by Reese Ryan
“I’ll only be gone a day or so. I’ll be back in plenty of time.”
“Good, because Stephanie might be out of commission, but we’re still on mop-up duty. I’m negotiating a one-on-one with John Chase to clear the air about the video and the rumors about me. Unless you’ve changed your mind. You’ve got your new contract and your two major sponsors have offered you new deals, so skipping the interview won’t hurt you financially.”
“This is what we need to do to finally put this all to bed, right?” When she sighed heavily, but didn’t respond, he continued. “Then that’s what we’re going to do.”
Nate valued his privacy, but he valued his family more. Whether she believed it or not, Dray was family. He’d do whatever he needed to do to prove that to her.
* * *
Nate exited Jacksonville International Airport, picked up his rental car and drove to the home of Curtis Williams—Kendra’s father.
He didn’t expect to fix a decades-long problem in a single visit. But if Kendra took even the smallest step toward working things out with her father, maybe it’d go a long way toward helping him regain her trust, too.
Or maybe this was a horrible idea that would destroy everything they’d rebuilt in the past weeks.
Nate scrubbed a hand across his forehead. It was a risky move, but the payoff would be worth it.
He entered the pretty little gated community near Dutton Island and parked in the drive of the idyllic home with its covered porches spanning the width of the house on the first and second floor.
Nate rang the bell and held his breath as a shadow approached through the glass door with a colorful, geometric design.
The door opened, and the aromatic scent of spicy beef cooking wafted out to greet him. “Mr. Williams, I don’t know if you remember me, but—”
“You were my daughter’s best friend.” The older man emphasized the phrase. “And the father of my grandson. Of course I know who you are.” Curtis Williams folded his arms and held his gaze. “How’s he coming along after his surgery?”
“Kai’s doing well, sir. He loved the musical greeting card and arrangement of cookies you and your wife sent.” There was an awkward pause. “May I come in?”
The man stepped aside and let him in, leading him to the living room of the spacious first floor. He invited him to have a seat.
A wave of sadness passed over the man’s face. His gaze raked the floor before returning to Nate’s. “Saw that nonsense on the news about her. Kendra loves Kai more than anything in the world. She ought to sue their asses for implying otherwise.”
“The past week or so has been tough for her.” Guilt tugged at Nate’s chest. He hated that Kendra had gotten caught up in the crosshairs of the plot aimed squarely at him. “I know she’d love to hear from you.”
“It’s not as simple as that. Kendra is as stubborn as her mother.” The old man scowled and rubbed the back of his neck. “I left her a couple of voice mails, but she hasn’t returned them. I only got to speak to my grandson because Maya put him on the phone when she and the girls were visiting Kai.” He eyed Nate. “Did Kendra send you?”
Nate shook his head.
“Didn’t think so.” He heaved a sigh, then leveled his stare at Nate again. “Then what brings you here? You asking for her hand? If so, I don’t think my blessing would make much of an impression on her.”
Nate scooted to the edge of his seat. “I’m here to ask you to make the effort to fix your relationship with your daughter.”
Curtis raised an eyebrow. “Why do you care? You two aren’t together anymore.”
“I believe that your estranged relationship with Kendra is a primary reason things didn’t work out with us.” Nate held the man’s gaze.
“You sure I’m the reason?” He poked a thumb in his chest. “I remember the report about that groupie in your room. Wasn’t too long after that she left you.”
“I didn’t invite her to my room.” Nate frowned. “And nothing happened. Not that night or any other night while we were together.”
“Still don’t see what that has to do with the relationship between me and my daughter.”
“Frankly, sir, you don’t have a relationship. You’re simply related.”
“If you came here to tell me things I already know—”
“I didn’t.” Nate held up a hand. “I came to tell you that Kendra might act like she doesn’t need you, but she does. She needs her father as much now as she did when she was a little girl.”
Lines spanned the older man’s forehead. His expression was weary with years of hurt and rejection. Something they had in common.
“She hated me even when she was a girl. Not at first, but between her mother and brother...she became so resentful. I wanted to set the record straight, but she was a kid. I couldn’t get into all the reasons things didn’t work out between her mother and me. The way she saw it, I chose my new family over her and her brother.”
“Didn’t you?” Nate worked to keep the accusation out of his tone, but the words dripped with it.
Curtis groaned. “No, I didn’t leave Anna for Alita. Didn’t even know her then. I left because I was unhappy. We both were. I wouldn’t spend my life that way, like my old man did.”
“I respect that, sir, but I’m sure you understand how it made your children feel. Especially Kendra. From her perspective, she’s the reason you up and left.”
“That’s ridiculous.” He rubbed his chin. Deep lines spanned his forehead.
“Have you told her that?”
“I’ve tried to show her and her brother how much I care for them. When they were younger, they’d come down and spend summers and holidays with us. As they got older, they resented being made to visit. It only made them hate me more.” A pained expression accompanied the man’s memories. “When they were old enough to choose, they both stopped coming. I tried giving them space, but they became more and more distant.”
“I don’t doubt you’ve tried in the past, Mr. Williams. All I’m saying is, it’s worth trying again. Because if you don’t, I don’t know if she’ll ever learn to trust any man. She’ll always be afraid that the next guy is going to cheat on her or leave her.”
“So you do want her back.”
“I never wanted to lose her. I love her, asked her to marry me. As angry as I’ve been with her all these years, the truth is, I haven’t met anyone I’d rather be with. I know she feels the same, but she’s afraid.”
“You tell her that?”
“Not in those exact words.”
“Hmm...” The old man leaned forward, his hands between his knees. “Guess Kendra’s not the only one who’s afraid.”
Nate’s nostrils flared. “If I were afraid, I wouldn’t be here.”
“Maybe it was easier to come and talk to me than to lay it all out on the line and risk her walking away again.”
Nate’s gaze dropped to his hands. What the old man said was true. He hadn’t been very romantic or heartfelt with Kendra. Instead, he’d pointed out that getting back together was in Kai’s best interest. That line of thinking relegated Kendra to a nice bonus accessory. Something a woman like her would never stand for.
No wonder she’d turned him down. In an effort to protect his heart, he’d handled the situation poorly.
Curtis nodded knowingly, pain in his voice. “Been there. A man can only take so much, I suppose.”
“You’re right, Mr. Williams. My approach to Kendra was all wrong.” Nate tapped the table with his forefinger. “But I’m right, too. I know she hasn’t made it easy for you, but she has the right to be angry about you leaving her and Dash. She handled it badly. Maybe we’re all guilty of that. But Kendra is an amazing woman. She deserves the best from both of us. It’s time we both man up and give her that.”
Curt
is frowned at the censure, then sighed. “I convinced myself it was best just to give Kendra and Dash space and hope they came around. I guess that was just what was easiest.”
“I’m having a little party this weekend to celebrate my new contract with the Marauders. I’d appreciate it if you and your wife would come. If you’re willing, I’ll have my assistant book your flights and hotel. Just say the word.”
“I want to be the father my daughter deserves.” The older man nodded. “We’ll come to your party, but you don’t need to pay for anything. This is something I need to do.”
Nate’s heart beat against his rib cage. Mission accomplished. Mr. Williams would make another effort to work things out with his daughter.
He’d call Kendra’s mother to let her know her ex-husband would be at the party. He owed her that. On the other hand, it would be best not to tell Kendra in advance about her father’s visit.
A sense of dread suddenly crept over him like kudzu vines climbing a pole.
What if Kendra resented his interference?
He heaved a sigh, releasing the tension knotting the muscles in his neck and shoulders.
Only one way to find out.
Chapter 22
Kendra dusted her face with a little powder, then applied a matte lipstick.
They’d actually pulled it off. Nate had inked his new two-year contract with the Memphis Marauders and generous deals with both his previous sponsors—a soft drink company and a rapidly growing athletic wear company poised to overtake the market within a few years. Two other sponsorships were in the works—a Memphis car dealership and a home builder based in the Carolinas.
Once Nate was ready to hang up his cleats, the sports network had already expressed interest in adding him to their parade of former players turned sports analysts.
Several months remained on her contract with Nate, but Marcus had already requested that she work with two of his other clients. The only thing that wasn’t settled was her relationship with Nate.
Kendra slipped in diamond studs Nate had bought for her birthday the year he signed his first pro contract. She put on her high heel boots and a light coat, thankful the unusually cold weather had finally abated. Kai was already at Nate’s, where he’d spent the night. She got in her car and swung by to pick up her mother.
Anna Williams looked lovely in a black pantsuit, her salt-and-pepper hair in pin curls, fresh from the salon. She greeted Kendra as she placed the tray of heart-shaped cookies she made for the holidays in the backseat, then got inside the car.
“Everything okay, Mama?” Kendra pulled out of her mother’s small drive and headed toward the opulent beach community where Nate lived. “You’re awfully quiet.”
There was sadness in her mother’s eyes. “You know I would never do anything to purposely hurt you or Dash?”
“Of course.” A knot formed in Kendra’s gut. “Why would you even have to ask?”
“Because I didn’t do right by you two when it comes to your father.”
“Dad made his choice when he walked away from us.” Kendra’s heart beat faster.
“He walked away from me. He loved you two. Wanted to be in your life as much as he could. It was me who made it hard for him. I was so angry. I shouldn’t have talked about him the way I did in front of you kids. It made you resentful and ruined any chance of either of you having a good relationship with him.”
Kendra released a long, agonizing breath. She couldn’t disagree with her mother there. It was the primary reason she’d been careful to never say anything disparaging about Nate in front of their son. She didn’t want him thinking ill of his dad the way she did of hers. Of course, it was easier for her. Nate hadn’t been the one to walk away.
“We all make mistakes, Mama. That was a long time ago. Dash and I are adults. How we deal, or don’t deal, with Dad is our choice now.”
“You don’t think things would’ve been different between you and your father if I hadn’t filled your heads with the bitterness I felt toward him?” Anna’s voice broke.
Kendra grimaced, her chest heavy with regret.
“I don’t know. But I understand why you were so angry with him.” It felt as if a weight was on her chest, compressing her lungs. “It’s the same reason Nate resents me.”
Her mother put a hand on her shoulder. “He was angry before, but isn’t it clear how much he loves you?”
“Does he, or does he just want to keep the Johnston family tradition going?”
“Family is important to Nate, sure. But you can’t honestly believe he doesn’t love you. It’s in his eyes when he looks at you, when he talks about you.” A wistful smile broke across her mother’s face. “Been there since he was a little boy. It’s a special thing to have someone love you like that.”
“I love him.” Kendra sniffed, refusing to let the tears fall. “But I don’t think things will ever be the same between us.”
“I should hope not. You’re both older and wiser now. Been through the fire and come out on the other side. You’ll build something stronger.”
“Some part of him will always resent me, and some part of me will always be anticipating the moment he falls for a newer, shinier model.” The words felt like sandpaper in her throat. “How do we get past that?”
“Forgive yourself and believe in him. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.” Anna’s voice was firm but sympathetic. “Is giving in to your fear over what you might lose worth losing what you could have?”
Kendra pulled into the long driveway that led to Nate’s beach house, not answering her mother’s question. “You go ahead to the front. I’ll take the tray around to the back.”
Anna opened the car door and stepped out reluctantly. “Just think about what I said.”
Kendra flipped down the visor mirror and gave herself a long, hard look. If only it were as simple as her mother made it sound.
She grabbed the tray and went around toward the back entrance. A light suddenly came on in a second-floor guest room. Through the sheer, gauzy curtain she could make out two figures in an embrace—Nate’s twin sister Vi and Jase Hernandez.
Suddenly Vi’s solo island vacation and Jase’s supposed camping trip made sense. Something was going on between those two.
When Kendra looked up again, Vi was in the window staring down at her.
They were both busted.
Kendra made her way to the back door. She practically floated inside astride a warm cloud of air carrying the aroma of a variety of Southern comfort foods. Naomi’s shrimp and grits, Marcus’s wife Alison’s chicken and dumplings, and the batch of crispy chicken Nate’s youngest sister, Sydney, was frying. There was a tray of Maya’s famous Cuban pork and another of her yummy empanadas.
Alison and Sydney greeted her.
Naomi, smelling of bacon and shrimp, hugged Kendra tight, then kissed her cheek. “Thank you for helping Nate through this crisis.”
“It was my pleasure.” Kendra smiled.
“Things didn’t work out too badly for her, either,” Vi interjected. “I hear Marcus has got you lined up with two more athlete clients.”
“Don’t start, missy.” Naomi pointed a finger at her oldest daughter. “Be nice.”
Vi turned to Kendra, taking the tray of cookies from her hand. “Why don’t I help you put that away?”
Kendra followed Vi to a small table overflowing with desserts, including banana pudding with a perfect meringue topping and Vi’s famous bourbon–brown butter pecan pie.
Vi made room for the tray of cookies, then folded her arms. She leaned closer to Kendra and lowered her voice. “Why didn’t you out me in front of everyone just now?”
Kendra shrugged, removing her coat. “Figured if you wanted everyone to know you wouldn’t have been sneaking around in the guest room upstair
s or pretending you went to Barbados all alone.”
Vi’s cheeks turned crimson. She took Kendra’s coat. “Walk with me while I hang this up?”
Kendra followed her to the back hall.
“Thank you.” The words seemed to cause Vi physical pain. “Nate would go ballistic if he knew.”
“I know, but I also know you’re a grown woman and it isn’t your brother’s business who you’re spending your vacation with...or kissing in his guest room.” Kendra couldn’t help the smile that tightened one side of her mouth.
Vi gave her a look that indicated she didn’t appreciate her humor, which only made Kendra break out into laughter.
“This isn’t funny.” Vi hung her coat in the closet, then ran a hand through her box braids.
“Oh...it’s serious.” Kendra watched Vi’s entire face flush. “Are you in love with him?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Vi folded her arms. “We’re just... I don’t know exactly what we’re doing, but whatever it is, Nate doesn’t need to know about it.”
“Fine.” Kendra turned to walk away.
Vi grabbed her arm. “Look, I appreciate you not ratting me out in front of my family, but this doesn’t mean we’re best friends.”
Kendra shrugged. “Of course.”
“And whether you decide to tell my brother about me and Jase or not, there’s something I need to say.”
Kendra folded her arms, prepared to stand her ground. “What is it?”
“Nate isn’t as tough as he thinks he is. He was devastated when you walked away. I know because I was there to pick up the pieces. I won’t watch my brother go through that again.” There was anguish in Vi’s voice.
Kendra relaxed her stance, her arms at her sides. “I didn’t intend to hurt him. At the time, I thought I’d made the best decision for everyone. I was wrong. I regret that, but I can’t change the past. Because of Kai, Nate and I will always be a part of each other’s lives, whether you like it or not. I’d rather we be friends or at least not enemies.”