Page 132 of The Maxwell Brothers

Tyler: I have some ideas.

Of course, Emma would have?—

I did a double take when I noticed the sender’s name. A knot locked in my throat. I felt a bit light-headed. Had I accidentally texted him? Obviously, yes. My thumb was shaky as I pressed the Back button so I could review all conversations.

No, damn it. The texts with Emma were right there. I must have accidentally tapped his name.

Tyler: Shall I share them?

I laughed nervously, sitting lower in my chair.

This can’t be happening.

Kendra: Sorry… I meant to send that to my sister.

Tyler: But you sent it to me.

Tyler: Maybe you should share your thoughts with me, so I have a clear picture.

I prided myself in always finding a sassy comeback, but my mind was blank right now. Well, no, it was full of embarrassment. I was completely out of my depth.

And just when I thought nothing could be worse, Tyler’s name popped up on the screen. He was calling.

I bit the inside of my cheek, considering what on earth to do. I couldn’t ignore the call, that was for sure.

Come on, Kendra. Pull up your big girl panties. You got in this mess all by yourself. Now get out of it.

Taking a deep breath, I answered.

“Kendra!”

“Tyler… hi. Umm, look, I’m sorry about the message. It was meant for my sister.”

“So you said. Lucky me that it landed in my inbox.”

“Lucky?” I asked, feeling totally out of my comfort zone. All I knew was that my pulse sped up again, not because I was nervous but because I was talking tohim.

“I’m attracted to you, Kendra. Very attracted. Your message just fueled my imagination.”

I licked my lips, toeing off my shoes and curling my legs under me as I resituated myself in the chair.

I laughed nervously. “I’m feeling super embarrassed right now.”

“Why?”

“This never happens to me.” And it was really unprofessional. Even though my work and office were informal at best, I still held myself to certain standards.

“I’m honored to be the first.”

I laughed again, feeling maybe 10 percent less nervous. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to put me at ease or flirting, orboth. Of course, there was no way women hadn’t come on to him before—he was a professional hockey player! A celebrity! Something I needed to remember.

“There’s no chance to get you to share those sexy thoughts, huh?” Tyler asked.

“Nope,” I confirmed, feeling a bit of my trusted sass coming back to me. Thank God. I thought I’d lost it for good.

“I can bide my time.”

He spoke in a lower tone, one that sent chills across my skin. I still didn’t have my wits about me, so it was best to end this conversation. It was awkward, and if it lasted any longer, it would just getmoreuncomfortable.