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A love for all time
North Carolina pro footballer Nate Johnston built his reputation on talent, drive and good sportsmanship. But a devastating recent loss derails his team’s shot at winning the championship...and Nate’s career when a compromising video goes viral. In need of a miracle, the star wide receiver feels ambushed when his brother enlists media consultant Kendra Williams to do damage control. The reignited desire for the woman he once wanted to spend forever with can only cause Nate deeper heartache.
Walking away from the man she loved seven years ago is the biggest regret of Kendra’s life. Now her son needs a closer relationship with his father...and Kendra needs to win back Nate’s trust. After breaking his heart, repairing his career is the least she can do to help save his dream. Powerful passion still smolders between them, tempting the former lovers to move beyond their painful past. Will the emergence of a jealous ex with a vicious revenge scheme sabotage their second chance at a future and a family that’s almost within reach?
“Let me take you to lunch, if you don’t have any plans.”
Kendra’s heart beat faster. Her mouth felt dry as she stared into his warm eyes. “Sure. Why? Did you want to go over the appearances scheduled for next week?”
“No, I’d like to talk about us. I know you asked me not to.” He countered her objection before she could make it. “And while I respect your feelings, I don’t believe you’re being honest about how you feel or what you want.”
Nate cupped her face in his strong hand, lifting her chin so her eyes met his.
Kendra backed up until her back pressed against the wall. Her heart beat so quickly she was sure he could hear it. She stared at him, unable to speak. Her chest was heavy with all the things she wanted to say, and her head was spinning, reminding her of all the reasons she shouldn’t say them.
He captured her mouth in a kiss. Slow and sweet. Filled with warmth, affection and desire. Her hands slipped beneath his jacket, pressing into his back. Her body softened against his.
Dear Reader,
Reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen as a young girl changed my life. It ignited a desire to weave stories that make readers laugh, cry and swoon.
Elements of that story subconsciously weave themselves into the fabric of every story I write. Unconventional heroines, family drama, crises of self-identity, the revealing of devastating secrets—all are present in my Pleasure Cove series.
The Johnstons and Williamses—two polar-opposite families—lie at the heart of the series.
In Playing with Temptation, we become intimately acquainted with both families. Passionate and driven—on and off the football field—Nate Johnston’s propensity for unfiltered honesty jeopardizes his future, forcing him to entrust that future to the woman who destroyed it seven years ago—his ex, Kendra Williams.
Enjoy your visit to Pleasure Cove. Then, for series news, reader giveaways and more, visit reeseryan.com.
Happy reading,
Reese Ryan
Playing with Temptation
Reese Ryan
www.millsandboon.co.uk
REESE RYAN writes sexy, contemporary romance featuring colorful characters and sinfully sweet romances. She challenges her heroines with family and career drama, reformed bad boys, revealed secrets and the occasional identity crisis, but always rewards them with a well-earned happy ending.
A native of The Land (Cleveland, Ohio), Reese resides in North Carolina, where she carefully treads the line between being a Southerner and a Yankee, despite her insistence on calling soda “pop.” She gauges her progress by the number of “bless your lil’ hearts” she receives each week. She is currently down to two.
Reese is an avid reader with a to-be-read stack that resembles a small skyscraper, and a music lover with a serious thing for brilliant singer/songwriters and an incurable addiction to Broadway soundtracks and film scores. Connect with Reese via Instagram, Facebook or reeseryan.com.
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Dedicated to self-sacrificing single mothers
like my mother and paternal grandmother.
And to devoted fathers like my husband.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to author Michele Summers for driving out to the boonies for an into-the-wee-hours brainstorming session for this story.
Thank you to my good friend and beta reader Lani Bennett for allowing me to bounce ideas off you for this story and others.
To Shannon Criss, Keyla Hernandez and the rest of the Kimani editorial team, thank you for providing insight and feedback that made the story stronger while also allowing me to remain true to my vision.
Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
Introduction
Dear Reader
Title Page
About the Author
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Extract
Copyright
Chapter 1
Nate Johnston entered the private dining room at his favorite seafood restaurant and froze, his expensive Italian loafers rooted to the floor.
The ghost of relationships past.
Kendra didn’t need to turn around for him to recognize the woman he’d once shared his bed with; the mother of his six-year-old son. He sensed her presence—like something warm wiggling beneath his skin—the instant he stepped into the room.
Nate was in the midst of the biggest crisis of his eight-year-long professional football career. Why would his brother invite him to dinner with the woman who shattered his heart seven years ago?
“Glad you’re here, Nate. Have a seat.” His brother Marcus indicated the seat next to Kendra.
Nate narrowed his gaze at his brother and took the seat beside him instead. “You asked me to meet you for dinner to discuss the situation.”
As if Kendra and every other sports network viewer hadn’t seen the grainy cell phone footage of him in a club, after a few drinks, ripping his teammates to shreds following the ass-whipping they’d endured at the hands of their division rivals. A devastating loss that put the brakes on the Memphis Marauders play-off run for the third year in a row.
The video had been edited to make him look like the villain. It didn’t include him detailing how his own mistakes—a dropped pass and a costly fumble—had contributed to the loss.
“That’s why she’s here.” Marcus’s response was terse. As Nate’s sports agent, Marcus’s job had become ten times harder since the tape hit the airwaves that morning.
“Hello, Nate.” Kendra’s apologetic smile indicated she knew something he didn’t.
Nate’s attention was drawn to her expressive face. How did she manage to get more beautiful every time he saw her?
Head full of short, dark curls. Sheen on high blast. Style on point. Body-hugging knit dress in his favorite color on her—Marauders blue. The color perfectly contrasted the expanse of smooth brown skin exposed by the neckline of her dress.
An uneasy feeling crawled up his spine. Nate turned to his brother. “What do you mean that’s why she’s here?”
“It means we’ve got a ton of damage control to do, in addition to negotiating your new contract with the Marauders and trying to renew your two biggest endorsement deals. I can’t handle everything alone. I’ve asked for Kendra’s assistance.”
Marcus had every right to be pissed, and Nate expected a little brotherly payback. But Marcus was a few cans short of a six-pack if he expected him to work with the woman who left him on one knee, ring in hand.
“What’s wrong with the PR firm we’ve been using?”
“They’re great when things are good, but we’re in crisis mode. We need someone tough who’ll get ahead of this thing and change the narrative out there about you.”
“And out of all the possibilities in the free world, you believe the woman who rejected my proposal is the best person for the job?” He slid his gaze to Kendra. Her cheeks glowed beneath her warm, dark skin.
A twinge of guilt settled in his gut. It was a low blow, but so was walking out on him when he asked her to marry him seven years ago. He’d convinced himself he was over it and her. Yet the rejection still stung, especially being relegated to a part-time father.
Nate’s father had tucked him and his six siblings into bed every night. Read them stories, taught them how to fish, fix their bikes and change the brakes on a car. He was still very much part of their lives. Nate had looked forward to being the kind of father who was present in his kids’ lives every day.
Kendra had destroyed his chance of being that kind of dad to Kai.
When she’d responded to his marriage proposal by walking out, she’d left a hole in his chest where his heart had once been. Discovering the pregnancy a few weeks later, then announcing she fully intended to raise the baby on her own, had ripped out his soul and left him in a tailspin.
He still couldn’t forgive her for reducing him to a baby daddy. For being the reason he didn’t get to tuck Kai into bed most nights. Now Marcus wanted to put his future in her hands?
Oh, hell naw.
“I know she’s the best person for the job.” Marcus’s expression was unwavering.
“I understand why you’re still upset.” Kendra’s eyes conveyed the apology he’d already heard too many times. “But this isn’t about our past. It’s about ensuring your future on your terms. I can help you do that because I’m damn good at what I do. But I don’t want to be here if you don’t want me here.”
“Good, then it’s settled. What’s for dinner?” Nate picked up his menu.
Marcus pushed the menu down. “Don’t be a smart-ass, Nate. More importantly, don’t let your ego get in the way of what’s best for your career and your bank account. You’ve dug a king-size hole for yourself, little brother. It’s my job to get you back on solid ground. I can do that, but I need Dray’s help.”
Nate narrowed his gaze at Marcus. Dray? Really? They were suddenly cozy enough that his brother was using the nickname he’d called her when they were together?
He turned his attention to Kendra. Her arms were folded, inadvertently pressing her breasts higher. His heartbeat quickened and his throat suddenly felt dry.
Focus, buddy, and not on those.
He gulped water from his glass, then cleared his throat. “I don’t doubt your ability, Kendra, but given our history, working together is ill-advised. Am I the only one who gets that?”
“It’s an awkward situation,” Kendra acknowledged with a soft sigh, “but you’re Kai’s father. We’ll always have a connection. Whether you believe it or not, Nate, I want what’s best for you. That hasn’t changed.”
Nate swallowed the lump in his throat. “Let’s not pretend this is a charitable arrangement. It’s your chance to make a name for yourself.”
Kendra pursed her lips painted a rich, velvety red reminiscent of a full-bodied glass of vintage port. As proud and stubborn as her mother, the woman was allergic to accepting help. It had taken him nearly a year to convince her to accept child support for Kai.
“This is an opportunity for me, which means I’m invested in your success. When we worked together, informally, you were a media darling.”
Nate tapped his finger on the table. Kendra wasn’t wrong. She’d been a huge help back then. He’d even asked her to help a couple of his college buddies who’d run into trouble.
He sucked in a deep breath. “You’re good, but that isn’t the point.”
“Then what is the point?” She leaned forward, her arms folded, elbows on the table, providing an excellent view of her cleavage.
Nate was beginning to think she was doing it on purpose. Distracting him and trying to get him off his game. He swallowed hard, ignoring the blood emptying from his brain and rushing below his belt.
He glanced over at his smirking brother, who seemed to enjoy watching Kendra take him to task.
“You’re going to make me say it? Fine.” Nate leaned forward, palms pressed to the table. “I prefer to work with someone I know has my back. Someone who’ll ride this out instead of hitting the door the second the road gets hard. I want to work with someone who’ll stand their ground and fight for me.”
Kendra grimaced, as if he’d knocked the wind out of her.
Part of him relished the pain evident in her eyes. It didn’t begin to rival the pain she’d inflicted on him. Yet another part of him couldn’t bear to see the hurt in her chocolate-brown eyes.
“Your feelings are valid.” Marcus spoke after what felt like a full minute of silence. His tone was apologetic, though Nate wasn’t sure if the apology was meant for him or Kendra. “That’s why you two need to hash things out.”
“You’re not hearing me, Marcus. There is nothing for us to hash out.”
Marcus placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “You’re my brother. I’d take a bullet for you. But as your agent, I have to be the voice of reason. Tell you what you need to hear. You screwed up. Royally. At the worst possible time. This is mission-critical. We need Dray. She knows you better than anyone, and she’s a master at crisis management. Besides, she has a vested interest in seeing you succeed. All of our futures are on the line here, Nate. I wouldn’t bring Dray in if I didn’t trust her implicitly.”
Kendra gave Marcus a grateful smile. She sat taller and returned her attention to Nate. “I can do this, Nate. I won’t let you down.”
Nate ignored her plea. He turned to Marcus. “I think we’re pushing the panic button here.”
“Cards on the table, bro?” Marcus motioned for the server to come over. “It was Bat-Signal time the second that video hit the airwaves. The building is on fire. Don’t be too proud to accept the help of a friendly face wearing a cape and toting a fire hose.”
Nate gritted his teeth as Kendra held back a grin, her eyes gleaming. He sat stewing as Marcus explained to the server that he’d be leaving, so she should deliver his meal and the bill to Nate.
He loved his family, but it was a universal truth that older brothers could be asses.
Marcus stood and slipped on his wool coat. He gripped Nate’s shoulder. “You said you’d do whatever it took to make this right. I’m playing that card now. You’re two adults with a common goal. Figure it out.” He shifted his gaze to Kendra. “Walk me out?”
She grabbed her wrap and followed him out.
Damn.
Next time he’d be careful with the promises he made his brother. His only hope was to convince Kendra to walk away.
Again.
Chapter 2
“You seem pleased.” Kendra pulled the wrap tightly around her shoulders to combat the biting winter wind rushing into the lobby as patrons entered and exited. It was an unusual cold spell for North Carolina. “I’m not sure we were in the same room, because Nate isn’t buying this.”
“Not yet, but then you were prepared to turn me down when you arrived. What changed your mind?”
Her cheeks warmed. She agreed to dinner because she’d been intrigued by Marcus’s proposal. It was her chance to finally establish a boutique PR and media coaching firm that catered to high-end talent. But she’d decided to take Nate on as a client the moment she laid eyes on him. Six feet three inches of brown-skin Adonis. Handsome and fit as ever. There was no way she’d admit that to his brother or to anyone.
“Despite what Nate thinks, he needs my help. Besides, I owe him.” She couldn’t erase the pain she’d caused when she’d walked away seven years ago, but she could make things right for him. Allow him to end his career on his terms.
Marcus squeezed her arm. “You don’t owe either of us anything, but I’m glad you’re on board.”
“This isn’t a done deal. I meant what I said. I’m willing to work through Nate resenting my help, but I won’t do this if he’s resistant. If he won’t listen to me, this doesn’t work.”
“Then you’ve got some convincing to do.” Marcus winked, tipped the valet and drove off.
Great. Kendra drew in a deep breath, then strutted back into the restaurant, spine straight and tall. You’ve got this, girl.
Nate didn’t bother standing when she returned. He stared as if he couldn’t believe she had the nerve to sashay her tail back into the private dining room. As if he’d expected her to turn and run.
“You need convincing, so let’s talk. Ask me anything you want. We can discuss the ideas I have so far or the crisis management work I’ve done for high-profile corporate clients.”
The server set their meals on the table. When she left, Nate took a swig of his beer, then set the glass on the table with a thud. “Fine. Let’s talk about what happened between us.”
“Nate...” Her voice wavered for a moment. She cleared her throat and lengthened her spine, holding his gaze. “We’ve talked about this.”
“‘I’m so sorry, Nate, I just can’t do this’ isn’t a discussion, Kendra.” The veins in his neck corded as he repeated her words that night verbatim. “You’ve shut me down anytime I’ve tried to have a real conversation about that night. If you want me to trust you, start by being honest about what happened between us.”
“This isn’t productive.” She shivered beneath his cold stare. “Discussing my proposed PR plan is.”
“If Marcus says you can do the job, I trust his judgment. What I need is to know I can trust you. So for once, be honest with me about why you walked out. Why you waited until I asked you to marry me and you were pregnant with my son to decide I wasn’t the right man for you.”
Her heart clenched at the bitterness that laced his words. It took her back to that night. The night she’d made the biggest mistake of her life.
“I underestimated how difficult it was to be the wife of a pro athlete.”
“I’d been with the Marauders for a year by then. How would your life have been any different?”
“There’s a huge difference between being the live-in girlfriend and being the wife and mother of your children.”
“A marriage license is just a piece of paper, Kendra. Other than having it and my last name, nothing would’ve changed.”
She tipped her chin, determined to keep her emotions in check. “It isn’t a meaningless piece of paper. It’s a lifelong commitment. That means something to me.”
Nate snorted. “If it means so much to you, why’d you turn it down when I offered it?”
“I couldn’t be one of those football wives who doesn’t have a life of her own and pretends not to know what happens on the road.”
His expression morphed from anger to hurt again. “So it was about that girl who let herself into my room in Cleveland. I told you, I didn’t know her, and nothing happened between us. When I discovered her in my room, I called security and they sent her ass packing. End of story. I called you right away and told you about it. I wasn’t trying to hide anything.”
“The sports channels picked up the story. I would’ve heard about it.”
Nate ran a hand through his close-cropped curls and heaved a sigh. “So that’s what you think of me? That the minute I’m out of sight I can’t keep it in my pants? News flash, Kendra, if I’d wanted to be with someone else, I would’ve been. Football groupies have been throwing themselves at me since high school. I didn’t want them. I wanted you. I loved you. You obviously didn’t feel the same.”
“That isn’t true.” The accusation hit her like a bullet to the chest, piercing her heart and severing arteries. Nate was the only man she’d ever loved. She loved him still, but their time was past, and it was all her fault. “I’m a realist. You’re only human. A man can only take so much temptation.”
“If you felt that way, you should’ve come to me. We could’ve worked things out.”
“How, Nate? You weren’t going to leave the team, and I’d never ask you to give up your dream.” She hadn’t meant to stress the word.
Nate shifted in his seat, lowering his gaze. He hadn’t missed the implication. She’d supported his dream, but he hadn’t supported hers. He took another sip of his beer. “I never gave you any reason to doubt me.”
“It was my issue, not yours. I fully own that.”
“Just to be clear, you blew up our relationship, our family, because you thought I might eventually cheat on you?”
“It isn’t as simple as that.” She poked at the flounder she no longer had an appetite for. “My fears are very real, and I have them for good reason. That’s my problem, not yours.”
Nate laughed bitterly. “It sure as hell felt like my problem when you turned down my proposal in a roomful of our family and friends.”
She cringed, remembering the moment he dropped to one knee and presented her with a beautiful, custom diamond engagement ring. The memory of that moment was as vivid now as it was then. Euphoric joy immediately followed by debilitating fear and a panic attack that stole her breath.
Chest heaving and the room spinning, she had only one clear thought—she couldn’t marry Nate.
Until that moment, she’d anticipated the day he’d propose and dreamed of an intimate wedding ceremony on the beach. Then Nate asked her to marry him and the room went black.
Visions of ruthless groupies who’d do anything to get with a ballplayer filled her head. Her own father hadn’t been faithful to her mother. How could she expect Nate to do so with so much temptation?
She’d broken it off, packed her things and made the long drive back to Pleasure Cove. Weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with Kai.
“You didn’t deserve that. I should’ve told you how I’d been feeling, but—”
“You didn’t trust me enough to have an honest discussion then. Give me one reason I should trust you now.” The ache reflected in his dark eyes penetrated her skin more than the bone-chilling air outside had.
Kendra choked back the thickness in her throat. “Because I’m the same girl who cheered you on at every game from peewee to the pros. The one who wouldn’t let you give up on your dream when you weren’t drafted.”
Nate’s expression softened, but he didn’t respond.