Free Don't Tempt Me by Amity Maree

picture, Craig would turn to her. It didn't once cross her mind that both Craig and his father would believe in Nadine's innocence. The police were called, and Megan was arrested. Warner Values Exemplified would still have to settle with the wronged company, but Frank was elated that his daughter-in-law was cleared.
    "I would like a few moments alone with my daughter," Will announced politely, but in a voice that told everyone he was used to being obeyed. "Would you all mind giving us some privacy to talk?"
    Craig looked to his wife, willing to offer her his protection if she needed it, but she nodded and motioned with her pretty eyes for him to do as her Father requested. "Dad, Jenna, we can go to my office," he said.
    Jenna gave Will a look that spoke volumes, and his response was to raise one eyebrow meaningfully, which meant, "Butt out!" just as clearly as if he spoke the words aloud. She exited the room ahead of the two men, but her consternation was clearly written all over her face.
    "They need to make peace, Jenna," Frank said comfortingly. "Don't worry now; I'm sure Nadine is ready to do some placating and Will is ready to do some forgiving. This moment is long overdue."
    "You're right, Dad," Craig agreed. "I can't help but worry, though. Right now Jenna needs comfort and not scolding."
    "Will is her father, son. Give him a chance to make this right," Frank warned. "He is here, isn't he, and that shows where his heart is."
    "I agree, Dad. It is good of him to come and support Nadine." Craig nodded. "Jenna, when this all started, I asked Nadine if she wanted to call her Father, and she refused. I didn't have a clue who her father was, just that they were estranged. She wouldn't discuss it with me."
    "Will wouldn't discuss it, either. I tried to get him to contact Nadine last Christmas, and he flat out refused."
    "It would seem that our Nadine is much like her father," Frank said with a chuckle.
    "Jenna, thank you for proving my wife innocent. I know you were doing your job, but it was personal for us, and I'm thankful you believed in Nadine and looked further. To tell the truth, Megan Marshall is the last person I would have suspected. I didn't have a clue that she had a romantic interest in me. I certainly never gave her any encouragement along those lines; I didn't even take her to a business lunch!" he insisted.
    "Nadine will believe you, Craig," Frank told his son. "Don't worry about that."
    "She'd better believe me!"
    Frank just chuckled, and then started discussing settlement strategy with Jenna. He felt it best to keep his son's mind on something other than what was going on with his wife and her father.
    In the conference room, Katy Nadine was looking at her parent warily. Her father was a strict and stern man, but usually fair. At the moment she was still trying to get used to the idea that he was actually here, and here to support her. "Daddy, I'm so sorry I was such a horrid brat when Mom died." She made herself speak the words that she needed to say; words that she should have spoken years ago.
    "It was a huge mistake to keep the truth from you, sweetheart, but your Mom didn't want your last year of high school ruined. She was determined to get well, beat the cancer, and she fought so hard. She wanted you to have a wonderful senior year, and she wanted you to go on to college. I did my best to support her decision. Naturally you were shocked by what seemed so sudden."
    "I felt like such a selfish brat when I realized how much she hid her symptoms from me. I was only concerned with myself," she admitted.
    "You were a kid and that is what kids do," Will said with complete understanding. "Your Mom didn't want you to worry about her. She didn't want you to miss out on all the dances, the parties, and everything that was so important to you then."
    "And then I blamed you," she whispered, tears in her eyes.
    "You were hurting, and so was I. I didn't handle it well, sweetheart. I am so sorry for not coming after