Page 78 of Beautifully Broken Control

I didn’t even say goodbye, just hit end on my phone. I met Kennedy at the door, pulling it open. “You overdid it.”

She looked up at me with a puzzled expression. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you rubbing your ribs. Do you want to go home and take a painkiller?”

Kennedy’s puzzled expression melted into amusement, and she pushed up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against mine. “I’m fine. I promise. I still want to go to the shelter for just a little bit.”

I let out a growl of frustration, grabbed the bag from her shoulder, and started towards my SUV. “Fine.”

“There’s no need to pout, grumpypants.”

I froze, turning in place. “Did you just call me grumpypants?”

Kennedy’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced. “I could call you Mr. Grumpypants if you’re feeling fancy.”

I strode towards her, cupped her jaw, and pulled her to me for a hard kiss. “You’re going to pay for that later. That orgasm you want? I’m going to make you beg for it.”

“We’ll see who’s begging,” she challenged, stepping out of my hold and giving my ass a little slap as she headed for my SUV.

I shook my head and grinned up at the sky. The woman was going to kill me.

* * *

“Kennedy,I’m so glad you’re all right.” Doug pulled Kenz into a hug that went on for far too long. My eyes narrowed on him until he released her.

“I’m fine. I think I’ll be back to regularly scheduled volunteering by next week.”

I pulled her back against me, wrapping an arm around her and pressing my lips to the crown of her head. Doug’s eyes narrowed at the action, and I grinned.Starting to get the picture, buddy?

“Are you sure you’re okay? You got some scratches on your face.” Lizzie nibbled on her thumbnail as she spoke, and the fear in her voice had my chest clenching.

I released my hold on Kennedy and crouched down so I’d be eye-level with the little girl. “I promise you, Kennedy is okay. You know when you fall down and scrape your knee when you’re playing?” Lizzie nodded. “That’s what happened to Kennedy.”

Lizzie didn’t look like she completely believed me. “I think it would hurt lots more if you fell on your face.”

Kennedy chuckled. “It wasn’t fun, but Cain’s been taking good care of me. He even made me the best mac and cheese I’ve ever tasted.”

Lizzie’s eyes widened. “Ever?” Kennedy nodded, and Lizzie looked back to me. “Will you make me some?”

I grinned. “I’d love to. How about next week?”

Lizzie nodded enthusiastically.

“Well, it’s about damn time.” Anna strode across the rec room floor and pulled Kennedy into a hug. “I’m so happy you’re okay.” There was a hitch in Anna’s voice as she spoke.

Kennedy squeezed her back. “I’m feeling so much better, there’s no need to worry.” Anna released her. “Thank you so much for helping out at the Kettle while I was laid up.”

I knew that having Anna take on some of her duties at the Kettle had made Kennedy feel less guilty for taking time off. Time that she had definitely needed.

Anna smoothed out her apron. “No problem, girl. It actually worked out perfectly.” A smile stretched across her face. “Jensen offered me a job. Said she needs help with all of the baking.”

Kennedy grinned. “I was hoping she might because we all know that isn’t exactly in my skill set.”

Everyone laughed, but as Kennedy joined in, she winced. I’d had enough. “Baby, we need to get you home. You’ve had enough for one day.”

She sighed. “Okay, you’re probably right. I’ll see you guys next week.”

“Baby, huh?” Anna smirked at us.

---