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Diadora’s expression became serious. “I trust you don’t have any of those.”
Kendra’s cheeks flushed. “Of course not. But I don’t want to be cross-examined about that over dinner. How could the public see that as romantic?”
Ivy shrugged. “I’m a genius when it comes to publicity. They saw the fireworks between you two and want more. When you go on this date, you need to be sexed up and sultry. You need to get Faron’s blood boiling and his desire for you off the charts.”
“No way. That’s not happening. I agreed to this dinner, but I’m not turning into a sex kitten, so I get Faron drooling all over me, so you get a few cheap promo shots.”
“My promo shots never look cheap. And it will be great for business,” Ivy said.
“Agreed,” Diadora said. “You will do this.”
Kendra scowled at them both. This was happening. Unless she told Diadora to stick her job, she had to go on another date with Faron and make it look good.
“Excellent. I see we’re all in agreement.” Diadora turned to her port screen. “Let me know how it goes.”
Ivy jerked her head toward the door, and Kendra followed her, anger and resignation running through her as they left the office and walked along the corridor together.
“I can’t believe you set me up like this.”
“Relax, it won’t be that bad,” Ivy said. “If you take that sour look off your face, you might even have a good time.”
“I have a sour look on my face because I’ve been bullied into doing this.”
“Diadora can do a lot worse to you. She’s sending you on an all-expenses paid dinner with a hot guy. You should count yourself lucky.”
“Then you do it.”
Ivy laughed. “Not a chance. This rude, genetics-obsessed hottie is all yours.”
“I’ll do it, but I’m not playing up to the cameras, and I’m not waltzing into the restaurant looking like I’m an easy lay.”
“Fine, you don’t have to. The more I think about it, you need to be yourself. That’s what the audience likes. If you do anything else, it will look fake. Do what you did last time. Charm him, get him talking, and be yourself.”
Kendra huffed out an angry breath. “I can do that.”
“For some bizarre reason, the public laps it up. But make an effort with your hair and make-up.” Ivy waved a hand at Kendra. “I’d send you to a stylist, but we don’t have enough time to deal with this.”
Kendra glowered at Ivy before stomping away. She looked fine. She didn’t need a makeover.
She slowed as she rounded the corner and let out a sigh. It was one dinner, nothing more than that. And there would be no more kissing with Faron. That, she was sure of.
Her lips burned as she recalled their last kiss. How could one kiss affect her so badly? She hadn’t wanted it, yet when their lips had joined, all common sense had left her head. All she’d wanted to do was drown in that kiss. She’d wanted to press herself against that hard, muscular chest and forget everything, other than what she felt in that moment.
Kendra shook her head and grimaced. One dinner date. Nothing more. And no kissing.
***
KENDRA SMOOTHED HER hands down her hair as she walked into the restaurant. She was surprised by the nerves that fluttered in her stomach as she looked around to see if Faron was there.
She had nothing to be nervous about. This wasn’t a real date. This was a publicity stunt. So why had she felt like this since sending the dinner invitation to Faron last night?
When he’d messaged her to let her know he accepted, she’d almost fallen off her seat in surprise. Faron had made it clear he thought she wasn’t suitable company, but he’d still said yes.
A female server approached and smiled. “May I help you?”
“There should be a table reserved for me under the name of Kendra Hilton.”
The server looked at her port screen and nodded. “You’re in our private section this evening. It’s all been arranged. Please follow me. You’re the first to arrive.”
