Heat Flash by Taylor Anne Read Free Book Online

such great parents. “They’re celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks.”
    “I know. Connie sent me an invitation. It’ll be so good to see them again. You know, they were more like parents to me than my own were.” A distant cloud crossed his face.
    “Yeah, I remember.” She recalled the countless nights Mason crashed on their couch, or in Bobby’s room, because his dad was drunk. Mason couldn’t stand to be around his father when he was drinking.
    Kendall did learn that, much like herself, Mason had never married and was not currently in a relationship. Of course, if memory served her correctly, Mason never stayed in any relationship very long. He had a reputation of using women, only to dump them before they could develop serious feelings for him. Or rather, as Kendall always suspected, before he could develop feelings. Even back in school there was always another one waiting on the sidelines. Just about every girl in high school wanted the chance to be Mason Black’s girlfriend. Almost every girl in her high school had that chance. Every girl except one. Kendall.
    Kendall poured more wine and carried the bottle into the living room with them. She sank onto the overstuffed sofa. Mason walked around the coffee table to stand in front of the fireplace where several burning candles gave off a warm glow. He picked up a picture of Kendall, Bobby, and Mandy. A frown touched his face as he studied them before setting the frame back down.
    “I like how you’ve decorated in here.” He looked around with a wistful expression. Slowly he made his way over to the sofa to sit next to her. He rearranged several of the red and sage colored throw pillows before settling in. “It’s classy, but very cozy and inviting.”
    “Thanks. I have to give a lot of the credit to my sister. I gave her my ideas, and she brought it all together. I guess that’s why she’s the interior decorator. She has such a knack for this sort of thing.”
    “Maybe I’ll call her. I’m still living out of boxes. I could use some help decorating and organizing. I could never make a place look and feel as good this. Mandy would definitely earn her money helping me.”
    Kendall turned and caught him staring at her, a reverential expression on his face.
    “So,” she said. “What about this business deal of yours and Bobby’s?”
    “Well, in the beginning, we shouldn’t need a lot of help. But as we grow and take on more clients, we’re going to need someone to give us a hand taking care of the books and money side of things. Bobby and I talked it over and thought that since you were breaking out on your own, like us, maybe we could get together and work out some sort of arrangement.”
    “Hmm.” She tilted her head to the side while she considered the idea. That would mean she would have to work side by side with Mason. Although it had been years since their last encounter, her heart was not ready to deal with him again. But they were adults. Surely she could put her feelings aside for business.
    “Is that a yes, or a no?”
    “I, um, I guess that could work. But you guys would have to remember, I’m the one with the business degree, not you. I need to be totally involved. You’re talking about me handling all of the bookkeeping duties, not just your monthly financials.” Her brother could be overbearing and pushy at times. And she assumed Mason was no different since the two men had so much in common.
    “No problem. I told Bobby you’d agree to help us. He was nervous about asking.”
    “Why?”
    “I think he didn’t want you to feel obligated.”
    “So you thought you’d use your charm, and I wouldn’t be able to say no?” Before he could respond, she cocked her head and shot him a sideways glance. “Might work.” Too late, she couldn’t pull the words back. Damn the wine.
    Mason studied her for several seconds before a smile lit his face. “This really means a lot to both of us. We can iron