Page 28 of Beautifully Broken Control

I let out a small laugh. “Well, you’ll certainly have that.” My gaze traveled over all the windows, settling on the ones right in front of us, ones that looked into the kitchen. There was food everywhere. So much that it would take the dozen or so of us here a month to eat it all. “Why did you get so much?” My voice came out choked.

Cain’s brow furrowed. “So much what?”

“Food.”

He laughed. “Well, it is a party.”

An uncomfortable heat rolled through my body. “What are you going to do with the leftovers?”

Cain studied me, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. “I guess I’ll send leftovers home with whoever wants them, keep some for myself, and throw out the rest.”

My hands tightened into fists. “That’s incredibly wasteful.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. “I’m so sorry. That was rude and none of my business. If you’ll excuse me.”

I dashed around Cain before he could say a word and headed down the deck steps. The grass tickled my toes as I made my way to the dock. It was older but looked sturdy enough. I sat down on the end, slipping off my sandals so I could dip my toes into the frigid water.

I needed the cold right then. Needed it to cool my temper and my embarrassment. I let my head drop into my hands. What was I thinking? What Cain wanted to do with his money was none of my business.

The dock swayed as someone sat next to me. I couldn’t look. I saw only rolled-up slacks and male feet dipping into the water next to me. “You’re not wrong, you know. It is wasteful.”

I said nothing but dropped my hands, keeping my gaze on the water. “Jensen said you volunteer at the local shelter. Why don’t I drop the leftovers by there tomorrow, along with a donation?”

“It’s not always about money, you know.” What was wrong with me? It was like I couldn’t keep my mouth shut around this man. But I’d seen money thrown at so many problems before. When you seemed to have an endless supply, what did it really cost you? I swallowed down my frustration.

“What do you mean?”

I shook my head. “Sorry. I didn’t mean anything. That would be great, and the shelter can always use donations.”

Cain reached out and, with a single finger, turned my face towards him. The contact was gentle and rough at the same time, sending tingles up the side of my face. “No. Tell me the truth.”

I swallowed, my gaze locked with his as he released his hold on me. “You should spend some time there.”Shut up, Kennedy.“Get to know the people you’re helping. See how important food is to them.”

Clarity seemed to dawn for Cain. “Sounds fair enough. When can I start?”

Like the genius I was, I’d somehow convinced the man I’d been determined to stay away from to volunteer at the place I spent most of my evenings.Smooth move, Kennedy.

10

Cain

I shutthe door to my SUV, the noise echoing off the mostly empty parking lot. But the sound did nothing to attract Kennedy’s attention. She stood, head bent, gaze focused intently on her phone. Too focused. She didn’t seem to be aware of anything around her. Foolish. Dangerous.

I cleared my throat. “Kennedy.”

She jumped, a hand flying to her chest. “Whoa. You scared me.”

I fought the scowl that wanted to surface. “You weren’t paying attention.” My gaze flicked to her cell, and she quickly shoved it into her bag.

“Sorry. Just lost in thought, I guess.” She inclined her head towards the doors of the community center. “You ready to go in?”

She started towards the building before I’d said a single word, but I reached out a hand, grasping her elbow as gently as possible. It was a mistake. Her skin was the smoothest thing I’d ever felt. It seemed to burn my fingertips, sear my palm. “Are you okay?”

Kennedy nodded quickly. “Fine. Why?”

The way her eyes drifted away told me that she was lying. My jaw made that familiar clicking noise as it tightened. “You were so focused on your phone, you wouldn’t have noticed a herd of elephants until they were trampling you.”

Her berry-red lips quirked. “A herd of elephants? I don’t think those are native to Oregon.”

“That’s not the point. It’s dangerous not to be aware of your surroundings.”

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