“I’ll make sure you get to Arizona, Kendall.” He stared into her glistening eyes and thrust deep inside her. Her damp heat contracted around him and she let out a soft moan of need, bringing him to the edge in a matter of seconds. “But until the day you leave, you’re mine.”
Chapter Six
Kendall walked into Norman’s the next morning trying to act like she hadn’t spent the entire night in Rick Chandler’s bed. But her body still tingled with the aftereffects of their night together and the memories lodged deep in her heart.
She caught sight of Charlotte sitting in a back booth, pencil tucked behind her ear as she perused magazines, catalogues, and brochures. With her raven-dark hair and green eyes, Charlotte was the epitome of exotic and Kendall could see how Roman, the traveler, as Rick had described him to her last night, had fallen for her and chosen to settle down.
“Hi.” Kendall dropped her purse on the inside of the booth and slid in across from Charlotte.
“Hi yourself.” She closed the magazine she was reading and pushed it aside. “Just keeping up on the industry,” she explained. “So welcome to town.”
Kendall smiled at the other woman’s warmth. “Thank you,” she said and settled in more comfortably.
Charlotte narrowed her gaze, studying her. Finally a smile tilted her red lips. “You’re glowing.”
“And you don’t pull any punches.” But Kendall’s instincts told her to trust Rick’s sister-in-law and she leaned across the table. “I suppose I am.”
Charlotte laughed. “It’s the Chandler charm. Once they turn it your way, you’re a goner.”
Maybe so, Kendall thought. But she was out of here soon regardless and Charlotte ought to know the truth. “We’re only temporary,” she said softly. “Rick needs a woman to divert the masses.”
“Ah, yes. Raina’s army of bachelorettes.” Charlotte shook her head. “I almost feel sorry for Rick.”
“Because he’s got legions of women flocking after him? That’s not really a hardship,” Kendall said wryly. But she knew that was jealousy speaking and Rick hated being bombarded by the unwanted attention.
“Legions is going too far. But there are enough to give him a swelled head. I’ll agree to that.”
“And he hates it.”
“You know him well already.” Charlotte sobered, her eyes wide and serious. “You’re a wonderful person to go along with his plan. Roman told me all about it.”
“Rick told him?” What else had Rick shared with Roman, Kendall wondered.
Charlotte shrugged. “There isn’t much the brothers don’t share.” Those green eyes studied her as if she could read Kendall’s mind. “So what do you want for breakfast?” Charlotte asked at last and slid a menu across the table.
Kendall grabbed the trifold paper, grateful for the subject change and the ability to dive into food and not her psyche. “Pancakes and coffee for me.”
“Sounds good. Izzy?” Charlotte called to the robust woman Kendall had met last night.
“What can I get you two women?” Isabelle paused by the table, pen and pad in hand.
Charlotte repeated their orders, changing only her own drink to orange juice.
Izzy grinned. “I love women who aren’t afraid to eat.” She scribbled something on the paper, collected the menus, and strode off toward the kitchen.
Charlotte folded her hands in front of her. “Now back to something I want to discuss with you. Pam mentioned that you design jewelry.”
Kendall nodded, grateful and touched Pam would take the initiative on her behalf. “I have a portfolio—”
“Do you have samples of your work?” They spoke at the same time.
Kendall laughed and reached into her bag to pull out a loose-leaf, photographic diary of her work. “I have samples at home, but since I wanted to talk to you anyway, I brought this along.”
While Charlotte flipped through the laminated pages, Kendall explained her proposal. “I was hoping you’d consider taking my designs into your shop. Being completely honest here, I’m in a bind.” She bit down on her lower lip, hating to admit her problems yet knowing she had no choice. “I was modeling in New York to help pay for my aunt’s nursing home care, but her last days involved round-the-clock nurses and the expenses added up. Then I came here expecting to be able to sell Aunt Crystal’s house to help, and I discover it’s completely run-down. I’m spending money instead of making any. But I don’t expect you to take these on out of pity or any sort of obligation to Rick. I’d just like you to decide if you think we can work out an arrangement that will benefit us both.”
“You do beautiful work.” Charlotte traced her finger over some of the photos of intricate wire designs. “I can honestly say I wouldn’t take in something that would jeopardize the quality of the merchandise I carry. Not only do I think these will sell, but I think we’ll make a nice profit. I need to see them in person of course, but I doubt that will change a thing, except maybe to convince me to buy one for myself.”
Charlotte smiled and the fist that had tightened around Kendall’s heart from the moment she’d seen Crystal’s dilapidated house finally eased. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“Hey, don’t thank me. You’re obviously talented and this arrangement is good business. I have a glass case by the register in the front of the store. I can display them there and you and I can work out a percentage split.”
“Wonderful.”
Izzy arrived, plates in hand. Charlotte handed back Kendall’s book and she tucked it safely back into her bag, then she slid her business card across the table. “My cell phone’s on here so you can reach me at your convenience,” she told Charlotte.
“Sounds good.”
Izzy placed their food down in front of them and the aroma of pancakes filled the air. Kendall’s stomach grumbled. She hadn’t realized
