-KENZIE-Wyatt rushed me to the hospital after the phone call.When we arrived the doctors told me they were doing everything they could.My mother had been in a terrible car accident. She was severely injured, and the driver she was with was in another room getting a few stitches.I was a nervous wreck, pacing the hospital with Wyatt standing nearby."Hey, Kenz, she's going to be okay," Wyatt spoke suddenly, pulling me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me tightly."I hope so, Wyatt. Gosh, I feel sick.""I know." He kissed the top of my head."Kenzie."I turned with a frown to see Axel. His head was bandaged."Axel? What are you doing here?""I was in the car with your mom.""What? What happened?""A truck slammed into us."A part of me was curious to know why they were together, but instead of asking, I leaned back into Wyatt.His embrace somehow made me feel better.Axel watched us, a questioning look in his eyes, "Kenzie, can I speak to you for a moment?""What is it?" I
-KENZIE-Avoiding Wyatt seemed to become a hobby.I was on my lunch break, sitting in the downstairs lunch area with Paul."Kenzie, what's wrong? You've barely touched your food."I sighed heavily, "I'm thinking about my mom, I need to go see her later," I owned down at my coffee, "Paul, have you ever done something knowing it was a bad idea? And even though you tried your best not to give in, you end up doing it, only to realize afterward that you were right and you should never have done it."Paul laughed, "Alcoholic, remember?" His face became serious as he studied me, "Yes, I have. There are so many things I wish I could have done differently. So many things I wish I could change. But we all know there is no way for us to undo the things we have done. But, what we can do is take solace in the fact that everything happens for a reason, even if you don't understand the reason right now."I nodded, "I guess. I kind of feel like all I'm doing is making a major mess of things.""Someti
-KENZIE-I was sitting on my sofa with Toby on my lap when there was a loud knock on the door.I shot a glare at the door, hoping the person would go away."It's Paul."I rolled my eyes but got to my feet to open the door."How many times are you going to come back here before you realize that I don't want to see anyone? I just want to be alone."He pushed his way in, "Kenzie, what happened?"I raised a brow, "I walked into the office and found Wyatt with one of the girls from a club," I shrugged, "Honestly, I'm not even mad at him. I'm mad at myself for thinking that there was any sort of chance for us. I know what he is."Paul sighed heavily, "Kenz, speak to him. He's messed up. But he cares for you."I scoffed, "Paul, I appreciate you trying to help, but this is a mess I'm not willing to try and fix. Wyatt is not capable of a relationship. He never has been. It's just one of those things.""When you left, I saw a broken man. I know because I've been there.""It's for the best. He w
-KENZIE-"This is too slutty." I scrunched my nose up as I eyed myself in the mirror.Milly looked up from Toby who was sitting on her lap, "It's sexy, not slutty. Wear it."I turned to face her, "Milly, this is Selma's dinner—my ex's fiance. She knows he still has feelings for me, I don't want her to think I'm trying to dress up to impress him."She raised a brow and pouted her lips, "You're worried about that? I thought you were trying to make Wyatt realize what he's missing?"My heart dropped and my throat closed up at her words. I hadn't told her about Wyatt. Paul was the only one who knew about Wyatt."How did you-?"I've been your friend for years, do you really think I've never noticed? You used to get all weird whenever his name was mentioned anywhere. And I've seen the way you act since working for him. I know I look it, but I'm not stupid, Kenz."I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed, "I'm sorry I never told you. I didn't want anyone to find out."She shrugged, "No biggie.
-WYATT-I walked into my house, throwing my jacket on the nearest sofa."Where were you?"I turned, noticing my father for the first time."I was with Kenzie. What are you doing here?""I asked you to come and see me after dropping her at home. You didn't. Did you spend the night with her?""Yes. Nothing happened if that's what you're asking me." I didn't sleep a wink last night. Kenzie fell asleep in my arms shortly after her shower, but I couldn't sleep. Not knowing how my son had behaved.My father remained silent for a short while, watching me closely, "What is going on between the two of you?""First you accuse her of having an affair with Caleb, and now you're asking if she's sleeping with me. Do you think she's trying to work her way through all of us?" I didn't even bother hiding the anger in my voice."I have never seen you so protective over anyone. You are my son and I know you well enough, Wyatt. Now, I will ask you once more, what is going on between the two of you?"I po
-KENZIE-I was still fuming over Wyatt's confession. I couldn't believe he had so easily told his father about us."How can you expect me to be calm about this? You knew I didn't want anyone knowing about it.""Kenz, just enjoy the day with me. Be mad later."I turned to glare at him, "That's so easy for you to say. Your father already thinks so low of me, and now you've gone and made it worse."" Kenzie.""No, Wyatt, you shouldn't have- what are you doing?"Wyatt was pulling the car to a stop and for the first time I realized that I had no idea where we were.It looked like an over grown medow, the bright green grass stood tall with specks of pink and yellow flowers."Well, don't just sit there." He got out the car.I followed him, still shooting glares at him."Where are we?" I asked. I couldn't see much behind the trees and tall weeds.He held out a hand, "Come on and you'll see."I eyed his hand before taking it. Although I pursed my lips in annoyance at him, he smiled at me."You
-WYATT-I sat opposite her in the restaurant, my eyes on her as she ate. She was oblivious to the fact that I was staring at her, and just as well too. She would probably complain about it.My phone buzzed and I looked at it, seeing Cherry's name flash on the screen.I put it down."Anything important?" Kenzie asked, finally looking up from her plate."No. Nothing either of us need to worry about."She smiled, "Why are we here today?""To get your mind off things." And because I'm a hopeless idiot who wants to spend time with you. I kept my thoughts silent.She noddes thoughtfully, "Thank you, I appreciate it.""You don't need to thank me. But we do need to talk about something."She sighed and looked down, "I don't know if I want to talk about anything.""Well I do. What you walked in on-""There'snothing to say about that.""Yes there is. I'm sorry I caused you pain. But you told me that you didn't want anything to come from us. And as fucked up as it sounds, she looks like you. It'
-KENZIE-I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to sleep after the conversation with Wyatt earlier.The possibility of finding my father keeping me up. I wasn't even sure I wanted to find him.There were too many ways it could end. And some of them scared me too much to think of.So instead, I went out with Milly.What started off as a night at the movies had ended as a drunken spree of a local bar.Milly was giggling a few chairs away with a group of men. She definitely had her eye on the tall blond."Hey, is this seat taken?"I turned to the man speaking to me. His eyes reminded me of Wyatt.I turned away from the stranger without answering him. I stared at Milly as she radiated a flirty confidence.A part of me envied her, I couldn't help it. I wanted to be like that.But instead, my head was spinning and all I wanted was to hear Wyatt's voice.I'm pathetic.I got tomy feet, almost stumbling as I made my way toward the bathrooms. As luck would have it, there was a line outside the d
KENZIE"What?" I asked out loud, more to myself than to Wyatt or Mr. Grimes.Wyatt held my gaze, "Will you enter into a contract marriage with me?""This is... Give me a second." I sat at the kitchen counter, painfully aware of how Mr. Grimes was staring at me."Kenzie, this will help you and Wyatt. I think this is the best idea my son has had in a while. It will also save the reputation of the Grimes name," he paused, "And I'm sure Caleb is planning on taking this story to the press, so we need to act before he does."My stomach churned. I hated being put on the spot and having to make such an important decision."Bubbles?"I forced myself to meet Wyatt's gaze. And immediately wished I hadn't. I could see the pleading look in his eyes. "Wyatt, this is a big choice. I can't just decide.""It's not," he rushed over to me, "It's a contract. A business deal, nothing more. I'm not asking you to love me."I bit my lower lip, "If I do this, there will be rules in place, right?"Although I
KENZIEMy stomach felt about ready to drop to my toes. The anger in Caleb's eyes terrified me. I had never seen him so angry before. He was seething. "Caleb, no, of course not." I rushed out. But Wyatt had other ideas, "We are not, but if we were, it's none of your business." My eyes widened and my mouth dropped in surprise and disbelief at his words. His father, Mr. Grimes seemed just as mortified, "Wyatt!" "What? It was his choice to treat her like shit and cheat on her," he kept his eyes on Caleb, "You never deserved her, Caleb. You never realized what you had, and you fucked it up. Now you can't stand the thought that someone else will treat her like the queen she is." "Holy shit, this is not happening," I placed a hand on my churning stomach. Caleb's fists clenched at his sides, "You're my father. How could you go after my ex?" "Caleb, he's just saying things. He didn't go after me. We aren't sleeping together," I tried desperately to calm the situation. "But we have in
-KENZIE-I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to sleep after the conversation with Wyatt earlier.The possibility of finding my father keeping me up. I wasn't even sure I wanted to find him.There were too many ways it could end. And some of them scared me too much to think of.So instead, I went out with Milly.What started off as a night at the movies had ended as a drunken spree of a local bar.Milly was giggling a few chairs away with a group of men. She definitely had her eye on the tall blond."Hey, is this seat taken?"I turned to the man speaking to me. His eyes reminded me of Wyatt.I turned away from the stranger without answering him. I stared at Milly as she radiated a flirty confidence.A part of me envied her, I couldn't help it. I wanted to be like that.But instead, my head was spinning and all I wanted was to hear Wyatt's voice.I'm pathetic.I got tomy feet, almost stumbling as I made my way toward the bathrooms. As luck would have it, there was a line outside the d
-WYATT-I sat opposite her in the restaurant, my eyes on her as she ate. She was oblivious to the fact that I was staring at her, and just as well too. She would probably complain about it.My phone buzzed and I looked at it, seeing Cherry's name flash on the screen.I put it down."Anything important?" Kenzie asked, finally looking up from her plate."No. Nothing either of us need to worry about."She smiled, "Why are we here today?""To get your mind off things." And because I'm a hopeless idiot who wants to spend time with you. I kept my thoughts silent.She noddes thoughtfully, "Thank you, I appreciate it.""You don't need to thank me. But we do need to talk about something."She sighed and looked down, "I don't know if I want to talk about anything.""Well I do. What you walked in on-""There'snothing to say about that.""Yes there is. I'm sorry I caused you pain. But you told me that you didn't want anything to come from us. And as fucked up as it sounds, she looks like you. It'
-KENZIE-I was still fuming over Wyatt's confession. I couldn't believe he had so easily told his father about us."How can you expect me to be calm about this? You knew I didn't want anyone knowing about it.""Kenz, just enjoy the day with me. Be mad later."I turned to glare at him, "That's so easy for you to say. Your father already thinks so low of me, and now you've gone and made it worse."" Kenzie.""No, Wyatt, you shouldn't have- what are you doing?"Wyatt was pulling the car to a stop and for the first time I realized that I had no idea where we were.It looked like an over grown medow, the bright green grass stood tall with specks of pink and yellow flowers."Well, don't just sit there." He got out the car.I followed him, still shooting glares at him."Where are we?" I asked. I couldn't see much behind the trees and tall weeds.He held out a hand, "Come on and you'll see."I eyed his hand before taking it. Although I pursed my lips in annoyance at him, he smiled at me."You
-WYATT-I walked into my house, throwing my jacket on the nearest sofa."Where were you?"I turned, noticing my father for the first time."I was with Kenzie. What are you doing here?""I asked you to come and see me after dropping her at home. You didn't. Did you spend the night with her?""Yes. Nothing happened if that's what you're asking me." I didn't sleep a wink last night. Kenzie fell asleep in my arms shortly after her shower, but I couldn't sleep. Not knowing how my son had behaved.My father remained silent for a short while, watching me closely, "What is going on between the two of you?""First you accuse her of having an affair with Caleb, and now you're asking if she's sleeping with me. Do you think she's trying to work her way through all of us?" I didn't even bother hiding the anger in my voice."I have never seen you so protective over anyone. You are my son and I know you well enough, Wyatt. Now, I will ask you once more, what is going on between the two of you?"I po
-KENZIE-"This is too slutty." I scrunched my nose up as I eyed myself in the mirror.Milly looked up from Toby who was sitting on her lap, "It's sexy, not slutty. Wear it."I turned to face her, "Milly, this is Selma's dinner—my ex's fiance. She knows he still has feelings for me, I don't want her to think I'm trying to dress up to impress him."She raised a brow and pouted her lips, "You're worried about that? I thought you were trying to make Wyatt realize what he's missing?"My heart dropped and my throat closed up at her words. I hadn't told her about Wyatt. Paul was the only one who knew about Wyatt."How did you-?"I've been your friend for years, do you really think I've never noticed? You used to get all weird whenever his name was mentioned anywhere. And I've seen the way you act since working for him. I know I look it, but I'm not stupid, Kenz."I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed, "I'm sorry I never told you. I didn't want anyone to find out."She shrugged, "No biggie.
-KENZIE-I was sitting on my sofa with Toby on my lap when there was a loud knock on the door.I shot a glare at the door, hoping the person would go away."It's Paul."I rolled my eyes but got to my feet to open the door."How many times are you going to come back here before you realize that I don't want to see anyone? I just want to be alone."He pushed his way in, "Kenzie, what happened?"I raised a brow, "I walked into the office and found Wyatt with one of the girls from a club," I shrugged, "Honestly, I'm not even mad at him. I'm mad at myself for thinking that there was any sort of chance for us. I know what he is."Paul sighed heavily, "Kenz, speak to him. He's messed up. But he cares for you."I scoffed, "Paul, I appreciate you trying to help, but this is a mess I'm not willing to try and fix. Wyatt is not capable of a relationship. He never has been. It's just one of those things.""When you left, I saw a broken man. I know because I've been there.""It's for the best. He w
-KENZIE-Avoiding Wyatt seemed to become a hobby.I was on my lunch break, sitting in the downstairs lunch area with Paul."Kenzie, what's wrong? You've barely touched your food."I sighed heavily, "I'm thinking about my mom, I need to go see her later," I owned down at my coffee, "Paul, have you ever done something knowing it was a bad idea? And even though you tried your best not to give in, you end up doing it, only to realize afterward that you were right and you should never have done it."Paul laughed, "Alcoholic, remember?" His face became serious as he studied me, "Yes, I have. There are so many things I wish I could have done differently. So many things I wish I could change. But we all know there is no way for us to undo the things we have done. But, what we can do is take solace in the fact that everything happens for a reason, even if you don't understand the reason right now."I nodded, "I guess. I kind of feel like all I'm doing is making a major mess of things.""Someti