short to waste with someone you really don’t share a special connection with.”

  “Ah, so true,” Maeve said, nodding. “And wise, I might add.”

  “Yeah, I thought so,” he said with an utterly straight face. “I have been told on more than one occasion that I’m wise beyond my years.”

  Kendall’s lips twitched. “Don’t hold back on us now. Please enlighten us more, oh, wise one.”

  “Hush, child,” her grandmother admonished. She looked at Brad and added, “Don’t mind her. She’s testy because she’s hungry. Go on.”

  “To make a long story short,” he continued, “I decided I wouldn’t be bringing Brandi to the PBA event. It didn’t feel right. I want to bring someone I’m guaranteed to have a good time with. Someone special. And I couldn’t think of anyone I’d have a better time with or who’s more special than my friend Kendall.”

  My friend Kendall.

  She felt an odd twinge of disappointment at that. It was foolish to feel it. But there it was. Brad was giving her what she asked for—to remain friends. She should be relieved. Key word being should.

  “Well, it’s all settled then,” her grandmother said brightly, looking very pleased with the whole situation. “Two friends out on the town for a great cause. I can’t think of a more perfect evening.”

  “You know, I can’t think of anything more perfect either,” Brad said, standing when the hostess signaled that his order was ready. “Thanks, Mrs. Lennox.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Have a nice lunch,” he said. Then he bent down and brought his face right above Kendall’s with a dark, meaningful look. “I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”

  She nodded wordlessly—not because she couldn’t find her voice but because she didn’t trust it. Plus, with the way her grandmother had manipulated her into accepting Brad’s invitation, she figured it would have been a waste of air saying no anyway.

  He stared at her steadily, almost waiting for her to fling out one last protest. When she remained silent, one corner of his mouth curled upward. “Great. It’s a date then.”

  Kendall watched him go, feeling a little bemused. Now he was calling it a date? What happened to just two friends spending time together?

  Once she was sure Brad was out of earshot, she turned on her grandmother. “Okay, what was that all about?”

  “Hmm? What was what all about, dear?”

  “Don’t play dumb with me. I know what you’re doing. It won’t work.”

  “Whatever you say, dear. But honestly, I’m not trying to work anything. All I’m interested in is my stressed-out granddaughter indulging in a little fun with one of her good friends. Only ten minutes ago, you admitted that you haven’t had a break. And you’re way too young to be working so hard and not enjoying yourself. What kind of grandmother would I be if I didn’t encourage you to have some fun?”

  Kendall’s shoulders slumped. When her grandmother put it that way, she supposed it would be nice to get out. There was even a chance to get her friendship with Brad to where it had started. If she could go back to treating him like she always had, then he would do the same and they would be right where they left things before they had kissed.

  Hopefully.

  “Well, okay, then. But promise you won’t read anything more into it,” she said, shaking a finger at Maeve.

  Maeve smiled sweetly and made a show of crossing her heart. “I promise. Now let’s see if we can finally order.” She picked her menu back up and signaled impatiently for a waitress. “The service here has completely gone downhill. I don’t know what this restaurant was thinking when they let you go.”

  …

  Damned if he was going to let Kendall go.

  Brad shifted the gift he had behind his back and rang her doorbell. This is it. He was more determined than ever to convince Kendall that they had a real chance together—no matter what he did for a living or what his sister felt was best for him. No more sitting on the sidelines for him. His game plan had changed since their kiss, and he wasn’t about to lie down and allow her fears or the ghost of Jake to stand in the way of their happiness.

  Thanks to Kendall’s grandmother, he couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setup. The PBA fund-raiser was a good venue to spend a little time together. And Kendall needed this. She would see plenty of his friends and colleagues on the force with their respective spouses. A happy relationship was absolutely possible in his line of work, no matter what she had otherwise convinced herself.

  He came to her house a bit early with a gift for Deuce. Her dog loved him. Hell, maybe he should have picked a gift up for Maeve; it was nice to have Kendall’s grandmother on his side too. He could use all the help he could ge
t.

  He raised his hand, about to ring the doorbell again, when the door swung open. Kendall stood in the doorway, holding her struggling puppy under her arms—the sight of which made him smile. She looked different—more lighthearted, lovelier. His gaze was riveted on her face as he drank in the comfort of her nearness. He was so used to seeing her at her at the bakery with her hair pulled back in a ponytail that he had had no idea how long it had gotten. It fell in soft waves around her shoulders and neck as she struggled to keep Deuce from jumping out of her arms. She wore just a little bit of makeup—more than he was used to seeing on her—but the colors brought out the deep chocolate of her beautiful eyes.

  She frowned at him. “Oh, you’re early,” she said, clearly not happy with the prospect of any added time alone together.

  “I know.” Brad grinned. “I figured we could hang out a little beforehand.”

  “Brad, I think—”

  “I came bearing gifts too,” he blurted, holding up the wrapped box he had in his hand.

  She sighed. “Oh, no, I really wish you hadn’t gotten me anything.”

  “Wish granted then, because I didn’t.”

  Her gaze lifted from the box in his hand and her jaw went slack. “The gift’s not for me?”

  “Nope.” Brad pulled the top of the box off and showed her the contents, which made Deuce’s tail wag even more frantically. “Unless you happen to have a penchant for gourmet dog biscuits,” he added.

  She laughed. “Fortunately, no,” she said, stepping back and allowing him to enter. “I’ll stick to the gourmet treats I make myself.”

  Kendall only bent halfway forward before her dog jumped to the ground. Brad held up a biscuit for Deuce to beg, and when the puppy stood on his hind legs and barked, he tossed him the treat. And just because the dog was so cute, he sprinkled a few more biscuits on the floor as a freebie.

  Kendall rolled her eyes. “You’re almost as bad as Grammy, trying to spoil my dog. She’s more attentive to Deuce than she is to me sometimes.”

  “Be forewarned that she’ll only get worse with great-grandchildren when you give her some.”