Page 69 of Temptation

“Istill can’t believe you got to meet David freaking Beckham,” Emmy said, shaking her head.

She grabbed some bags from the trunk, loading up her arms. She was between nanny placements, so she had some time off. And since Mom had just gone through her sixth—and hopefully final—round of treatment, we’d gone to pick up some groceries for her.

“I know.” I laughed. “I still can’t believe it myself.”

I’d known it was going to be a star-studded event, but to meet David Beckham?No.Not justmeethim but sit next to him at dinner? It was a dream come true.

Knox and I had talked to him and Victoria about soccer and traveling. She’d admired my dress, and I couldn’t believe I’d been able to speak in their presence.

It had almost felt like a real date. Like we were a normal couple, apart from the fact that we were hiding our true relationship from everyone. But that hadn’t stopped Knox from putting his hand on my leg beneath the table. Even Jude’s presence at the event hadn’t prevented our stolen glances and whispered promises.

But it was all so far removed from my normal life, it was laughable. Looking at me today—yoga pants and an oversized tee—no one would’ve guessed where I’d been just a few nights ago. I could scarcely believe it myself, though my diamond earrings and necklace were certainly a good reminder. They were beautiful, if a bit much for everyday wear. At least, for the types of things I tended to do in my daily life.

“Was Becks as hot in person as he looks in pictures?” Emmy asked as we loaded into the elevator.

I shook my head. “Hotter.”

“Oh, I bet Knox loved hearing that.” She cackled.

I’d kept that thought to myself. David Beckham might be hot, but I only wanted Knox.

“Jude was there, right?” she asked.

We arrived at Mom’s floor, and I held the door open with my hip, allowing Emmy to pass by. “Yeah. And his girlfriend, Chrissy.”

At first, I’d been nervous that Jude would be upset Knox had brought me as his date, but Knox had explained that it was good for me to see how the event was run. And Jude had been so busy fawning over all the other celebrities in attendance, he’d barely paid us any attention.

“She totally looks like a clone of you,” Emmy said. “Though obviously, you’re prettier.”

“Andobviously,you’re biased.” I laughed, setting the bags on the kitchen counter. “Not that it’s a competition.”

She pursed her lips, considering. “Maybe not to you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, unloading groceries and sorting them into piles for the pantry or fridge.

“Oh, come on, Kendall. Everything’s a competition with Jude. Always has been.”

I hoped she was wrong. Even though we both knew it was in Jude’s nature to be competitive, Chrissy seemed so sweet. And I got the impression she really cared about Jude.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not with Jude anymore. And Chrissy was really nice.”

“Oh my god. Oh mygod!” My mom’s voice grew louder with each word.

My heart racing, I rushed into her bedroom. “Mom?” She was standing at her dresser, a piece of paper in hand. “Are you okay?”

She’d been doing well since the treatment. And Joe had been a huge support. Even so, Knox had insisted I take the day off. He knew I’d want to be there for my mom, to help with anything she might need. She seemed okay—at least physically—but my heart was still pumping adrenaline through my system.

“Am I okay?” She turned to me with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes. “Kendall—” She held the letter out to me with shaking hands. “Look, sweetheart. A miracle.”

The treatment center logo was at the top of the page. And the letter went on to inform us that my mom’s treatment past and future had been paid in full.

My eyes widened. “What?” I flipped it over. “When did you get this?”

I’d brought the mail in earlier, but I hadn’t had a chance to go through it.

She took it back from me, scanning the contents again as if she couldn’t possibly believe it was true. “I can’t believe Jude did this.”

“Jude?” I jerked my head back.