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

  “In love,” Shanda said. As they walked away she added, “In a way, they remind me of my parents.”

  Kenneth couldn’t believe that. “I have a hard time believing your parents bet on your life.”

  “No. I don’t mean in that way. I mean the connection between them. You can’t help but notice how much they love each other. It’s so…romantic.”

  Kenneth said, “I thought romance was flowers, gifts, and vacations.”

  Shanda rolled her eyes. “Those are things. Nice and appreciated, but not romantic. The playful banter that easily flows from one to the other is romantic. How they make bets about you, but seem to keep the prize…personal, is romantic.”

  Kenneth laughed. “Billy is stuck doing dishes for a month. That is romantic? Trust me, there is nothing about dirty pots and pans that turns anyone on.”

  Shanda sighed. “But if he washes and she dries, then the time they are working together, is romantic.”

  “So pretty much anything can be considered romantic. I like that. On the way back to your house, we’ll discuss business. You can let me know if that is romantic enough for you,” he said sarcastically.

  “I think I’m going to talk to Krissy,” she said.

  “What for?” he asked.

  Shanda smiled up at him and said, “I think I want in on the bets. From what she said, it seems she knows you pretty well.”

  He laughed. “What have I gotten myself into?”

  “Do you regret bringing me tonight?” she asked.

  He reached down, took her hand in his, and raised it to his lips. “That is the only thing I don’t regret today.”

  The night was still young, and he still questioned why he’d brought her. The connection was building, and his need for her was becoming more difficult to control. He hadn’t even brought her home yet, and he was already anticipating the next time he saw her.

  If I’m not careful, Shanda’s going to haunt more than just my dreams.

  Kenneth was worried that Shanda might not enjoy herself, but as usual, she surprised him. It was as though she owned the room, and seemed to speak to everyone. He was grateful to finally have her back in the car where they could talk quietly, just the two of them.

  “You seemed to enjoy yourself,” he said.

  “I did, very much. Thank you for inviting me. It’s not at all what I thought it would be like,” she responded.

  “Did you make any new contacts?” he asked. Shanda turned and looked out the passenger’s window and he noticed a slight shaking of her head. “Not one?”

  “I…I forgot. There were so many interesting people there, and I was listening to them all talk about themselves, so I forgot to talk about me.”

  Kenneth knew it had nothing to do with her being interested in what they all were saying. The room was filled with some strong personalities, who pretty much all knew each other. They just wanted someone new to brag to. Shanda didn’t strike him as someone who swooned when people boasted about their status. If anything, it seemed to have the opposite effect on her.

  “So why didn’t you talk about Home Blown? It was the perfect opportunity to get your shop some visibility,” he said.

  “I guess as I spoke to them, I didn’t want to have to deal with them again as customers. I don’t mean this to sound rude, but some of them love themselves a bit too much.”

  That’s not exactly how he’d have described them, but she wasn’t far off, either. Kenneth hated going to these events, but unlike Shanda, he utilized his time there to network. Even Billy took advantage of this time.

  “Either way, I’m sure you’re going to be talked about,” Kenneth stated. “You made quite an impression.” Mostly on me. Knowing she didn’t even talk about her business didn’t take away from that. Actually, it probably created more buzz about who she was and in the long run, would be the best move to have made.

  “I wasn’t there to make an impression. I was your date.”

  Was that all? Could they be lovers? He could easily picture bringing her home and rocking her world all night. There was a sexual tension between them that neither denied, but they still hadn’t acted upon. But if he slept with her, the focus on Home Blown would take the back seat. That wouldn’t be fair to Shanda. So it looked like another cold shower tonight. But that didn’t deter him from wanting to see her again.

  “Dinner tomorrow night?” he asked.

  “I thought we had agreed to see each other Sunday?”

  “That hasn’t changed. Picnic and boating. It’s on my calendar,” he stated. Not that he was looking forward to either, but it was her choice.

  He pulled the car up in front of her house and she said, “I’d love to see you tomorrow night, but my sister DeeDee asked me to go with her to talk to my parents. She hasn’t told me what time, so I have to keep my schedule open.”

  “You had mentioned something about that before. She’s lucky to have your support.” In a way, he was glad she wasn’t free.

  “Would you…like to come inside?” she asked softly.

  His abs tensed and he knew if he said yes, he wasn’t going to leave till morning. It was almost painful, but he said, “I have things I need to follow up with from the auction.”

  Shanda appeared just as shocked hearing the words as he was saying them. Every cell in his being wanted to touch, hold, and taste her. If it was someone else, maybe he’d give in. But he worried about what tomorrow would bring for her. She wasn’t a child, and it wasn’t regret that concerned him. She had more important things to think about.

  He knew her smile was forced when she said, “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

  “It was your company that made it enjoyable. Good luck tomorrow at your parents’,” he said. He wasn’t going to walk her to the door. If he did, he’d pull her into his arms and carry her inside. Instead he leaned over and kissed her gently, then said, “I’ll see you Sunday.”

  She looked into his eyes and said, “Good night Kenneth,” her voice almost pleading for the night not to end.

  He watched as she got out of the car, walked up her front porch, unlocked the door, and went inside. There was nothing rushed about her movements. Damn it. He wanted to get out and follow her. His life was about putting himself first. His wants, needs, and his future were all that were important to him. Shanda was the total opposite. Opposites might attract, but that doesn’t mean they are good for each other.

  He started the car and pulled back onto the road. Kenneth was giving Shanda mixed signals, and that wasn’t good. Maybe she thought he was just being a gentleman. If only it were so simple. Normally Kenneth wouldn’t spend so much time with any one person. It risked the woman forming an attachment that he didn’t want. The strange part of it all was, she wasn’t doing the chasing or the asking. Damn. I see why Billy is losing the bets. Shanda had him breaking all his own rules. Rule number one: stay focused. He slammed his fist against the steering wheel in frustration. He’d only met her a week ago, and already she had his gut in a knot. Fuck. I might be the one needing business advice after all this.

  Chapter Six

  Kenneth looked at his older brother Jerry and said, “I didn’t ask your opinion.” He didn’t need Jerry reminding him what kind of woman Shanda was. But it didn’t take long for someone to sum her up and realize she was a gem. It wasn’t her looks, though she was beautiful; something else about Shanda drew people to her. “I’m helping her with her business plan.”

  “And you’re not sleeping with her?” Jerry asked.

  Not because I don’t want to. “We never mix business with pleasure.”

  “I’m not blind. I saw the way you watched her at the auction. Even when you were talking to other people, she had your attention; she had your attention the entire night.”

  “She didn’t know anyone. I wanted to make sure she was enjoying herself,” he said, knowing damn well that there was more to it than that. There had been a few times he had to control his temper when a few of the snakes became too
friendly with her. Before he even had the chance to intervene, she shut it down. And yet I’m the ass who turned her down last night. I must be losing my fucking mind.

  “Mother would be impressed. Dad, on the other hand, would question—”

  He cut it off quick. He knew exactly what his father would think. The last thing he wanted was another lecture about how the Heart family does things. There seemed to be a rule about everything, from school, to business, and the trouble that comes with falling in love. His parents functioned perfectly together. Did they love each other? He wasn’t sure. But at least they respected each other, which was more than what many couples had. “Let’s leave Shanda out of this.” It was a waste of time, because Jerry was only one of the five who had reached out to him. At least his other brothers only left messages, which he chose to ignore.

  Jerry said, “Too bad. It definitely would’ve been an enjoyable dinner conversation.”

  He’d rather be having it with Shanda. “I’m not forcing you to be here,” Kenneth replied.

  “That’s not a good sign,” Jerry said, leaning back, eyeing him. “You like her, don’t you?”

  “She’s a nice person, if that’s what you’re asking.” It was bad enough talking about Shanda, but if Jerry wanted to change the subject, it sure as hell wasn’t going to be to Kenneth’s feelings.

  “Nice? I would’ve described her as smoking hot.” With a chuckle he added, “But that is no way to talk about my brother’s girl.”

  “You know me better than that, Jerry. There is only one thing I’m serious about, and that is work,” he growled.

  “So you wouldn’t care if I asked her out?”

  Fuck you! “She’s not your type.”

  “You’re right. I have a feeling that she’s yours. So if you’re not sleeping…I mean dating her, then what the hell are you doing with her?” Jerry asked.

  “I told you, I’m giving her some pointers to get her business in better shape.”

  “Commendable. Not your style, but still commendable,” Jerry said. “Since when do you coach others?”

  “Billy Brown asked me to.” More like tricked him into it, and Kenneth was still pondering how to get even for that. It was going to come when Billy least expected it to.

  “Doesn’t sound like him either.”

  “He’s changed since marrying Krissy. Lost some of his…drive,” Kenneth said. “His business is still intact at the moment, but it hasn’t grown since he said ‘I do.’ I’m not even sure he’s realized what is happening yet.”

  “I’m sure being the friend you are, you’ll mention it to him,” Jerry stated.

  Kenneth grumbled. “Oh don’t worry, I have. He’s too far gone. The last time we went to lunch he said Krissy is already talking about children.” Jerry didn’t seem as surprised as Kenneth had been.

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “Mother?” Kenneth asked. Jerry nodded. “Damn. Tell me she hasn’t…”

  “She has,” he cut in. “Why do you think all your brothers tried calling you today? Mother called seeing if we knew anything that she didn’t.”

  “I hope you had my back on this.”

  Jerry laughed. “I’m too smart to get in the middle of this. However, I do know you’ll be getting an invitation for lunch on Sunday. If I were you, I’d come up with some business trip, maybe on the other side of the world.”

  Kenneth said, “We’re talking about Mother. That wouldn’t stop her. Hell, she’d probably want to travel with me so we’d be trapped in the jet together.” And I’d be tempted to jump. “I can’t make it Sunday.”

  “Shanda?” Jerry asked. Kenneth nodded. “To discuss business?” he asked sarcastically.

  “When did you become such an ass?”

  “I’ve always been one. I was wondering when you stopped,” Jerry joked.

  “It’s going to take a lot more than a beautiful woman to change me, Jerry.”

  “You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to be changed. And you might really want to reconsider seeing Shanda Sunday if you truly aren’t interested in her. From what Mother has said about her, she is nothing like those who normally marry into the Heart family.”

  Kenneth understood what that meant. The women the Heart men married had strong business minds and were financially stable. Shanda was neither of these things. Even her family, from what Shanda had told him, wasn’t driven by success. She was happy living in her small town, with a country lifestyle. Kenneth didn’t need a yard, or green trees around. The sound of the city excited him. It meant opportunity. A lazy day sitting on a porch wouldn’t accomplish a damn thing.

  “Then I guess you know why this isn’t going anywhere,” Kenneth informed Jerry.

  “Time will tell. For now, I’m going to leave you to drink alone. I have a prior engagement, one that doesn’t come with any strings, just a hell of a lot of…fun.” Jerry got up and tossed a twenty on the bar. “I’m sure Shanda would appreciate your company tonight.”

  Jerry left him sitting there alone, and Kenneth was tempted to text Shanda. She hadn’t said what time she was going to her parents’. From the sound of it, she didn’t want to be there either. Maybe she was looking for an excuse to bail. If it weren’t for Jerry reminding him how wrong she was for him, Kenneth probably would’ve called her. Instead, he downed his beer and matched Jerry’s twenty lying on the bar.

  He was going to take his own advice, and spend his night making money. Let the others all fuck off. More opportunity for me.

  When he opened the car door and got inside, a lone strand of blond hair landed on the dash in front of him. What the fuck?

  He pulled out his cell and scrolled down to her number.

  HOW DID IT GO WITH YOUR SISTER?

  Kenneth wished he could retract it immediately after sending it. But she responded.

  ON MY WAY NOW. WILL CALL YOU WHEN I LEAVE. WISH US LUCK.

  That sucked. Never did he think he’d be the one waiting next to a fucking phone hoping some girl would call. It was like she’d cast a spell on him. One that only having her might break. Just better not break me in the process.

  Shanda hadn’t expected to hear from Kenneth. It was thoughtful of him to check on her, and if there would’ve been more time, she’d have told him that. But she wasn’t one who liked to text. It felt so…impersonal. She liked sitting down, having some ice cold sweet raspberry tea and talking face to face. Since he didn’t live next door, it wasn’t like she could call him after visiting with her parents and ask him over. Talk about it sounding like a proposition. Want to come over and chill? She might as well just ask him to spend the night.

  She pulled into her parents’ driveway with DeeDee and Larry right behind her. Shanda’s cheeks were flush, and it had nothing to do with what was about to go down. DeeDee walked over to her window and she rolled it down.

  “Getting out?” she asked.

  Shanda nodded. “I just want to send a quick text.”

  “Kenneth?” she asked. Shanda nodded. “Okay, I promise we won’t drag this out so you can go and have some…fun.”

  Shanda said, “I’m not leaving you to face the firing squad all alone.”

  DeeDee put her arm around Larry. “Funny thing is, I won’t be. Larry is right here.”

  “Then why do you need me?” she asked.

  “Because you’re my sister and she’ll expect you to be here. Besides…” she lowered her voice, “you told me to do this.”

  She couldn’t argue with that. “Figures, you take my advice when it is convenient for you.”

  “You know me, I’m an opportunist. Now make it quick, before Mom comes out looking for us. By the way, I didn’t tell her we were coming.”

  Shanda knew right away that was a bad plan. Mom was the sweetest woman alive, but didn’t like surprises. Even for her fiftieth birthday their mom had threatened them that they would pay with their hides if her daughters threw her a surprise party.

  “You’re not helping yourself by doing i
t this way. Maybe we have time to drive away and come back another day?” Just not Sunday. But if DeeDee asked her to, she’d tell Kenneth she couldn’t see him. Her sister was important, and if someone needed her, she hated to let them down.

  “Too late. Mom is already looking out the window. Hurry up, and talk to Kenneth. We won’t be able to stall her for long,” DeeDee said before heading to the house.

  Shanda quickly sent him a text. HOW ABOUT NINE?

  SURE. I’LL HAVE MY PHONE.

  That wasn’t what she meant. I MEANT COME OVER. I’M SURE I WILL NEED A DISTRACTION AFTER THIS.

  There was a brief delay in his response but finally he texted, I’LL BE THERE AT NINE.

  Somehow knowing that she was going to see him tonight made everything better. It made absolutely no sense at all, but nothing about Kenneth did. As she got out of the car and headed to the house, she stopped dead in her tracks. I called him a distraction? What the hell was I thinking? That sounded so cheap and pathetic. Like a bar pick-up line.

  One last text should clarify things. IT’LL BE A GREAT NIGHT TO SEE WHAT YOU CAN TEACH ME.

  Then she slipped her phone back in her pocket and headed inside. She didn’t want DeeDee to panic and think she had changed her mind.

  Once inside, the feel of the room changed quickly. Her mom said, “Okay, let’s hear it. I know when my girls have something they need to say but don’t want to.”

  Shanda went over and sat on the other side of DeeDee. Larry was holding DeeDee’s hand, which seemed to be trembling. She wasn’t sure DeeDee was going to be able to go through with it. She looked at DeeDee and gave her the eye, as though asking if she should say it instead.

  DeeDee shook her head and said, “Mom, Dad, Larry and I have something we want to tell you.”

  “Are you pregnant?” her father asked gruffly.

  “No,” she answered. “It’s about the wedding.”

  “Did you change your mind?” he asked.

  DeeDee looked at Larry, then back to her parents. “Kind of. We don’t want a wedding or reception.”

  “And why the hell not?” her father barked.