No Looking Back: Happy Endings Resort Page 2

  After doing some food shopping and clothes shopping, we get back on the bus and go back home.

  Home.

  It sounds so strange to call this place home. I guess after a while it’ll feel like it, but right now it feels alien to me.

  We walk back down the road towards our cabin and I see the police officer from earlier, sitting in his car. He looks like he’s doing some paperwork. I avoid looking at him and he’s still wearing glasses so I can’t see if he’s looking at me. It freaks me out to think he might be watching me. Does he know who I am? Already? I need to get out of his view. We walk in between two more cabins to take a short cut to ours and then step inside.

  Closing the door, I lean up against it, wondering when I’ll feel safe here. How long will it be before I trust these people enough to enjoy my time here?

  It will certainly be a long time until I let someone else into my heart. That is well and truly shut off to love, except my unconditional love for Jaden, of course.

  Chapter Two

  CARTER

  There’s that woman again. Well, I say woman; she looks like a child. She’s tiny and looks like she needs to be taken care of. How can she be in charge of the child with her? I watch her from behind my glasses as she keeps looking over at the car, then I see her disappear between some cabins again. She did that earlier when I was watching her. She sure is a strange one.

  I’ve been working in Happy Endings Resort for the last six months, and nothing much happens here. I was involved in an accident when I was working in the city and they’ve moved me out here instead of giving me a desk job. It’s real quiet in this resort so I have plenty of time to keep fit and get my strength back.

  Driving back to my house in Ending, I can’t get that woman out of my head. There’s something appealing about her, but it’s more than that. She looks familiar. You know when you see someone and you have to do a double take? That’s what happened to me earlier. Then I shook my head because there’s no way it’s someone from Chicago. I must be imagining things.

  After I get my running gear on, I leave the house and do my usual fifteen kilometer run. My route takes me into Happy Endings Resort and I run around the lake. I’m hoping I see the mysterious woman again.

  Just as I’m coming back around the dock, I slow down because I think I can see her black hair up ahead of me. She’s sitting on the front porch of one of the cabins. The cabins are used by people who are staying for six months or longer, so that means she’ll be staying a while.

  I slow down and lift my t-shirt to wipe the sweat off my forehead just as she looks up and sees me. She rolls her eyes and pulls a face. I’m guessing I didn’t make such a great impression on her. She startled me earlier. She looked so gorgeous sitting on the swing; telling her she wasn’t supposed to be on the kids’ play equipment was the only thing I could think of to say to talk to her.

  I walk over to her, and when she looks like she’s about to let rip into me, I hold my hands up in the air in surrender. Smiling, I say, “I’m sorry for earlier.”

  “And so you should be. There’s nothing to say I’m not allowed to swing in the playground. Are you some kind of spoilsport or something?” I can see she’s trying not to laugh.

  I laugh. “No. It’s just none of the other residents around here would be seen dead on the swings. You looked like you were having too much fun.”

  She stands there with her hands on her hips. “Is it a crime to have too much fun around here? If that’s the case then I’d better think about moving already!”

  I don’t know whether she’s being serious or not, but my cock twitches at the sight of her with her hands on her hips, trying to be angry at me.

  What the hell? I haven’t been interested in any woman since the accident.

  Laughing, I say, “No, of course not. It was just refreshing to see and it threw me off for a minute. Will you forgive me?” I give her my saddest puppy dog eyes.

  She bursts into laughter and the sound of it is like glass tinkling around us. Oh my God, what is she doing to me? Now I sound like a pussy.

  She indicates for me to sit down with her. “Do you want a coffee?” she asks, looking me up and down. Her pupils widen. “Or would you prefer water?” she says as she notices my running gear. I know I should keep running past, but I can’t. I feel like I need to talk to her and find out who she is.

  Pulling out the chair, I take a seat at the wooden table on the porch. “Water is fine for now.” I smile.

  She turns to go inside and I watch her walking away from me. I may just have checked her ass out. So, shoot me. Actually, that’s not funny. I rub my leg as the memories of the pain come back to me.

  When she comes out, she asks, “Are you okay?” She looks at my knee.

  I stop rubbing it. “Yeah, I guess I didn’t do enough warm up exercises before I started running.” I take the glass of water she’s holding out to me and take a quick gulp.

  She sits down opposite me and I’m sure I see a blush coming over her cheeks as she watches me intently. Neither of us says a word as I drink another sip.

  Suddenly, she leans forward and reaches her hand out to me. “I’m Kenzie.” She smiles and it lights up her face.

  I extend mine and take her small hand into my much larger one. “I’m Carter. Pleased to meet you.” I can feel the heat coming from her hand and I don’t want to let go.

  After a minute, the front door opens and the little boy who was with her earlier runs out. “Kenz…” He stops when he sees me and I release her hand and stand up.

  “Hey,” I say, reaching out to shake his hand too. “I’m Car …” He shrinks back and hides behind Kenzie.

  She turns to him. “Jaden, this is Carter. He’s the cop we met earlier. He’s not going to hurt you, baby.” She’s crouched down and he looks past her shoulder to me. She nods her head.

  He steps out to the side and smiles. “Hi. I’m Jaden.” He holds out his hand to shake mine.

  “Well, I’m delighted to meet you, sir,” I say, shaking his hand.

  He smiles and takes a seat next to Kenzie. “Is Kenzie in trouble? Is that why you’re here?” He must be one of those modern kids who calls their mom by her first name.

  “No, she’s not.” I laugh. “I was out running and was thirsty, so she gave me some water.” I hold up my glass to show him.

  “Okay,” he says, swinging his legs off the chair.

  “So, what happens around here? It seems pretty quiet,” Kenzie says, sipping her coffee. She’s sitting back down on the chair, pulled her legs up, and wrapped her arms around her legs.

  I stare at her for a while. She really is beautiful, and she looks so familiar. Shaking my head, I tell her about Happy Endings Resort.

  “You met Ross when you arrived, I assume.” She nods. “He is ex LAPD and a great cop, so he’s the right person to be looking after things here.”

  “Yeah, he was really nice.”

  “He is. A little bit boring but a good man.” I chuckle. “Watch out for Wayne. He’s creepy-looking and is always sneaking about. Pam does hair out of her trailer over there.” I point out across the lake. “There’s a maintenance guy, Brice, if you need anything fixing.” I look her in the eyes. “Or you could always ask me.” I smile.

  There it is, that beautiful pink blush on her cheeks. I like that look on her. In that moment, I know I want to kiss her. I haven’t looked at a woman since my accident, but I can’t stop looking at this one. She’s fragile, innocent, yet she has a child. Interesting.

  “Are you any good with your hands?” she asks, lifting her eyes to look into mine. Is she flirting with me?

  “I sure am. Never had any complaints.” The shade of pink gets redder. I’m enjoying this. “Do you need my help with anything?”

  She takes a deep breath and then looks at Jaden. “Erm, not right now, no.” And the connection we were sharing is gone like a puff of smoke.

  “No problem. Listen, let me give you my number and if you need anythin
g, at any time, just let me know, okay?” I reach over and take her phone and put my number into it. Then I ring my number so I have her number too.

  “Did I say you could have my number?” she asks sarcastically.

  “No, but I’m a cop so you know you can trust me, right?”

  She stands up and grabs her phone back. Obviously that was the wrong thing to say.

  “It was nice meeting you, Carter, but I have things to do now.” She leans over, takes my glass, and starts to walk into the house. Jaden goes first.

  I reach out, grab her arm, and squeeze it to stop her. I don’t want her to be mad at me. “Kenzie? Did I say something wrong?”

  When she turns her face to me, I can see a change. Her eyes are dark, dangerous, and scared. She yanks her arm out of my hand. “DON’T… YOU… EVER… TOUCH… ME… AGAIN!” she says then walks through the front door and slams it shut in my face.

  Standing on the outside of the door, I rest my hand on it and shout to her. “Kenzie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to know what I said wrong.”

  “Carter, just go!” she shouts, and I can hear how upset she is.

  I didn’t mean to hurt her. I just wanted to spend some more time with her.

  I look around me and start jogging back through the resort, but all I can think about is Kenzie. Something must have happened to her to make her react that way. As I jog out of the resort, I see the main gatehouse and it doesn’t take me a second to make a decision. Maybe not the right decision, but a decision all the same.

  Once I’m inside, I see Ross. “Hey,” he says. “What’re you doing here?”

  “Out jogging. I just met that new resident. Kenzie, I think she said.” I try not to show my interest.

  “Yeah. Kenzie Miller in one of the cabins by the playground. She’s lovely, isn’t she? And so is her son, Jaden.”

  “Yeah, she is. How long is she staying for?”

  “Let me look at her contract.” He turns around and starts shuffling the papers behind him. He’s terrible at keeping his office tidy. “Ah, here it is. Kenzie Miller.” He runs his finger down the contract. “She’s signed the lease for a year with a chance to renew,” he says, looking up at me.

  A year. Most residents sign up for the normal three year lease with a chance to renew. It’s strange that she was allowed to just take a year. She must know Rory, the owner of Happy Endings Resort, and agreed a personal contract.

  “Thanks for that. I just like to know more about the residents here.”

  Ross smiles. “Especially the pretty ones, huh?”

  I turn to walk out the door. “Thanks, Ross. Gotta run. See you later.”

  I almost sprint the whole way home. After hopping in the shower and getting changed, I make a cup of coffee and decide what my next step is going to be.

  My naturally inquisitive mind is what made me join the police force in the first place. Do I send her a text to apologize? Although I don’t know what I need to apologize for. Do I look her up on the police database? That is what I really want to do. There’s something about her that’s really vulnerable and I want to harness that and take care of her.

  Before I change my mind, I send her a text, not expecting a reply.

  Carter: Hey, sorry about earlier. Whatever I did, I didn’t mean to upset you. Carter

  As I make dinner for myself, my phone pings with a text, but I’m in the middle of stirring my Bolognese and don’t want it to burn so I don’t look at my phone. It’s only later, when I’ve eaten dinner that I remember and check it out just in case it’s her. Damn, why didn’t I check it earlier?

  Kenzie: I know and I’m sorry. I just don’t like anyone touching me like that. Long story. Maybe sometime I’ll be ready to talk about it.

  Wow, okay. Does that mean she wants to talk to me about it sometime? I hope so.

  Carter: Sorry again. We were having such a nice time too. Maybe on my next day off I can take you both exploring the area so you can see more of the beautiful countryside. My way of apologizing.

  Kenzie: That would be good. Thank you.

  I know I should leave it there. When I have my next day off, I can take the two of them out for the day, but my next day off is in five days. I don’t think I can wait that long.

  Carter: What are you doing now?

  Kenzie: Nothing much. Just about to jump in the shower.

  Oh my God. She did not just tell me that she’s naked and messaging me. Does this woman not understand etiquette or whatever it’s called? You never tell a guy you’re naked when you’re texting him unless… unless you want him to take it further. Right?

  Carter: Are you having a problem with your water? Do you need me to come over and fix it?

  I hesitate to send the message. Am I really going to go there with her? Do I need to flirt with this woman? She’s already vulnerable without my demons invading her. Fuck it. If I don’t then I’ll regret not saying it.

  I press send. And wait.

  And wait.

  When I don’t get a reply, I get up and clear the dishes and clean up the kitchen. I love cooking, but God, I make a mess. I’ve made enough for a few days to keep me going.

  Lying down on my bed when everything is cleared away, I say out loud, “Who are you, Kenzie Miller, and what do you have to hide?”

  Chapter Three

  KENZIE

  Oh my God, I can’t believe he sent me that text. More than that, I can’t believe the effect it has on my body. I only see it when I get out of the shower and dry myself off. I read it again:

  Carter: Are you having a problem with your water? Do you need me to come over and fix it?

  What do I reply? There’s nothing more I would like than to have a fling with a sexy man, but with Jaden in the picture, I can’t do that.

  Kenzie: I’ve finished now and the water was fine, a bit hot, but working perfectly. Thanks for the offer though. You never know what might break down.

  I send that reply and get ready for bed. Jaden has been asleep for a couple of hours and I kiss him before I close his door.

  When I climb into bed, I check my phone. Nothing. Did I really expect something? I didn’t reply straight away, so maybe he’s ignoring me on purpose.

  What the hell am I doing? I don’t need this distraction in my life. All I need to do is stay under the radar for the next year and then we can move on.

  Carter: Shame about the hot water. Seriously though, you need anything, call me.

  Kenzie: Thanks and I certainly will.

  Bit of a disappointment but the right thing. He made me smile though.

  I wake up when something hard hits my stomach. I instinctively grab hold and throw whatever it is across the bed.

  “Kenzie, stop!” It’s Jaden.

  I sit bolt upright. “Oh my God. Baby, I’m so sorry. I thought you were… I thought you were him.”

  He comes over to me and hugs me tight. “I’m sorry. I was so excited that I jumped on you. I won’t do it again, I promise.”

  “It’s okay. I was worried he was going to hurt me. You know he can’t hurt us anymore, don’t you? He’s dead and that’s why we’re here, so we can start again.”

  “I know. Everything is better already. We can leave the house, we can go to the playground and just have fun and laugh. We couldn’t do that before.”

  I hold him tight. I never want to let him go.

  “Can we have breakfast, please?” he asks, barely audible.

  “Of course we can. Do you want some of the pancakes we got yesterday?”

  He pulls away from me and jumps up and down on the bed. I climb out of bed and we go into the kitchen. After making the pancakes, we sit at the table and discuss what we’re going to do today.

  “We need to find a school for you to go to while you’re here.”

  “Do we have to? I like staying home with you.”

  “I know you do, but it’s time for you to go to school. You need to make some friends as we’re staying here
for a year. That’s a long time without friends.”

  He turns his nose up and then takes a bite of the pancake, which has chocolate spread on it. The chocolate goes on his nose and I look at him, thinking how cute he looks. My baby is all grown up and he has to move onto the next chapter in his life.

  I don’t know who to speak to because I don’t know anyone. Carter. I can ask him. Or is it just an excuse to speak to him? Yeah, that’s it.

  Kenzie: Hey Carter. I need to ask you something. Are you around today?

  I don’t have to wait long before I get a reply.

  Carter: I’m working today, but I’ll be doing my rounds in the resort later. Shall I come in to see you?

  Kenzie: Please, if you can. You’re the only person I know and I just know you can help me.

  Carter: Glad to be of service.

  We get dressed and head over to the playground for a bit and then go to the swimming pool for a splash around.

  When we get out of the swimming pool, I see Carter walking past and I bang on the window. Luckily, he hears me and smiles, then he starts to walk towards us. I realize I only have my swimsuit on and he is going to see all of me.

  I start to panic and run to grab a towel. No one is going to look at me twice if they see what I’m hiding under the towel.

  “Hey, Carter,” Jaden says, running over to him.

  “Hey, sport. Did you have a good swim?”

  “Yeah, it was fun. Kenzie can’t swim for long though.”

  “Oh, really? Why?” Carter asks, but before Jaden has a chance to answer, I walk up to him.

  “Hey, thank you so much for coming. I really need some advice and I don’t know anyone else.”

  I hear a big splash and see that Jaden has jumped back into the pool. Carter nods towards the bar in the swimming center.

  “So, you only want my advice because I’m the only person you know?” he asks, lifting his eyebrows.

  “Well, yeah. And the fact that you are ridiculously handsome too, of course.”