Read Online Take Three by Karen Kingsbury - Free Book Online Page B

and angry, embarrassed at the implied accusation from Kendall’s father. “We didn’t do anything wrong. We were on the same team, Kendall. We were bound to get close. We were…”
    His words trailed off and Kendall said nothing, only stared at him, deep into his eyes, and the message was beyond clear. He could lie to himself, but he couldn’t lie to her. She must’ve known every time he’d been moved by her, every time he’d found her interesting or alluring. The proof was all over her face.
    Chase studied her, unable to completely process the finality of what was happening. A few minutes ago they’d been celebrating, right? But the whole time Kendall had been harboring her father’s warning, holding back about the fact that this wasn’t only their greatest night as a team—it was their last.
    Suddenly like a tsunami overtaking him, the truth hit. Never mind that he hadn’t acted on his private wanderings. He had unwittingly given Kendall a piece of his heart. In doing so he had gone against God and Kelly and everything he believed in. Even if only in thought. This was God’s answer to the half-hearted prayers he’d uttered off and on through the night. He couldn’t possibly be a filmmaker looking to touch the world with God’s message of hope and redemption if he was having feelings for someone other than his wife. And now the decision about how to handle himself around Kendall had been made for him. His hands suddenly felt uncomfortable on the table and he lowered them to his knees. “How soon?”
    “Monday.” Shame filled her eyes. “I’m sorry, Chase. It wasn’t only you.”
    And like that, the second wave hit. He wasn’t the only one entertaining wrong thoughts. This new truth was both flattering and horrifying at the same time. He couldn’t possibly ask her to stay now. They’d avoided a disaster, but clearly the only option was to split ways. He didn’t say anything, because there was nothing to say. Her admission had said it all.
    She sat a little straighter, more composed than before. “Life is made up of seasons. My dad used to say that.” No smile lifted the corners of her mouth. The sadness in her eyes was all-encompassing. “Maybe some other season I’ll be back.”
    All Chase could think about was Kelly, and how badly he wanted to call her. “It’s late.”
    They took the elevator up, and her floor was before his. As the door opened, she stepped out quickly without a hug or any physical contact. She waved. “Keep in touch.”
    “We will.” He got out the words just as the door shut, and like that he was alone with his raging emotions. Guilt for his earlier thoughts, and shock over the news about Ben Adams. Relief because he no longer had to worry about Kendall.
    But he still had to worry.
    What flaw in his faith and commitment to Kelly had allowed him to take even a few steps down the path of infidelity? He was still buzzing from the shock when he reached his room and flipped on the TV. Entertainment Tonight was showing highlights from the premiere, but the thrill was overshadowed by the obvious impression the images gave off. He and Kendall looked like they were together, and Chase could only admit the obvious.
    He had stood at the brink of disaster, toes over the edge of a cliff from which there would’ve been no return, nothing but certain destruction. The thought hit him like a freight train as he flipped off the television and stared at the darkened screen. There would be other women with every stage of filmmaking, actresses and casting agents and directors. People drawn to the success ofJeremiah Productions. If he could so easily let his feelings get out of hand for Kendall, what about the next woman to come along? Or the one after that?
    He lowered his head to his hands. God, I need Your help. What’s the answer? I don’t care about the fame, but what if I can’t handle the temptations? What if I mess up? He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to picture his wife—his