The Playboy

by Carly Phillips

  Once inside, music reached his ears. He glanced around to see Kendall, singing while she painted a wall with broad strokes of a roller. Her effort reached only as far as her arm length, leaving a ragged horizontal difference between the new bottom finish and the old paint on top. Though what she’d done looked great, the initial impression was unprofessional at best.

  Rick shook his head and laughed. “You could give poor Eldin a run for his money.”

  “Rick!” Her voice held a combination of warmth and pleasure as she scrambled to put down the equipment so she could greet him. “I probably should have gone out and bought a ladder, huh?” A sheepish grin spread across her face. “I was just so anxious to get started and keep busy, I didn’t want to wait.”

  “Why didn’t you call and ask me to pick up a ladder?” “Didn’t think of it.”

  He stepped forward, moving toward her, propelled by a force stronger than his mind or his will. “I suppose you expect me to fix what’s left?”

  She bit down on her lower lip and treated him to an adorable grin. “We do have a deal.”

  “Yeah we do.” That damn deal. The one that named them lovers in public but gave Rick no rights over her body in private. Damned if he didn’t want to change that.

  The thought had been rushing through his mind the entire day. This woman he barely knew, one he for some reason wanted to protect emotionally and possess physically, had gotten to him. More than any woman had in a long while. He stepped forward and trapped her close to him. She couldn’t step back or she’d hit the wet wall, so she inched closer to him instead.

  He inhaled and was enveloped by her luscious scent. He took in her lithe body, covered only by a spandex exercise outfit. No doubt the oppressive heat explained her choice in clothing. The air-conditioning unit she’d bought only cooled off the bedroom in which she slept. The rest of the old house was on its own, Kendall refusing to spend another penny on a place she’d be leaving soon anyway.

  Her departure was something he refused to contemplate. He wasn’t ready to say good-bye. Not when he hadn’t yet begun to say hello.

  He intended to start now.

  Her wide-eyed gaze met his and she waited for his next move. He braced his hands above her head and with the cold, wet sensation on his palms, he realized his mistake immediately.

  “Wall’s wet.” She laughed.

  “Gee, thanks for reminding me.” He had paint on both hands.

  “Just being neighborly.”

  “Surely you can think of a better term than neighborly—for your lover.”

  “In name only.” She spoke the facts, but her eyes questioned.

  Asked the same thing he’d been wondering. Could they allow themselves more?

  She sucked in a shaky breath.

  The deep inhale had the effect of squaring her shoulders and pushing out her chest, her round breasts tempting him through the tight spandex.

  “We could change that,” he offered.

  She tipped her head to one side. Her freshly blond, newly cut hair brushed her shoulders, surrounding her face in a sexy shag. Damn, but he had a thing for blondes. For this blonde.

  “We could.” Her words came out an exhale.

  He tilted his head and captured her lips with his. Earlier today he’d been performing for an audience. This kiss was theirs alone. Despite the blood rushing through his veins, he took his time, nibbling on her lower lip and savoring the sounds of delight she uttered in response. And when he cupped her breast in his palm, the gesture felt natural and right, causing an ache in his groin and a pulsing, pounding rhythm inside his head.

  He wasn’t content with the simple touch when his body demanded so much more but before he could take what he wanted, Rick was interrupted by the distinctive ring of a cell phone. Out of habit, he reached for the phone clipped on his belt buckle.

  With obvious regret she stepped away. “It’s mine,” she said in a husky voice.

  But she was his, Rick thought, as his handprint, stark white against the black fitted material of her top, pointed out. And he planned to pick up where they left off as soon as this unwanted interruption was over.

  “Hello?” She grabbed the phone and spoke as if she were expecting an urgent call.

  He didn’t eavesdrop but he couldn’t miss her raised voice either and by the time she’d hung up, Rick realized the moment between them had vanished. Sexual tension had been replaced by plain aggravation as an agitated Kendall paced back and forth on the other side of the room, muttering to herself.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Family problems.” She crossed the floor and came up beside him. Her brows furrowed, puckering her forehead.

  He wanted to smooth her skin and remove her worries. Her distress drew him toward her, even as his head warned him to mind his own business. “Anything I can do to help?” he asked anyway.

  She shook her head. “Thanks but nothing you need to concern yourself with.” She spoke as if they hadn’t just been locked in a heated embrace, as if he couldn’t possibly care about more than her body.

  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 glaring STOP 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.

  Chase raised his eyes toward the heavens. “Hell no. That’s Rick’s job. I just saw my mother gearing up for the inquisition and decided to spare you.” He propped one shoulder against the wall, studying her through piercing blue eyes.

  Sexy eyes if she weren’t so attracted to his brother instead. “Well, I appreciate you running interference. So tell me a little about you. I understand you run the local paper?”

  “The Gazette.”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets, a gesture so like Rick she almost laughed. “Oh, yes. You’re a weekly, aren’t you?”

  He nodded.

  Unlike Rick though, this brother was a man of few words. Yet Kendall liked him, if for no other reason than he’d raised his siblings and obviously had a good heart. Something else the brothers had in common. Kendall glanced over to where Rick stood talking on his cell phone, gesturing with one hand. She grinned. Even when he wasn’t working, he was working. She admired his dedication to his job. Oh, heck, she just plain admired the man.

  “Don’t get too attached to him,” Chase said into the silence.

  She blinked and turned back, embarrassed at having been caught staring. “I hadn’t planned on it.” But she did want to know why he’d felt compelled to issue the warning. She bit down on her lower lip. “Any chance you want to tell me why?”

  “Not really.” His eyes twinkled with mystery and knowledge. “But I will. Rick will walk before he lets you get close to him.”

  “Because of his previous marriage?” she asked, speaking the words before thinking them through. She doubted the oldest sibling would discuss his brother’s past.

  Sure enough, his eyes narrowed. “Rick told you about that?”

  Kendall wouldn’t lie, not even in the name of getting information she’d rather have come from Rick himself. She shook her head. “No, he intimated as much.”

  Chase nodded, understanding smoothing the lines in his forehead. “Well, let’s just say once a man’s been dumped by his wife he tends to be more cautious in the future.”

  So that was the story. Kendall had sensed as much and a vise clamped her heart at the thought of Rick being hurt by anyone. Especially by a woman.

  Chase gave her a steely-eyed stare, as if assessing her character and gearing up for more to say.

  “And?” she asked, not wanting him to hold back or censor himself. Though she had a hunch this newspaper-man would always state the cold, hard truth. Whether she liked it or not.

  “Don’t count on him giving his heart to any woman. Especially one just passing through.” His voice eased as if attempting to soften the blow.

  She’d liked Chase from the start. Now she respected him too. But her heart sank anyway. Sank unreasonably she knew, since she wasn’t giving her heart any more than she was capable of settling down.

  “Is that right?” she asked Chase in an attempt to play it cool.

  He tipped his head to one side. “Yes, it is. You see, I deal in facts.”

  “Spoken like a true journalist,” she said wryly.

  “I am what I am.” His mouth lifted in a half smile. “I’m curious about something though. There’s got to be a dozen women in this town banging on your brother’s door. Do you give them the same speech?”

  “No, ma’am. My mother cared for your aunt, so by extension that makes you like family.”

  There was that word again. Family. The Chandlers tossed it around so easily, but for Kendall things weren’t so simple. Not when it came to family, the one thing she’d never had. Her throat swelled. Glancing at Chase, she managed a grateful nod.

  He lifted her chin in his hands. “I’m just trying to help. So consider this conversation my welcome to town gift, okay? Maybe you’ll even thank me one day.”

  Perhaps she would. In the meantime, she grappled to get her feet cemented on the floor and fix Chase’s notion that she was the one about to be hurt. “Journalists don’t work on assumptions, do they?” she asked him.

  “Nope. Why do you ask?”

  “Because you’re assuming I’ll be the one to fall hard for your brother.” She leaned toward Chase and whispered in his ear. “News flash: I’m not sticking around long enough to worry about being hurt or dumped. But I’ve been known to make a pretty big impact on a guy.” She hoped her words would be prophetic. No falling, no heartache, not for her. “So maybe it’s your brother who needs this warning, his feelings you need to worry about. Not mine.” She forced a grin.

  Chase let out a loud laugh. His first full smile of the night tilted his lips, giving Kendall a gli
mpse at the sexier side a woman could fall for. Another woman, she thought wryly. She’d already fallen for Rick.

  “You know I can see why Rick likes you. You need anything while you’re in town, just give me a call.”

  “Thank you.” On impulse, Kendall touched his arm. “Ahem.” The sound of Rick clearing his throat interrupted the moment.

  Kendall’s heart leapt at the sight of him. She hadn’t realized she’d missed his presence, but now she was glad he’d been able to get away from police business, the phone, and the people demanding his attention. Glad he’d come to stand by her side.

  Uh-oh. She recalled Chase’s warning, and issued a strict reminder to tread carefully while she was here. But her pulse tripled and her mouth grew dry, the attraction stronger than rational thought.

  “What’s going on?” Rick’s steady gaze settled on their physical connection.

  She’d been so caught up in the joy of seeing him, she’d forgotten her hand lingered on Chase’s arm and she jerked her hand back at the same time Chase let out his second laugh of the evening.

  “Jealous?” he asked Rick.

  “If you hadn’t taught me to be a gentleman in front of a lady, I’d tell you to shut the hell up.”

  Kendall stifled a chuckle, though she liked the possibilities inherent in Chase’s suggestion. Despite her better judgment.

  Chase turned back to her. “The one fact I forgot to mention during our conversation earlier was that during the time he’s with you, he’s possessive.” He gave her a meaningful glance, then slapped his brother on the back and walked away, shaking his head and chuckling as he left.

  “What was that all about?” Rick asked, a scowl on his handsome face.

  Kendall shrugged, not really certain whose interest Chase had been looking out for, hers, Rick’s, or both. “Your brother was just issuing me a friendly warning.”

  “A little too friendly if you ask me.” Rick’s jaw ticked, tight with tension, tempting her to reach out and smooth the razor-stubbled skin and ease his muscles until he relaxed under her touch.

  Her stomach curled with unexpected excitement. Could Chase be right? Could Rick be jealous? At the possibility, she took a mental step back to examine her own feelings. Impulse would be deadly now and she forced herself to think clearly. Jealousy would indicate interest. Interest she already knew existed after their encounter in the house earlier. But the surprise here was the realization that the emotion didn’t have to pose a threat to Kendall or her heart. How could it when even Chase, who knew Rick better than anyone, admitted his brother would run before committing to anything serious? Just like Kendall would be gone before she could get hurt or attached?