Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery [Mallery, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780373773473
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Published: 2009-06-03T20:17:37+00:00

LEXI OPENED THE freezer and poked around at the various containers. “It looks like we’ve got some shrimp. I could make rice.”

“No, thanks,” Kendra said from her place on the counter.

“There are a couple of frozen dinners, or we could have leftovers.”

“Oh, so appealing, but no.”

Lexi closed the freezer and did her best not to stomp her foot. The situation was awkward and the teen wasn’t doing anything to make it better. Worse, Cruz hadn’t mentioned his daughter’s arrival to the housekeeping service so they hadn’t brought in any extra food.

“You have to eat something,” Lexi told her.

Kendra flicked a long curl over her shoulder. “You’re not like the others. You know where the kitchen is and that kids should eat. Interesting. Does my dad know you think and everything?”

Lexi leaned against the counter. She wasn’t going to be baited. Not when she knew the girl had to be hurting because her father had in no way prepared for her visit.

Cruz walked into the kitchen. Kendra looked at him.

“She has a brain. Did you know? You can’t like it very much. None of the others could think for themselves.”

“You might want to hold back on the sarcasm card,” Lexi said. “You’re a little young to be playing it now and it just looks like you’re trying too hard.”

Kendra’s expression tightened. “I don’t have to try at all.” She jumped off the counter, onto the floor. “Look, I can make this easy. I’ll order a pizza. Dad, got a twenty?”

Cruz handed over a couple of bills.

“Great. See you two lovebirds later.” Kendra turned to leave.

“Wait a minute,” Lexi said. “You’re not going off just like that.”

Both Cruz and Kendra looked at her as if she were crazy.

“Why not?” Cruz asked. “She’s fine.”

“She’s a kid. What about homework? What about her plans for the week.”

Kendra rolled her eyes. “I’m okay. Seriously, I can run my own life.”

“You’re only fifteen.”

“Kids are more mature these days. Dad, tell her.”

“She takes care of herself,” Cruz said. “I don’t get in her way and she doesn’t get in mine.”

“That can’t be it,” Lexi said. “She’s still a child. She needs rules and boundaries.” She was sure there was more, but that was all she could think of at the moment.

“I’m so not following any stupid rules,” Kendra snapped. “Who died and left you in charge? You’re just one of many. Like I said before, we don’t even have to bond because you won’t be here next time.”

Kendra had a point. Lexi was temporary, on many levels. But this wasn’t about Lexi.

“This is more than a hotel,” she said. “This is your dad’s house.”

Kendra leaned forward and lowered her voice to a mock whisper. “He’s not my dad. He’s just sperm. I call him Dad because it’s easier for all of us to pretend, but there’s nothing between us. You’re really sweet to worry, but don’t. We’re fine.”

Lexi felt all the pain the teen hid behind her attitude. “Kendra, I know this is hard for you,” she began, only to have Kendra open the fridge, grab a soda and head for the door.

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