Page 98 of Reputation (Tempt)
“I’m okay,” I said, hoping to reassure her.
She’d been worried about me—the concern was written across her face. Her mom’s cancer was now in remission, but even minor health concerns still put Kendall on edge.
“What happened?”
I told her what I could, which wasn’t much because we still didn’t know. Hell, the tabloids and bloggers seemed to report with more certainty than my medical team. I’d Googled myself once briefly the other day, and I’d immediately regretted it. It was strange to read theories about myself and my hospital stay. They had some of the most outlandish ideas—everything from plastic surgery to a secret pregnancy. All bullshit, of course.
“And how’s Nate? I’m so glad he could be there with you.”
I nearly laughed because, of course, that’s what had started all of this. But then I remembered how he’d spent the night at my bedside. How he’d argued with the doctor, advocating for me. How concerned he’d been then and since.
“He’s been very…protective.”
“Like, sweet? Or overbearing?”
I gave her a look that said, “What do you think?” And then told her, “He took away my phone.”
She rolled her eyes. “At least he seems to have given it back. And he hasn’t had your car towed.”
“No. He just has his bodyguard drive me everywhere.”
Kendall smiled, dragging a hand through her hair. “Oh lord. These Crawford men…”
We both started laughing.
“But seriously,” she said, resting her elbow on the table, which had the effect of flashing her engagement ring at me. “Can you believe it? We’re going to marry brothers.”
“Yep,” I chirped, popping open my water bottle and taking a large gulp. I might be having fun with Nate now, but we were never going to walk down the aisle together.
“I mean, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re engaged. And to Nate, of all people.” Her expression turned more contemplative. “Though, I guess it does make sense.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked, trying not to give too much away. Trying to play it cool.
“I could always tell there was something there.”
“Yeah.” I laughed. “You mean, like we couldn’t stand each other.”
“No.” She shook her head. “There were definitely…sparks. Electricity.”
I had a feeling she was reading more into the situation than there’d been, but whatever. If that’s what she believed, all the better. It would make our relationship seem more authentic.
“How’s Knox?” I asked, desperate for a change of subject.
After that, we talked about the upcoming MLS SuperDraft and my qualifiers. Kendall said she and Knox were planning to come. Considering the frenzy since the announcement of our engagement, I imagined there’d be increased media attention at the event as well.
Fuck.Just what I didn’t need. More attention when I was already feeling the pressure to compete.
At least my dad had backed off a little the past few days. Either he was too busy enjoying Aspen, or he realized I needed a more gentle hand. But whatever was responsible for it, I was grateful.
“Hang on for a sec,” Kendall said, putting the call on mute briefly before returning her attention to the screen. “Sorry, Emmy. I’ve gotta go. Knox is taking me out for a surprise.”
I smiled. “Have fun.”
“You too. Love you, Em.”
“Love you too,” I said before disconnecting the call. Well, that had gone better and worse than I’d expected.
I caught up on my emails, perusing Brooklyn’s lesson plan for tomorrow and my dad’s workout. I washed my face and climbed into bed, planning to read some of my book. But I could barely keep my eyes open, and I soon fell asleep.