Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3
MAKENZIE
M akenzie watched the landscape transform from the bustling city to the serene countryside. Eventually, the truck slowed down as they entered the city limits of Grand Ridge. It was a quaint town with an idyllic main street, something out of a Hallmark romance movie.
She admired the majestic mountains looming in the distance, their snow-covered peaks glowing with golden hues of the setting sun. Nervousness bubbled within her as she stole a glance at Irish. The tall, lanky teenager had turned into a strong, broad man. She’d caught glimpses of him through the years, but had never truly looked at him, always occupied by something or someone else. Now, sitting beside him, breathing in his scent, all she could see was him.
His large hands on the steering wheel, his thick legs spread confidently apart, the sharp lines of a toned body beneath the shirt that gripped his abs. Sitting beside him, she felt something she couldn’t identify. Something undeniably comforting, a sense of safety and familiarity she hadn't realized she craved until now.
When they pulled up to Irish's house, Makenzie's breath caught in her throat. The four-bedroom brick home stood proudly against the backdrop of the mountains.
“It’s not fancy, but it’s home,” Irish said as he cut the engine.
“Not fancy? It’s beautiful.” She countered.
“It was a new build. I met with the builders and designed it myself. I wanted an open layout. It’s my forever home. My place of retirement, you know?”
Makenzie could tell how proud Irish was of it, as he should be. “Let me show you around. You can stay in the guestroom as long as you’d like.”
Irish walked around to the passenger side of the door and helped Makenzie down. As she stepped out of the truck, Irish’s hands went around her waist. Makenzie startled at the shiver that ran down her spine. He smiled down at her, almost as if was acknowledging the chemistry between them.
Makenzie returned his smile, suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of shyness. Together, they walked up the path to the front door, and Irish unlocked it. Clover bounded ahead of them and a second later, she heard barking in the distance.
“Doggie door. Clover likes to go chase the birds and squirrels that dare to enter her backyard.”
Makenzie laughed. “She’s such a sweetheart.”
“Not with everyone. She has good instincts.”
As they cleared the front hallway and stepped inside, the cozy living room greeted Makenzie. Plush sofas adorned with soft cushions invited her to sink into their embrace, while with the flip of a switch, a crackling fire danced in the fireplace. She couldn't help but notice the military memorabilia adorning the walls – plaques, medals, and certificates from Irish's days as a Navy SEAL. Each item was a testament of his courage and his dedication to serving his country.
Irish led her on a tour of the house, showing her the spacious kitchen where he promised to make dinner for her later that evening, the dining room where he had a table that could grow to seat twelve or with removal of the center leaf, be more intimate and seat four, and the cozy den where they could curl up together and watch movies on the massively large television adorning the wall.
Leaving the open layout of the living space, Irish led her down the hallway. There were two doors on each side of the hallway. Irish opened the door to one room, revealing a space filled with soft pastels. A couple of posters hung on the wall, and a neatly made bed stood in the middle. “This is Harper’s room. Wyatt’s room is next to it,” he explained, referring to his fifteen-year-old daughter and his sixteen-year-old son.
Makenzie smiled, imagining the laughter that must fill the house when they were here. If his kids were anything like he was when he was a teenager, they’d be rambunctious and full of energy. It was clear from their talk on the way here, his children meant everything to him. She hadn’t pried too much into his strained relationship. Sean had spoken some about Irish’s ex-wife in the past. Makenzie knew it was a tough situation and that there was little love lost between them.
As they continued their tour, Irish led her to another bedroom, this one decorated in a more understated style. “And this will be your room for the weekend,” he said, gesturing toward the inviting queen-sized bed adorned with soft linens and fluffy pillows. “Or for as long as you need. There’s a full bathroom through there with a clawfoot tub.”
“Nora’s influence?” Makenzie asked after his sister-in-law. Nora, who had married Irish’s youngest brother, had been one of her classmates in school. “She loves her clawfoot tubs.”
“Yeah. I was going over the plans for the house at Christmas a few years back and she added a few details.” He smiled warmly at Makenzie. “It’s nice having someone here who knows my family. I have another family here. My brothers in Spartan Watchmen and my veteran brothers over on Valhalla but having you here kind of ties the two worlds together.”
“I thought it was strange when you decided to settle down across the country from your family. Colorado is beautiful, at least, what I’ve seen of it. I can see why people would be drawn to the mountains. I’ve never seen anything so majestic.”
“It wasn’t just the mountains. It’s the sense of purpose I have here. I left the military and at first, it felt like the brotherhood was severed. There’s something about the military lifestyle, you create a second family, a chosen family. One that isn’t blood. It’s not easily replicated. Here I found another purpose, with the kids I work with, and I ride beside the men who understand, truly understand and relate, to what I’ve been through. Anyway,” Irish seemed a bit uncomfortable, and it was clear to Makenzie that he wanted to change the topic. “I arranged for a few things to be brought for you.”
Makenzie's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the sight of several bags sitting on the bed. “What's all this?” she asked.
Irish grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck. “While Sean didn’t tell me too much, he did say you were on your way with nothing but your wallet. Although I knew you’d need a few things, I wasn’t expecting you to show up in a wedding gown. These are from Veronica, Bull's girlfriend,” he explained. “I gave her my card and asked her to pick up a few things. Your brother helped with the sizes.”
“You didn’t need to do that! I’ll pay you back for everything. I was planning on ordering a few things from Instacart.”
“Instacart isn’t a thing out here. Neither is Uber. We don’t have any of those services. It’s a small town in the middle of nowhere. The nearest Walmart is forty minutes away and Target is an hour. We have a couple of boutique stores downtown, there’s small stores inside some of the ski resorts, and of course we can order online.”
“You don’t have much in the way of shopping?” Makenzie frowned slightly.
“We have a ton of shopping. We are just intentional about driving into the city for it.” He corrected.
Makenzie couldn't help but laugh at the thought of planning a shopping trip. She sporadically stopped by Target a couple of times a month just to wander the aisles.
“So, Bull’s girlfriend drove an hour for me?”
“Believe me, she didn’t mind. I’m quite sure she probably took friends with her. Those girls love any excuse to shop, especially with someone else’s money.”
Makenzie laughed again. She too loved shopping, and if she had a gift card? It was game on.
“I hope she kept the receipts so I can pay you back.”
“Stop saying that. I am not hurting for money, and I don’t expect anything in return. If the receipts are here, it’s to return anything you don’t like or won’t fit, not for reimbursement.” Irish said firmly.
“But—”
“I said stop.” He didn’t raise his voice, but the lowered tone caught her attention. “If I want to spend my money on you, I will. A simple thank you is all I need in return.” His tone was softer, but yet demanding.
And it stirred to life the hidden submissive desires that Makenzie had been pushing down for years.
“Yes, da-” she quickly caught herself. “All right.”
“What were you going to say?” Irish’s eyes flashed with something that Makenzie couldn’t quite put her hands on. A cross between danger and passion.
“Nothing.”
Irish took a step closer to her. “I’ll drop it for now, but this is your only warning. Don’t lie to me, little girl. Not outright and not by omission. Do you understand me?”
It was a challenge. It hung in the air between them. As if Irish was studying her reaction, waiting to see how she’d respond to him. Heat rushed to her cheeks, her nipples tightened, and it felt like the air had been sucked from the room. She nodded quickly, not trusting herself to speak.
“Why don’t you go through the bags and let me know if you need anything else. I’m going to get started on dinner. I know you have to be starving, you barely touched your lunch.”
They’d gone through fast food on the way back from the airport, but Makenzie’s stomach was in knots, and she hadn’t felt like eating. Now, her stomach growled at the mention of food.
As Makenzie unpacked the bags, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She’d been battling the feelings of guilt all day, but here, in Irish’s home, it was as if the guilt melted away. She pulled out several pairs of leggings, three new shirts, some toiletries including bubble bath and even some fuzzy socks.
Inside of the last bag on top of the softest stuffy she’d ever found was a handwritten note.
“Hi, Makenzie, if you need anything else, including a friend to talk to, don’t hesitate to text or call! My number is below. Please text anytime! Veronica”
Tears welled up in Makenzie’s eyes. She felt a bit ridiculous getting emotional over a sweet note left behind by a stranger. Her phone hadn’t stopped dinging until she’d put it on silent. Friends and family demanded explanations of her absence. She’d felt like she was drowning with the bombardment and accusations. The one from her almost sister-in-law hurt the most, it accused her of having an affair and running off to be with a lover. Unfair and unsubstantiated, but Makenzie didn’t have it in her to defend herself.
“Dinner’s almost ready!” Irish called from down the hall.
Makenzie took a deep breath and walked into the bathroom. She washed her face and plastered on a smile. In the middle of the storm, she’d found a life vest. Irish and his kindness. She planned on strapping it on and wearing it until she could float on her own again.