Don't Break (The Reluctant Heart Book 1) Read online

  Definitely not because of some woman.

  Yet despite his feelings, Kenneth had lost almost an entire day lingering around Shanda’s shop. It had nothing to do with her product. It was nice and he was sure people would purchase such items, but they weren’t going to turn much of a profit. Home Blown was small and for the most part, hidden away. You need foot traffic in a place like Home Blown, and she didn’t have any of that.

  He didn’t need to look at her financial books to know the shop was in trouble. No customers had come in while he was there, and her phone hadn’t rung once. Neither was a good sign.

  Kenneth had to bite back giving her advice several times. She required more than a few helpful tips. Shanda might be the artist, but Home Blown needed a manager. Hell, it needed a new name. It sounded almost as erotic as her initial sales pitch, and that hadn’t worked on him either.

  That wasn’t totally true. He hadn’t wanted to purchase anything, but damn, there was a part of him that was very interested in something she had to offer. Once again, he found that odd, as Kenneth preferred dark-haired women. The words flowing from those beautiful lips of hers might have amplified his attraction to her. Hell, he’d have sworn she was offering him seven minutes in heaven. Any man who didn’t have a strong physical reaction to an offer from someone as stunning as Shanda, didn’t have a pulse.

  Even now thinking about her, his cock twitched.

  Blowing technique.

  Maybe that was her standard line. That would explain why Billy had sent him there. There was only one way to find out. He dialed Billy’s number. Without even giving Billy a chance to speak, he blasted him. “What the fuck was that about?”

  “I’ll need more information before I answer,” Billy responded calmly.

  “You sent me to Home Blown for what reason?” he asked. Damn, I hate the name of the shop.

  Billy chuckled. “Great. You made it.”

  He growled, “To the middle of nowhere.”

  “It’s a nice country drive. I do it with Krissy all the time. Did you stop at the ice cream shop up the street? They make all the—” Kenneth let out a growl and Billy chuckled. “I’m sure you don’t want to hear about that,” Billy said.

  You’re right. “You were wrong about sending me there.” He really shouldn’t put all the blame on Billy. Usually Kenneth does all his own research first. He would’ve thought he could trust Billy’s judgment better than this.

  “Didn’t find what you were looking for?”

  “First of all, I don’t need your help to do my job.” Because you suck at it. “And since you thought I’d be interested in fancy blown-glass shit, that just proves you have no idea what I do,” Kenneth stated firmly.

  “Krissy loved the shop. We have one of the vases on our dining room table right now.”

  Figures. “Please tell me you didn’t send me there so I could decorate my home.”

  “Hell no!”

  “Good,” Kenneth said. “Give me some ancient artifact or some rare collectable and I’ll find a way to triple the return on it easily. But all that glass stuff won’t make me money, and you know it,” Kenneth snapped.

  “Oh, I know what money means to you,” Billy said snidely.

  Many people would take offense at such a comment. Not Kenneth. He saw nothing wrong with wanting financial stability. “I remember you felt the same way not too long ago.”

  “I know.”

  He’d expected Billy to go on about how Krissy had opened his eyes to what was really important in life, and how he was missing out by not being settled down or married. Nothing Billy said was going to change how Kenneth felt. He enjoyed the company of a woman, but without attachment.

  “If you know all this, why the fuck did you send me?” he asked.

  “You did meet her, right?” Billy asked.

  Oh yes, I did. “She was…intriguing, but shouldn’t own a business.”

  “Intriguing? That’s all you have to say?” Billy asked, as though shocked.

  “She also has no clue how to run a business. Is that what you wanted to hear?” He knew it wasn’t, but Kenneth always said the truth.

  “Not exactly, but since you brought it up, what are you going to do about it?”

  Kenneth chuckled. “I’m doing it now.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Driving back to Boston to do some real work,” he replied. Not what he’d like to be doing tonight. Shanda’s innocent offer still haunted his thoughts. Kenneth wasn’t going to get anything productive done. Maybe after a glass of bourbon.

  “You’re telling me that you know she is in trouble and you’re not going to help her?” Billy asked.

  “I’m not in the saving business Billy,” Kenneth said firmly. “Besides, what do I know about glass blowing?” Unfortunately, more than I care to now.

  “I’m sure she’d be happy to teach you,” Billy said.

  There was something he was missing. It was out of character for Billy to push like this. “What’s really going on Billy? Do you…like her or something?”

  “Hell no! I’m married, remember?”

  “From the sounds of it, I wasn’t sure if you did.”

  “Trust me. There is no other woman for me besides Krissy,” Billy responded in a serious tone.

  “So why are you so interested in Home Blown then?”

  “You said it yourself. Her shop is in serious trouble and—”

  “You thought I would help her?” Kenneth interjected.

  Once again, Billy laughed. “Hell no. That’s not your style. But somehow, my wife thought you would. She said you’re not the…hard-ass you pretend to be.”

  This time it was Kenneth who laughed. “Hope you told her how wrong she was.”

  “I tried. She won’t believe me. Actually, she was the one who suggested I send you to Home Blown. Krissy and Shanda really hit it off.”

  If Kenneth wasn’t pissed before, he was now. “Are you telling me you sent me out there because your wife feels bad for Shanda? What the fuck, Billy? I don’t have time for this type of bullshit.”

  “I know.”

  “So why did you go along with it?” He really wanted to hear what lame excuse Billy was going to have this time.

  “I made the mistake of telling Krissy if anyone could save Home Blown it would be you. She said I was overly confident in your abilities. And she bet me that I was wrong. It was a very…enticing bet, if you know what I mean,” Billy said.

  Oh, enticing. Instantly he thought of Shanda. Usually he could walk away and not give a woman a second thought. Why wasn’t that the case with her? It was all the more reason not to give in to the challenge and help her. He knew it would be more complicated than it was worth.

  “Sorry to inform you, but you lost the bet.”

  “Damn it. Sure you don’t want to reconsider as a favor to me?” he pleaded.

  “You couldn’t even pay me to do it,” Kenneth stated. He wanted nothing more to do with Home Blown or Shanda. “And do me a favor. Tell that wife of yours to find a different hobby. I don’t mix business with pleasure,” he warned. And for Kenneth, today was neither.

  “I’ll pass it along, but when she gets something in her mind, she doesn’t give up. Hell, that’s how I got married.” He heard Billy sigh. “I guess I’ll be washing dishes for a month. Thanks Kenneth. I owe you one,” Billy said as he ended the call.

  He had a strange feeling that this wasn’t over. Krissy was outspoken and had no problem saying what she felt. He just wished she’d have spoken to him, instead of manipulating the situation and sending him to Hope Valley for nothing.

  Kenneth knew he could help Home Blown, but why should he? Did Shanda ask for his help? No. Did she in any way hint that she wanted it? Not in so many words. But it was obvious from watching her that it felt…unnatural for her to sell. If a customer picked up on that, they either would be turned off and leave, or take advantage and score a deal in their favor, not hers.

  It would’ve been s
o easy for Kenneth to give her some quick advice, but that wasn’t going to solve her problems. She needed a coach and that wasn’t going to be him. Not only would it take time away from what he needed to concentrate on, but she would be a bigger distraction than it was worth.

  Every time Shanda spoke about a piece she created, the way she said ‘blew’ or ‘blown’ drove him crazy. Her perfect lips puckered, almost mimicking the action, and his cock had a reaction of its own. Damn, it was literally frustrating being there, but he had to admit, it was a nice change of pace from his normal business routine. It almost makes this frustration worth it.

  As he stopped at a red light, he saw a long-haired blonde woman walking in his direction. She was the same height, and looked very similar to Shanda, yet…no attraction to her at all. Shanda was probably as unique as the art she created. And his gut said she was equally as fragile, too. He liked casual affairs with no strings, no attachments. Their needs were different, very different.

  Sorry Shanda, but you’re going to have to find someone else to help you with what you need. Kenneth had his own needs to deal with tonight, and it had nothing to do with business. Blow. Damn it. There was no way he could see her again and not think about it. Something to think about tonight.

  Chapter Two

  “Thank you for calling Home Blown, how may I help you?” Shanda asked.

  “Hi. Is this Shanda?”

  “It is. Can I help you?” she asked.

  “Yes. This is Krissy. I’m not sure if you remember me. I was there with my husband Billy a few weeks ago.”

  There was no way she could forget Krissy. Not only did Krissy have a thick Boston accent, but Shanda found Krissy so down to earth and easy to talk to. It was the first time that a sale didn’t feel like work and felt more like helping a friend find what they were looking for. Shanda wished more customers like Krissy came into the shop. Maybe if they did, her business wouldn’t be in the red.

  Although Krissy had said she’d be back, Shanda hadn’t allowed herself to believe it. ‘I’ll be back’ was a line she’d heard from everyone. Not from him. He didn’t say it. She sighed. It was ridiculous to even give him another thought. She knew she’d never see him again. And somehow, deep inside, she knew that was for the best. The last thing she needed was to get caught up in some whirlwind of a romance with someone so…serious. That’s not who she was. She liked to laugh and enjoy life. The only thing stressing her right now was Home Blown.

  Stop thinking about him. She needed to concentrate on what she had control over. Right now, that was the customer on the phone.

  “Of course I remember you. Are you still in love with the blue and white vase you purchased?” Shanda inquired. Krissy’s tone seemed as though she was, yet Shanda needed confirmation.

  “I love it. It looks fantastic on my dining room table, but it seems to be lacking something,” she replied.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. If you’d like, maybe I can make you something you’d prefer better.”

  Krissy laughed. “I said I love it. I wouldn’t want to change it at all. But it’s the only item of its kind in my home. I was hoping to find something that might fit with it and my other décor.

  Shanda let out a breath she hadn’t even noticed she’d been holding. Thank God. A rave review is exactly what Home Blown needed. More like a bunch of good reviews, but I’ll take what I can get.

  “I’d love to create something special for you. What type of piece are you looking for?” she asked.

  “Ah. There is the problem. I have no idea what I want. What are you doing tonight?” Krissy asked.

  Same as last night. Nothing. “Did you want to come to the shop? I’d be happy to stay open late for you,” she offered.

  “Oh, God no. That would be too much of an imposition. I was thinking that maybe you could come over, and maybe during dinner something brilliant would come to mind. Yours, not mine. I don’t have the talent you do,” Krissy stated.

  Talent. It felt wonderful to hear someone sing her praises. But she didn’t feel comfortable eating at their home. “Maybe I could just stop by and look at the area. That probably would be enough for me to capture the feel of your place.”

  “Oh. If you don’t want to stay, I understand. It’s just that I found our conversation so interesting last time; it’d be nice and relaxing to continue over dinner.”

  Shanda didn’t want Krissy to think she didn’t appreciate the offer. “Oh I’d love that. I just didn’t want to bore you and…” She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten her husband’s name.

  “Billy.”

  Billy? “Billy Brown?”

  “Yes. That’s our last name,” Krissy replied.

  “I think a friend of yours stopped in the shop yesterday,” Shanda said. I just wish I’d made as good of an impression on him as I did on you.

  “Kenneth is actually old friends with Billy. Those two can be a riot when they get together,” she said.

  Kenneth hadn’t struck her as a humorous guy. “Thank you for your referral.”

  “I hope he bought something nice,” Krissy said. Shanda didn’t answer and Krissy said, “Please tell me he didn’t walk out empty handed.”

  “No one ever does.” They leave with a history lesson on blowing glass.

  “Oh good, because I would give him a piece of my mind if he had,” Krissy said firmly. “So, can we expect you for dinner tonight?”

  “Yes, I’d love to. Can I bring anything?” she asked.

  “Your creativity will be enough. How about seven?”

  “That’s great. I close at five.” It was more than an hour drive, and that was if there wasn’t any traffic. Shanda was going to need to close the shop early if she wanted to shower and get ready. The last thing she wanted was to show up late.

  Krissy gave her the address and then said, “Can’t wait. This is going to be so much fun.”

  She wasn’t sure how much fun it would be, but it was definitely a different way to sell her art. “Yes, it will be. See you at seven.”

  Shanda had plenty of time to kill before she had to leave. It was a gorgeous day out, which meant people were going to want to do outdoor activities. That sucked for her since she was trapped inside. She was probably the only person who prayed for rainy weekends.

  Her cell phone chimed with a text message. Brianna was keeping her word and had started sending her dozens of pictures of prom dresses. Each time Shanda said she liked one, Brianna responded with an excuse why she wasn’t getting it. Shanda rolled her eyes and gave up. It was better not to have an opinion, otherwise Brianna might never find a dress. She didn’t want to be blamed if Brianna ended up wearing the one from last year.

  At least Brianna’s messages were a distraction so she didn’t spend her entire afternoon worrying about what to wear tonight. Shanda had already Googled Krissy’s address and Weston, Massachusetts was a very affluent area. She even dreaded having to pull up in her Dodge minivan that she used for deliveries. She even pondered if she should park her vehicle a few blocks away and have a taxi drop her off. Thoughts like that were ridiculous. Krissy had invited her because she liked her work. What better advertising than to park her minivan in front with the logo proudly displayed? I might even get another customer out of it if I’m lucky.

  But luck had been in short supply at Home Blown lately. Yet she made up for it with positive thinking and drive. Her granddad had believed in her, and that should be enough for her to believe in herself. Tonight was an opportunity, and she had every intention of impressing the Browns.

  She was just about to ignore the last text message when she noticed it was Krissy.

  DRESS CASUAL. NICE NIGHT FOR A BARBEQUE.

  That sounded so much more relaxed to Shanda. This wasn’t supposed to be a get-together with friends. Krissy had called with a business proposition that just happened to include dinner. She was only willing to get so relaxed. I’ll feel better when tonight is over.

  LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. She wished that
were true.

  Kenneth walked around to the back of the house and said, “Don’t tell me Billy is doing the cooking, because if he is, I’m not eating.”

  Billy grumbled. “Did you forget who the grill master was back in college?”

  “Anything tastes good after enough beer,” Kenneth said. That was truer than either of them wanted to admit. Kenneth’s parents were strict, and he’d had more than a few rebellious years. Those were all in the past. He was thirty and a responsible adult. If Billy whipped out beer pong or a keg, Kenneth was leaving.

  “For the record, Billy has become an exceptional cook,” Krissy said as she wrapped an arm around her husband’s waist and Billy pulled her closer for a kiss.

  Ignoring her comment, Kenneth looked around hoping that he wasn’t the only one there. The last thing he wanted was to spend the night watching those two love birds get all mushy. “I thought you said you were having a party.”

  Krissy turned to him and said, “We are. If I’m right, another guest has arrived. Why don’t you get the door Kenneth, and I’ll help Billy finish carrying everything outside?”

  It wasn’t like anyone had greeted him when he arrived, but what the hell, he could play doorman if it meant not watching them all night. He made his way through the house and opened the door. “What are you doing here?” he asked as Shanda stood there, mouth gaped open.

  “I…I was invited. Is this…this the Browns’ home?” she asked.

  He nodded. And they failed to tell me you were coming. He thought he’d made it clear he didn’t want them involved in his business life. Maybe he should’ve added ‘personal life’ to that list. “I apologize if I sounded—”

  “Rude?” she blurted.

  He smirked, “I was going to say surprised, but rude also applies. Krissy and Billy are out back.” Kenneth held the door open, letting her enter. She seemed hesitant so he added, “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”

  As she passed him, he heard her mutter, “I do.”