Beautifully Broken (The Broken Series Book 2)

by Ruff, K. S.

  My eyes widened. “It’s not for sale?”

  “No. He doesn’t want to sell. He’s offering to rent at a reasonable price because you’d essentially be house sitting for him. You’d have to move out in two years, when he returns from Switzerland.”

  I couldn’t get over it. The place was beautiful, breathtaking really. The office, the Monet, the kitchen, the sun room with all of the flowers and lavender, the spa tub, the double shower… The place had everything I could have possibly dreamed of and more. “What kind of rent are we talking about?” I asked hesitantly.

  Pearl flipped through a couple of pages in her padfolio. “Two thousand dollars a month, but that includes all utilities.”

  I swallowed nervously. “And the security?”

  “Oh! I totally forgot. That’s going to take some instruction. It’s a pretty elaborate setup.”

  I sighed. I couldn’t shake the feeling that this place was too good to be true. “I don’t know what to say, Pearl. I love everything about this place. It’s perfect. I was planning to spend two thousand a month, but I thought I would be buying a place. Still, I don’t see how I can pass up an opportunity to live in a place like this.”

  Pearl nodded. “You are the first person I’ve shown this property to. I don’t want to pressure you, but I have a number of other clients who would chew their left arm off for this opportunity. I was really hoping you’d make a decision today.”

  I shook my head. Only a complete idiot would pass this place up. I met Pearl’s eyes and smiled as I rose from the bed. “I’ll take it.”

  Pearl beamed as she linked her arm in mine. “Let’s celebrate over lunch at the Carlyle Grand, shall we?”

  I wrote a check for the first and last month’s rent and signed the lease agreement over mango martinis and Thai salad. I made arrangements to pick the keys up on Friday, and just like that, I was another step closer to rebuilding my life.

  * * * * * *

  Mason’s pinning on ceremony was at the Pentagon on Wednesday. Kadyn signed me in at the main security desk. He offered a rather lengthy tour of the building before escorting me to the conference room. The endless array of winding hallways was mind-numbing and a little painful in heels. Still, I was grateful for the opportunity to see the courtyard and the September 11th Memorial.

  All of our friends were sitting in the conference room when we arrived. Cenia and Roger saved us two seats just behind Gabi, who was sitting next to Mason’s parents. I slid into the chair next to Cenia. Kadyn claimed the chair on the other side of me. I had forgotten how handsome Kadyn looked in his uniform. It was impossible not to be affected by him.

  Mason’s mother and Gabi pinned gold oak leaf pins on each of Mason’s shoulders during the ceremony. Mason handed Gabi and his mother a bouquet of flowers, then told comical stories about how the two women had kept him on the straight and narrow. He thanked both women for encouraging and supporting him in his career. By the time he was done, tears streamed down Gabi’s face, his mother’s face, and mine. Cenia just shook her head and handed me a tissue.

  When the ceremony was over, each of us handed our cell phones to another Air Force officer so we could have our pictures taken with Mason. Our group photo was my favorite picture by far. Gabi and I laughed at how girlie we looked standing against the sea of uniforms in our soft floral dresses and heels.

  I had to attend class from four to six, so Mason’s promotion party was in full swing by the time I got there. Gabi reserved the community center at the Point at Park Center, where Mason and Kadyn still lived. She pulled a fantastic party together, complete with DJ and dance floor. Beer and wine ran freely. Her food choices fit Mason to a tee. Buffalo wings, pigs-in-a-blanket, and little mini pizzas were just a few of the options. Gabi had a special cake made with the Air Force logo, which read “Congratulations Major Shaw.” Balloons in Air Force blue, white, and silver were floating everywhere.

  All of the Air Force officers had changed out of their uniforms by the time I arrived. The DJ played an eclectic mix of music. Hearing Shaggy’s “Angel” was bittersweet for me. I thought of our vacation in the Bahamas as we made our way out to the dance floor. I began dancing with Kadyn, but Matt eventually cut in.

  The party was a lot of fun. I was thrilled for Mason and happy to be there, but my heart felt heavy at the end of the night. I couldn’t help but see how all of the other relationships had progressed and just how much Kadyn and I had lost in less than one year’s time.

  * * * * * *

  Pearl met me at the townhouse Friday afternoon to review the security and electronics systems and to give me the garage door opener and house keys. I wandered the house long after she left. I was still questioning how I managed to land such a beautiful place. I sent up a small prayer of thanks before calling Kadyn to let him know I’d be coming by the next morning to pick up my things. I took one last look at the kitchen before heading off to class.

  Chapter 28 – Dreaming with a broken heart

  It was overcast and gloomy Saturday morning, which I found fitting given my mood. As excited as I was about the new townhouse, I was feeling depressed and more than a little scared about living alone. My dog Cade had been my constant companion after my divorce. Kadyn was practically living with me by the time Cade died. I went from Kadyn, to Michael, to Lexie, to Cenia. I was now going to be living alone for the first time in my life. No one would be there when I woke with a bad dream. No one would miss me if I didn’t make it home from school. No one would be there to protect me, and there was no way I could adopt another dog, since none of the furniture in this house belonged to me.

  The entire time I was packing boxes at my old apartment, I thought about how different things would be with Kadyn if Michael hadn’t forced me to go to Paris. I felt conflicted. Even in hindsight, I wouldn’t have given up that time with Michael. I wished things had worked out with Kadyn, and I wished things had worked out with Michael. I knew that I couldn’t have it both ways. I couldn’t even have it one way because both relationships had failed in the end.

  Kadyn interrupted my pity party. “So, how’s it coming along in here?”

  I popped my head out of the closet. “I boxed up all of my clothes. I just need to pack the shoes.”

  Kadyn smiled as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. I had to groan internally when I saw what that did to his biceps. “I’ve already taken all of your artwork out to the jeep. Are you sure you don’t want to take any of the kitchen stuff or the furniture?”

  “I just want the cedar table, the cedar chest, and the stained glass lamp that my dad made. You can have all of the rest of the furniture and the kitchen supplies. My new place is fully furnished. It has everything I could possibly need and more. I could always donate those items to charity, but I don’t want to leave you or Mason without furniture. If you prefer to have your own furniture over here, then maybe you can swap it out for mine so Mason isn’t left without furniture.”

  Kadyn’s eyes softened. “Thanks, Kri. I’ll see what Mason wants to do. He’s expecting a new assignment, so it’s likely he’ll be moving soon.”

  He eyed my pile of boxes. “I don’t think all of this is going to fit inside your jeep, especially if you’re going to try to get that chest and cedar table in the back. Why don’t I take the boxes to my car, then I’ll bring your jeep around so we can load the furniture?”

  I shoved the hair out of my face and crossed the bedroom to retrieve my keys. I handed Kadyn the keys. “Thank you, Kadyn. That would be a huge help. I was going to ask if you’d mind coming by the townhouse to give me your opinion on the security system. What if I order takeout and feed you dinner to sweeten the deal?”

  Kadyn smiled as he pushed off from the wall. “I was just trying to figure out a way to snag an invitation to your new place.”

  Thirty minutes later, Kadyn and I pulled into the double garage located directly under my new home. I unlocked the door that connected the garage to the staircase that led to the kitchen
so Kadyn and I could carry my cedar chest up the stairs. Kadyn wiped the sweat off his forehead with the bottom of his t-shirt when we got to the top of the stairs. I tried not to stare at the hard lines that formed his abs, but I failed miserably.

  Kadyn laughed at me. “Did you forget what I look like, Kri?”

  I snapped my jaw back into place. “Uh, no. But all that…” I motioned toward his abs, which were still exposed, “…is a bit distracting.” I inched toward the cupboard near the refrigerator, determined to change the topic. “Can I get you some water?”

  Kadyn smiled as he lowered his shirt. “Sure, Kri. Hey, this place is pretty sweet.” Kadyn wandered out of the kitchen as he began checking the place out.

  I found him in the living room staring out the window overlooking the Potomac River. Ice tinkled as I handed him a glass of water. “Nice view, huh?”

  Kadyn turned to face me. His eyebrows were knit with concern. “Very nice, Kri. How did you manage to score this place?”

  I shrugged. “The guy who owns it asked Cenia’s real estate agent to find a tenant who can be trusted to house sit for the next two years. He had to relocate to Switzerland for work, but he wanted to keep most of his things here. I still have to pay rent, two thousand a month, but that includes utilities… and I have to move out when he returns in two years.”

  Kadyn looked thoughtful as he drank his water. “That sounds a little too good to be true.”

  I nodded before turning to look out the window. “I thought the same thing. I’m sure this place costs well over a million dollars, especially being on the Potomac, and that doesn’t include the artwork or the furniture. I can’t imagine trusting someone with all of this.” I turned and motioned toward the living room. “He must really trust this real estate agent.”

  Kadyn walked into the library. “Did you meet the guy?”

  I trailed after Kadyn but stopped in the foyer. “No. He had to leave on short notice. Everything was done through the real estate agent.”

  Kadyn returned to the foyer. I followed his gaze to the chandelier. “And you got her name from Cenia?”

  I walked toward the stairs. “Yes. She’s the same real estate agent who sold Cenia her condo. Do you want to see the upstairs?”

  Kadyn nodded. “Yes. Then I’m going to take a look at the security system. We should program a new password. We don’t know who this guy is. If he suddenly decides to return home, I don’t want him walking in unannounced.”

  I froze midway up the stairs. “Kadyn, I’m already scared enough. I can’t be thinking I’m in danger here.”

  Kadyn joined me on the same step. He set his water down on the top step and pulled me in for a quick hug. “I just want to make sure you’re safe, Kri. This is a great neighborhood, and I imagine a place like this has a good security system, but I’d prefer to know who owns the property so I can run a background check. Lots of people rely on house sitters and rent their places temporarily, especially when they have temporary assignments overseas. I just want to be on the safe side. Can you ask the real estate agent for the name of the owner?”

  I nodded as we continued walking up the stairs. “I’ll call Pearl tomorrow.” I paused at the top of the stairs, then turned to face Kadyn. “Would it be okay if I gave you one of the house keys? I want someone else to have the spare in case of an emergency or in case I lock myself out.”

  Kadyn smiled. “Sure, Kri. I’ll keep your spare key.”

  I showed Kadyn the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. Then we walked back down to the garage to get the rest of my things. Once we dragged the last box up to my room, Kadyn sprawled out exhausted on the bed. “I think you owe me more than dinner.”

  I raised an eyebrow at Kadyn, afraid to even ask.

  He smiled wickedly, knowing full well how suggestive his comment had been. “I think our next party should be at your place.”

  I smiled. “I was thinking the same thing. Gabi graduates in three months. I was thinking we could have her graduation party here.”

  Kadyn stood. He slowly shook his head. “No way are you going to delay a party by three months. I was thinking more along the lines of next weekend.”

  I sighed in mock exasperation as we made our way down the stairs. “I’ll alert the troops tomorrow.”

  Kadyn checked out the security system and programmed a new security code while I ordered Chinese food. He joined me in the kitchen shortly after the food arrived.

  I was pouring myself a glass of wine. “Look! Pearl left me a bottle of wine in the refrigerator with a note of congratulations.”

  Kadyn laughed. “I don’t suppose she left a Mountain Dew or a Sprite?”

  I smiled. “No, but I ordered you a Sprite from the restaurant. It’s over there.” I pointed to the coffee table in the family room where I had the food set up. “So, what’s my new security code? Please tell me you picked something easy to remember. You know how bad I am with numbers.”

  Kadyn chuckled as we made our way to the couch. “I think you can remember this one. It’s my name, spelled backwards. You just need to punch the numbers that correspond with the letters on the keypad.”

  We began dishing up our food on the square black plates I found in the kitchen. “So you have essentially guaranteed that I will think of you at least four times a day?”

  Kadyn tried to hide his smile behind the bright green can as he took a sip of Sprite. “Something like that.”

  I smiled and raised my wine glass to Kadyn. “Santé.” The smile quickly slid from my face. The toast was instinctive. I didn’t think about it. I just did it… and instantly regretted it.

  Pain flickered across Kadyn’s face before a more determined look assumed its place. He raised the can of Sprite. “To new beginnings.”

  I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “To new beginnings.”

  Kadyn was quiet as we began eating, so I filled the silence. “You said Mason is getting a new assignment. Aren’t the rest of you due for new assignments too?”

  He visibly relaxed. “Yes. I just submitted my top three choices last week. I should know my new assignment within the next two months.”

  Tears instantly stung my eyes. “So you’ll be moving?”

  Kadyn looked surprised by my reaction. “No. I don’t think so. My first choice was for reassignment at the Pentagon. I’d like to stay in DC awhile longer. The Secretary of Defense said he’d support me in this. My other two picks were Hawaii and Italy. Those assignments are difficult to obtain, especially for an Air Force captain, but even if they were offered to me, I’m not certain that I would go. I might separate from the Air Force so I can stay in DC. I like living in Virginia, and there are a lot of good paying jobs here for people in my career field. Three government contractors and CBP have already asked me to work for them at the end of my assignment.”

  I set my plate on the table and settled back against the couch. I tucked my feet under me so I could face Kadyn. “CBP? That’s Customs and Border Protection?”

  Kadyn nodded as he refilled his plate. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “I’m thinking I should go work for them. That way I can put you on the no fly list, and I won’t have to worry about you getting dragged out of the country under my nose again.”

  I choked on my wine as I burst out laughing. I quickly regained my composure. “I know it’s not fair of me to weigh in on this Kadyn, but I really hope you stay.”

  Kadyn’s eyes softened. “That’s good to know, Kri.”

  “What about Cenia and the rest of the gang?” I had no clue what their plans were, and I was surprised that Cenia hadn’t brought it up.

  “Cenia, Phil, and Marie are all separating so they can stay in Virginia. There isn’t a defense contractor in town who isn’t courting Phil. Cenia is considering a position at the Department of Defense. I’m not sure which contractors or agencies Marie is considering. Troy is in for the long haul, though. He put in for Spain, and I think he and Sara will both go if he gets that assignment. Gabi will
follow Mason as long as he isn’t deployed.”

  I picked up my empty plate and some of the leftover food and took it out to the kitchen. “I’m going to be sad to see them go, but I’m really happy to hear the rest of you are planning to stay.”

  Kadyn joined me in the kitchen with his plate and the remaining food. “Thanks for dinner, Kri.”

  I closed the refrigerator and smiled. “Thanks for lending me your muscles, Kadyn. I seriously doubt I could have gotten my cedar chest up those stairs without you.”

  Kadyn’s face turned serious. He took a step toward me. His left hand settled on my hip as he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against mine. “I’ve missed you, Kri.”

  My breath caught. “I’ve missed you too, Kadyn,” I replied dazedly. I wasn’t sure how to interpret his actions.

  He kissed my forehead before stepping away.

  I followed him down to the garage.

  He turned just before he stepped into his car. “Don’t forget about getting a name from the real estate agent. Be sure to call me when you do.” He smiled as he ducked inside the car. “You need to get that refrigerator stocked before that party on Saturday.”

  I folded my arms across my chest and shook my head at him. I was still smiling as he drove away. I waited in the garage until the garage door closed. I locked the door that led to the kitchen before walking back up the stairs. I quickly cleaned the dishes. I flipped all of the lights off and double checked the lock on the front door before heading upstairs. I contemplated setting the motion detectors, but I was terrified that I would forget about it in the middle of the night, accidently set it off, and forget how to disarm the darn thing. All of the doors and windows were wired to the security system, and that was good enough for me.

  I sat on my new bed and briefly contemplated the pile of boxes sitting by the closet. I didn’t have to be at school until four o’clock on Monday, so I decided to put off unpacking my clothes. I pulled my toothbrush out of the suitcase I had brought from Cenia’s house and padded off to the bathroom to shower and brush my teeth. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep considering it was my first night in a strange place, so I popped a sleeping pill before walking back into the bedroom.