Summer on Kendall Farm(77)

“That must have made you feel good.”

“It did. He invited us to visit him in North Carolina. Ari is excited about going to the ocean.”

“You should go,” Kelly said. “I’m sure Ari would love the water. And you could get to know your brother better.” She glanced at him. “Assuming you want to know him better.”

Kelly was an only child. She had a score of cousins, but no siblings. She hadn’t grown up with anyone in the house but her parents. She knew they loved her, even her father after her mother’s death and he began to drink, he still loved her. She’d never had anyone tearing her down, ripping away at her self-esteem as Jace had.

“People do change, Jace. When he talked to me, he seemed genuine. At dinner he didn’t try to hide anything.”

“I know and that impressed me even more.” Jace stopped walking and turned to her. The sun had set and it was dark. “He asked about you.”

“Me? What did he want to know?”

“How things were between us. I wasn’t sure what to say.”

Kelly stiffened.

“He thinks you’ve done a terrific job with the house and grounds. He was proud of the place and glad it was being taken care of with so much love.”

Kelly smiled. “Thank you. I’m glad about that.”

“I know it’s a labor of love for you. I think Sheldon saw that, too.”

That should have made Kelly feel good, but it had the opposite effect. She felt guilty.

“Jace, I haven’t had a chance to apologize for how we ended things. I’m—”

“You were right from the start, Kelly. I should never have gone behind your back. It was deceitful and I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry.”

“That means a lot to me, Jace. Thanks. I’m glad things are working out for you. The engineering job must take a lot off your mind.”

“It does. Ari likes going to the day-care center. You should have seen him when he discovered all those toys and the other kids. In a few months he’ll be in kindergarten.” Jace paused. His eyes traveled over her face. “He misses you,” Jace said, his voice ragged as if it hurt to say the words.

“I...” Kelly stopped. She couldn’t say anything. Jace was gazing at her with so much tenderness in his eyes that it robbed Kelly of her ability to speak. She couldn’t drag her gaze away, either.

“Thank you,” Jace said.

“For what?” she asked.

“For the past few days. For opening the Kendall to Sheldon. For sending Emmett to find me. For being you.”

Kelly frowned, embarrassed at the flood of compliments. “I need to thank you, too, for something else.”

“For what?”

“The horses. For the contract you negotiated. For helping out with the Kendall despite how you feel—”

He stopped her, lifted her chin until she was looking into his eyes. Kelly was unable to move, unable to pull away from him. Jace leaned in and kissed her. Her heart pounded, pumping through her body with a force so hard it scared her. His mouth descended on hers, soft and warm. As he folded her into his arms, she knew she was safe and that she wanted to stay there forever.

Jace raised his head and Kelly wrangled out of his arms. She was breathless. The stars were out and a full moon shone overhead. She knew it had been dangerous to walk in the moonlight. Now he’d kissed her and Kelly was more rattled than ever.

Her eyes were full of unshed tears. “I think you should go now,” she said.

“Kelly, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

He hadn’t meant to kiss her. He hadn’t meant to confuse her. He hadn’t meant to have her fall in love with him. It was too late. All those things had happened. If she was going to survive his presence and the Kendall, she had to remain in control. And he’d just proven that with him, she had none. Jace removed his hands and stepped back. Kelly remained where she was, but the urge to run was so strong she had to dig her fingers into her palms to stay in place. Jace gave her a long look. She couldn’t interpret it in the dim light. They both stood like wavering branches that only needed a small wind to push them together. She knew if that wind came she would be lost.

Kelly stepped farther away. The movement seemed to cut the invisible connection holding them together. Jace went up the seven steps and opened the door. Kelly heard him call Ari’s name as he went inside. She wouldn’t wait for them to come out. She wouldn’t wait for them to say goodbye. She didn’t know when she would see Ari again. He had a routine to follow. And so did she. The sooner they fell into step, the better for all, Kelly thought.