Chapter Twenty-Seven
It wasn’t the first time Caden had faced an angry father, but it was the first time he’d cared deeply about the parents’ regard. Stilted conversation had given way to Kaylee’s reliving the details of her kidnapping, assault, and harrowing experiences, depleting her reserves. Despite her subdued tone, she’d stood her ground in defending their relationship. It hadn’t taken long to win Mrs. Tate’s approval. The elder Tate continued to scowl and grumble, the vein at his right temple bulging every time Kaylee smiled at or reached for Caden.
Staunch opposition continued through the next morning as the elder Tates joined the hunt for a suitable apartment. It was Caden’s turn to grind his teeth.
“I really think the duplex on Kenworth Avenue would be great. It’s already furnished, close to the lake, and far enough away from the city that I won’t hear traffic all night.” Kaylee’s exuberance had grown with each passing minute.
“They need to trim their shrubbery. It’s a security hazard.” An oversight Markam Tate vehemently pointed out to the landlord. “At least it’s a monthly lease. If you change your mind and want to come home, you’re not on the hook for a year.”
Returning to the rental house to collect the rest of her belongings and settle into her new digs took the rest of the afternoon.
Once comfortable, they offered to stay a few days to visit. Watching their interactions had lent Caden a deeper understanding of the family’s dynamics.
Despite Caden’s assurance that Kaylee equaled more than a fling, her father hardened his jaw with every kiss or show of affection. On the other hand, their presence in her life seemed to bolster her confidence, which meant he’d encourage them to stay while enduring the steadfast censure.
“I love evenings by the lake. It reminds me of the cabin in the mountains we visited each fall.” Kaylee filled evening conversations with memories of grand adventures and good times. Her parents provided supplemental stories to heal longtime wounds and gave further insight into their shared past.
“Speaking of landmarks, how about we visit the International Rose Test Garden tomorrow?” Caden offered. His knowledge of the city and its attractions made him the perfect guide. Since Kaylee refused to let him back off in her parents’ presence, he figured he’d make himself useful. The end result included Markam’s tight expressions and monosyllabic responses. Maybe determination would eventually wear down the animosity. Offering the father a dental guard came to mind.
“Sounds like a great time in the making,” Markam grumbled through gritted teeth.
Caden’s mouth twitched, but in the act of self-preservation, he withheld comment.
Each night, the elder Tate insisted on escorting Caden to his car before striding back into Kaylee’s house. The obvious design to put distance between the two lovers clear.
To buffer the stifling crosscurrents of the father’s attitudes, Kaylee insisted Caden barbeque chicken for the coming Sunday’s get-together, inviting his brothers over to fill the awkward silences.
Grudging truce transformed into wary acceptance after a three a.m. conversation in front of Kaylee’s duplex. Like the previous nights, Caden sat in his SUV, maintaining surveillance a short distance down the street.
He straightened in his seat when the elder man padded down the middle of the road bearing hot coffee and a small paper bag. Mentally girding his loins, Caden rehearsed his speech, devised ahead, in preparation for the present scenario.
Instead of approaching the driver’s window, the elder Tate simply opened the passenger door and dropped in to talk.
“The first two nights, I thought you were waiting to sneak inside. Then I realized you’re maintaining surveillance. Talk.”
With little hope of deceiving a seasoned detective and father, Caden laid his cards on the table. “The whole thing just doesn’t feel right. Matt got word the feds are working with Interpol and tracking down the ringleaders involved, but something is off. I feel it.”
“Like the night she was attacked in her bed?” He nodded his agreement. “You think it’s not over. My gut says the same. Why in the hell are you out here where you can only see two sides of the house?”
An interesting conversation ensued. When faint tongues of gray light crawled over the horizon, they’d finished their food and reached an understanding, if not mutual respect.
Sunday breakfast consisted of a large meal followed by strong coffee on Kaylee’s back porch. Relaxed conversation marked the transition from previous tension during their encounters.
“You a fan of hiking?” Mr. Tate’s gaze took in the lake with a skiff tied off at the end of a community dock.
“Absolutely. There’s some wonderful trails through these parts. I spent a lot of time near here as a kid.”
“Wouldn’t be a bad area to settle down.” An arched brow and hopeful smile accompanied Mrs. Tate’s comment.
“We used to hike quite a bit.” Color crept up Kaylee’s cheeks. “Well, before—”
“Before we lost Reese,” Her dad finished.
“Well, you men seem to be hitting it off now.” Mrs. Tate canted her head to the side, examining their expressions.
“We’ve reached an understanding.” The older man’s nod in Caden’s direction spoke volumes.
Her mom’s answer spoke for them all. “Finally, a cease-fire. We can all take a deep breath.” A smile softened her words.
Caden thanked Providence for smoothing the way. Appreciating the underlying and familiar interactions of the Tates hadn’t established his foothold in their good graces until they fully understood his commitment.
“We’ll be heading home this evening. I assume I can count on you to watch over my girl?” The older man’s tone intertwined demand with an interrogative.
“To my last breath.” Meeting her father’s gaze head-on, Caden understood the worry. It echoed in his own gut.
“Then it’s settled.” A poignant heartache settled in his aura. Every parent knew there came a time to let go and trust. Instilling confidence in offspring came with a cost. Fear of the unknown.
Matt and the rest of the McAllisters joined Kaylee and her parents Sunday afternoon at Caden’s cabin. Barbecue, chess matches, sports games on TV, and discussions involving anything of interest kept the conversation lively. It was too much to hope—and think—they’d behave in front of his woman’s parents. They’d started in soon after arrival.
“Nice to see you invested in plates that don’t soak up the sauce then fall apart. Damn, bro. Kaylee’s a real keeper.” Lucas began the torment that would last for hours.
“Yeah, and these cups won’t melt with coffee,” Billy murmured. “I feel like I’m living high on the hog.”
Jesus, guys. Not now, they’re just starting to warm up to me.
“Matt bought non-breakable when he got the coffee pot,” Ethan said, before tapping the princess themed plate. “And it’s all matchy-matchy in pastel colors.”
Lucas’ insistence in giving a tour of the cabin ended with the master bedroom, where the cartoon character bedspread and curtains would have completed the visual painting of a scary resident if previous conversations hadn’t established Caden as a solid individual. When the retired policeman returned amid his brothers’ guffaws and Caden’s murmured threats, the older man’s slap on the back ensured the comical impression would never fade. Shared beliefs and character gave them much in common.
Regardless of the lively banter and clever jabs from his brothers, Kaylee’s father had injected his own subtle inquisition to flesh out his perception of his only child’s boyfriend. If fate had reversed their situations, Caden would have done the same, minus the subtlety.
“Well, I guess it’s time to head out. Our plane leaves in a couple hours.” Mrs. Tate’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I wish we could stay longer.”
Her dad’s knitted brow echoed his body’s tension. “Call me with any questions or problems.” The generalized command held an edge born of frustration and con
cern.
Kaylee promised to call daily for the next week, her posture relaxing with her mom’s tears and an invitation for Caden to visit them on the East Coast. It didn’t surprise him when her father asked for one of his cards. Caden wrote his number on the back, knowing it would be used—frequently.
“You must think it’s ridiculous for me to keep the apartment when we’ll spend nights at your cabin.”
“Well, since you have more age-appropriate bedding, we could spend some nights there if you like.” Putting an end to the abstinence curse brought on by her family’s presence had derailed other thoughts after his siblings left.
“No, I’m comfortable right here. I actually love this couch, even better ’cause we’re not sleeping on it. But I’m up and out early tomorrow. Lexi and I are shopping in the morning.” Her warm breath lifted the fine hairs on his chest when she leaned over to nuzzle his neck.
“Sounds like fun. I have a meeting with the architect but should be finished by noon. I think the floor plan we sketched out is gonna suit us perfectly.”
“I can’t wait to see it built. I’ll have to thank Lexi tomorrow for the extra software on our new laptops. She has a great CAD program.”
Developing a floor plan specific to his current viewpoint in life solidified his objective to move forward. Tapping into Kaylee’s ideas for exterior hardscaping provided new and fresh ideas he couldn’t wait see come to fruition. Her remarkable perspective and experience in photography came into play while exploring her photos, repopulated on her new computer. With a little tweaking by the right mind, their dream would become reality.
“You know, all this time I’d been living out in the country and wondering if it was the right place for me. Now I realize it was the right choice, just the wrong style home.” It’d taken one evening at Kaylee’s apartment to realize he craved the open space.
“I’ve come to the same conclusion. I’d rather have foxes, squirrels, and deer, for neighbors. They’re quieter and more entertaining.”
“And soon you shall. Nobody to bang on your ceiling if you make too much noise.” He’d snickered when the duplex’s other tenants had blasted loud music after Kaylee got particularly vocal during their early evening delight.
He hadn’t addressed his biggest concern, convincing her to move in with him and drop her lease. There was a time and place for every conversation. They’d climb that mountain when she was ready.
In the back of his mind, the nagging thought the nightmare wasn’t over surged forward. If she insisted on spending a few nights alone to prove she’d vanquished her demons, he’d stake out her place at a discreet distance. The fire had destroyed his inventory of surveillance equipment, but replacements he’d ordered would allow visual access to all sides of the building.
“You’re thinking too much.” Her smile could thaw an entire iceberg.
The slow glide of her fingers over his bare chest stirred the same heat building in her gaze. The side effects culminated in a dry mouth and intense pressure against his fly. He’d use his body to reinforce what they both felt, making words trivial.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The previous night rivaled the best she’d ever experienced. Moving to Caden’s rhythm had sent her into new realms of pleasure where nothing could intrude. It hadn’t been the instinctive reaction to surviving an adrenaline-producing event. Last night’s merging cemented the bond originating from circumstances that had shaped an indestructible barricade against any force, natural or contrived. “I’ve found a new set of muscles.” Agile as she’d always been, she hadn’t known she could manage those positions.
“Here, roll over. I’ll work the knots out for you.”
Within seconds, he’d put words to action, massaging her sore back and thighs with deep, strong strokes.
“This isn’t fair. You know Lexi’s coming over in another hour.” She made no pretense of trying to resist.
“Better sated than frustrated. By the way, I want you to model your new lingerie tonight.”
“And what makes you think that’s on my list?”
“Let’s call it wishful thinking.”
Again, his loving was tortuously slow and nail-scrapingly thorough. She’d never achieved such heights or even imagined they existed. Only in Caden’s arms did they become reality.
When her breathing and heart rate slowed, the realization of how close she’d come to losing everything, not once but three times brought a new awareness. Life found balance between dark and light, good and evil, dangerous undertakings and the serenity of leisure.
“Now, you’re the one lost in thought. I must not be up to par.” His chuckle filled her heart.
“It just occurred to me—how trite and unfounded my stubborn pride has been. My strength has been there all along. I’ve survived.”
“We’ve survived.”
“And thrived.”
“Good girl. I was hoping that insight would come. Maybe a few more orgasms will enlighten you to just how good we are together.”
“Seriously? That would send me to the hospital. Forget kidnappers, snipers, and thugs trying to burn us alive.”
“Your arm, wrist, and scalp have healed nicely, but I’d rather not see Dr. Henly again so soon.”
“Now all I need is the strength to keep up with Lexi this morning.”
“She does have an abundance of energy. But she’s also world savvy. She grew up on the streets and could teach us both a few things.”
“She seemed kind of protective of her past, like maybe she’s embarrassed?”
“Just careful about preserving her privacy. She’ll open up once she knows you better.”
“She said she’d help us train a puppy.”
“No doubt about that. You’ll like her teaching methods, always positive reinforcement. The litter I referred to earlier is old enough for us to take a look at tomorrow, if you want. I helped the owner a few years back, and he’s offering us first pick.”
“Yes! That would be wonderful!”
“We’ll train him together. I know your independent streak means you need your own space, at least for a while, but we’re good together. Stay with me and see where this adventure takes us.” Blue eyes darkened with the earnestness and intensity of his gaze.
He wasn’t asking for marriage, yet his words, as well as the possession radiating from every aspect of his body, demanded so much more. He’d staked his claim on her heart, craving that which bridged the physical and the spiritual. After his own horrific experiences, nature had urged him to grow and flourish from a world of casual hookups and careless disregard. Even in the short span of time she’d known him, she saw the extent of his growth.
“I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
“Good. It’s settled—and you’re gonna be late. You hit the shower while I fix breakfast. Tell Lexi I’ll meet you girls for lunch at Sutter Joe’s. They have great cheesesteak subs.”
The day turned out seasonably warm with a light breeze sifting through ornamental trees dotting the edge of the mall’s sidewalk. Kaylee inhaled deeply, enjoying a newfound sense of freedom while trying to keep pace with her friend.
“Hey, how about we park it for a bit. Looks like you could use a break.” Lexi asked, her air of subtle mystery entwined with hard-shelled self-assurance softened with her expression.
“Love to. I hadn’t realized how energy sapping shopping could be. Thanks for coming with me today. I appreciate it.” Taking a short break after stowing their bags in Lexi’s car, Kaylee smiled at the thought of Caden’s reaction to her purchases. It was going to be a fun night after she bragged about sitting near the table where she’d been previously abducted.
Building confidence.
“Hey, shopping with any man is a waste of time when it comes to clothes. They only want to see stuff made of lace and scraps of satin.” A grin tempered her admonishment. “Not that they don’t have their place. But a girl needs other things as well.”
Crisp, clean air
carried the tang of the nearby river, pungent on the soft breeze driving a food wrapper across the sidewalk. Revisiting the same shopping center instilled a sense of power, like the last piece of a puzzle making sense of the whole picture.
Kaylee stretched her legs and yawned. The next time she went shopping with Lexi, Caden would have to give her a few more hours of sleep. Still, it felt good to sit and relieve her sore muscles while watching other women carry their new finds, eating a bagel from the bakery, or simply chatting with a friend in passing. “This morning has helped me regain a sense of normalcy I wasn’t sure I’d feel again. Like an old part of me has resurfaced. Thank you.”
“Hey, I understand where you’re coming from. Plus, I’ve seen firsthand how much you’ve helped Caden, despite your own losses.”
“Thank you.” Kaylee smiled with the warm acceptance. Her life had finally turned around. Even the barista who’d prepared their favorite drinks seemed to nourish an inner glow, judging by the smile tilting her lips. Savoring the caramel latte and listening to music as the base beat resonated within her heart topped off the experience.
“You’ve never lost all your clothes in one fell swoop, and even though you bought a few necessities the other day, men usually focus on small details.”
Kaylee’s ungraceful snort of agreement sloshed hot liquid over the side of her cup. “If Ethan’s the same way as Caden, they’d have us parading around in bikinis whenever outside and naked when inside.” She laughed at Caden’s wish voiced earlier while in bed. “What time’s it getting to be? I promised Caden we’d meet him for lunch.” Sticky fingers wiped on a napkin left a paper residue.
“We’ve got a few minutes yet.” An awkward glance at the river preceded Lexi’s next words, a foreshadowing of internal conflict. “I’m glad you and Caden have hit it off so well. He deserves to have someone good in his life.”
Bound By Shadows (The McAllister Justice Series Book 2) Page 24