A Safe Surrender: A Donnelley Brother's Novel (Donnelley Brothers Book 2) (5 page)

The front door opened into a small living room with a little brown suede loveseat and matching chair. A plush cream-colored shag rug I could sink my feet into lay against the warm wood floor. The furniture faced a quaint stone fireplace where a small ledge jutted out from the wall. There were no decorations sitting against the ledge and I felt a sudden desire to place something personal there. A picture of my mom, maybe?

Shaking the thought from my mind, I glanced down at the double-stump coffee table. The bark and surface of each stump had been polished and glossed. It was a beautiful form of art.

“I know it’s small, but I love this kitchen.” I hadn’t even realized Reese had wandered into the kitchen. I’d been too busy admiring the living room, but now that I was looking toward the kitchen, I completely agreed with her.

“It’s adorable.”

The kitchen was in the form of an L. Wooden cupboards lined the walls and a little window sat over the sink. There was no dishwasher, but that was just fine. I didn’t mind doing dishes and the rest of the appliances were white.

“All the dishes you’ll need are in the cupboards and there’s a kettle and a coffee pot in the pantry.” Reese nibbled on the inside of her cheek. “Pretty much everything you need is here. The only thing these cabins don’t have, which is a bit of an inconvenience, is a washer and dryer - but you can come use mine whenever you need.”

“Thanks.” I grinned, peeking down a little hall. “The bedroom down here?”

“Sure is.” She nodded.

I padded down the hall, finding a bathroom on my right and a bedroom on my left. The bathroom was a little tight with a claw-foot tub, a small vanity, and a stand up shower. There was a separate little area for the toilet, which I found interesting and nice at the same time. A small linen closet was filled with soft green towels and face cloths. Everything smelled fresh and clean. I wondered for a moment when they were last washed, but then I was distracted by my desire to see the bedroom.

Ambling across the small hall, I walked through another arched doorway into a little bedroom. And when I say little, I mean
little
. A queen-sized bed had been pushed up against the far wall where a window had been centered, covered by beige curtains. The bed was draped with a warm looking soft green blanket and matching sheets. A small bedside table and a lamp sat in the small space between the bed and the closet and at the foot of the bed there was a long wooden dresser. As small as it was, I was in love.

Turning, I found Reese standing in the doorway, leaning against the wall. “I know it’s pretty small, but,”

“I love it.” I interrupted and she smiled. “Is there a monthly fee I’ll be paying?”

“Yeah, but it’s really cheap.” She looked hesitant. “You pay for your utilities and power and three hundred a month for rent. All together I’d say your cost of living without groceries will be somewhere around five hundred max. Most people spend around four hundred and twenty-five a month without groceries.”

“Sounds perfect to me. It’s a lot less than I was paying where I lived before.” I snorted unbecomingly. “Maybe I’ll be able to save some money now.”

“Did you have a roommate before?” Reese asked, rubbing her flat belly absently.

I nodded, nibbling at the corner of my lip. “You could say that.”

She pursed her lips, her eyes settling on mine. “You’re not comfortable talking about it, huh?”

I frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“I know pain and I recognize it in you.” She sighed. “I understand you not wanting to talk about whatever it is that’s bothering you - whatever you’re trying to get away from - but just know that I’m here and I’m willing to listen whenever you’re ready.”

My breath was coming in short. “You recognize pain? Does that mean that you were once hurt?”

She nodded. “I have a feeling my pain was a lot different than yours, but yes, I was hurt.” She picked at her nails. “I came here hoping to find what I needed - a way to get myself away from the pain - to heal. This is a good place to be for healing, Kami. The people here are great people who are full of life and love. If you let them, they’ll help you through whatever it is you’re trying to get yourself through.”

“Thanks.” I croaked, surprised at the burst of emotion sounding from my voice. I was usually so good at hiding my pain, but Reese had seen right through it. “I appreciate that, Reese. I’m just - not really ready to talk about it. Yet.”

“I understand.” She moved forward, pulling me into her arms she hugged me tight. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready.”

Cautiously, I hugged her back. Reese had definitely had a different life than I’d had. I could tell by the way she moved, touched so freely, and spoke without reservation, that someone she loved had never abused her. She’d never been betrayed by someone in authority - someone she was supposed to trust. Reese might recognize pain in me - but she wouldn’t know what to do with the truth of that pains origin.

Pulling away from Reese, I looked anywhere but at her face. “I’m going to go grab my suitcases from my car. I’d like to unpack a little.”

“Sure,” I heard her breathe. “You should come by the house and pluck a few things from my pantry to hold you over until the storm’s come and gone.”

Glancing out the window at the blue skies, I shrugged. “I think I’ll just drive into town. Thank you, though.”

“Are you sure?” Reese didn’t look too happy about my driving into town, but I just wanted to be alone. “The storm they’re calling for is pretty bad.”

“I’ve driven through some pretty wicked snowstorms before and I’ve always made it out alive.” At my reply, the color drained from Reese’s face and she looked a little dizzy for a moment, before shaking her head. I instantly regretted my words, but I had a feeling I’d discovered the source of her pain. Someone Reese had loved had died in an accident - maybe in a snowstorm?

“Um,” she pulled herself together. “If I can’t change your mind, then you should probably go soon. She glanced down at a large gold watch dangling from her small wrist. “It’s already noon and it gets dark by five-thirty. You’ve got an hour of driving both ways.”

I nodded. “I’ll grab my suitcases and head out.”

“Sure.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I put mine and Logan’s cell numbers on the fridge. If you need us don’t hesitate to call.”

“Thanks again, Reese.” I said as I followed her through the small cabin to the door. Shoving my feet back into my boots, I stepped outside to find Logan leaning the shovel back up against the cabin.

“What did you think?” He asked gruffly. The man was pretty intense, kinda like a bear. I didn’t know how Reese and him became and item. She was so small and dainty and he just seemed large and rough. They were complete opposites, but I suppose that’s what attracted them.

“Loved it.” I assured. “Thanks for shoveling.”

He grinned. “Don’t mention it.” He looked down at Reese. “Should we get home?”

She nodded. “We should.” Giving me a small wave they walked to the truck. “Call if you need anything!”

“I will.” I called back as Logan closed the door behind Reese. I watched him round the front of the truck to the driver side and I couldn’t help but think, disheartened, that Rhett had never ever opened the car door for me.

...”Kami,” Mrs. Preston called from downstairs and I peeled myself from the book I was reading, on my bed, in the room I shared with Jana. “There’s a boy here askin’ for you.”

I stiffened, and Jana’s eyes widened as she gasped. “Oh my god! It’s Rhett, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know?” The statement sounded more like a question. “I didn’t tell him where I lived.”

“You didn’t.” Jana smirked. “But I did.”

“Why?” I hissed, stomping my foot without making a sound. Mr. Preston didn’t like us being loud and I’d learned how to throw a mini tantrum without making a sound. “Why would you tell him anything about me?”

“Because he asked and you’re lame. I figured Rhett would loosen you up - if you know what I mean.”

“Ugh.” I shook my head in disgust, walking to the door of the bedroom.

“Wait!” She barked and I turned. “You can’t go downstairs like that!”

“Why not?”

Jana groaned, slapping her palm against her forehead. “Seriously, Kami,” she shook her head at me. “You’re impossible.”

“I don’t understand why I can’t go out like this.”

“Because you’re wearing The Lion King pajama pants. How more lame can you get?”

I shrugged. “He liked my cartoon socks.”

She rolled her eyes, pointing a daggered finger to the dresser. “Change.”

“No.” I pulled the door open. “If he doesn’t like cartoons, then he’s not the guy for me.”

“You’re a lost cause.” I heard her yell as I raced down the stairs.

Rounding the corner, I saw Rhett standing in the shabby little entrance of my foster home. “Hey,” I breathed. All the sudden, my heart felt as though it was going to explode.

Rhett’s lips curled into a half-grin. “Nice pants.”

“Lion King.” I scraped my teeth nervously over my bottom lip. “I kinda have a thing for Disney.”

“I see that.” He bobbed his head. “You were wearing cartoon socks the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah,” I folded my arms across my chest. “So, what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see you.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ve been thinking about you since we met.”

“Really?” I sounded so breathless. But I mean he was a boy - a really good looking boy - in my house - telling me that he’d been thinking about me. Well, if I ever needed a fan it was now.

“Really.” His eyes were laughing. “I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime? Maybe see a movie or somethin’?”

“Um, yeah.” I nodded. “Why not?”

He chuckled. “Alright, how about tonight?”

“Tonight?” I glanced into the living room where Mr. Preston was snoring in his lazy chair. “It’s a school night.”

“So? You don’t like movies on a school night?”

“Well,” I knew Mrs. Preston would be going to bed soon and she never checked in on us. I doubted anyone would even notice I was gone. “Okay.”

“Good.” He leaned into me, whispering hot breath against my ear. “As much as I like your pants, you should probably put something else on. I’ll wait in my car for you.”

“Kay,” I squeaked, and again, he laughed.

I ran upstairs, eager to go on the first date of my life with a boy who was way hotter than I ever thought I could snag...

Chapter 5

The trunk of my car was seriously loaded down with groceries and other items I’d purchased from the grocery store in Banff. I was eager to get myself set up in the little cabin, but as I pulled out of the parking lot, I couldn’t help but wish I’d stayed in tonight. Reese and Gracie had been right - a storm had been brewing and was now rearing its ugly head full-force. I could barely see two meters in front of my car and I wasn’t even on the highway yet.

Taking in a deep breath, I drove slowly through the little tourist town before turning onto the highway. The sky was turning darker by the second and even through my headlights; I could barely make out the road signs. I knew that soon, the sky would be pitch black and the air surrounding my car, and every car on the highway, would be white from the mass of swirling snow.

I’d driven in snowstorms before - but this was bad. This was definitely the worst. The one hour drive to the Donnelley Ranch took me almost three hours before arriving at the welcome sign turning onto the winding gravel road. I still had another twenty or so minutes on normal conditions.

Glancing down at the glowing numbers on my dash, I sighed. The clock read 9:33 p.m. Reese had been right. I should have either stayed home or left right away. Sadly, I didn’t do either.

Tightening my hands on the steering wheel, I pushed on forward. There was really nothing more that I could do. I was too afraid to pull over somewhere and wait out the storm, because I couldn’t tell where I’d be pulling over. The shoulder of this road was dangerous on normal conditions, but it was a death trap tonight. And the idea of stopping in the middle of the road for someone to rear end me was just ridiculous - so I did the only thing I could do. I kept plugging along.

The sound of snow crunching beneath the tread of my tires was a constant hum within the confines of my car. The music was turned off because I felt more secure driving through the storm without the ever-changing beats distracting me. The falling snow was distracting enough without adding music to the mix. Watching the flakes dart toward my windshield, glowing in the amber light of my headlights was a hypnotic, almost dizzying sight.

I’d only driven this road twice - once in and once out. The length was littered with winding curves and sharp edges. It was a typical mountain road - dangerous. Even though I couldn’t see the ledges, and I knew there were barricades, I feared them. I knew they were there, and I knew, that if I drove hard enough into a barricade, it wouldn’t be able to stop me from going over the cliff. The thought was terrifying. My heart was thrumming hard and fast in my chest, pulsing behind my eardrums.

My very fears became a reality as my car lurched, swerving uncontrollably over the road. I’d hit a patch of black ice, or maybe it was just regular ice, I wasn’t sure because I couldn’t see out my windshield to tell. Instinct overrode rationalization as my foot slammed down on the break pedal. Even as my car spun wildly out of control - a result of my seized breaks - I knew I never should have pressed my foot to the pedal.

I should have slowly eased my foot off the gas pedal. I should have allowed my car to stabilize itself without the dangerous overcorrection of my steering wheel. But I didn’t and it was too late now.

It was like slow motion and hyper speed at once. Every beat of my heart was like an entity in itself and the fear swimming in my mind was drowning, suffocating me. A scream ripped from between my lips as my body jerked quickly to the side - thank goodness I was wearing my seatbelt. The tires dipped off the side of the road and I prayed for the strength to close my eyes. Yes, I prayed. I wasn’t really a big believer in something more - heavenly - but in this moment where not even a fiber of control was within my reach, the only logical thing left to do was pray.