Beautifully Broken Control

by Catherine Cowles

  Kelly’s head snapped up, her smile from earlier back in place. “I’ve got the perfect place. I just sent the address to your phone. It’s currently vacant, so we can view it now.”

  I tilted my head to show my assent but said nothing, simply headed back to my SUV. My GPS led me back towards town, but instead of heading through it, the navigation system sent me skirting around and towards the body of water Sutter Lake had been named for. My jaw tightened again. This woman had better not be showing me a house on a lake that would be full of people during the summer.

  Instead of leading me towards Sutter Lake, my GPS sent me skirting around again. I paused as I got to a large, well-designed gate, the sign overhead reading: Termonn. There was a code box to the side. My phone beeped.

  Kelly: The code is #3975.

  I lowered the window and punched the keys. The gate swung open. This was better. I would easily be able to update that system with additional security. Gravel crunched under my tires as I inhaled more pine air. Trees lined the drive, creating a tunnel-like effect. It was beautiful.

  The house was a ways back from the gate, which would give me more time to prepare if someone breached the entrance. As I rounded a curve, the sight of the house stole my breath for a moment. It was the perfect mix of stone, glass, and wood. And all of that glass meant unobstructed views from just about every room in the house.

  I pulled to a stop, shutting off my SUV and hopping out. I’d rounded the side of the house before I heard Kelly’s door shut. The home sat on a lake, but as I scanned the shoreline, I saw only a single dock. This body of water wasn’t as large as Sutter, but it was substantial.

  “This is Termonn Lake. The property includes the waterfront and the surrounding two hundred acres. It has eight bedrooms…”

  Kelly continued to talk, but I zoned out, merely staring at the lake. It was quiet here, so very still, only the call of some birds overhead, and the leaves rustling in the wind. The land surrounding the house and the lake was all forest, requiring no maintenance on my part. It was perfect. “I’ll take it.”

  Kelly was still speaking, but her words stuttered at my declaration. “You haven’t even seen the inside.”

  I stayed focused on the lake, thoughts of how much Kiara had loved swimming filling my mind. She would’ve loved this house. I gave my head a little shake to clear it. “You can show me, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll take it.”

  “You don’t even know how much it costs.”

  I turned to Kelly. “How much?”

  She looked down at her tablet. “Eight million.”

  I scanned the house, the deck, the drive. “Eight bedrooms and nine baths?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  My gaze returned to Kelly. “Offer seven point two. Cash.”

  She grinned. “You know this market.”

  I simply gave a single nod. I wasn’t an idiot. Just because I had money didn’t mean I wanted to waste it. I’d researched the properties around central Oregon, and I knew what was a worthwhile investment and what wasn’t.

  Kelly took a step closer, that smile of hers turning just a bit sultry. “I’ll make the offer today, but I’m almost positive they’ll take it. The property has been on the market for almost a year.” She got even closer, not touching me but barely a breath away. “Tomorrow, we should go out and celebrate. I’ll show you the town.”

  I stepped to the side, creating some distance between us but gave her a grin to soothe the sting of my rejection. “That’s a real tempting offer, but I’ve got plans.”

  She arched a brow. “Another night, then?”

  “I just might take you up on that.” I searched for a flicker of interest but came up empty. My jaw tightened. I couldn’t put my finger on why, but I just couldn’t get excited about burning up the sheets with Kelly. She was gorgeous, but I felt nothing. I gave my head a quick shake. The why didn’t matter.

  I held out a hand towards the deck. “Why don’t you show me my new house?”

  5

  Kennedy

  “Kennedy, I’m so glad you could come.” Jensen’s mom, Sarah, wrapped me in a warm hug.

  Every time she did this, tears stung the backs of my eyes, and my throat began to burn. She was easy with her affection. Warm and welcoming. So very different from my mother. It was strange how a person could long for something they never had. “Thank you for inviting me.”

  She ushered me further through the large but warm ranch house. The men were gathered in a living area that was open to the kitchen and dining room, all of them clustered on couches, laughing and ribbing one another. Jensen’s grandmother, Irma, and Taylor were in their usual spots, sipping wine at the bar in the kitchen. “You know you’re welcome anytime. I wish you’d come every week.”

  “That’s very kind of you.” I swallowed the emotion clogging my throat.

  “Kenz, I’m getting us wine.” Jensen lifted up a bottle. “White okay?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Taylor reached out a hand, pulling me to her for a hug. “Hey, girlie.”

  “Hey, Tay. How are plans for the engagement party going?”

  She grinned up at me as I hopped onto a stool. “I think we’re pretty much done. We’re going casual and plan to have it right in the backyard.” She inclined her head towards the outside.

  I took the glass of wine that Jensen handed me. “That sounds perfect.”

  Irma peeked out from around Taylor, the lines on her face deepening as a mischievous smile spread. “What I can’t wait for is the bachelorette party. I’m calling it now. I’m in charge of the strippers!”

  “Grams,” Jensen chided, but she couldn’t hold in her laughter.

  I took a sip of the crisp, white wine. “If Irma’s in charge, we better all start saving for bail money.”

  Taylor eyed her fiancé in the living room. “I think I’ve got us covered in that department.”

  I chuckled. “Perks of marrying a cop.”

  The doorbell rang, and Sarah straightened, wiping her hands on her apron. “Oh, good, that must be Cain.” Her smile was huge. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen my boy.”

  I looked at Jensen as Sarah headed to the door. “Does she adopt everyone who comes her way?”

  Jensen set her wine glass down on the counter. “Pretty much.”

  Taylor’s gaze followed Sarah before she glanced back to J. “So, what’s this guy’s story? I haven’t heard much from Walker. All I know is that he, Tuck, and Cain went to college together and that they’re close.”

  Something unidentifiable flickered across Jensen’s face before her features smoothed out. “He’s a real good guy. He comes across a bit distant at times, but he’s got a great heart. You’ll like him.”

  Taylor set down her wine, as well. “Well, he found Tessa when she was kidnapped, so he’s already on my list of favorite people.”

  Tessa was one of the girls I knew the least. She had been gone almost the entire time I’d lived in Sutter Lake, accompanying her boyfriend on a US tour for his latest album. But I knew from just a few encounters she was really kind. I eyed J. “How did he find her?”

  There was a sparkle in Jensen’s eyes. “Didn’t I tell you? He’s kind of a crazy hacker. He can dig up anything on anyone.”

  My stomach twisted. He could find out anything about anyone. I let out a breath, giving my head a little shake. So what if he could. There was nothing for him to discover about me, even if he was interested enough to look. Kennedy Charles was a blank slate, an empty canvas. One of these days, I’d start filling it in.

  Irma shot to her feet. “Quick, someone call 9-1-1. I’m going into cardiac arrest with all this hotness.”

  Jensen let out a snort of laughter, smacking her grandmother’s arm. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “I know a fine man-meat sandwich when I see it.”

  I looked up to see Walker, Tuck, and a man who had to be Cain in a huddle of hugs and back slaps. As the dark-haired man pulled out of Tuck’s hold,
I sucked in a sharp breath. And then I couldn’t seem to take in any air at all.

  Cain was tall, with broad shoulders encased in what could only be a custom-made button-down that skimmed his muscular chest and arms before tucking into dark-wash jeans that hugged his hips perfectly. But it was his face that held me captive. No, his eyes. They were a shade of blue I’d never seen on a human being. So dark, you might think they were brown. And they were locked on me.

  My fingers began to tingle, and I realized that I hadn’t taken another breath. I forced my gaze away, taking in air and grinning at my shoes. Apparently, Irma wasn’t the only one affected by the hotness in the room. Get a grip, Kenz.

  Taylor let out a low whistle next to me. “That man is something.”

  Jensen laughed. “Yeah, I called the three of them the trio of terror when they were in college.”

  “I bet.” Taylor took a sip of wine. “I’m looking forward to summer when they’re all shirtless at the lake.”

  Jensen wadded up her napkin and threw it at Taylor. “Gross. One of those guys is my brother.”

  Taylor shrugged. “Just keep your gaze focused on the other two.”

  Jensen’s lip quirked. “Not a bad plan.” She looked at me. “He’s hot, right?”

  I felt heat hit my cheeks. “They’re all handsome.”

  Taylor scoffed. “Understatement of the century.”

  Jensen rose from her stool. “Cain, get over here.”

  My heart picked up its pace. It was fine. He was just a man. Handsome, sure, but nothing to be intimidated by. I forced my gaze up just as Cain wrapped Jensen in a hug.

  “Little J,” he whispered into her hair. “It’s so good to see you.”

  Jensen pulled back. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Hey, hands off my girl.” Tuck strode forward, pulling Jensen into his arms. “You’ve got your pick of women. They follow you around like lost puppies. Go find another one and stay away from mine.”

  Of course, Cain had a trail of women. My gaze traveled over him quickly, more assessing than appreciative now. The perfectly tailored outfit. The expertly cut and styled hair. I knew men like this. And I wanted nothing to do with any of them.

  Jensen elbowed Tuck in the gut. “Like you were much better.”

  He bent down, sweeping his lips across hers. “But you tamed me.”

  Jensen snorted but gave him another quick kiss. “And now your ass is mine,” she whispered.

  “Ew, gross. Enough with the gushy stuff.” Noah’s face screwed up as he spoke. He looked to Cain. “They’re always doing that.”

  Cain chuckled, the sound so deep and rich, I swore I felt its vibrations against my skin. “It is pretty gross, little man. Don’t worry, you can come hang out with me if it ever gets to be too much.”

  Noah threw his hands in the air. “Thank goodness.”

  Jensen reached out a hand and ruffled his hair. “Just remember who feeds you pancakes, bud.”

  “I’ll come back for pancakes.”

  Walker stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Taylor. “Cain, this is my fiancée, Taylor.”

  Cain reached out a hand, his expression just a touch more formal now. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  Taylor took his hand in hers. “You, too. I’ve only heard mysterious tidbits about you, so you’re basically Batman in my mind.”

  That chuckle was back, and it made me shiver this time. “No bat cave, I’m afraid. Though maybe I should look into that.”

  “You should,” Noah piped in. “I could help.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Jensen gestured in my direction, and my stomach twisted. “Cain, this is my friend, Kennedy. She works at the Kettle with me.”

  Cain’s dark blue depths moved in my direction, scanning my face as though committing it to memory and assessing me for weaknesses all at the same time. He reached out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Kennedy.”

  I hesitated a brief second before moving to accept the shake, but my delay registered for Cain, and his eyes flared just a bit. I hurried to place my hand in his. It was warm, his palm a mix of smooth and rough. My mind wandered, trying to think of what could cause the roughness when the man probably spent all day behind a mahogany desk. The warmth from his hand spread up my arm, burning a path on its way. I released my grasp immediately. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”

  I stepped back, letting the conversation swirl around me, a dull cacophony of noise with only direct questions cutting through. But every so often, I felt Cain’s eyes on me. Curious. Probing. What he didn’t know was that there was nothing for him to find. I was nothing. No one. And for now, that’s just what I needed to be.

  6

  Cain

  “All right! Peanut butter pie!” Noah shot his small fist in the air as Sarah rose from the table.

  She smiled at her grandson. “You know I save it for special occasions.” She turned kind eyes to me. “And Cain settling in Sutter Lake for a spell is definitely a special occasion.”

  Heat crept up the back of my neck. “Your peanut butter pie is worth it alone.”

  “Right?” Noah sidled up next to my chair, keeping his voice low. “Maybe you could leave and come back a few times so we get more peanut butter pie.”

  I chuckled. “I’ll see what I can do, bud.”

  “Here, let me help you with that.” The voice that called out was neither soft nor loud but held a melodious quality. Kennedy rose from her chair, heading to the kitchen island to help Sarah plate the pie. Her movements were graceful and fluid, as though she might simply dip into a pirouette or some other fancy spin at any moment. My eyes couldn’t help but follow her. She seemed to have an ability to weave a spell around everyone, and that alone had me on edge.

  “So, how are you holding up?”

  Walker’s question was low enough that only I could hear, and I forced my gaze away from Kennedy. I gave the rest of the table a quick assessment, but everyone else was engaged in conversation, and Noah had taken off towards the kitchen. “You didn’t tell anyone?” I’d honestly expected to be greeted by Sarah, expressing devastation for my loss, and heartfelt wishes of sympathy from everyone else. I was so damn glad I hadn’t been.

  Walker shook his head. “No, only Tuck knows.” Because the three of us shared it all. They knew every detail from when my life had fallen apart and never judged me for it.

  “Thanks.” I let out a slow breath. “I’m fine.” Walker arched a brow, and I fought the urge to loosen my collar. “I wish I felt something at her loss, but I don’t. It just stirred up a lot of old memories. And I needed to get away from the city. Knowing she’d been there all these years…it messed with my mind. I just—I needed some peace and quiet to get my head straight.”

  Walker gave my shoulder a squeeze. “I’m glad you came here to do that. You know Tuck and I have your back, always.”

  I nodded, swallowing the emotion that was crawling up my throat. A flash of red hair caught my attention as Kennedy leaned over to place a slice of pie in front of Jensen. A graceful movement that reminded me of an impressionist painting, all long, graceful lines, and rounded curves.

  It didn’t escape my notice that she started serving at the opposite end of the table from where I sat. The woman seemed to be avoiding me. She’d hesitated in shaking my hand. Waited to see where I sat and then took the seat farthest away. Now, this. She finally made her way to me, carefully placing the slice of pie in front of me without saying anything. A hint of rose filled my senses as she straightened, her hair swaying.

  “Thank you.” I tried to meet her gaze, but she avoided eye contact, simply nodded and moved on.

  Kennedy settled in her chair as Sarah poured tea and coffee, engaging Jensen in conversation. The redhead expertly poured a dash of milk into her tea before adding a single cube of sugar. No splashes or spills.

  It was as she raised her cup from the saucer that I realized what had been scratching at the back of my brain. Everything ab
out Kennedy read: perfectly poised. Not in the way she spoke, but in the way she moved and acted. The kind of manners and grace that was either bred into a woman over decades—or carefully practiced. But I’d learned over dinner that Kennedy worked at the Kettle and lived in the minuscule apartment above the shop. If I hadn’t known that, I would’ve guessed she was from a world of privilege.

  Kennedy was gorgeous, almost hypnotic in her unique beauty. But, somehow, all the pieces of her puzzle didn’t fit together. And the knowledge of that had me too damn curious for my own good.

  Faint rays of sunshine still lit the sky as I headed to my SUV, but the air had just a hint of a bite to it. That was spring in the mountains. I glanced at Walker. “Thanks for the warm welcome.”

  He gave my back a slap. “Anytime, brother.” He paused with me at my vehicle, looking out to the fields and then back to me.

  “What is it?” You didn’t know someone as long as I’d known Walker without recognizing their tells. The little ticks that told you they were worried or angry or, like now, had something they wanted to say but were holding back.

  “Kennedy.”

  My body began to stiffen, but I forced it to relax. I was the master of giving nothing away, and this situation should be no different. “What about her?”

  Walker shifted on his feet. “She’s young.”

  “Looks it.” I didn’t know how young, but I’d find out soon enough.

  Walker’s jaw hardened. “Be careful.”

  I bristled at that. But he wasn’t wrong to warn me off. She had an innocence that radiated from her in waves. And I had no plans to change that, but I was curious. That…something I couldn’t put my finger on kept niggling at me as though she were playing at something she wasn’t. I shook my head and gave Walker a grin. “I’ve got no plans to defile Jensen’s protégé. You can rest easy.”

  The set of Walker’s shoulders eased. “Good. You want free and easy, there are plenty of women around here who are down for that, just like you are. But I get the sense that’s not Kenz.”