Be My Temptation (Temptation #2) by Ruth Cardello Read Free Book Online

me—him—now?
    He opened his messages and read her text:
     
    Mr. Elf, I have a problem, and I need your advice.
     
    Fuck.
     

Chapter Six
     
    “What if he doesn’t answer?” Kate asked from her seat at the island in Angie’s kitchen.
    Angie had her back to Kate while she washed out baby bottles in the sink. “He’ll answer.”
    Kate put the phone down on the counter in front of her and stood. “We haven’t used the phones in over a month. He might have forgotten he even has it.”
    Angie turned, wiping her hands on a towel beside her. “The phone was charged when you found it, right?”
    “Yes.”
    “That means he’s still checking it. What phone do you know that would hold a charge for a month?”
    Kate sighed and sat back down. “None. Mine was dead. I can’t believe I dug it out of the trash—for what? What are we doing, Angie? What do we hope to get out of this?”
    “If you don’t know, then you need to think this through. I thought we were going to have some harmless fun with him. What are you planning?”
    “I don’t know. Part of me wants to throw this phone away for good this time and never talk to either of them again—to pretend none of this happened.”
    “You can do that. It’ll be awkward at first, but denial is a well-populated place. I’ve met many people who live there.”
    “But whenever I think about never seeing Brock again I get really sad. I don’t want to lose him. I want him to fix this. I want to trust him again.”
    “So, this is about getting him to prove himself?”
    Kate met her friend’s eyes. “Yes, I guess that’s what I’m hoping will happen. That and . . . I’d like to make him squirm a little before I tell him I know what he did.”
    Angie smiled. “I like the squirm part. Mike and I came up with some fun ways to do it.”
    “You told Mike? You swore you wouldn’t tell anyone.”
    “It’s just Mike. Plus, oh, my God, thank you. We were laughing like kids last night when I told him your story. It didn’t matter that we were both exhausted—we had the best night together. Talking about what you did with your Mr. Elf gave Mike a few ideas. He said he’s going shopping today after work. Toy shopping. I may have to take you up on that offer to babysit after all. It was wonderful, Kate. Really wonderful.”
    Kate wanted to be upset with her friend, but the sincere gratitude on Angie’s face made that difficult. “I’m glad something good came out of this.”
    “Of course Mike started off saying we should sympathize with Brock. He thinks Brock really loves you. It’s amazing, though, how good sex can sway a man’s loyalty. Mike is totally on our team now.”
    “We have teams?” Kate’s eyes rounded.
    Angie raised both hands as if shaking invisible pom-poms and said, “Go, Team Kate.”
    Kate closed her eyes and covered them with one hand. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this.” Just then the prepaid phone beeped, announcing an incoming message. Kate’s eyes flew open and her mouth rounded with shock.
    Angie rushed over to the counter. “What are you waiting for? Check it.”
    “Do you think he knows that I know?”
    “How would he?”
    “I was upset when I left his office. His sister might have said something.”
    “There’s only one way to find out, Kate. You’re killing me. The twins are going to wake up soon. Check the damn message.”
    Kate picked up the phone and opened the messages folder.
     
    I thought you had made your choice, Kate. Having second thoughts?
     
    Kate held out the phone to show Angie the text. “How do I answer?”
    Angie pursed her lips. “Remember, you’re actually talking to Brock. So, make sure whatever you say is what you want him to hear. He’s listening, Kate. Tell him how you feel.”
     
    Kate texted: Brock said he loves me.
     
    That was soon.
     
    Yes. Too soon. I don’t believe him.
     
    Sounds like something you should discuss with him and not me.
     
    I can’t ask him if he loves me. He’ll simply