831 Marriage Lane (Cherry Falls)

Kenton pulls on a few doorhandles until one gives, opening up to a conference room before he sits me down on a giant table. This is all so freaking crazy. Hours ago, my heart was shattered, and now it’s full.

“I’ve never been with that woman” are the first words out of Kenton’s mouth. “In fact, I haven't been with many women,” he admits. I sit up a bit straighter.

“I couldn’t find much on your dating past. I might have poked around online. I’m not the only one who notices either.” At least that’s how the articles had read. Almost all of the media had declared him one of the most eligible bachelors, admitting that they couldn’t uncover anything when it came to his dating life.

“It’s easy to keep your name out of the gossip columns when there is no gossip.”

“Why, Kenton? You’re a handsome, successful man.” I’m sure beautiful women throw themselves at him all the time. The thought alone makes me want to throw up.

“Lennon says I have mommy issues.” I snort a laugh. Only he could make me laugh at a time like this. He shrugs. “My mom is fucked up. She only cares about herself. She took advantage of our dad their entire marriage. He dealt with it for a long time until they finally divorced. Even then it hadn’t been his decision to leave her.” Damn.

That’s horrible. I guess I’m lucky that my parents love one another and show each other respect. They may not have a lot monetarily, but they have true love. I think growing up in that environment or having a mom like he’s described would give any kid issues. It takes me a second to understand all of what he’s getting at.

“Wait! Are you saying I could be a bitch and you’d still love me?” It’s odd to be saying he loves me so quickly, but it feels right.

“Truth?”

“Always.” I smack his chest. It only makes him smile.

“Yes. I got damn lucky. You’re perfect. If anyone is an asshole it’s me. Everything you do turns me on and makes me smile. My dad always says he fell in love in an instant with my mom. Lennon says the same thing about Willow. I was so damn wrong.”

“I felt it too. It’s crazy,” I admit. “Seeing your parents' marriage scared you off the idea of marriage?”

“Not only marriage but relationships as a whole. Being a divorce lawyer didn’t help much either.”

“You think?” That would scare anyone.

“I tried to date in high school.” From what I’ve read, I know he went to a fancy prep school. “The girls all reminded me of my mother with all their talk of parties and designer this and that. Everything was about money to them. And marrying into a better family. I didn’t want someone trying to marry me because of my name.” He scoffs. “I said fuck it and dove into college and working. It wasn't hard with my brother by my side doing the same.”

Wow. I don’t think Kenton realizes he is a bit of a romantic. He hid himself away from heartbreak. He’s been waiting for the one girl to knock him on his ass. How I managed to be that girl I’ll never understand, but I’m going to take it. I’ve been waiting for Kenton too.

“That’s sweet and all, but how did this woman end up back at your place? I’ve never even been there!”

“Hey, I tried to drag you back there with me, but you didn’t want to come.”

“You didn’t try very hard.” I can’t keep the hurt out of my voice. I drop my head to stare down at my hands in my lap. His hands cup my face, making me look back up at him.

“I was a dick that day. A kid throwing a fit because I couldn’t drag you back to the city with me. What I said was bullshit.”

“Those mommy issues?” I tease him.

“Something like that.” He shakes his head clearly pissed at himself. “But I also knew I had to let you walk out that door or you’d never forgive me for making you go back with me. I didn’t want you to resent me. I know your family means everything to you. So does your word. I knew you had to go take care of your responsibilities.”

“They’re my world.”

“I know. If I could have come with you, I would have but I knew I had to get back not only for court but to settle my life in the city as fast as I could so I could get back to my wife and stay.”

“I love all of that, Kenton. I really do, but you better start spilling about her!”

“I hoped I’d never see her again. The case was done. I made it clear when she tried to make a move that nothing would ever happen between us. But she had already made up some bullshit in her head that I was waiting until I was done with her case. She was convinced the reason I didn’t want her was because attorneys can’t date clients. She showed up at my dinner with one of the partners. I’d been telling him I was leaving the firm. I made it even more clear to Stacy at the restaurant that she needed to stay away from me. She must have followed me home after the dinner. That’s the only way I can think of her knowing where I live. I got a restraining order against her this morning. I wonder if that’s what made her snap today.”