Page 59 of Between Now & Heartbreak

When Ms. Jordan finally returned my call two days ago, it took me a few seconds to remember that I'd left her a message saying I was writing a story on the Kendicotts and wanted to get some background commentary for the story from people who interacted with them. She seemed eager to talk and I’m hopeful as I walk into her office that she’ll have something of value to add.

I came here looking for answers about a brother I thought I needed to know. But being confronted with the possibility that a man like Duke Tremaine could be my sibling has changed all of that. Full blood sibling or not, that man could never be a brother to me in any sense of the word.

And there’s no point in turning our lives upside down when I’m one hundred percent sure that I have no interest in a relationship with him.

My mother I’ve written off. She’s a self-confessed murderer. If I have a sibling out there, I can live without ever knowing for sure.

So, my father is the only redeeming family member I have, and I want to know as much about him as possible. How did he end up married to a woman who would kill him in cold blood and then burn down the house they’d shared?

Did he know she was pregnant? Was he excited to become a father? All the things Jo couldn’t tell me, maybe this woman who he worked for can shed some light.

15

LIVE FREE

BETH

I roundthe corner to the block where Carter said he was waiting and breathe a sigh of relief when he’s the only person parked on the street. But he’s leaning against a black motorcycle. It’s one of the sleek ones, not like the Harleys I’m used to seeing around here.

I slow my stride and gradually come to a stop halfway down the street.

His head cocks to the side and then he pushes off his perch and walks to meet me where I stand.

“What do you think of her?” He jerks a thumb back towards the bike. I lean around him and inspect it again.

I look back at him and smile nervously.

“It’s very big. And uh—it looks kind of dangerous.”

He raises an eyebrow in scandalized surprised. “Don’t tell me you’ve never been on one.”

“Never will, either.”

“Don’t worry little darlin’, I’ll protect ya’.” He pulls his sunglasses off and crosses his arms over his chest and grins down at me.

God, when he smiles like that, I want to do whatever it takes to make it last. But, I don’t like the mischievous glint in his eye right now and so I frown at him.

“You can drawl all day, but I’m not riding that thing. And how do you even know how to drive it?”

“My dad taught us, all of us. It’s safe and I have an extra helmet. You’ll be fine.” He walks over to the bike and opens the small compartment in the back.

“Come on. I have a surprise for you and it’s getting cold.”

My stomach rumbles in anticipation. Carter is an excellent cook.

“You should have led with that…if it’s as delicious as that chicken thing you made yesterday, then I’ll ride on that thing naked through fire.”

He chuckles. “So, through your stomach then?”

I grab the helmet and drop it on my head. He steps into me and fastens it under my chin. While he fusses with that, I take him in.

He looks like he’s lived here his whole life. His hair which used to be styled within an inch of its life when he arrived is now devoid of product. It’s wind tousled and has sun kissed highlights that weren’t there when he arrived. His eyes are hidden behind black aviator sunglasses. But his grin says it all. He’sreallyfucking happy.

And it makes me happy, too.

“Thank you.” I walk a wide circle around the bike and eye it dubiously.

“I’m not really dressed for this. Can I ride side saddle?”

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