Chapter 7
7
KELLI
T he silence in the car was deafening as I leaned toward the side window and tried to sleep. Of course I couldn’t, between my frustration, my overactive brain and the heated looks I could feel Brian giving me, I was very painfully awake. I wasn’t sure if he was upset at the fact he was kept out of the loop, or that he was now stuck with me for the foreseeable future. That, however, is all on his shoulders. I didn’t choose this. I still wasn’t really sure how to feel about it all. There was no denying that Brian has always felt safe to me. Even though he crushed me, my stupid heart longed for the feeling of safety that his words brought me.
To make matters worse, he looks even better than when I saw him last. When he walked into my hospital room earlier, my brain short circuited. He towered over me at 6’2” and even with his dirty jeans and open flannel, his body looked larger and harder than ever. God, those thick powerful thighs that filled out every inch of his jeans were going to haunt my dreams. The sexy scruff that clung to his sharp chin and deep brown eyes that always could see straight to my soul. I don’t want to have to stay in the same house as him, with his devastatingly rugged good looks. He crushed me without an ounce of remorse and I can’t easily hide the pain of that from him. Hopefully his house is big enough that I can avoid him as much as possible.
That’s when I remembered what Danny had mentioned a few years back. I sat up, looking over at him, “Do you still have roommates?”
He glanced over at me as he merged toward an off ramp from the highway. “Yeah, Josh, Logan and I live together. Don’t worry, they don’t mind you staying and are good guys.”
He had to be kidding. Not only was I being forced to invade his space, but now I was also thrust upon two others as well? I’m sure they don’t want me there, and Josh was not super high on my list of people I wanted to see. I was still a little embarrassed about the fact that I never heard from him again, but he was kind when we met and when he answered my calls. I know Logan also served with them, but that was as much as I knew about him. I huffed out a breath. “I don’t want to put anyone out, you can just bring me to a hotel now. I’m nowhere near Boston, and I’ll use cash.” Being forced to rely on even more men was starting to really piss me off. To make matters worse, I really could use a good cry and a tub of ice cream again, and I don’t need that humiliation to be witnessed.
“Not happening, Kel. Logan already won’t shut up about having someone new to bake for,” his jaw ticked like he was annoyed by that, “and you met Josh. He makes a habit of being a loner and is just happy you’ll be safe. We have a guest room ready, but you’ll have to share a bathroom with Josh. You’ll be safe with us and that is all I care about.”
I wasn’t too sure on how to respond to that, so I just let it be. I was too tired to argue, it was after 2 AM now, and my body was ready to crash. We drove on back roads surrounded by massive trees, and every once in a while, there was enough of a gap that I caught glimpses of a lake. It looked like a beautiful area, and I couldn’t wait to see it in the daytime. I could no longer see any homes, just long driveways that were well spaced out. Eventually, Brian flipped on his blinker and we turned right into a driveway with a large automated gate that opened as we drove up. The trees were just as dense along the driveway as I stared into the inky black woods. When pale light appeared ahead of us, my mouth dropped open.
The massive cabin, if you can even call it that, in front of us was breathtaking. It had elements of a traditional log cabin, like the beautiful cedar logs making up most of the two stories surrounded by massive stones at the base. The front porch was large and covered, with the most incredible set of double doors in the center. Brian pulled into a three-car garage to the left of the home, turning off the car with a heavy sigh. I looked over as he dragged his hands down his face looking utterly exhausted.
His head rolled toward me as he took me in. His brown eyed gaze stayed on my face for a minute before slowly making its way down to my feet and back up. I should have been embarrassed about the fact that I’m in a big sweatshirt he had handed me from the car, my manatee pajama pants and my Ugg slippers, but I wasn’t. Brian looked at me with such a softness, and a hint of longing, or maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part. It had been so long since anyone looked at me that way, probably since he looked at me last all those years ago. I was waiting on him to say something, anything, but he didn’t. He just stepped out of the car, moving around back to the trunk to grab my bags. As I stepped out to follow, my eyes traveled around the garage. I noticed Josh’s truck and a blue Jeep along the back wall with stacks of organized storage shelves and tool boxes. I walked back to the trunk to help, pleasantly surprised to see him pulling out a large suitcase and two large bags. Hopefully this means that Alex had gotten and packed everything that I would need.
I grab one of the bags and hold a hand out in an “after you” motion for Brian who has the other two bags. “Lead the way.”
We step through a large mud room where Brian ditches his wallet, keys and shoes into a cubby, so I do the same with my slippers into an empty spot. I follow him quickly through the rest of the dark house, getting a glimpse of a large kitchen and spacious living room as we start ascending a staircase near the front of the home. The top landing of the stairs is open to the home below, with a hall to the left and right. “You and Josh are on this side, Logan and I are on the other.” He strides down the right hallway where there is a door on either side and one at the end. He points to the right, “that’s Josh’s room, the bathroom is the door at the end, and this will be your room.” He pushes open the door to the left, flipping on the light.
The room is large with a matching oak dresser, bed and nightstands. The walls are a pale gray that match the soft and fluffy looking comforter. I let my fingers trace over it as I walk further into the room. The curtains, throw pillows and chair in the corner are all a beautiful sage green. Besides a lamp on the nightstand and a picture of a hazy forest on one wall, it is a plain room, but still looks elegant and cozy. Brian sets my bags down outside the closet and looks around the room as if he is inspecting it.
“There are extra towels in the linen closet in the bathroom if you want to take a shower. The sheets and everything are fresh. Is there anything else you need before the morning?”
“No, thank you. This is really nice.” I just wanted to crawl into the bed and sleep for days until this whole nightmare was over. “Really, Brian, I know I have been acting ungrateful, but thank you.”
He pulls me into a hug, pressing my face into his chest with one hand while stroking down my back with the other. I slowly feel my body relax and melt into him. He smells like sandalwood, the earth, and a hint of sweat. The more my body relaxes, the more my pent-up emotions from the day struggle to break free. The knot in my throat feels thick, my lower lip quivering as I try to take even breaths. Brian bends down, cradling my body in his arms, and carries me over to the bed. He pulls the blankets back with one hand and gently lowers me into the soft bed. Covering me back up with the comforter, his fingers push my wayward hair from my face before he leans down to place an achingly soft kiss to my forehead. “Get some rest, Kelli. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, he walks out, turning off the light and closing the door behind him. I take in another slow breath, waiting for the tears to come. Before they can, sleep takes me.
Waking up the next morning, I feel sweaty and disoriented. I blink up at an unfamiliar ceiling a few times before sitting up and looking around, remembering the cozy room I am in at Brian’s house. The subtle smell of cinnamon and juniper trees hits my nose. Looking down, I realize I still have the sweatshirt on and am under the thick comforter, too. I slept so soundly, I don’t think I moved once last night. There’s no clock that I can see, so I slip my legs from under the covers and trudge over to my purse at the bottom of the bed, pulling my phone out. Of course it’s dead. Why?! I open the bag I carried in, looking for a charger, but instead find my make-up, shower and bathroom supplies. It looks like Alex just opened all my bathroom drawers and shoved everything he found in here, as well as everything in my shower. I can’t complain though, at least he was thorough with packing.
I move to the next bag and find shoes, my laptop, my Kindle, and my chargers. Win! I pull out my phone charger and plug in my phone, setting it on the nightstand. Moving back to the first bag, I pull out everything I need for a shower and meander my way to the bathroom. Thankfully, no one is in the hall because one look in the bathroom mirror when I close the door has me cringing. My face is puffy, my eyes lined in dark circles, and my hair is a frizzy nest on top of my head. I take a good look around the bathroom and let out a small squeal of delight. The floors and shower tiles are stunning black slate tiles. There is a mahogany double vanity and a large window over a large free-standing tub that overlooks the woods outside. It is all moody tones with crisp lines. It’s hard to believe that someone uses this bathroom at all. I open a few drawers and sure enough, there are men’s supplies below one of the sinks, but nothing lined up on the counter.
The glass paneling in front of the shower is clear, the wall adjacent to the shower head filled with buttons to control the jets and temperature. I mess around with them until I have the hot water going. Stripping out of my pajamas, I grab my shower supplies and step in. The heat and the water pressure feel amazing on my tight muscles. If I can just spend my time here between this shower and the comfy bed, I would be happy. As I lather my hair, my stomach lets out a grumble that echoes into the room. Okay, maybe I would also need to spend some time in the kitchen.
Feeling like a whole new woman, I step out of the shower realizing I forgot to grab a towel and the linen closet is on the other side of the bathroom. Looking around, I make the executive decision to use Josh’s towel and just grab a new one for him. I wrap his oversized blue towel around my body and walk across the tiles to the closet to grab a new towel to replace his and grab one for my hair. A quick glance in the closet proves this is the only blue towel and all the ones in the closet are white. Shit . I grab two white ones and put one on his hook anyway, using the other to wrap around my hair. After brushing my teeth, I grab my pile of clothes and try to slip back into my room to get dressed. Right as I step out of the bathroom, Josh steps out of his room and our eyes lock. I freeze as his gaze slowly trails down my body, his nostrils flaring when he sees the blue towel wrapped around me.
“Logan made coffee and breakfast,” is all he says as he turns and practically runs downstairs, while I slink back into my room embarrassed. I throw on some leggings and a sweater, put my hair into a bun on my head and make my way downstairs. This is going to be painful and awkward no matter when I do it, and I could really use a cup of coffee so it might as well be now.
I can hear the guys talking downstairs as soon as I am in the hallway. I slow my steps, trying to make out what they are saying, but when I get to the balcony, my feet stall. There is a beautiful wood railing open to the large living room below, but that isn’t what stopped me. Beyond the room is a two-story wall of windows looking over their large expanse of a yard all the way down to the lake. It has to be mid-morning based on the sun glittering over the water. From here, it looks like they might have a small plot of beach at the edge of their yard with a few trees scattered throughout. Both sides of the yard are surrounded by dense woods and large trees. It is private, but yet, it has an open feel and is absolutely breathtaking.
I am standing there staring so long, I don’t realize the voices below have stopped talking. I look down to see Brian and Josh sitting at a dining table to the left and a man that must be Logan leaning against a large opening that leads to the kitchen with all three staring up at me. I give a small awkward wave and turn, heading the rest of the way downstairs.
Logan’s warm smile greets me first. “Good morning, Kelli, it’s nice to officially meet you. I’m Logan, you hungry?”
I smile back, avoiding the other two sets of eyes I can feel on me. “Nice to meet you, too. I’m starving, and I would kill for a cup of coffee.”
He lets out a soft laugh, putting his hand on my arm leading me into the kitchen. “Let’s get you some food then. I made all the fixings for breakfast burritos. There’s bacon, eggs, potatoes, and peppers on the stove, and tortillas, cheese, and sauce options on the island. What would you like?”
The kitchen is beautiful with gray cabinets, marble counters and an oversized butcher block island. My eyes travel around, spotting the coffee pot, my feet immediately heading to it to pour myself a cup. Logan huffs a laugh, moving around me to open the fridge. “A woman after my own heart. We have some creamers, half and half, and milk in here if you need it. Want me to make your burrito while you do that?”
“Please, that sounds great. I will take a little of everything in it.” I grab some vanilla creamer and pour it into my cup. I put the creamer back in the fridge, then turn and lean against the cabinets next to it, taking a sip. A small moan escapes as the first sip hits my tongue, heavenly after my day yesterday. Logan is standing at the stove making my plate and I can’t help but let my eyes wander down him. He is taller than Josh and Brian, probably around 6’4”, but he isn’t as big as the other two. Where Josh and Brian are all bulging muscles, Logan is more lean muscle, but definitely still cut. He is wearing a white t-shirt that shows off the swirling colors of his tattoos on his biceps and clings to the muscles of his back every time he shifts around. He also has on black sweatpants with no socks. I can’t tell if my mouth is watering from this divine coffee or the man in front of me. “Thank you for making breakfast. And letting me stay here.”
He turns to the island to add cheese and salsa, but pauses to make eye contact. “It wasn’t even a question. We are happy to have you here and the three of us will ensure you are safe. With that being said, those assholes aren’t always the greatest with words, or actions for that matter, so don’t take anything personally and let me know if I can get you anything.” Logan hands me my plate nodding to the table in the next room. “Go ahead, I’m going to make myself one and I’ll be right in.”
Josh and Brian are sitting across from each other at the table. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit by either of them at the moment. Despite him putting me to bed, I was still mad at how dismissive Brian was to my feelings yesterday. Even if his demands did make me a little hot. Every action still made me feel like a burden and there was no communication from him that said otherwise. I grab the chair next to Josh and sit down. “Sorry for taking your towel,” I quietly mumble to him. “I forgot to grab one. I will wash it and put it back.” I can feel my face heat with mortification, so I hide it behind a sip of my coffee.
“It’s fine.” He mutters back before taking a bite of his burrito. I glance up at Brian who is glaring between Josh and me. They both have plates in front of them, but it looks like they waited to start eating until I got here. It was an oddly sweet sentiment, especially coming from these two grumpy men.
Logan sits down across from me. “How did you sleep, Kelli?” he asks, digging into his burrito. Sitting across from me, I get a better view of him, and damn is it a nice view. His light brown hair is a little unruly with a sexy mussed up look above dark blue eyes on a classically handsome face. Straight white teeth, golden brown skin, and panty dropping dimples when he grins at me. It’s becoming clear that while I might be safe in this house, my panties certainly aren’t.
“I slept great. That bed, and honestly, even that shower, might be the best things I’ve ever encountered.”
I can feel Brian’s gaze boring into me from across the table. “If you need anything, just ask. Logan has a grocery list on the pantry door. Add anything to it you want and we will get it for you. I’ll show you around the house after breakfast. We have cameras around the property, so you’re free to spend time outside whenever.” I roll my eyes at that. Like I would be asking permission to go outside. “Don’t roll your eyes at me. If you would like to go anywhere, you can ask one of us to take you but it’s probably best if we avoid that. If you want to walk the property, one of us can accompany you. Josh and I work from home most of the time, and Logan is in and out all week for work, but we will ensure you are never left here alone.” Brian’s protectiveness of me clearly hasn’t waned over time.
“So, you forced me to come stay here and then essentially put me on house arrest with babysitters? I am not the little girl you used to know, Brian. I won’t be treated like a child, I will happily go back home and relieve the burden of your self-imposed babysitting duties.”
“Damn it, Kelli! If you want to behave like a child, I will treat you like one!” He rakes his hands through his hair, tugging a little on the ends. “Why is it so hard for you to accept help? This home with the three of us is the safest place for you right now. That’s all I want.” He looks down and drags his hands down his face. “I just need to make sure you are safe.” He sounds defeated and I feel a little bad for that. Logan leans over and squeezes his shoulder while pinning him with a meaningful stare.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.” My voice is as small as I feel. I grab my plate and head toward the kitchen. There are whispers behind me as the first tear falls. I put my dishes into the dishwasher and head back for the stairs to hide in my room.