Page 14 of Beautifully Broken Control

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. Thewhydidn’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.

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