Page 48 of Defending her Heart

“Actually, yes.” She swivels in her seat and faces me. “I wanted to thank you for the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever received. Actually, other than the small corsage my prom date gave me my senior year in high school, I’ve never been givenflowers before. They were beautiful. Breathtaking, actually. I didn’t thank you because I wasn’t sure why you sent them.”

“I told you why.”

“They reminded you of me. So you were, what? Bored in a florist shop, got a whiff of a bouquet that smelled like my perfume and said, ‘Hey, I should send those to Kendall’?”

“They smelled like you.”

“How did you know my scent was gardenia?”

“I did a sniff test.” It sounds corny, but it’s true.

Kendall chuckles. “What? Did you seriously smell every flower until you found the one that matched my perfume?”

“Something like that.”

“And the chocolates, and the fruit, and this jersey.” She pulls at the hem. “I wasn’t sure if they were still part of your apology or if...”

“The second.”

“What do you mean?”

“The or if.” I rub the back of my neck and let out a sigh. “I like you, Kendall. I really do, but I don’t have time in my life to...to do things the right way. It’s why I haven’t been with a woman in way too long.”

“Theright waymeans what, exactly?”

“Dinner. Nights out on the town. Dating. My time is limited, and it belongs to Paisley.”

“That’s what I’ve been able to deduce, which is what I’ve been thinking about. I have a proposition for you.”

“Proposition? I’m not at a place where I can negotiate my time or attention.”

“And I’m not at a place where I want to be wined and dined. I was in a long relationship and, well, that’s the last thing I’m looking for.”

If she’s offering no-strings sex, I’m not taking the bait. I’ve been trying to redeem myself after accusing her of sleepingaround. I’m not about to ask her for sexual favors. Unsure where this is going, I keep my mouth shut and let her continue.

“You want privacy. You also have sexual needs, as do I. I’m not looking for a relationship or commitment, but I also don’t want to be one of many. What I’m suggesting is, uh, friends with benefits. After hours, of course. After Paisley is in bed so she doesn’t get confused. Your time is limited, but when the need hits, and if we’re both available, I think we could both please each other. When the time comes where one of us finds someone we’re interested in dating, we let each other know and cut the sexual ties. No hard feelings.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. The fuck? She just offered no strings sex. It’s every guy’s wet dream fantasy. Not that it’s been my fantasy. Have I dreamed of having sex with Kendall? Fuck, yeah. But this...

“You’re a private person and don’t want strangers in your house or anywhere near Paisley. Since I’ve already crossed that line, well, that’s one less thing you have to worry about. I wouldn’t let our sexual relationship interfere with my role as Paisley’s teacher. Ever. I can keep my private life and professional life separate. I’m hoping by the apology gifts, you’ve learned and believe that about me.”

Hell, she makes a valid point. I’m too stunned to reply. Fuck, I want to leap across the center console and start this friends-with-benefits relationship right the fuck now. My dick is rock hard in my pants and is pissed at me for holding him back.

“Exactly how would this work? I send you a booty call text when Paisley goes to bed and you show up and we fuck, then you leave? That doesn’t sound fair to you, Kendall. I’d be taking advantage of you.”

“You’re not taking advantage of me if it's my idea.”

“Why? Why would you do this for me?”

“For you?” She laughs. “I’m currently in the longest dry spell of my life. I’m almost a virgin again.”

“I’m sure I’ve got you beat,” I mumble.

“Doubtful.”

“Wanna bet?” I snuff out a snort.

“Sure. If my dry spell is longer than yours, we go inside and seal the deal.”

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