Kissing Kendall

by Jennifer Shirk

  “Brad, you’re playing the role of protector again. First you wanted to protect me from Freddy’s comments and now from Georgie. It’s really okay.” She stepped forward and reached out, holding his face in her hands. “I appreciate it, but I don’t want to have to rely on someone to run interference whenever a situation gets tough or uncomfortable.”

  “I want you to rely on me.”

  “I know, but I just…I just can’t. Please, try to understand.”

  Disappointment slammed into him. She didn’t want his help, didn’t want his protection. She wanted to handle things on her own. He would have admired her newfound independence if he didn’t suspect it was just another tactic of hers to keep him at arm’s length. But he wouldn’t argue with her. Not tonight. Not when she was finally at a point of being more than friends with him. He’d enjoy the moment and analyze later.

  He reached up and cupped her chin, unable to resist running his thumb gently along her jaw. “Okay, I’ll back off. But I’ll still be there for you. Kind of like your own personal safety net.”

  Kendall gave him a tentative smile. “Thank you.” Then she leaned in and drifted a soft kiss across his lips. “If I had known they were making safety nets so handsome, I would have gotten myself one sooner.”

  Brad reached for her hand again. “Come on,” he said, pulling her toward the parking lot. “Let’s go back to your place and I’ll show you what else safety nets are good for.”

  “And what’s that?”

  He flashed her a wicked grin. “Getting tangled in.”

  Chapter Nine

  Deuce ran to the door several seconds before Brad even rang the doorbell. Kendall had to smile at that. The fact that he was still in his police uniform told her he couldn’t get enough of her—just like how she couldn’t get enough of him—and had apparently rushed right over from work.

  When Brad stepped inside, he grinned down at her. “You turned the porch light on for me.”

  She chuckled at his greeting. “Of course I did,” she said, closing the door behind him. “I knew you’d be done with your shift by now.”

  He reached for her. They wrapped their arms around each other, and he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Yeah, but it’s that simple gesture of homecoming that makes it so nice.”

  She smiled into his shoulder. She enjoyed the way he’d made this a second home for himself as well, always stopping by after work and on his days off. “Are you hungry?” she asked.

  His lips came down hard and insistent on hers instead, sucking the breath right out from her lungs. When they both finally came up for air, she had to laugh. “I meant for food.”

  He leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes dancing. “Oh. Something must have gotten lost in translation there.”

  Her lips twitched. “Obviously.”

  “However, I could be persuaded into having a snack.”

  “I figured, so I brought home some leftover crumb cake.”

  “My favorite kind of snack.”

  She shoved him lightly. “You said that about my cinnamon buns last night.”

  Brad leaned down, giving Deuce a few good scratches behind the ear. “And that was true. Last night. Tonight, your crumb cake is my favorite.”

  “You’d make a great politician,” she said, leading him to the kitchen.

  Brad sat down on a stool and began unbuttoning the collar of his shirt and loosening his tie. His shoulders relaxed more and more with each movement. “Well, I’m off for the next two days, so if you need anything else done around the bakery, I’m all yours.”

  She slid a plate of cake over and handed him a fork. “There’s nothing I can think of right now. Don’t you have other handyman projects lined up?”

  “Just one for Georgie. I guess I’ll be free to paint the nursery for her tomorrow.”

  Kendall sat next to him and frowned. “Do you think Georgie will give you a hard time?”

  “Of course she will. It’s her life ambition.”

  “No, I mean will she give you a hard time about…us? I don’t think she looked too happy when she found out we were together the other night. I’m worried it might affect your relationship with her.”

  He put down his fork and framed her face with his hands. “You let me worry about Georgie. Besides, she’s a big girl. She can handle me making my own decisions on who I want to date.”

  Kendall let out a small smile. “Okay, if you’re sure.”

  “I am. I’m not about to let my sister or anyone stand in the way of our happiness. Got it?” Not waiting for an answer, he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers in a gesture so sweet and tender it made her limbs go limp.

  He slowly pulled back and frowned when he saw that her eyes had flooded with tears.

  “What’s the matter?”

  She shook her head.

  “Tell me. What is it?”

  “I…I don’t know. I guess I’m just happy.” For whatever it was between them, for whatever they were doing, she could honestly say she was happy. But it was almost too much for her to process.

  He enfolded her in his arms. “I’m happy too. See how easy it is to say without all the tears? You should give it a try sometime.”

  She laughed and snuggled deeper against him. “Maybe I will.”

  Not tonight. But she knew it’d be someday soon.

  Kendall brought out another tray of muffins and was pleased to see a line of customers waiting for the new batch. The bakery had only been open a week, but word seemed to be spreading fast about her specialty doughnut muffins. If the demand kept up at this rate, they’d be sold out within the hour. She might have to make a few tweaks to her menu list. Her cashier, Lindsey, was working out great too, but she might have to consider hiring more help, which was an unexpected but pleasant problem to have.

  Kendall carefully placed the muffins in the bin. She was about to head back into the kitchen for more when one of her customers approached the counter and waved her over. “Are you the owner?” the man asked.

  She shifted the empty tray in her hands and smiled. “Yes, I am.”

  “I just wanted to say that your raspberry coffee cake is the best I’ve ever eaten. And I’ve become quite the connoisseur in my seventy-some-odd years.”

  She flushed. “Oh, thank you. That’s so nice to hear.”

  “Much better than my wife’s,” he added.

  “Charles!” a woman snapped behind him. “That’s enough.” She held up the box of pastries and signaled for him to follow her.

  Kendall swallowed a chuckle when the man turned around and followed his wife out with a small shrug and a slow shuffle of his feet. Lindsey came up beside her and nudged her in the side. “Who knew your coffee cake would be the cause of marital problems?”

  “I think I might have lost a customer,” Kendall said, biting her lip.

  Lindsey shook her head. “Oh, no, don’t you worry. You didn’t see his expression when he took a bite of your cake. That guy will definitely be back.”

  She smiled. “Well, that’s a relief. It’d be nice to build up some regular customers.”

  “Just so you know, I did have a few mention to me that they’d be back this weekend because they had guests coming into town.”

  A little tension lifted from Kendall’s shoulders. So far, so good. But she was already planning on some added advertising and specials to keep people coming in. She peered out into the bakery and saw a few people seated at the tables, lingering over coffee. She was about to ask Lindsey to check and see if they wanted any refills, but the girl had already grabbed a fresh pot and was heading out into the dining area.

  Thank goodness for Lindsey. There was no way she could have opened on her own. She was about to check on her pies when Grammy walked in. The sight of her stopped Kendall dead in her tracks. Grammy never left the house without looking like a walking advertisement for Neiman Marcus, but today she wore no jewelry or makeup and was dressed simply in cotton pants and a pink long-sleeved tee.
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br />   “Grammy, are you feeling okay?” she asked, resisting the urge to feel her forehead.

  Maeve stilled. “Why on earth would you ask that?”

  “Um, it’s just that you look…you look—”

  “Like I’m here to work?” Maeve finished.

  Kendall shrugged. “Well…yeah. I guess so.”

  “Good. That’s because I am. I figured my granddaughter could use all the help she can get—especially if it’s free.”

  Kendall’s jaw dropped. She’d hoped her grandmother would take more of an interest in her business, but the offer to help was so unexpected and sweet, her eyes teared up. “Grams, I don’t know what to say. Come on back. I could use an extra hand,” she said, motioning her to follow. Kendall placed her tray down, swiping at her eyes before her grandmother noticed.

  She checked on her pies just as the oven timer went off. “Please don’t think I’m not grateful you’re here, but I thought you’d be getting ready for your trip to Mexico.”

  “Yes, well, the trip is canceled. I decided to cut down my traveling schedule a bit.” When Kendall turned wide eyes at her, Maeve waved away her shocked expression. “It’s not that big of a deal, dear.”

  “Of course it’s a big deal. You’ve never cut your traveling before. Not even when I wanted you to come for Grandparents Day in high school.”

  Maeve’s eyes saddened and she lowered her chin, looking rueful. “That was thoughtless of me. I’m very sorry about that, Kendall. More sorry now, because I’m just realizing how awful it was of me.”

  She shook her head forcefully. “No, I know you were busy. Besides, Grandparents Day wasn’t exactly an important holiday in school.”

  “But it was important to you,” she said, her voice hoarse and suddenly a bit tense. “I should have considered that before I finalized my traveling plans. That’s why I’m here now.”

  “Grammy, you don’t have to do this.”

  “No, I do, dear. I want to make it up to you for leaving you on your own so many times. I only thought of myself and how much I needed to travel to get away from the sadness I was feeling over your parents’ death.”

  Kendall’s throat tightened with emotion. So many times she’d felt as if her grandmother was pulling away from her but she never understood why until now. “I wish you had said something. We could have been there for each other more.”

  “Well, I want to be here now and spend more time with you.” She paused, continuing in a sinking tone. “That is, if you want me around.”

  Kendall released a deep, ragged breath, reveling in the words she’d longed to hear for too many years. “I’d love that.” She reached for her grandmother’s hand then frowned; it felt unusually cold to her for such a warm day. “Grammy, are you feeling okay?”

  Maeve’s brows knitted in confusion. “Why would you ask that, dear?”

  “Well, your hand is so cold. It must be eighty degrees out now.”

  “Oh, I had the air conditioner on in the car. I guess my circulation isn’t what it used to be. But don’t worry, I don’t plan on using that as an excuse to slack off on the job. Tell me what you need done and I’ll do it.”

  Kendall regarded her with uncertainty for a moment but decided not to press the issue when her grandmother’s energy seemed to be fine. “Well, okay. Wash your hands over there and I’ll go get you a hairnet.”

  Maeve sauntered over to the sink but paused when she came to the bouquet of flowers by the time clock. “My, what lovely colors,” she gushed. “Where did you get such an arrangement, dear?”

  Kendall gazed at the flowers in question and felt a warm glow flow through her. “Brad sent them to me on the first day I opened. They’re still so beautiful, aren’t they?”

  “Yes, they are.” Maeve washed her hands, then after she was done drying them, sent Kendall a speculative glance. “So, uh, how are things going with Brad? Or aren’t I allowed to ask such questions?”

  Kendall chuckled. “You’re allowed to ask some questions, but for your information things are going great.”

  Really great, if she were honest. A warm glow began to flow through her at the thought. In fact, she and Brad had been enjoying each other’s company almost every day since the PBA event night. They’d even developed a little routine already. When Brad worked seven-to-three or three-to-eleven shifts, he’d stop by her place before going home. They’d take Deuce for a walk, he’d eat any leftovers she had from the bakery, and they’d hang out for a while. On his days off he’d stop by the bakery, help her clean up, then take her out to dinner. Waking up to such a warm, attractive man almost every morning was the best part of her day. She’d never been so happy and still couldn’t believe she’d ever been worried that their friendship would be affected. If anything, it had gotten stronger.

  Maeve came to her side and laid a hand on her arm. “That’s so wonderful, dear. I’m happy everything is going so well in your life. You deserve it.”

  “Thanks, Grammy.”

  “I was so worried about you. But I’m glad that you’re moving on with your life. Who knows where your relationship will head down the line?” she said with a grin.

  Kendall pulled her pie out of the oven and set it on the counter. “Oh well, I can easily tell you where our relationship isn’t heading. We’re not talking marriage.”

  Maeve visibly blanched. “What? But you just said—”

  “I know, but Brad and I are simply enjoying spending time together. It all comes down to loneliness and friendship. For now, that combo seems to be working between us. Brad feels the same way I do.”

  Her grandmother quirked an eyebrow. “Does he?”

  Kendall took off her oven mitts and laid them on the counter, wondering why the answer to her grandmother’s question didn’t slide off her tongue immediately. “Well, yeah, of course he feels the same way. He’s going to Virginia soon. Things will have to change then.”

  “I see.” Maeve pursed her lips.

  “Oh, don’t look at me like that,” she protested. “As much as I love spending time with Brad, I can’t risk anything more serious with him.”

  “You mean you can’t risk love?”

  Kendall looked away, a cold knot forming in her stomach. It was draining to think about this now. But every time she thought about when she and Brad would eventually go their separate ways, she’d get depressed. So she didn’t want to be reminded of it. All she wanted to do was enjoy their time together now. Was that too much to ask?

  “Aw, honey, don’t be afraid to risk your heart,” Maeve said in a gentle voice. “That’s what life is all about.”

  “Yeah, well, I did that with Jake and look how that turned out.”

  She didn’t mean to sound so bitter, but after losing her parents and then her husband, she figured she was entitled to a little pity party every now and again.

  “That doesn’t mean you’ll lose Brad too.”

  She threw her hands up in disgust. “I know. I do know that. But…I’m not strong enough to take that chance.”

  “Sweetheart, you’re not giving yourself enough credit. You’re a survivor. Just look at this great risk you took opening up this business on your own. You’re a lot stronger than you think.”

  Confusion and irritation sharpened her tone. “You’re wrong. And even if you’re right, I don’t want to find out that little nugget of information the hard way. Let me enjoy myself for the time being without judging. Please. I know what I’m doing.”

  Grammy sighed. “If you’re sure, dear.”

  Kendall turned away, busying herself by stacking cookies on a tray. She’d thought she knew exactly what she was doing with Brad by keeping it casual and then calling it quits at the end of the summer. But with the way her heart was aching just thinking about it, she was beginning to doubt it.

  …

  Brad walked into Kendall’s Kreations wanting to surprise Kendall with lunch, knowing she wouldn’t take the time to eat unless forced. Unfortunately, he was the one who ended
up surprised.

  He’d thought his feelings for Kendall were under wraps and in control. But as soon as he saw her with her hair pulled up in a ponytail and flour on her chin, his heart all but sang out in a hallelujah chorus. Suddenly, the prolonged anticipation of being alone and gathering her into his arms was unbearable. He had to face the fact that there was no other woman for him and he had it bad. Never in his wildest dreams did he think being with Kendall like this would be so good, and he knew that if she’d only open up her heart, it would get even better between them.

  Kendall swiped the back of her hand over her forehead, then smiled to a woman in front of the register. “Thank you,” she said, handing her a large white box tied with string. “I hope your grandson enjoys the cake, Mrs. Casper.”

  “Oh, I know he will,” the woman said with a grin. “Thanks for making this on such short notice. You’re a real lifesaver.”

  Brad stood back and held the door for the woman to pass through. As soon as she left, he flashed Kendall a grin. “Lifesaver, huh?” he teased. “Who knew how many lives you’d have the ability to touch with just one simple croissant?”

  Kendall laughed and gave him a jaunty salute. “It has become my duty to serve, bake, and increase blood sugar levels all across this great town of ours.”

  “Spoken like a true American hero.”

  Glancing around and seeing no other customers in the store, Brad went behind the counter to steal a kiss before her cashier came back out front. “I brought lunch,” he announced, smiling down at her.

  “Now you’re my lifesaver. How did you know I haven’t eaten yet?”

  He reached out and stroked a finger down her soft cheek. “I know you. You get so worked up over making sure everything is going smoothly with the store that you neglect yourself. It’s a good thing you have me around.”

  A troubled look flashed across her features but then it was gone. If he hadn’t looked at her in that exact moment, he would’ve missed it completely. He was about to question her on it, but the cashier came back out carrying a stack of flat cardboard boxes.

  Kendall quickly took the boxes from her hands and shoved them under the counter. “Thanks, Lindsey.”