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Authors: Carly Phillips

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BOOK: Destiny
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“That kiss—it wasn’t as fun as the last. More serious.”

He groaned. Leave it to her to not only speak first but get to the heart of the matter. “No, it wasn’t fun,” he agreed.

“Hey!” Clearly not expecting him to agree, she treated him to a mock punch in the shoulder.

“It was much more intense,” he said, his voice gruff, even taking him off guard.

“Yeah. About that…”

Okay, so there’d be no ignoring
this
kiss as he’d tried to do with the last. She obviously wanted to
talk
about them. He hated discussing his feelings. Hadn’t he done enough of that for one night?

“We can’t keep doing this,” she said, shocking him.

He thought she’d want more between them not less. “I agree,” he told her, even though a part of him would rather ignore what was best, what was right, and go for what
he
wanted for a change.

“You do?” This time she sounded surprised… and maybe a little hurt?

They each had mixed feelings about their attraction and he took some comfort in the fact that he wasn’t alone.

He cleared his throat and forced himself to continue this awkward conversation. “I do agree. We can’t pursue this thing between us. Because of Tess.” He latched onto the most obvious explanation.

Not the truth that she captivated him. More, she understood him. All of which had him putting up walls. His ex-wife might not have been as intuitive as Kelly, but he’d loved her and had been blindsided by her request for a divorce, her sudden need for independence and the chance to find something
more
.

He’d moved on but lesson learned. He had to protect his heart.

“Exactly. We can’t do this because of Tess.” Kelly exhaled hard, her expression one of disappointment. Because she’d hoped he’d try to talk her into a relationship, not out of one?

“I guess we’d better go before Dare gets another call about us being parked out here.”

“Yeah.”

He restarted the ignition. “So about Tess and school…”

“I was thinking I should talk to her about Ms. Bernard. See if there are more problems than she’s admitting before we do or say anything else,” Kelly said.

“Good idea, but I doubt she’d listen. But about Tess…”

Nash spared a quick glance over.

Kelly had relaxed in her seat, no longer uptight now that they’d ended their discussion about them.

“Now that I know what your issue is with Ethan, I think it’ll be easier to smooth things over between you and Tess. So maybe you’d like to come to dinner one night this week? This way Tess can spend more time with you in familiar surroundings.”

He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. “I’d like that.”

“Good!” Kelly smiled.

An easygoing smile he’d come to rely on to ease the knots in his stomach that Tess caused. “I appreciate you trying so hard to help me forge a relationship with her.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

He turned onto the road leading to the mansion. “And why is that?”

“That’s easy. Because Tess needs a man like you in her life,” she said as he parked the car in the driveway.

She already had Ethan, yet Kelly thought Nash would be good for Tess too. Something inside him warmed at the knowledge. Dangerous given the sudden emotional pull he felt toward this woman. Yet given how isolated he’d felt since Ethan’s return, he couldn’t deny having someone in his corner was nice for a change.

Nash came home to the condo he temporarily shared
with Dare to find his brother already there. He’d changed from his uniform into a pair of old sweats and was drinking orange juice from the carton when Nash walked into the kitchen.

“Nice timing tonight,” Nash muttered.

Dare opened the fridge and put the carton back before turning to face Nash. “Just doing my job. What were you doing?” he asked. “And don’t give me that
just talking
BS.”

Nash shrugged. “I was giving Kelly our family history. I thought a visual would be better than the narrative so I drove her by the places we lived, that’s all.”

“Huh.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re the least talkative of the three of us,” Dare said, leaning against the counter.

“And?”

“And you’re opening up to Kelly.”

“So?”

“Well, either you’re making room in your life for one more lady friend, or there’s more going on between you two than you want to admit.”

Nash ran his hand through his hair. “Since you obviously know the answer, why push me to talk about something I don’t want to admit to?”

“Because I’m your pain-in-the-ass younger brother, that’s why.”

Nash started for the doorway, intending to go to his room and turn in for the night.

“So, tell me, are you going to let a fourteen-year-old dictate your love life?”

Nash paused in the archway and turned. “I don’t want to give Tess another excuse to push me away.”

Dare nodded. “Understandable, except the kid doesn’t need another excuse. She’ll act the way she wants to act no matter what you do.”

He’d never thought of it that way. “How do you know so much about bratty teens?”

“I grew up with two. And I run the drug and alcohol program at the high school, remember? I see my share of obnoxious adolescents every day. Want my advice?”

Why not? He hadn’t been doing so hot himself. “Tess already knows she gets to you. If I were you, I wouldn’t give the kid any more power.”

Nash nodded slowly. “Good point.”

“In other words, if you want to sleep with Kelly, you’re both adults. I say go for it. Just be discreet around our new sister. She’s a teenage temper tantrum waiting to happen.”

Despite himself, Nash laughed at the description. “Speaking of Tess, after meeting her teacher and seeing that school for myself, I’m not sure it’s the right place for her. And before you say anything, my feelings have nothing to do with the fact that Ethan picked the school.”

“Relax. I’ve actually noticed Tess is more moody lately. You think it has something to do with school?” Dare asked, concerned.

Nash shrugged. “I’m not sure. But I think we need to be aware. We don’t want her to spiral out of control. We already have one probation issue to deal with.”

From the day she’d arrived at Ethan’s, they’d been warned that Tess had a juvenile probation officer she had to answer to. While living with Kelly, she’d been arrested for breaking and entering, but owing to her age and circumstances, if she behaved for the next four months, the charges would be dropped. And if she stayed out of trouble until she turned eighteen, her arrest record would be expunged.

Dare was right. They couldn’t afford for her to slip.

“Kelly said she’ll keep an eye on her,” Nash said.

Dare grinned. “And you’ll keep an eye on Kelly.”

His brother was a wise guy. But Nash was glad he and Dare were back under one roof, even if it was temporary. The condo belonged to Nash. Dare had moved in when the lease on his apartment was up, while he looked around and decided where he wanted to move next. Though he’d bought and was renovating an old house in town, he’d been thinking about selling it on spec and had listed the property. Instead of moving in himself, Nash had decided to take more time to figure out where he really wanted to live.

“I’m going to bed,” Nash finally said.

“Me too. Just think about what I said. If you like Kelly, go for it. You don’t need anyone’s permission.”

“Including yours,” Nash said over his shoulder as he walked to his room and shut the door behind him.

He stripped off his shirt and sat down on the bed, thoughts of Kelly filling his head. Not thoughts of kissing her, though those recollections were never far away. Instead, he found himself recalling how fiery and defensive she’d become on Tess’s behalf, how outraged she’d been on discovering that Nash and Dare had been separated by the state, and how her innate understanding and caring had affected him earlier tonight.

How memories of her affected him now. So maybe his brother was right. If they couldn’t escape the attraction, maybe it was time to act on it like two adults, without letting a pint-size teenager dictate their actions.

Decision made, he finally settled in expecting a good night’s sleep. Instead, he tossed and turned, the anticipation of how things between himself and Kelly would play out keeping him awake all night long.

Four

Kelly was frazzled. For the second day in a row,
Richard hadn’t shown up at work, calling in sick and asking Kelly to take care of things at the office. His receptionist had quit the week before and he hadn’t yet found a new one, so she was answering phones and deflecting new clients until he was better. The one bright spot was that after work she was meeting Annie for happy hour at Joe’s Bar.

She’d hesitated about saying yes, not wanting to leave Tess, but her sister had invited a friend over from school. Kelly realized she’d have time to come home from work, meet Tess’s friend, and go out later while Tess was doing homework. As usual, Rosalita had no problem staying, so Kelly agreed to meet Annie at eight o’clock. And since her apartment was over Joe’s, Kelly stopped there first to change into something fun for a night out.

She walked downstairs and met Annie at the door. It was the first time Kelly had been inside Joe’s at night. According to Annie, the bar had been remodeled when Joe Lockhart had taken over the bar for his retired father. The atmosphere was inviting for customers, the walls covered in dark wood paneling and the fixtures casting an orangey glow over the bottles of alcohol lining the wall behind the bar.

The place was packed and they knew it’d take a while for them to reach the bar to order a drink. While they were waiting, Annie introduced Kelly to people she knew, some for whom she did work as an accountant.

Kate Andrews, Faith’s best friend whom Kelly had met at Ethan and Faith’s wedding, stopped to ask about Tess and how she was doing in school. Stacey Garner, a pretty bubbly blonde, stayed and talked to them for a while. A dentist, Kelly learned, and made a mental note to make herself an appointment. Everyone was warm and friendly, making her like this town more and more.

In between interruptions and hellos, Kelly and Annie caught up.

“How’s your father?” Kelly asked Annie. “He only checked in with me once today.” And Richard was a hands-on boss.

Annie spread her hands wide. “I wish I knew. He says he’s fine, Mom says he’s having chest pains, but he claims it’s a pulled muscle. Yet—”

“He’s home from work,” Kelly finished for her.

“Exactly. He has an appointment with a cardiologist tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll know more then. I know he appreciates you keeping things running while he’s out.”

Annie’s voice was touched with concern, and though privately Kelly agreed with her worry, there was no reason to panic her further. “Everything’s fine at work. How are
you
feeling?” Kelly asked.

“I’m actually doing well, knock wood.” Annie tapped the top of her head with her knuckles and laughed. “You never know what will happen, but right now I’m feeling okay.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Some people left the bar in search of tables and Kelly wedged her way through the slimming crowd until she finally arrived at the counter.

There she found Joe wiping the area with a towel before glancing up. “Good evening, ladies,” he said in his smooth voice.

He cast an easy smile at Kelly. Then his gaze lit on Annie and he leaned across the bar. “How are you doing, beautiful?”

Annie blushed. “Pretty good. And you?”

“Everything’s perfect now that you’re here.”

Kelly raised her eyebrows. Joe had a way about him that made everyone comfortable. It was probably just one of the reasons his bar was such a success, that and the fact that his was the only game in town.

The day Kelly moved into her apartment, Joe had helped her, carrying boxes from her car. Since then, whenever she ran into him, he took the time to talk and get to know her better. She’d seen him smile at everyone, but he’d never had a gleam in his eye quite like now.

Hmm.

Kelly glanced between the two, Joe in his wrinkled T-shirt, faded jeans, and tousled light brown hair, and Annie with her petite body, perfect blond curls, and coordinated leggings and silky top. Outwardly they couldn’t be more different, but appearances had nothing to do with attraction and Kelly wondered what kind of man Annie went for, because Joe clearly had a thing for her.

“How about you?” Joe turned to Kelly. “How’s life treating you in that fancy house on the hill?”

“What could be bad?” she asked. “It’s been kind of nice getting a break from doing everything for myself. Rosalita is an angel.”

“Will you move back to your small apartment upstairs now that you’ve lived the good life?” Joe asked, teasing.

Kelly laughed. “Of course. All good things must come to an end.”

Annie chuckled. “Not
all
good things.”

“So, you’re an optimist?” Joe asked, his gaze steady, as if studying her for answers to more than just that one question.

Annie shrugged. “It’s not always easy keeping up the faith these days, but I do try.”

He eyed her warily, obviously concerned. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m
fine
.”

“Good. But if you ever need anything—”

“I won’t.”

“You never know.” He smiled, his dimples showing.

But Annie just shook her head and his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Kelly narrowed her gaze, surprised by Annie’s obvious rejection.

“What can I get you, then?” he asked, pointing to the fountain.

“Just the usual,” Annie said lightly. “You know me, big night out and I order a virgin.”

At the word coming from Annie’s mouth, Joe seemed to freeze for a minute before he took a tall glass from behind the counter and filled it. “Seltzer for you.” He placed the glass in front of Annie.

“What about you?” Joe asked Kelly.

“I’ll have the same thing.” She pointed to her friend’s full glass.

Joe served up her drink, and with a lingering glance at Annie, he headed to serve other customers.

“You hurt his feelings,” Kelly murmured. “He offered to help because he obviously likes you. And he’s hot, don’t you think?”

Not as hot as a certain Barron brother Kelly couldn’t stop thinking about, but she didn’t want to discuss her attraction to Nash.

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” Annie said. “Joe likes to be in charge. He’s a born nurturer, like my ex-husband. They both like to be in control.”

Kelly raised her eyebrows, wondering what was really going on with Annie. “You talk about your ex a lot. Are you sure you aren’t still in love with him?”

Annie shook her head. “Of course I’m sure!” she insisted. Lifting her drink, she eyed Joe longingly.

Actually she eyed Joe’s behind, but Kelly opted not to mention it. “You like him too,” she said instead.

Annie let out a wistful sigh. “Let’s just say I could be persuaded,” she admitted. “But I know his history, how he cared for his mother after she had a breakdown while his father chased everything in a skirt. I feel for him, but he’s another man who thinks he needs to overcompensate for his past by controlling everyone in his present.”

“Just who is this domineering ex-husband of yours?” Kelly asked.

At the question, Annie looked surprised. “Nash Barron. I just assumed you knew since he’s Tess’s brother and you work for my father.”

Kelly opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I, um… no. It never came up with Richard. I had no idea.”

“Did I just hear my name?” a familiar masculine voice asked.

“Nash,” Kelly said, still processing the shock of finding out her new best friend had been married to the man she dreamed about and wanted more than her next breath.

She hadn’t admitted that to herself before.
Helluva time now,
she thought. And now that she had? Forget not getting involved or having a physical relationship because of her sister, her interest in Nash was even more wrong now that she knew he was Annie’s ex.

Kelly’s stomach churned and she thought she’d be sick.

She couldn’t let herself get more emotionally involved with him than she already had. Tess’s welfare connected them and that had to be it. Unable to think, the crowds stifling, she needed air.

Nash didn’t know whether to be pleased Annie and
Kelly had connected and were clearly friends or concerned because Kelly’s face turned pale and she wasn’t speaking. Kelly wasn’t the speechless type.

“Hi, ladies,” he said carefully.

“Hi, Nash.” Annie treated him to a smile. “What are you doing out so late?”

“Very funny.” He recognized her sarcasm because in their married days, he was the one who’d turned in earliest. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight.”

Annie raised her glass. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be between divorced people. Kelly and I decided to enjoy Ladies’ Night.”

He glanced at Kelly, who remained quiet. “When did you two become friends?”

Annie grinned. “We’re coffee buddies, aren’t we, Kelly?”

“Are you sure caffeine’s good for you?” he asked his ex.

“I drink decaf.” Annie visibly gritted her teeth. He knew she hated when he told her what to do, but someone had to make sure she was taking care of herself.

“I need some air,” Kelly said suddenly.

“Are you okay?” Annie asked.

“No worries.” Kelly smiled, one Nash recognized as forced.

“Okay, but come right back in.”

“We’ll see. I’ll text you,” Kelly said, turning and hurrying for the door.

Nash stared after her, wondering what the hell had just happened. “What was that about?”

Annie shook her head. “I have no idea. She was fine just a minute ago.”

“Until?” Nash pushed her, unable to tear his gaze from Kelly’s retreating form until she’d disappeared from view.

Annie shut her eyes a second, trying to remember. “Until she found out you were my ex-husband.”

“Son of a bitch,” Nash muttered, suddenly knowing exactly what was bothering Kelly. “I have to go talk to her.”

Annie stared at him, surprised. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I’ll be back.” He left his ex-wife standing with her mouth open wide, knowing he’d be in for a ton of questions when he faced her again.

Nash didn’t care.

He pushed his way through the crowds to get to the front door, wondering when the hell life would cut him some slack. He’d just spent a sleepless night going over Dare’s point that he didn’t need Tess’s permission to see her sister. He’d come to the conclusion that Kelly affected him too deeply to just ignore the attraction.

Now she ran at the sight of him.

He went after her. There was no way he’d let a little thing like his ex-wife come between them.

Annie stared after her ex-husband, dizzy from his
sudden turnaround from concern about her to worry for Kelly. Nash was interested in another woman. The first one he’d shown serious interest in since their split two years ago, Annie thought, a sudden riot of emotions coursing through her.

She stood alone and attempted to process her feelings. She’d have thought that when Nash finally turned his attention to another woman she’d be completely relieved. And she was. She didn’t want him hanging around, insisting she needed him when she didn’t. But they’d been inseparable since they’d met when they were sixteen, and she’d be lying if she said she didn’t feel a tug of possessiveness now. But that didn’t mean she was still in love with him. And she definitely didn’t want him back.

She’d divorced him so she could be free. Lately she wondered… free to do what? She never thought to leave town. She was too tied to family and too much of a home-and-hearth-type girl for that. She’d just sensed something was missing with Nash. Something she was still looking for now.

Nash’s interest in Kelly meant Annie could finally have the freedom and independence she’d craved. She’d just have to get used to the new reality.

She breathed in deep and rotated back toward the bar only to find Joe directly in her line of vision. He provided a welcome distraction from her thoughts of her past, and she drank him in like she would a sweet piña colada—if her illness didn’t stop her from drinking.

He’d changed a lot from when they were kids. He’d grown up and filled out, and the man was a vision, his light brown hair straggly like he’d come from the beach, his body so muscular beneath his bar shirt.

She placed her glass on the counter and smiled, hoping to make up for her rudeness earlier. “I’ll have a refill.”

“I aim to please.” He pulled out the soda dispenser and filled her glass.

“How are you with forgiveness? I shouldn’t have shut you down like that earlier.”

“Really.” He sounded skeptical.

“Yes. I’m sorry.”

“Because you mean it or because your ex ran after another woman and I can soothe your bruised ego?” Joe asked.

Annie winced and placed her hand over her heart. “Ouch.”

“I just call ’em like I see ’em, sweetheart.”

“I know.” He didn’t pull any punches, something Annie had always liked about him. Actually there was a lot she liked about him. She braced her elbows on the bar and leaned over. “I said I’m sorry because I am. As for Nash, I divorced him, remember? I’m over him.”

“Then prove it,” he said, a sparkle of a challenge in his gaze.

“How?”

He also rested his elbow on the bar, his face inches from hers. “Go out with me.”

Adrenaline began flowing through her veins and Annie exhaled hard. She hadn’t been out with anyone since her divorce. Saying yes to a confident, sexy man like Joe would be like jumping into the deep end of the pool without wading first.

She wanted to dive in so badly. After all, wasn’t that why she’d ended her marriage in the first place? Because being diagnosed had taught her that life was short and unpredictable and she shouldn’t live it being safe. Nash had been her refuge since they’d met when she was sixteen. But there wasn’t a spark anymore and hadn’t been for a while. She wanted to experience life fully and sensed Joe felt the same way.

The only problem was her illness. She had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and she didn’t know when she’d be hit by an episode, which could last anywhere from twenty-four hours to a week or more. She didn’t want to be a burden to anyone, especially not to a vibrant man like Joe.

It was hard enough dealing with Nash’s overprotective nature. But him she understood. Joe, she didn’t. And the last thing she wanted was his pity.

BOOK: Destiny
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