Chapter 6: I’ll Be - The Broken Road

After spending most of the weekend with Kadyn, I found myself wishing away my work week, just so I could see him again. Kadyn began texting me each morning to let me know he was thinking of me. Then he’d text or call in the evening to make sure I arrived home safely. Charlie was the only other friend who regularly texted me. He would text inspirational messages and scripture readings a couple times a week. I was never really big on texting, but I found myself looking forward to Kadyn’s messages.

I was thrilled when he agreed to go to Patrick and Jonathan’s party with me. I was on the fence about whether the party could be considered a date. In the end, I decided the party was a public event and not a date. This was the only way I could reconcile my desire to see Kadyn against my moratorium on dating.

Senator Rockefeller decided to send us home early on Friday, since Congress was still gridlocked over the budget and already adjourned for the weekend. After squeezing in some extra time at the gym, I texted Kadyn to let him know I was on my way home. He texted me back to tell me he’d pick me up for the party at seven. He recommended I dress warmly.

I raced home to shower and walk Cade. I wolfed down a turkey sandwich while I tore through my closet. My warm clothes were all so… practical. I settled on blue jeans, a dark chocolate brown sweater, and some long brown boots. I dusted some makeup on my face, then dried and curled my hair.

The doorbell rang at precisely seven o’clock.

I flung the door open. My eyes widened at the sight of Kadyn. He was wearing a black leather jacket that showed off his wide shoulders and narrow waist, faded blue jeans, and black combat boots. The guy screamed danger, and still he made me swoon.

Kadyn scowled. “You didn’t even ask who it was.”

I rolled my eyes. “I knew it was you, Kadyn. Come in.” I gathered my coat and purse.

Kadyn pointed to my purse. “You might want to leave that at home.”

“Why?” I asked. I wondered what the guy could possibly have against purses.

“I thought we’d take my bike,” he responded with a killer smile.

My purse hit the ground before my jaw did. “You have a bike?”

Kadyn picked my purse up and set it on the counter. “Yes. Is that a problem? We can take my car if you prefer.”

“No. That’s fine,” I responded a bit too quickly. I shifted my phone, lip gloss, driver’s license, and money into my coat pocket. I took a deep breath as my eyes met his. “I’d love a ride on your bike.”

Kadyn grinned. “Good. I thought we’d drive by the monuments before we go to your friend’s house. They look even more amazing when they’re lit up at night.”

I smiled. “Sounds good to me.” I followed Kadyn out the door. I froze when I got a load of his bike. “What is that?”

“It’s an Aprilia,” Kadyn responded as he strode toward the bike. He handed me a shiny black helmet before tugging a similar helmet over his head.

I had no idea what an Aprilia was, but it appeared I’d be draped over the top of Kadyn’s back all the way to Patrick’s house. How in the heck was I going to maintain my composure perched on the back of a crotch rocket, holding onto Kadyn for dear life? I eyed the bike warily. “I think I have a headache.”

Kadyn laughed, clearly amused by my feeble attempt to avoid the bike. “It’s not as bad as it looks. Come on.” He swung his leg over the bike. He turned in his seat and helped me climb on behind him. “Whatever you do, don’t lean and don’t let go.” He wrapped my arms around his chest and started the bike.

I tried not to wet my pants as the machine roared to life. I tightened my arms around Kadyn’s chest and buried my head in his back. I could feel him chuckle as he pulled away from the curb.

Kadyn handled the bike carefully. He didn’t weave in and out of traffic, and he didn’t speed. The air was a little cool, but Kadyn’s back kept me toasty warm. I lifted my head as we passed by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. They glowed majestically against the darkened sky. Kadyn pointed out the White House before driving around the Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court. Then he drove to Patrick’s townhouse, which was located in a residential area just a few blocks from the Senate side of the Capitol.

Kadyn parked the motorcycle. He slid his helmet off, then reached around to help me off the bike.

I handed him my helmet, then sifted my fingers through my hair to untangle the knots that had been woven in by the wind. I was a little embarrassed to look him in the eye after holding on so tightly.

A concerned look flitted across Kadyn’s face. “Hey, you okay?”

My hands fell to my side as I forced myself to look into his eyes. “Yes. Thanks.”

Kadyn swung his leg over the bike and joined me on the sidewalk. “How’d you like the monuments?”

“You’re right. They look even better at night.” I glanced at Patrick’s house, which was practically pulsing with music. “Are you ready to meet my friends?”

Kadyn shrugged. “Sure.” His hand settled on the small of my back as we walked up the stairs. He pulled the storm door open and followed me inside. The living room was packed with people. Kadyn steered me toward the kitchen.

Patrick entered the kitchen through the back door while Kadyn and I were digging through the cooler, looking for Sprite. “Hey, Kri! I can’t believe you actually showed up.”

I laughed. “Shocking, isn’t it?” I pulled my hand out of the cooler as Kadyn handed me a Sprite. “Patrick, this is Kadyn.”

Patrick reached for Kadyn’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you. Kri talks about you all the time.”

I thumped Patrick in the shoulder. “I do not!”

Kadyn grinned as he shook Patrick’s hand. “That’s good to know.”

Patrick patted me on the back. “You guys make yourselves at home. I’m deep frying a turkey out back, and I need to make sure it doesn’t blow up. It’s my first time working a fryer.”

I reached for a piece of monkey bread as Patrick backed out the door.

Kadyn grabbed my hand and pulled me into the living room. He seemed determined to gain some distance from Patrick’s fryer.

I dug my heels in when we got to the edge of the crowd. No way was I diving into that mess.

Kadyn stepped in front of me. He linked my fingers through the belt loops on either side of his jeans. He shielded me like I was a star quarterback as he pushed his way through the crowd. He found a spot where I could stand with my back against the wall.

Kadyn leaned against the wall, but he faced me instead of the party. The music was crazy loud, and there was a crush of people dancing all around us. Kadyn and I had to press our lips against each other’s ears, just to be heard.

Jonathan and Jamie made valiant attempts to talk to us, but it was difficult to have a conversation over the music. Eventually, Jamie pulled us back through the kitchen and into the backyard.

I breathed a sigh of relief when we stepped away from the crowd and the deafening music. I smiled gratefully at Jamie. “Thanks.”

Patrick handed Kadyn one of the drumsticks from the turkey, which was now sitting next to a citronella candle on the picnic table.

Kadyn took a bite. “Not bad for your first try.”

Patrick handed me a piece of white meat. “What do you think, Kri?”

I popped it into my mouth. “I think it tastes great.” I reached for a second piece. “Whatever possessed you to buy a deep fryer?”

Patrick shrugged. “I needed to add more protein to my diet.”

Kadyn patted my back when I choked on the turkey. “Doesn’t the fact that you’re frying the meat sort of defeat the purpose?”

Patrick looked thoughtful as he considered my point. “No, I don’t think it does.”

I just shook my head.

Jamie laughed. “So, Kadyn, I hear you played football for the Air Force Academy. Which position did you play?”

“Running back,” Kadyn replied. He reached for the roll of paper towels.

“I saw Kadyn play in a game against Notre Dame,” Patrick announced.

Kadyn looked surprised. “You did?”

“Yeah. I’ll never forget that game. Air Force was at Notre Dame. It was fourth and two, and Air Force was down by seven. You caught the pitch from the quarterback, made the free safety miss, and outran everyone else. You scored from twenty-six yards out to tie the game.”

Kadyn was grinning. “Air Force won that game in overtime.”

Patrick slapped Kadyn on the back. “Thanks to you.”

I stared at Patrick in shock. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

Patrick shrugged. “I saw that game when I was in high school. I didn’t put two and two together until I Googled Kadyn last night.”

My jaw fell slack. “You Googled Kadyn?”

Jonathan fielded that question. “We wanted to make sure you were dating a good guy.”

“We’re not dating,” Kadyn and I responded at the exact same time.

Patrick raised an eyebrow. He looked pointedly at Kadyn’s arm, which was wrapped around my back.

I tried to pull away, but Kadyn tightened his hold. I scowled at Patrick.

Jonathan and Jamie laughed.

Kadyn grew quiet as the night wore on. I could tell something was bothering him, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. We ducked out of the party shortly after eleven o’clock. This time, I savored the motorcycle ride and the feel of Kadyn in my arms. I didn’t want to let go when he parked his bike outside my apartment.

Kadyn turned the motorcycle off before reaching around to help me off the back of the bike.

I slid the helmet off my head and handed it to him.

He hung both helmets on the handlebars of his bike. He locked his eyes on mine as he pulled me against him. “Can we date now?” he asked huskily.

My heart beat anxiously against my ribcage as I contemplated the question.

Kadyn’s eyes fell on my mouth. His thumb brushed across my bottom lip while he waited for my response.

I could feel him willing me to respond. I closed my eyes as his forehead lowered and rested against mine. His mouth was less than an inch from mine. “Say yes,” he breathed.

“Yes,” I whispered hesitantly.

Kadyn kissed my forehead. “Good. I’ll pick you up at six for dinner tomorrow night. We’ll consider it our first date.” Kadyn slid off the bike and walked me to my door.  “Do you mind if I join you and Cade on your walk?”

I unlocked the door. “No, of course not.”

Cade bum rushed me as I swung the door open.

I scooped him up in my arms and buried my face in his fur. I snapped the leash around his neck and set him on the ground as we began our walk.

Kadyn reached for my hand when we returned to my apartment. He smiled as he kissed the back of my hand. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.”

My pulse ratcheted up a few notches. “Me too,” I whispered. My hand shook when I unlocked the door. I glanced back at Kadyn as I closed the door between us.

I slid the deadbolt into place and leaned against the wall. I took a few deep breaths, then glanced down at Cade. “What did I just do?” I reached for him as I slid to the floor. “What happened to the moratorium on dating?”

* * *

Kadyn texted me shortly before noon. I’m planning to drive my car just in case you want to wear a dress. See you at six.

I ducked into my closet so I could sort through my clothing options. Then I cleaned my apartment in a feeble attempt to stay sane. Once the apartment was scrubbed, vacuumed, and polished, I sank into my bathtub. The lavender bath salts worked their magic.

An hour later, my hair and makeup were done. I took Cade for a quick walk around my building before changing into a black long-sleeved cocktail dress. I slipped on some shiny black patent heels and made a rare attempt to accessorize with silver bangle bracelets and a long silver necklace which hung in multiple strands.

Kadyn arrived promptly at six. He was wearing black slacks, black dress shoes, a white dress shirt, and a silver tie. “You look beautiful,” he murmured. He handed me a bouquet of sterling silver roses and softly kissed my cheek. “Shall we?”

I buried my nose in the flowers and took a deep breath. They smelled heavenly, like fresh spring rain. “These roses smell amazing.” I backed toward the kitchen. “I just need a minute to put them in some water.” I pulled a vase from under my sink, filled it with water, and set the bouquet inside. I glanced at Kadyn as I reached for my dress coat. “Where are we going?”

Kadyn smiled. “It’s a surprise.” He waited patiently while I locked the door. He reached for my hand and helped me into the car. One of my favorite blues artists, B.B. King, was playing on the stereo. Kadyn glanced at me as he pulled away from the curb. “Do you like B.B. King?”

I laughed. “I do. I like him even more than 2Pac.” I was never going to forget the look on Kadyn’s face when he heard 2Pac playing on my car stereo.

“Good. Then you’ll like where we're going for dinner,” he hinted with a smile.

I couldn’t resist guessing. “Are we going to Blues Alley?”

“Nope. Even better,” he responded smugly.

I wondered whether that was even possible.

Kadyn turned up the stereo.

I leaned back into the soft leather seat, closed my eyes, and relaxed as B.B. King’s rich velvety tone slid soothingly through me.

A half hour later, Kadyn brought his car to a stop in a large parking lot. There wasn’t a single restaurant in sight.

I stared at the throng of people moving through the parking lot. Then I spotted a large wooden sign that read Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. I looked at Kadyn questioningly.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He helped me out of the car before retrieving a blanket and a picnic basket from the trunk. I was thoroughly perplexed by the fact that we were going to picnic in dress clothes. Kadyn slung the blanket over his shoulder and reached for my hand as he pulled me into the crowd.

Kadyn handed two tickets to a gentleman standing at the gate. We wandered the grassy hillside until we found a place to spread the blanket. Kadyn unpacked cheese, grapes, bread, bottled water, Sprite, cheesecake, and strawberries from the basket.

I tried to wipe the shocked look from my face. I kicked my heels off and curled up on the blanket next to Kadyn. Soft jazz drifted from a large wooden structure at the base of the hill. The building appeared to be a large wood amphitheater.

Kadyn dodged my efforts to discover who we were there to see. Once we finished eating, Kadyn packed up the picnic basket and blanket and took them back to the car. He met me back at the fence line. Then he escorted me into the covered section of the amphitheater, where we settled into third row seats.

I stared at him in awe when B.B. King was introduced. “How did you pull this off? We just made plans for dinner last night.” I watched the blues legend walk amicably across the stage with a guitar in his hand. He sat on a black stool directly in front of us.

Kadyn leaned over and whispered in my ear. “You should know that I can be very determined when I have my heart set on something.”

I swallowed nervously. Was he talking about the concert, or was he was talking about me?

Kadyn laughed. He tucked me under his arm as we settled in to enjoy one of the greatest musicians of all time.

B.B. King joked with the audience, wove colorful stories around us, sang, and strummed his guitar with his eyes closed. His laid back demeanor left me feeling like we were close personal friends.

Our date couldn’t have been more perfect. During the drive home, I was still trying to figure out how Kadyn had secured such great seats at the last minute. I wondered how long he’d been planning this evening at Wolf Trap.

Kadyn parked his car in the garage under his building. He walked me to my apartment so he could make the nightly rounds with Cade and me.

I was finding it difficult to hold up my end of the conversation as we walked toward my apartment. I was so worried Kadyn was going to kiss me that I couldn’t think about anything else. My nerves got the best of me as we approached my door. I suddenly blurted out, “You know, saying goodnight is always so awkward, especially on a first date. I think we should just kiss and get it over with.”

Kadyn stilled. His face was void of all expression as he silently regarded me.

Heat flooded my cheeks. “Oh, God. Forget I said that. I don’t know why I said that.” I began fumbling with my keys. I was dying to get inside my apartment so I could escape any further embarrassment.

Kadyn boxed me in against the door. His arms were braced on either side of me. He waited silently until I turned around to face him. He stared at my lips. Then he lowered his mouth until it was only millimeters from mine. His eyes locked on mine. “I’m not kissing you to get it over with.” His lips brushed lightly against my cheek before settling just behind my ear.

Goose bumps scattered across my arms and back.

Kadyn issued his warning in a low, determined tone. “When I kiss you for the first time, you’re going to want that kiss more than your next breath.”

My heart stopped beating. My brain stopped… my breathing stopped… everything stopped.

Kadyn’s hand tilted my chin up as he forced me to look at him. He stood there, every inch of his body nearly touching mine, as he looked directly into my eyes. His hand cupped my neck as his thumb caressed my jaw. His mouth hovered over mine for what seemed like an eternity.

And, suddenly, I wanted that kiss. My eyelids grew heavy as my body leaned toward his.

He pushed away from the door with a satisfied smile. “Good night, Kri. I had a wonderful night.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Kadyn turned and strode away. He didn’t look back, not even once.

I groaned quietly to myself as I reflected on my rather impressive ability to screw things up. I hadn’t even thanked the guy for what had quite possibly been the best night of my life.

* * *

I didn’t hear from Kadyn on Sunday, although I did text him to thank him for taking me to the concert. Cenia called to firm up plans for the football game in Annapolis. I was hoping things would be less awkward between Kadyn and me by then.

I received a text from Kadyn first thing Monday morning. Have a good day at work. I’ll be thinking of you… and the kiss that should have been.

I was relieved I wasn’t the only one who was missing that kiss. Note to self: next time you want someone to kiss you, keep your mouth shut.

I buried myself in work. Congress passed a continuing resolution on Tuesday, so policy negotiations and legislation suddenly began moving again. My brain was on overdrive with the sudden flurry of activity, so I didn’t think twice about opening a work e-mail without a subject heading. I stilled as my eyes skimmed the unsigned message. Il ne pourrait jamais t'aimer comme je le fais. Bientôt, tu seras de retour dans mes bras. Bientôt, rien ne pourra nous séparer.

I pulled up Google Translate and quickly typed the message in French. A chill ran down my spine when the words appeared in English. I read the translated text three times. He could never love you like I do. Soon, you will be back in my arms. Soon, nothing will keep us apart.

My heart stalled. There was only one way Michael could know about Kadyn. He had to have seen us together. Not only was Michael in DC, but he was clearly watching me.

I sat and stared at the message. I wanted to call Dan. He’d be a lot more likely to find Michael if he could narrow his search to DC, but I was worried about how far Dan would go to keep Michael away from me. I didn’t want Dan getting into trouble with the authorities, and I didn’t want him flying to DC. The guy had his own life to live.

I debated telling Kadyn. He already knew about Michael, so he wouldn’t necessarily be surprised. Still, I was concerned that Kadyn and I might be on shaky ground, given my complete inability to manage dating and our last departure. I had already given him enough reasons to run screaming for the hills, and for some reason, completely outside my understanding, the guy appeared determined to have a relationship with me.

Still, I found myself looking over my shoulder when I left work. I walked briskly to and from my car, and my walks with Cade grew shorter every night. An outline of the mace Dan had given me was nearly imbedded in the palm of my hand.

I was physically ill by the time Friday rolled around. I wasn’t sure whether it was my nerves or if I picked up a virus at work, until I ended up with a fever and chills shortly before noon. I threw in the towel at work. I texted Kadyn to let him know I was going home sick. Then I texted Cenia to let her know I wouldn’t be able to attend the Air Force-Navy game.

As soon as I got home, I slipped into some yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I curled up on the couch with a pillow and a pile of blankets. Cade nestled against my chest, and we quickly fell asleep.

The doorbell woke me a few hours later. I dragged the pile of blankets across the floor and peered out the peephole in my door. Kadyn was standing there with a shopping bag from the Disney Store.

I rested my forehead against the door. I was mortified Kadyn was going to see me looking so ragged. I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. “You might want to keep your distance. I feel like death,” I mumbled apologetically.

Kadyn chose to ignore the warning. He brushed past me into the living room. “I’m so sorry you’re sick, Kri. I can’t believe you’re going to miss the game tomorrow.”

“I know,” I responded dejectedly. “My timing couldn’t be worse.” I pulled the blankets around me as I sank onto the couch.

He dangled the shopping bag in front of me. “I brought you a present. Maybe this will help you feel better.” Kadyn handed me the bag as he joined me on the couch.

I sifted through the yellow and red tissue. I smiled when I finally discovered the gift. “Eeyore pajamas?”

Kadyn smiled. “I never could resist the Disney Store.” He brushed a strand of hair out of my face. His eyes softened. “You’re burning up. Have you taken any Tylenol?”

My eyes fell closed as he pressed his cool hand against my cheek. “No. Not yet.”

Kadyn stood. “Do you need me to run to the store?”

My eyes popped open. “No. I’m pretty sure I still have some in the medicine cabinet.” I pulled the blankets tighter as a chill ran through me.

He walked into the kitchen and began digging through my cupboards. He found a drinking glass and filled it with water. “Just sit tight. I’ll get it for you.”

Kadyn disappeared down the hall. He returned a few seconds later with the glass of water and Tylenol. He handed them to me. “Why don’t you rest while I walk Cade?”

“Thank you,” I responded gratefully.

Kadyn snapped the leash on Cade’s collar while I took the Tylenol. I watched them walk out the door, then sank back into the couch. I was half asleep by the time they returned.

Kadyn’s hand reached for mine as he sat on the couch. “I’m going to stay home from the game tomorrow in case you need someone to take you to the doctor.”

I sat up abruptly. “No, Kadyn. Please don’t miss the game because of me. Go. Have fun. I’m sure I’ll be feeling better by the time you get back.”

Kadyn looked torn. “Okay… but don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. Annapolis isn’t far from here, so I can easily drive back if you need me.” He pulled me into his arms. “Can you do me a favor before I go?”

I glanced up in surprise. “Sure.”

He pulled me to my feet and gently tucked me under his chin. “Will you dance with me, Kri?” An R&B artist named Joe was singing softly on the music station I had left playing on my television. “I think of you every time I hear this song.”

I closed my eyes and relaxed into his chest as he began to sway.

Kadyn held my hand against his chest while he sang the lyrics to “I Wanna Know.” He kissed the top of my head as the song ended.

I began trembling as he pulled away. I couldn’t look at him. I was trying so hard not to cry.

He wrapped the blankets around me and settled me back onto the couch before kissing my forehead one last time. “I’m going to leave so you can rest, but please know that I’m just a phone call away. Feel better, and call if you need me.”

I forced myself to look at him. “Thank you, Kadyn… for everything.” My composure cracked as I watched him slip out the door. When I was certain he was gone, I set the bolt lock on the door and let the tears fall. Kadyn was tearing down walls faster than I could build them. I knew what to expect from men who hit… men who threatened, manipulated, demanded, and controlled. Sadly, I had no clue what to do with a man like Kadyn.

* * *

I was feeling a lot better by Sunday afternoon, so Kadyn picked up some wonton soup from my favorite Chinese restaurant and joined me for dinner. Shortly after we settled onto the couch, Cade jumped up and knocked the soup out of my hands. The hot liquid doused Kadyn’s leg.

“Oh God! I'm so sorry!” I knelt down at Kadyn’s feet to clean up the mess about the same time he lifted his arm. Instinct drove me to scramble back and cower in fear.

Kadyn looked completely horrified. His arm was frozen in mid-air, his sleeve dripping from the soup. I hadn’t realized his arm was soaked, too. Kadyn’s jaw clenched as he struggled to regain his composure.

I eyed him warily. I wasn’t sure how angry he was about the soup.

Kadyn spoke in a low, even tone. “Kri, look at me.” He waited to speak until my eyes met his. “I would never hit you. I don’t know who hurt you, but I am not that person. I was lifting my arm so I could clean my sleeve.” He sank to the floor and slowly crawled over to me.

I buried my face in my hands. I couldn’t bear to look at Kadyn. I felt horrible for thinking the worst of him, when he had been nothing but kind. “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled miserably through the palm of my hands.

Kadyn gathered me in his arms. “Hey,” he said softly. “Look at me.” He gently pulled my hands from my face. “I am not that guy. I promise I will never hurt you.”

I started shaking as the tears began to fall.

Kadyn sat there and held me until the tears finally subsided. He smoothed back the hair that was tangled in my tears. “Kri, I’m fine. The soup wasn’t that hot. I’ll help you clean up. Then I’m going to run home and change. I’ll go to the restaurant and get some more soup before I come back over. Why don’t you go get yourself cleaned up, and I’ll take care of the couch and floor?” Kadyn pulled me to my feet. He gave me a quick hug before sending me off to my bedroom.

I hadn’t even registered the fact that my own jeans were soaked. I changed into a pair of sweats, then ducked into the bathroom to wash my face. I didn’t bother with makeup. I knew it was time to drag out all of my emotional baggage and sort through it with Kadyn. The guy deserved an explanation.

As soon as we finished eating, I reached for Kadyn’s hand. I forced my eyes to meet his as I attempted to explain my behavior. “I’m so sorry for thinking the worst of you, Kadyn. Please understand, this is all I’ve known for the past nine years. While I grew up in a very loving home, I was in an abusive relationship nearly my entire adult life.”

Kadyn slowly nodded.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “My ex-husband, Tom, was a friend of my dad’s. He was ten years older than me. We started dating a few weeks after I graduated from high school. He sold his business and moved to be closer to me shortly after I moved away for college. He isolated me from my family and friends until he was the only person left in my life. He insisted I move in with him before the second semester ended.”

Kadyn squeezed my hand, encouraging me to go on.

“I still don’t understand how or why I let it happen. I fought for years to maintain some independence and control, but after a while it was no longer worth the verbal and physical abuse that would result… if I came home five minutes late… if another man looked at me the wrong way… if I said the wrong thing… if I wore the wrong shirt… if I spent too long talking to my mom on the phone…” My voice trailed off. I closed my eyes against the images of Tom screaming obscenities, throwing things, shoving me against the wall, and hitting me.

Kadyn wrapped his arms around me as I relived the abuse. “I’m so sorry, Kri. He was clearly manipulating you. He led you to believe the abuse was your fault when he was the one to blame.”

I pulled my legs to my chest and settled my chin on my knees as I continued. “I gathered enough courage to leave him once. He had thrown me on the hood of his car when I took his keys and begged him not to drive away drunk. He threw me hard enough to knock the wind out of me. When I slid down the hood and collapsed on the pavement in front of the car, he tried to punch me in the face. I ducked, and he punched out the headlight instead. The neighbors saw the whole thing and called the police. When the police arrived, I was still cowering on the ground in front of the car with Tom pacing in front of me screaming obscenities, oblivious to the blood pouring from his hand.”

Kadyn’s jaw clenched.

I pushed on. “The police took Tom to the hospital and insisted I go to a local battered women’s shelter. I went to stay with a childhood friend instead. She had recently moved to the area, and Tom knew nothing about her. Still, I refused to tell my parents. I was fearful about what my father might do if he found out Tom was hurting me. So I kept my mouth shut about the abuse. Tom quit drinking within a matter of weeks. He convinced me that he had changed. I bought into the idea that the abuse was connected to his drinking problem, and for a short time it appeared that he really had changed.”

Kadyn tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “He hadn’t changed, had he?”

Cade jumped up on the couch. He walked a couple of tight circles, then curled up next to me.

I tangled my fingers in his fur. “He was on his best behavior until we were married six months later, but within weeks of the wedding he was restricting my activities, hitting me, and tearing me back down again. He threatened to kill me if I ever left him again. Cade tried to protect me as best a nine pound dog could, so he ended up battered too. It wasn’t long before I was locking myself in the bathroom at night and sleeping on the floor with Cade. It was the only place I felt safe enough to sleep. Eventually, I confided in a couple I had grown very close to...  Gra and Pa. They were like my honorary grandparents. They said they’d help me when I was ready to leave Tom.”

I took a deep breath and slowly continued. “He was raging at me when I ran out on him. The only thing I took then was Cade. I snuck back to the house with Pa while Tom was at work the next day, so I could pack some clothes and take some furniture my father had made. I told my parents and a handful of friends about the abuse, then I filed for a divorce. All of my phone numbers are unlisted, and very few people know where I live, still to this day. It has been a year since I left Tom, and I’m still terrified he will try to kill me, just like he promised.”

Kadyn pulled me into his lap. He tucked me against his chest and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re safe now, Kri. I won’t let him hurt you ever again.”

Kadyn held me for so long that I eventually fell asleep. I woke with a start three hours later and found myself fully clothed in bed with no recollection of how I’d gotten there. Kadyn was sleeping in the armchair next to my bed, snoring softly. I didn’t want to wake him so I eased back under the covers and watched him sleep until I could no longer keep my eyes open. When I woke the next morning, he was gone.

* * *

I received a text message from Kadyn shortly before I left for work. I know last night was difficult for you. Thank you for trusting me enough to share your story. I hope you will give me a chance to help you replace those memories with much more happy ones. I read the message twice more, then sighed. Kadyn knew my darkest secret, and still he wanted a relationship with me. Why?

By the time I got to work, I felt lighter, happier, and more at peace than I had been in a very long time. I was thrumming with energy and ready to tackle Congress head on. As I sifted through the mountain of paperwork and e-mails that had accumulated while I was out sick, I discovered that I finally had the support and the cost analysis I needed to introduce the Medicare Early Buy-in Bill. I pulled together some talking points and drafted a congressional record statement so Senator Rockefeller could introduce the bill later in the week.

I was ecstatic about the accomplishment, so I called Kadyn to share the news as soon as I got home. We were on the phone for over an hour, which I thought was hysterical considering he lived within throwing distance of my apartment. I suddenly couldn’t wait to see him, so I invited him over for dinner on Wednesday just before we ended the call.

I scrambled to pull together a menu so I could go grocery shopping on Tuesday. I raced home from the office on Wednesday, then tore through my house half in and half out of my work clothes while I tried to pull myself and dinner together before Kadyn arrived.

Cade barked seconds before the doorbell rang. I bent down and picked him up on my way to the door. “Good boy,” I soothed as I burrowed my head in his fur.

I flung open the door and smiled what I was certain was a winning smile. “Hi!”

“You didn’t even look through the peephole,” Kadyn grumbled without smiling.

I glanced at him questioningly. “The peephole? Why? I knew it was you.”

Kadyn stared at me. That blank, stoic look, which he’d obviously perfected at some point in his childhood, was locked onto his face. The look screamed “idiot,” only not in so many words.

“Okay. Okay! I’ll use the peephole,” I relented in mock exasperation. I shoved him back outside and swung the door closed between us. I smiled smugly at Cade. “He deserved that.”

Cade’s head cocked to one side as he looked up at me. He didn’t think Kadyn deserved it.

Kadyn knocked this time. Three slow raps sounded from the other side of the door.

I peered through the peephole. I wasn’t sure he appreciated my sense of humor. Kadyn was leaning against the building across from my door. My eyes widened when I saw he was holding a box. I swung the door back open. “Is that for me?”

Kadyn just stood there, holding the box.

“I used the peephole!” I exclaimed.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He was clearly trying not to smile.

“Is that for me?” I repeated teasingly while slowly articulating each word.

“Yes,” he responded. He pushed off the wall and handed me the box.

I set Cade on the floor so I could examine the address on the box. “Yay! It’s a care package from Kimme.”

Kadyn folded himself into one of the high back stools at my breakfast bar. He looked thoroughly amused.

I grabbed my scissors and stabbed through the tape excitedly. “I love care packages.” I eased the box open, then gaped at the contents inside. The box was completely full of chocolate. Not just any chocolate, Ghirardelli’s dark with sea salt and caramel. “Oh! She remembered.”

Kadyn raised one eyebrow quizzically.

“It’s my favorite,” I explained as I handed him a piece. I ripped the foil from one of the chocolate squares and popped it into my mouth. I sifted through the chocolate and discovered two “Made in Montana” coffee mugs. I also found a little black book, simply entitled “If.” I read the subtitle aloud for Kadyn, “Questions for the game of life.” I handed Kadyn the book and dove back into the box. I pulled out a small plastic dog. “Scooby Doo!” A huge grin spread across my face. Scooby looked like he might have come from a McDonald’s Happy Meal.

Kadyn looked thoroughly confused by the gift. “That’s random.”

“This from the man who bought me Eeyore pajamas?” I laughed teasingly. “You would have to know Kimme.” I smiled as I placed Scooby on the counter next to my French Press. Then I turned my attention to dinner. “I hope you like clam linguine. Interestingly enough, Kimme is the one who taught me how to make it.”

“I’ve never tried it before, but it smells great.” Kadyn cracked open the “If” book and read the first question. “If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?”

I handed Kadyn a Sprite. “That’s easy. Jesus.”

Kadyn looked thoughtful as he considered my response. “Yeah. I’d pick him too.”

I lifted the lid from the clam sauce. The rich aroma of clams, garlic, and white wine filled the kitchen. I tossed the linguine noodles into the clams, then snipped parsley over the top. I piled the clam linguine and some French bread on two plates, set them on the breakfast bar, and slid into the chair next to Kadyn.

Kadyn read the next question. “If you could cure only one disease, which one would it be?”

I buttered my bread. “Cancer,” I responded, “without a doubt.”

Kadyn nodded. “I agree.” He read the next question as we dug into the linguine. “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?”

I had to think about that one. “Paris, France,” I finally replied.

Kadyn looked surprised. “Why?”

I set my fork down. “I don’t know if it’s the architecture, the food, or the emphasis they place on the arts, but I’ve heard so many wonderful things about that place. I would love to experience it firsthand. What about you?”

“Australia,” he responded between bites. “Kri, this linguine is really good.”

I nodded. “Australia would be my second choice. Seriously, who doesn’t want to see koala bears and kangaroos?”

Kadyn shoved a few more forkfuls of linguine into his mouth before asking the next question. “If you were forced to live without a limb, which limb would you choose?”

The question was so disturbing I had to stop eating. “Do fingers count?”

Kadyn shook his head. “I’m thinking arms and legs.”

I winced. “A leg then.”

Kadyn reached for his Sprite. “That’s what I’d choose too. I wouldn’t want to give up either of my hands.” He flipped to the next page in the book. “Here’s a good one. If you had to choose between saving the person you loved most in the world, saving two hundred people from your hometown, or forty-thousand people on the other side of the planet, which would you choose?”

I shook my head. “That’s an impossible choice.”

Kadyn raised an eyebrow. He was clearly insisting I choose.

I thought about how I felt when my cousin, Lexie, was dying and my efforts to give her my kidney. “I know it’s selfish, but I would choose the person I loved most in this world. What about you?”

Kadyn reached for another piece of bread. “The forty-thousand people I didn’t know.”

I rested my elbow on the counter as I turned to face him. “But, Kadyn, what if it was your mom? What if you had a child and you had to choose between saving that child and people you didn’t know?”

Kadyn shook his head. “I would still choose those forty-thousand people. I could not save one life at the cost of forty-thousand others.”

I shook my head, although I was mildly amused that we had found something we disagreed on. “I think that may be easier said than done.”

Kadyn shrugged. “People in the military do it all the time. They sacrifice their lives for people they don’t even know.”

My eyebrows furrowed. “But that’s a different question entirely… whether you’d be willing to sacrifice your own life.”

“True,” Kadyn admitted. “I still think people in the military are hard wired differently when it comes to saving lives.”

I smiled. “On that point, we agree.”

Kadyn picked the book back up and looked at the next question. “If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?”

Blue eyes met brown. “Marrying Tom,” I replied softly. “What about you?”

Kadyn looked away. “My father’s drinking problem.”

I glanced at the Sprite sitting next to Kadyn’s plate and suddenly realized I had never seen him drink. “Is that why you don’t drink alcohol?”

Kadyn nodded. “My dad is an alcoholic. Twelve of his thirteen siblings have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, so I’ve never touched the stuff.”

My eyes widened. “Not even once?”

Kadyn shook his head. “Not even once.”

I stared at him completely mortified. “I put white wine in the clam linguine.”

Kadyn laughed. “I’m quite sure the alcohol was cooked out.”

I breathed a small sigh of relief. “The sauce simmers for quite some time.” I slid out of my chair to clear our plates. “Wow, Kadyn. I really admire you for making that choice.” I thought about the margarita I had with Mickey and the wine at Cenia’s house. “Would you prefer I didn’t drink around you?”

Kadyn shrugged. “You don’t appear to have a drinking problem.” He joined me at the sink.

I laughed. “No. I have no interest in being drunk. I like being in control too much. You really have thirteen aunts and uncles?”

Kadyn started loading dishes into the dishwasher. “Yeah. More than two hundred people attend our family reunions.”

My jaw fell into the sink. “You can’t be serious.”

Kadyn laughed. “It’s true. We have an organizing committee and everything.”

I squeezed dish soap into the sauté pan and reached for the scrub brush. “My family doesn’t have family reunions unless someone gets married or dies. How many siblings do you have?”

Kadyn grabbed the dishtowel. “Just one. An older sister. Her name’s Krissa.”

I rinsed out the sink before turning the faucet off. “Are your parents still together?”

Kadyn nodded as he handed me the towel. “Yours?”

“Yes.” I dried my hands and tossed the towel on the counter.

Kadyn reached for my hands. He walked backwards as he pulled me toward the living room. “And you have two brothers…”

I giggled softly. “Yes. I tried to trade the youngest in for a sister, but my mom wouldn’t let me.”

Kadyn nabbed the “If” book from the counter. We curled up on the couch and spent the next four hours mulling over questions from the book. When it became apparent that I could no longer keep my eyes open, Kadyn stood and pulled me to my feet. He posed one last question. “If you could kiss anyone in the world, who would it be?”

My eyes sought his, even as my heart stumbled against my ribs. “You,” I whispered.

Kadyn tossed the book on the coffee table. He gently tugged me toward him. He cupped my face in both of his hands, closed his eyes, and rested his forehead against mine. “Good answer,” he breathed. He brushed his lips lightly across mine before softly kissing first one, then the other corner of my mouth.

Kadyn brushed his lips against mine once more, then paused. His lips hovered over mine while his left hand burned a trail from my neck to my waist. My eyes slid closed as he pulled me closer. Kadyn wound my hair around his hand, locking me gently into place as his lips met mine.

My fists clenched in his shirt, then relaxed. I wrapped my arms around his neck. Kadyn groaned as I melted into his chest. His tongue swept through my mouth as he deepened the kiss. My entire body lit with need. I grasped the back of his head and pulled him closer as I sought… more.

We kept kissing as he stumbled back against the couch. Kadyn lowered me to the couch and blanketed my body with his. Then he kissed me until I no longer knew where he ended and I began. I prayed the kiss would never end.

* * *

I was thinking about Kadyn’s kiss the next morning when I swiped lip gloss across my still swollen lips. My body thrummed the entire day, which made it incredibly difficult to focus on work.

I snapped out of it when Senator Rockefeller invited me to join him in a committee hearing. I watched, completely enthralled, as Senator Rockefeller introduced the Medicare bill I’d been working on. Although we were a long way off from making the bill law, the experience left me feeling heady. Senator Rockefeller believed enough in what I had proposed to stand up and fight for it publicly. Who wouldn’t feel honored by that?

I skipped the gym after work so I could join my office mates for an impromptu celebration at Thunder Grill. Jamie insisted I try the restaurant’s wildly popular mango margarita. The drink was definitely worth the hype. I called Kadyn when we decided to stay for dinner. I was thrilled when he agreed to catch the metro from the Pentagon to join us.

I felt it the moment he walked into the restaurant. I immediately stopped talking. The room simply faded away as Kadyn approached the table. He had that same determined stride that captured my attention when I saw him the first time; only, this time, it affected me even more.

Kadyn approached the table like I was the only one sitting there. He stood looking down at me like we had all the time in the world to drink each other in, like four other people weren’t sitting at the table staring at us, and like all conversation hadn’t come to a complete stop. “Kri,” he said hoarsely.

I couldn’t take my eyes off Kadyn’s uniform long enough to form a coherent response. The dark blue jacket and pants accentuated Kadyn’s broad shoulders and narrow waist. The tie was positioned perfectly over a light blue shirt. Ribbons, pins, and patches adorned his shoulders and chest. I realized then that all the smarmy comments I’d heard about men in uniform weren’t so smarmy after at all. They were spot on.

Kadyn smiled when he realized the effect he was having on me. He bent down to whisper in my ear. “What I wouldn’t give to be out of this uniform so I could kiss you again.”

“You can’t kiss me when you’re in uniform?” I inquired a bit dazedly.

Kadyn shook his head. He looped his foot under a nearby stool and pulled it next to me. “Hey Patrick, Jonathan, Jamie…” Kadyn nodded to each one, then paused when he saw the unfamiliar face.

“Ellen,” I responded meekly. “My legislative director.”

Kadyn reached for her hand. “I’m Kadyn. It’s nice to meet you, Ellen.”

“I’m pleased you could join us,” Ellen responded as she shook his hand. She looked entirely too amused by the two of us.

Jonathan patted Kadyn on the back. “So I hear you two are officially dating now.”

Kadyn just looked at me and smiled.

The waitress arrived with two heaping plates of nachos. She glanced at Kadyn. “What would you like to drink?”

“I’ll take a Sprite,” Kadyn responded.

We began loading the nachos onto our plates. “So, Kri, you still haven’t answered my question,” Patrick noted.

I tried to recall the question Patrick had asked when Kadyn first walked in. “Oh, yeah. Well, now that the Medicare Early Buy-in Bill has been introduced, I was thinking of drafting a new piece of legislation that encourages hospitals to offer mobile medical services for the homeless.”

Ellen stopped piling nachos on her plate. “Kri, that’s a great idea.”

I shrugged. “I can’t take credit for the idea. They’re working on a similar piece of legislation over on the House side.”

Kadyn eyed me curiously. “What exactly would this bill do?”

I piled a few more nachos onto my plate. “The bill would encourage hospitals to deliver basic and preventive medical care to homeless people using mobile medical units. There are essentially two goals… to improve the overall health of the homeless population and to reduce the number of homeless people who rely on hospital emergency departments for basic medical care.”

Kadyn looked thoughtful. “I assume hospitals absorb the expense of serving the homeless population in the ER?”

I glanced at Kadyn before shifting my attention to Ellen. “Yes. Once hospitals realize how much money this saves them in unpaid ER visits, they should be willing to fund these mobile medical programs themselves. So I want to propose a pilot project where the federal government offers start-up funds for mobile medical programs in twenty hospitals. This would allow us to capture the data we need to prove this strategy helps hospitals save money. Once we prove that, additional hospitals are likely to fund their own mobile medical programs. Homeless people would gain access to the medical care they need, and the reduced strain on hospital budgets would help ensure hospitals remain open.”

Jamie nodded. “There are a lot of hospitals shutting down these days. That hurts everyone.”

“Why are so many hospitals shutting down?” Kadyn asked between bites.

Patrick chimed in. “Our current economic crisis is seriously impacting hospitals. The cost of providing medical care is increasing, but the number of people paying their hospital bills is decreasing.”

Ellen leaned across the table and studied me. “You should be able to get bi-partisan support on this. The Dems will be all over this because it helps the homeless. The R’s are more likely to sign on because it's a pilot project. It’s not like the government will be funding these programs in the long term. These are temporary projects intended to demonstrate the cost savings to hospitals. The responsibility remains with the private sector and not the government.”

I nodded. “I think that’s the mistake they’re making on the House side. Their bill isn’t proposing a pilot project. They’re offering federal matching funds, and they’re making those funds available to a lot of hospitals. I haven’t run this by the Congressional Budget Office yet, but I think we’ll find the House bill costs a lot more than the one I want to propose.”

“Aren’t you still working on the Orphan Drug Bill and the bill that expands community based alternatives to nursing homes?” Jonathan asked before shoving a chip loaded with guacamole into his mouth.

“Yes,” I admitted before sneaking a peek at Kadyn. I was worried he might be bored with all the policy talk.

Kadyn smiled. “I think your friend is suggesting you already have a lot on your plate.”

Patrick suddenly perked up. “Hey, I’d love to work with you on this mobile medical bill.”

I laughed at Patrick’s enthusiasm. “That would be great. I could definitely use the help.”

Ellen stood. “That sounds like a wonderful idea. Why don’t you two write up a policy brief tomorrow, so we can get this in front of Senator Rockefeller?”

I raised an eyebrow at Patrick as I reached for my purse.

Patrick smiled. “I think we can do that.”

Jamie reached for the bill.

Ellen snatched the bill out of her hand. “This one’s on me.”

Kadyn opened his mouth to object.

I nudged his shoulder. “No one argues with Ellen. Not even you.”

Ellen laughed at the look on Kadyn’s face. She handed the waitress her debit card.

Kadyn reached for my arm as I stepped off the stool. “Thank you for dinner, Ellen.”

Patrick, Jonathan, Jamie, and I echoed the sentiment. We said our goodbyes as we filed out of the restaurant.

Kadyn tucked my hand into the crook of his arm as we exited Union Station.

I gave him an inquisitive look.

He smiled as he patted my hand. “This I can do.”

I looked for the saxophone player when I heard his soulful tune. He was standing near the Columbus Fountain in his usual spot. I stepped away from Kadyn so I could throw a couple dollars into his case.

The sax player nodded as he slid into an upbeat tune.

Kadyn had an odd look on his face when I turned back around.

I slipped my hand through his arm. “My jeep’s this way.” I nodded toward the Thurgood Marshall Building. I studied Kadyn more closely. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head and smiled. “Nothing. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just you, Kri. Do you have any idea how amazing you are?”

“Me?” I squeaked. “What’s so amazing about me?”

Kadyn opened the door to the building. “I’ve never met anyone so passionate about helping others. You advocate for the elderly, you bake cookies for homeless children, you develop policies that help the uninsured, and I’m quite certain you would give a homeless person your last dollar.”

I froze just in front of the stairwell. “You couldn’t throw a rock around here without hitting another person who is equally devoted to helping others, Kadyn. And that’s not just true for DC, that’s true at the state and local levels too.”

Kadyn opened the door to the stairwell.

I walked alongside Kadyn as we made our way down to the parking garage. “You’re no different, Kadyn. In fact, what you’re doing is far more honorable than me. You and Cenia… Phil and Marie… your entire circle of friends… you have chosen to sacrifice your lives to help make this world a safer place. What I’m doing is nothing compared to that.”

Kadyn grabbed my arm just as we exited the stairwell. “Don’t say that.”

I looked up at him in surprise. “Say what?”

“Don’t minimize the good that you do, Kri. You’ve devoted your entire life to helping others. What I’m doing, what Cenia’s doing, what everyone else is doing has no bearing on that. It doesn’t change who you are.” Kadyn released my arm and raked his hand over his smoothly shaven head. “God, Kri, just when I think I couldn’t possibly be more attracted to you…”

My jaw fell open. I had no clue how to respond.

Kadyn closed the distance between us. His hands grasped either side of my face as his eyes searched mine. He growled his frustration, then swept me up into a heartrending kiss.

My purse and briefcase fell to the floor. My hands slid over his broad chest and shoulders before reaching for the nape of his neck. I angled my head and pulled him toward me, suddenly needing more.

Kadyn trailed open-mouthed kisses all down my neck. His mouth stopped just behind my ear. His voice was deep and low. “Do you have any idea how much I want you, Kri?”

Desire swept through me with hurricane force. “Kadyn,” I gasped.

His mouth crashed against mine.

I fought for control even as my body pleaded for more. Reluctantly, I pulled away. I kept one hand on his chest as I tried to catch my breath. “Kadyn, we’re in the middle of a parking garage. You’re still in your uniform.”

Kadyn’s eyes were two dark pools of desire. His hands reached for mine as he regained his composure. “I’m sorry, Kri. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

I smiled nervously. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so thoroughly kissed, Kadyn. Did they teach you how to do that in the military as some sort of negotiation tactic?”

Kadyn burst out laughing. He picked up the briefcase and handed me my purse. “No, Kri. That’s more a CIA strategy.”

We walked the remaining distance to my jeep. Kadyn reached for my door as I unlocked the vehicle. I slid into the driver's seat, then pushed the passenger door open for him. “I assume you can direct me to the Pentagon from here? I drive by it every day, but I’m not sure which exit to take.”

Kadyn smiled. “Of course. Just take I-395, like you’re going home. I’ll point out the exit when we get closer.”

I eased the jeep out of the parking garage. “Thanks for coming tonight, Kadyn. I’m sorry we talked so much shop.”

“I enjoyed learning more about what you do.” Kadyn paused as he glanced at his phone. “Troy just sent a text. He’s inviting everyone over to carve pumpkins tomorrow night. Do you want to go?”

I smiled knowingly. “Will everyone be competing for best pumpkin?”

Kadyn grinned as he began typing his response. “Of course.”

I laughed. “No way am I missing that.”

* * *

Troy’s apartment was located just ten minutes down the road from us. The entire gang was canvassing his living room floor with newspapers when Kadyn and I arrived. We began carving our pumpkins as soon as we polished off the pizza. I was halfway through carving out my pumpkin’s face when I discovered that I was the only person carving a face.

Everyone else was working on intricate designs featuring cats, witches, skulls, and haunted houses. Cenia transformed her pumpkin into an owl, with two mini-pumpkins for eyes and triangular bits of pumpkin for ears, feet, and a beak. Her owl was impressive, but Kadyn stole the title for best pumpkin with an elaborate carving of the Air Force Falcons logo.

We were still talking about the competition when we left Troy’s apartment. I was holding my jack-o-lantern in my arms. I looked up at Kadyn as we crossed the parking lot. “Your friends take pumpkin carving to a whole new level.”

Kadyn chuckled. “You’re telling me.”

Mason and Gabi were walking just a few steps behind us. Mason groaned. “Why didn’t I think to play the Air Force card? That was a guaranteed win.”

I giggled as Gabi soothed his ego. “I don’t know, Mason. I really liked your haunted house.”

Kadyn stopped and stared at his car.

I glanced at Kadyn, then peered at his car.

“Holy shit! What happened to your car?” Mason exclaimed from behind me.

All four of Kadyn’s tires had been slashed. Deep scratches marred the paint on the trunk and all down the side of the car.

I dropped my pumpkin and backed away from Kadyn.

Mason grabbed my shoulders as I backed into him. “Kri, are you okay?”

Kadyn turned to look at me. His eyes flitted to my pumpkin, which lie broken on the ground. He took a step toward me, then froze. His eyes softened with understanding. “Are you okay?”

I stared at him, thoroughly confused. “Aren’t you mad?”

Kadyn shook his head. “Why be mad? It doesn’t change anything.” He set his pumpkin on the ground and pulled the cell phone from his coat pocket. He examined every side of his car as he reported the damage to his insurance company. Then he called the police.

The police officer arrived an hour later. He photographed the car and recorded Kadyn’s statement. As their conversation drew to an end, the officer asked Kadyn, “Is there anyone in particular you suspect?”

Kadyn leaned against the trunk of the car. “No.”

The officer’s pen hovered over his notepad. “Are you aware of anyone who might have a grudge against you?”

Kadyn shook his head. “No.”

“Yes,” I quietly interrupted.

Kadyn eyed me questioningly. “Tom?”

I shook my head. “No. Michael.”

“Who’s Michael?” Mason and Gabi asked simultaneously.

I turned and looked around the parking lot. I suddenly realized that Michael could be within earshot.

“Ma’am?” The police officer prompted.

Kadyn’s eyes locked on mine. “Michael Garcia,” he responded. “They dated briefly when Kri was living in Montana.”

The officer’s gaze flitted between Kadyn and me. “And…?”

I tore my eyes from Kadyn’s as I responded to the officer. “I had to get a restraining order against Michael when I broke things off. He sent a post card addressed to me at Senator Rockefeller’s office when he discovered that I had moved to DC. He was threatening to follow me to DC. Michael e-mailed me at work a couple of weeks ago. He knew I was dating someone else. He claimed Kadyn could never love me the way he does. He said we’d be together again soon and nothing would keep us apart.” I shuddered as a chill ran down my spine. “Michael and I have no mutual friends. The only way he could possibly know about Kadyn is if he was here, in DC, watching me.”

“He’s stalking you,” Gabi whispered as she reached for my arm.

I looked at Kadyn. I was mortified to think his car could have been keyed because of me. “I’m so sorry, Kadyn. I should have told you about the e-mail.”

Kadyn pushed off the trunk of the car and walked toward me. “We don’t know that Michael did this. My car could have been keyed by anyone.” He wrapped his arm around me reassuringly.

The police officer closed his notebook. “Most vandalism cases remain unsolved. We don’t have the manpower needed to investigate these types of cases. To be honest, we have much bigger fish to fry. But it’s good to file a report for insurance purposes. I recommend you get your car fixed and move on.”

Kadyn hugged me as the officer walked away. The tow truck arrived a few minutes later. We watched as the driver hooked Kadyn’s car to a wench that pulled it up onto the truck bed. Then Mason and Gabi gave us a ride home.

Kadyn joined me as I walked Cade. “Listen, I’ve been thinking about that e-mail you received from Michael. I don’t want you walking Cade by yourself anymore. You call me when you’re ready to go for a walk, and I’ll join you. I’ll talk to Mason. I'm sure he’d be willing to walk with you if I’m out of town or tied up with work.” He kicked a pebble as he stared down at his feet. “I know you’ve had your fill of controlling men, so I'm asking nicely. Please, let me help keep you safe.”

I reached for Kadyn’s hand. “I’m sorry my life is such a mess. I didn’t mean to drag you into this, Kadyn. If it’s too much and you want out, I completely understand. You’re such a nice guy. You don’t deserve to have your car keyed like that… and you deserve to be with a woman who trusts you not to hit her when things go wrong.”

Kadyn grasped my shoulders as he forced me to look at him. “Kri, this isn’t your fault. You didn’t do this. Terrible things have happened to you, and still you’re determined to make this world a better place. You are selfless, kind, funny, and smart. You’re so devoted to helping others, Kri. You’re exactly the type of girl I want to be with, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Tom or Michael ruin this chance we have to be together.”

I caressed Kadyn’s cheek as I sought to soften the fierce look on his face. “You’re an amazing man, Kadyn Rand. Thank you for saying that.”

His eyes softened. “You’re amazing, and it’s about time you had someone acknowledge you for it.” The tension eased from his body as he pulled me into his arms. He kissed my forehead and the tip of my nose before finding his way to my lips. His lips teased and coaxed mine until we fell into a soft, lingering kiss.

Kadyn steadied me as he ended the kiss. Still, he seemed hesitant to release me. He held me in place while he silently studied my face. My pulse quickened as his eyes captured and held mine. The hunger reflected in his eyes was provocative and raw. I couldn’t have moved if I had tried. My breath caught as his lips suddenly crashed against mine. I whimpered softly as he backed me against the side of the building. I dropped Cade’s leash and reached for Kadyn’s face as he consumed me in a firestorm of passion and hope.