Page 3 of Twice as Tempting

Chapter 2

As Kelly sat in the rocking chair with baby Ava cradled in her arms fast asleep, she relayed her latest man drama to Emma. It was a Monday afternoon, and Kelly had left the new employee, Jill, alone at the bookstore, so she could pop in on her best friend.

Emma had listened intently and nodded along, and now Kelly waited for her to speak.

“You know I love you, right?” Emma began.

“Yes.”

“And you know I’m usually on your side when it comes to men.”

“Yes.” This isn’t sounding good, Kelly thought.

“But this time, I have to side with Damian, and it’s not because he’s about to become my brother-in-law.”

Kelly scowled. “So, you don’t think he’s to blame at all?”

“I think it would have been nice if he would have called you, but it’s not like you two were in a committed relationship, Kell. You said yourself you were just in it for fun, remember?”

Ava squirmed in Kelly’s arms, and she glanced down at the sweet baby girl, who fell instantly back asleep. “I might have said that, but after what we shared, I thought he would at least call.”

Emma sighed. “Why don’t you try talking to him again? Calmly this time. My wedding is only a few months away, and I don’t want my maid of honor and the best man at each other’s throats!”

“So, you think that Damian and I should try to be friends?” Kelly gave Emma a look of disbelief. “We didn’t start out like you and Zack, Em. We went from zero to one hundred in thirty seconds!”

Emma smiled and rolled her eyes. “I know, and I tried to warn you. But you could at least try to be pleasant toward him, for me and for Zack.”

Ava let out a little cry, and Kelly quickly stood up and transferred her into Emma’s waiting arms.

“Is it time for her to eat or something?” Kelly asked nervously. She loved holding her “honorary niece,” but she wasn’t too keen on the crying.

“She might have gas,” Emma said.

“Geez, look at the time! I should probably get back to work. Don’t want to leave Jill alone for too long.”

“How’s she working out?” Emma asked as she positioned Ava on her shoulder and patted her back.

Emma was the owner of A New Chapter, the bookstore where Kelly worked as the marketing guru and second in command. A few weeks before Emma was due to have her baby, she had hired Jill, one of their best customers, to pitch in while she was on maternity leave. They had another employee, Brett, who worked part time around his college schedule.

“She’s doing great. Don’t worry. Everything’s under control.”

Emma visibly relaxed. “Thanks, Kell. I really appreciate your help, and you know I’ll be back as soon as I feel up to it.”

If Kelly knew her friend, it probably wouldn’t be long. The bookstore was Emma’s pride and joy, although now she had an actual baby with that distinction.

Emma walked her to the door. “Promise me that the next time you see Damian, you’ll try to be pleasant. Please,” Emma added.

“I promise,” Kelly replied, but inwardly she thought, I hope it won’t be anytime soon.

Later that afternoon, Kelly was teaching Jill how to close out the register when the door chimed and in fluttered Alex, Damian and Zack’s mom.

Whenever she thought of Alex, two words came to mind: flamboyant and gregarious. Quite the opposite of Damian, Kelly thought while she gave Alex a warm, welcoming smile. Kelly had met Damian’s family through Emma, and she would probably have continued contact with them now that Zack and Emma were getting married. Kelly was happy to see Alex, and she stepped out from behind the counter to give her a hug.

Kelly was instantly enveloped in Alex’s enthusiastic embrace, and the sweet familiar smell of her perfume tickled Kelly’s nose.

“What brings you here?” Kelly asked. It couldn’t have been the books, because Alex often proclaimed herself to be “too busy to sit down and read.” That left…oh no…a party?

“Well, dear, I’m just so excited to have Damian back that I’m planning a little get-together for him, and of course, I wanted to invite you.”