Conflict of Interest - By Allyson Lindt Page 0,32

shook her head. She wasn’t in the mood to be lectured about being frigid again. As far as she knew, her sister would have left with the knight in shining armor instead of sulking away in defeat. “But I’ll get over it.” She trudged into her bedroom, locked the door behind her, and collapsed on her bed. When had all of this become so tiring?

She was jarred awake by a pounding. She turned her head to the side until her eyes focused on the digital clock by her bed. She’d slept until nine? Her brain throbbed through her eyes, and her entire body felt like lead. Why was it still dark outside? Oh, right, she’d slept for about fifteen minutes. No wonder she felt like crap.

“You all right?” Heavy concern laced Riley’s question.

Kenzie pushed out of bed, wincing as the combs that had held her hair back dug into her scalp. She yanked them out, unlocked the door, and collapsed back onto her mattress with a loud sigh. “Yeah, I’m good.”

Riley took a seat next to her. “Are you sure? You seem high strung lately. Like even more than normal.”

“I don’t need this right now.” Kenzie flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “What do you want?”

“You’re home early and you’re all dressed up. Comb your hair out and let’s go to the bar.”

She realized Riley was wearing a denim skirt that barely covered her ass and a hot pink tank top that matched the new streak in her hair. “I don’t think we’re dressed to go to the same kind of bar. Besides, I thought you were trying to make things better with Archer.”

“Better with Archer. Right.” Riley stood and grabbed her hand, tugging her to her feet. “We’re not going for me, we’re going for you. You look sexy tonight, sis. I’ll be your frumpy wingman. Wingwoman. Whatever. It’ll be fun.”

Kenzie smiled; it did sound like fun. She could meet a guy, ignore his horrid pickup lines, and actually live a little instead of trying and failing. Or at the very least she could hang with her sister and unwind, and if any asshole implied she was a whore, she’d be within her rights to grind her stiletto into his toe and walk away. “All right, I’m in.”

* * * *

Kenzie propped her elbow on the bar and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. She tried to focus on the bottles lining the back wall instead of on Riley, who sat about six seats away, joking and laughing with a man who had bought her at least four drinks in the last hour.

Kenzie didn’t look up when someone took the stool next to her.

“You know,” his voice was warm and deep, with a hint of arrogance, “I don’t normally like women who are taller than me, but the way you wear those heels is just so sexy.”

She hid her wince and turned to face him. This was why she was here after all. He was certainly attractive—close-cut blond hair, pressed shirt, silk tie, and clear green eyes. She gave him a soft smile. “Thank you.”

“What’s your drink of choice tonight?” He nodded at her glass.

“Lime and tonic. I’m the designated driver.”

He winked at her. “You can drive me.”

Scott would have pulled that line off so much better. She hated herself for even thinking it. She needed to give this a chance, right? She was breaking away from the frigid and uptight her. It wouldn’t hurt anyone to have some simple fun with this guy. “You’re horrible.” She giggled and held out her hand. “I’m Kenzie, by the way.”

“Rod.” His grip was strong, almost uncomfortably so, and his palm was cold. “You don’t look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

It was her choice to accept or reject, she wasn’t the aggressor anymore. She could do this. “I’m doing better now.”

He ordered her another drink and himself a rum and Coke, paying for both. “So, Kenzie.” His gaze raked over her. “Gorgeous woman like you buying her own drinks? What gives?”

Her skin felt like it was going to crawl off at the leer. He reminded her too much of Cartee. Where was Scott when she needed him? She banished the thought as soon as it surfaced. “My sister.” She nodded over her shoulder. “Said I needed to unwind.” Damn it, she shouldn’t have said that. She knew what was coming even before he said anything. But maybe she’d be wrong. Please let her be wrong. She didn’t