The Broken Road (The Broken Series)

by Ruff, K. S.

  “I’m not qualified to operate this machine,” Mason responded. He shoved the French Press back at me. “I thought you were making the coffee.”

  I tried not to laugh. “Okay. Sure.” I followed Mason into the kitchen. I stopped abruptly when I saw Kadyn cooking bacon in loose fitting sweats and a black ribbed tank top that fit snugly over his back and chest. His biceps flexed as he turned the bacon. Holy Mary, mother of God. It should be a crime for that man to stand in front of a stove.

  Mason nudged me as he raised an eyebrow. “The coffee?”

  “Oh quit picking on her. You could at least let her say ‘hi’ to Kadyn before you bully her into making your coffee,” a very young, petite girl chided Mason. She had pretty blue eyes, a big smile, and straight brown hair. “You’ll have to excuse him. He’s part Neanderthal.”

  Mason rolled his eyes.

  Gabi held out her hand. “I’m Gabi, the self-proclaimed Jewish princess that Kadyn was referring to on the phone.” She winked at Kadyn. “By the way, Kadyn, Jews don’t eat bacon. So don’t bother cooking any of that stuff for me… unless, of course, you’re cooking turkey bacon.”

  Kadyn looked at Gabi like she was on crack.

  Mason was tapping his fingers against the counter. He looked at me expectantly.

  I set the French Press on the counter. “Do you guys have a tea kettle I can use to heat the water?”

  Kadyn and Mason exchanged glances.

  Gabi burst out laughing.

  I was confused. “What? What's so funny?”

  “Like they’d have a tea kettle. What a hoot!” Gabi doubled over and laughed even harder.

  Mason muttered something unintelligible. He grabbed a six quart pot from one of the bottom cupboards and handed it to me. “This is our tea kettle.”

  I looked down at the pitiful excuse for a tea kettle. I bit my lip as I tried not to smile. “Wow. That’s just… sad.”

  Gabi suddenly stopped laughing. “I know, right? That’s why I didn’t order any food from the grocery store. I didn’t think they had anything to cook it in.”

  “Hey! I cook,” Mason protested.

  “What??? What do you cook?” Gabi demanded with both hands on her hips.

  “I cook pizza,” Mason replied.

  “Frozen pizza does not count,” Kadyn responded.

  I filled the pot with tap water and set it on the stove.

  Kadyn nudged my shoulder before turning the burner on for me. “Thanks for coming over.”

  I smiled. “Thanks for inviting me.” I dug through a couple of drawers in search of a spoon. I scooped three heaping teaspoons of coffee into the French Press before returning to the stove. I watched Kadyn crack eggs into a second skillet while I waited for the water to boil. I filled my French Press with boiling water, leaned against the counter, and watched Kadyn cook while the coffee brewed.

  Mason pulled two large mugs from the cupboard before joining me at the counter. “That thing seems like a lot of work. Why don’t you just use a regular coffee pot?”

  I smiled. “The coffee tastes smoother when you brew it in a press. Besides, this was easier to carry over here than my coffee pot.” I pressed the coffee and filled the two cups. “Gabi doesn’t drink coffee?”

  Mason shook his head. “Nope. It’s just you and me. Do you need milk or sugar?”

  I raised the coffee cup to my nose and inhaled deeply. I sighed contentedly. “Nope. I’m good.” I glanced at Kadyn. “Would you like some help?”

  He removed the biscuits from the oven with a dishtowel. “No. I’ve got this.”

  Mason pulled a stack of plates from the cupboard and set them on the breakfast bar. They didn’t have a dining room table.

  I ducked out of Mason’s way and wandered into the living room. Their apartment had an open floor plan, but it was much larger than mine. Their bedrooms appeared to be on opposite ends of the living room, with the kitchen tucked just to the left of the foyer. The living room was stylishly decorated in shades of gray, black, and white.

  I was surprised to see a real oil painting hanging over the couch. The lack of a tea kettle and coffee pot had led me to believe I might find a black velvet poster of dogs playing poker. The oil painting was at least four feet long. The contemporary piece had vertical and horizontal streaks of gray, silver, and black across a stark white canvas.

  “Whose artwork?” I asked curiously.

  Kadyn handed me a plate with a breakfast sandwich and a glass of orange juice. “That’s mine. Do you like it?”

  I smiled. “Yes. I do. It’s very nice.”

  He returned the smile before walking back into the kitchen to retrieve his breakfast sandwich and juice.

  Gabi popped her head out of the bedroom. “Is breakfast ready?”

  “Yes,” Kadyn responded as he joined me on the couch.

  Cade tunneled behind Kadyn’s legs. His chin rose and his nose twitched as he registered the smell of food.

  Kadyn glanced at me. “Can I give him some bacon?”

  I nodded. “Sure, as long as it’s a small piece.”

  Kadyn handed Cade a piece of bacon. “Here you go, boy.”

  Cade didn’t bother chewing the bacon. He swallowed it whole. Then he curled into a ball behind Kadyn’s legs.

  I stared at my dog. I couldn’t believe Cade was forfeiting his rights as the alpha male.

  Mason and Gabi wandered into the living room with their food. Mason settled into an oversized chair with a breakfast sandwich in one hand and his coffee cup in the other. Gabi perched on the arm of his chair. She was balancing a plate of scrambled eggs and a wine glass, which presumably held a mimosa.

  Mason studied me. He took a few bites out of his breakfast sandwich before finally speaking. “So, are you guys dating or what?”

  Gabi set her mimosa on the end table before punching him in the arm. She knocked the breakfast sandwich right out of his hand. “Did you seriously just ask that? Did your mother teach you nothing?”

  He gaped at her incredulously. “What? What’s wrong with asking that?” He caught her clenched fist in one hand while reassembling the sandwich with the other hand.

  I tried not to laugh.

  “Are you two dating?” Kadyn asked.

  “No!” they shouted at the exact same time.

  Kadyn winked at me. “Huh. I guess we aren’t the only ones ‘not dating’ then.”

  I shook my head and laughed. Mason and Gabi were like an old married couple. If anyone should have been dating, it was them.

  Chapter 6 - I’ll be

  After spending most of the weekend with Kadyn, I found myself wishing away my work week, just so I could see him again. Kadyn began texting me each morning to let me know he was thinking of me. Then he’d text or call in the evening to make sure I arrived home safely. Charlie was the only other friend who regularly texted me. He would text inspirational messages and scripture readings a couple times a week. I was never really big on texting, but I found myself looking forward to Kadyn’s messages.

  I was thrilled when he agreed to go to Patrick and Jonathan’s party with me. I was on the fence about whether the party could be considered a date. In the end, I decided the party was a public event and not a date. This was the only way I could reconcile my desire to see Kadyn against my moratorium on dating.

  Senator Rockefeller decided to send us home early on Friday, since Congress was still gridlocked over the budget and already adjourned for the weekend. After squeezing in some extra time at the gym, I texted Kadyn to let him know I was on my way home. He texted me back to tell me he’d pick me up for the party at seven. He recommended I dress warmly.

  I raced home to shower and walk Cade. I wolfed down a turkey sandwich while I tore through my closet. My warm clothes were all so… practical. I settled on blue jeans, a dark chocolate brown sweater, and some long brown boots. I dusted some makeup on my face, then dried and curled my hair.

  The doorbell rang at precisely seven o’clock.

  I f
lung the door open. My eyes widened at the sight of Kadyn. He was wearing a black leather jacket that showed off his wide shoulders and narrow waist, faded blue jeans, and black combat boots. The guy screamed danger, and still he made me swoon.

  Kadyn scowled. “You didn’t even ask who it was.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I knew it was you, Kadyn. Come in.” I gathered my coat and purse.

  Kadyn pointed to my purse. “You might want to leave that at home.”

  “Why?” I asked. I wondered what the guy could possibly have against purses.

  “I thought we’d take my bike,” he responded with a killer smile.

  My purse hit the ground before my jaw did. “You have a bike?”

  Kadyn picked my purse up and set it on the counter. “Yes. Is that a problem? We can take my car if you prefer.”

  “No. That’s fine,” I responded a bit too quickly. I shifted my phone, lip gloss, driver’s license, and money into my coat pocket. I took a deep breath as my eyes met his. “I’d love a ride on your bike.”

  Kadyn grinned. “Good. I thought we’d drive by the monuments before we go to your friend’s house. They look even more amazing when they’re lit up at night.”

  I smiled. “Sounds good to me.” I followed Kadyn out the door. I froze when I got a load of his bike. “What is that?”

  “It’s an Aprilia,” Kadyn responded as he strode toward the bike. He handed me a shiny black helmet before tugging a similar helmet over his head.

  I had no idea what an Aprilia was, but it appeared I’d be draped over the top of Kadyn’s back all the way to Patrick’s house. How in the heck was I going to maintain my composure perched on the back of a crotch rocket, holding onto Kadyn for dear life? I eyed the bike warily. “I think I have a headache.”

  Kadyn laughed, clearly amused by my feeble attempt to avoid the bike. “It’s not as bad as it looks. Come on.” He swung his leg over the bike. He turned in his seat and helped me climb on behind him. “Whatever you do, don’t lean and don’t let go.” He wrapped my arms around his chest and started the bike.

  I tried not to wet my pants as the machine roared to life. I tightened my arms around Kadyn’s chest and buried my head in his back. I could feel him chuckle as he pulled away from the curb.

  Kadyn handled the bike carefully. He didn’t weave in and out of traffic, and he didn’t speed. The air was a little cool, but Kadyn’s back kept me toasty warm. I lifted my head as we passed by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. They glowed majestically against the darkened sky. Kadyn pointed out the White House before driving around the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. Then he drove to Patrick’s townhouse, which was located in a residential area just a few blocks from the Senate side of the Capitol.

  Kadyn parked the motorcycle. He slid his helmet off, then reached around to help me off the bike.

  I handed him my helmet, then sifted my fingers through my hair to untangle the knots that had been woven in by the wind. I was a little embarrassed to look him in the eye after holding on so tightly.

  A concerned look flitted across Kadyn’s face. “Hey, you okay?”

  My hands fell to my side as I forced myself to look into his eyes. “Yes. Thanks.”

  Kadyn swung his leg over the bike and joined me on the sidewalk. “How’d you like the monuments?”

  “You’re right. They look even better at night.” I glanced at Patrick’s house, which was practically pulsing with music. “Are you ready to meet my friends?”

  Kadyn shrugged. “Sure.” His hand settled on the small of my back as we walked up the stairs. He pulled the storm door open and followed me inside. The living room was packed with people. Kadyn steered me toward the kitchen.

  Patrick entered the kitchen through the back door while Kadyn and I were digging through the cooler, looking for Sprite. “Hey, Kri! I can’t believe you actually showed up.”

  I laughed. “Shocking, isn’t it?” I pulled my hand out of the cooler as Kadyn handed me a Sprite. “Patrick, this is Kadyn.”

  Patrick reached for Kadyn’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you. Kri talks about you all the time.”

  I thumped Patrick in the shoulder. “I do not!”

  Kadyn grinned as he shook Patrick’s hand. “That’s good to know.”

  Patrick patted me on the back. “You guys make yourselves at home. I’m deep frying a turkey out back, and I need to make sure it doesn’t blow up. It’s my first time working a fryer.”

  I reached for a piece of monkey bread as Patrick backed out the door.

  Kadyn grabbed my hand and pulled me into the living room. He seemed determined to gain some distance from Patrick’s fryer.

  I dug my heels in when we got to the edge of the crowd. No way was I diving into that mess.

  Kadyn stepped in front of me. He linked my fingers through the belt loops on either side of his jeans. He shielded me like I was a star quarterback as he pushed his way through the crowd. He found a spot where I could stand with my back against the wall.

  Kadyn leaned against the wall, but he faced me instead of the party. The music was crazy loud, and there was a crush of people dancing all around us. Kadyn and I had to press our lips against each other’s ears, just to be heard.

  Jonathan and Jamie made valiant attempts to talk to us, but it was difficult to have a conversation over the music. Eventually, Jamie pulled us back through the kitchen and into the backyard.

  I breathed a sigh of relief when we stepped away from the crowd and the deafening music. I smiled gratefully at Jamie. “Thanks.”

  Patrick handed Kadyn one of the drumsticks from the turkey, which was now sitting next to a citronella candle on the picnic table.

  Kadyn took a bite. “Not bad for your first try.”

  Patrick handed me a piece of white meat. “What do you think, Kri?”

  I popped it into my mouth. “I think it tastes great.” I reached for a second piece. “Whatever possessed you to buy a deep fryer?”

  Patrick shrugged. “I needed to add more protein to my diet.”

  Kadyn patted my back when I choked on the turkey. “Doesn’t the fact that you’re frying the meat sort of defeat the purpose?”

  Patrick looked thoughtful as he considered my point. “No, I don’t think it does.”

  I just shook my head.

  Jamie laughed. “So, Kadyn, I hear you played football for the Air Force Academy. Which position did you play?”

  “Running back,” Kadyn replied. He reached for the roll of paper towels.

  “I saw Kadyn play in a game against Notre Dame,” Patrick announced.

  Kadyn looked surprised. “You did?”

  “Yeah. I’ll never forget that game. Air Force was at Notre Dame. It was fourth and two, and Air Force was down by seven. You caught the pitch from the quarterback, made the free safety miss, and outran everyone else. You scored from twenty-six yards out to tie the game.”

  Kadyn was grinning. “Air Force won that game in overtime.”

  Patrick slapped Kadyn on the back. “Thanks to you.”

  I stared at Patrick in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

  Patrick shrugged. “I saw that game when I was in high school. I didn’t put two and two together until I Googled Kadyn last night.”

  My jaw fell slack. “You Googled Kadyn?”

  Jonathan fielded that question. “We wanted to make sure you were dating a good guy.”

  “We’re not dating,” Kadyn and I responded at the exact same time.

  Patrick raised an eyebrow. He looked pointedly at Kadyn’s arm, which was wrapped around my back.

  I tried to pull away, but Kadyn tightened his hold. I scowled at Patrick.

  Jonathan and Jamie laughed.

  Kadyn grew quiet as the night wore on. I could tell something was bothering him, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. We ducked out of the party shortly after eleven o’clock. This time, I savored the motorcycle ride and the feel of Kadyn in my arms. I
didn’t want to let go when he parked his bike outside my apartment.

  Kadyn turned the motorcycle off before reaching around to help me off the back of the bike.

  I slid the helmet off my head and handed it to him.

  He hung both helmets on the handlebars of his bike. He locked his eyes on mine as he pulled me against him. “Can we date now?” he asked huskily.

  My heart beat anxiously against my ribcage as I contemplated the question.

  Kadyn’s eyes fell on my mouth. His thumb brushed across my bottom lip while he waited for my response.

  I could feel him willing me to respond. I closed my eyes as his forehead lowered and rested against mine. His mouth was less than an inch from mine. “Say yes,” he breathed.

  “Yes,” I whispered hesitantly.

  Kadyn kissed my forehead. “Good. I’ll pick you up at six for dinner tomorrow night. We’ll consider it our first date.” Kadyn slid off the bike and walked me to my door. “Do you mind if I join you and Cade on your walk?”

  I unlocked the door. “No, of course not.”

  Cade bum rushed me as I swung the door open.

  I scooped him up in my arms and buried my face in his fur. I snapped the leash around his neck and set him on the ground as we began our walk.

  Kadyn reached for my hand when we returned to my apartment. He smiled as he kissed the back of my hand. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.”

  My pulse ratcheted up a few notches. “Me too,” I whispered. My hand shook when I unlocked the door. I glanced back at Kadyn as I closed the door between us.

  I slid the deadbolt into place and leaned against the wall. I took a few deep breaths, then glanced down at Cade. “What did I just do?” I reached for him as I slid to the floor. “What happened to the moratorium on dating?”

  * * * * * *

  Kadyn texted me shortly before noon. I’m planning to drive my car just in case you want to wear a dress. See you at six.