Blinded by Beauty

by Chloe Lang

  The digital voice announced, “The time is 2:11 a.m.”

  “So, as of now, it’s tomorrow.” She giggled. “Doc said I can walk, so I’m going to make something for us.”

  “Not so fast, sweetheart. I’m sure he meant in the morning.”

  “It is morning. Your watch just said so.”

  “You and I both know what Doc meant. Now, tell me what you want to eat, and I will get it.”

  “But you’re not the cook. Jaris is.”

  “Apparently you’ve never had one of my world-renowned peanut butter sandwiches.”

  “Okay, Mr. Reynolds. You win now, but tomorrow, I am going to walk.”

  “That’s something I love about you, baby. Your fire and will.”

  She smiled. “I’d love one of your world-renowned peanut butter sandwiches with a tall glass of milk.”

  “Coming right up.” He stood, leaving the mattress.

  She drank in his naked body, which was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen in her life. “Don’t forget about Annie, Chance. She might want a treat.”

  “I bet she does. She also likes peanut butter.” He patted his leg and Annie came running. “We’ll be right back, sweetheart.”

  They left her alone and she pulled the covers up to her chin. She was completely spent and relished every bit of it. Chance had made love to her in ways she’d never dreamed possible. She was pretty sure he would be open to the BDSM lifestyle she craved.

  She loved him so much, but something still seemed to be missing. Not something. Someone. Jaris. Why did he leave so suddenly?

  She sat up in the bed. Jaris had captured her heart shortly after coming to work with her. He was kind and genuine. Heroic in every way. He was good to the orphan boys and had a kind spirit. He was also tough and dependable. He made her laugh.

  I love Jaris, too. That was the truth. Her truth.

  Can Chance accept that? She wasn’t sure.

  I love them both.

  But Chance wasn’t from Destiny. Neither was Jaris. I don’t know if Jaris feels the same way about me. What if being honest ruined what she had with Chance? What if Jaris didn’t feel the same way about her? Questions swirled in her head like angry bees, each with a painful sting ready.

  “But I can’t hold back these feelings,” she whispered aloud. How long had she buried her feelings for Chance? Years. She wasn’t willing to go through that again. Whatever happens, I have to tell Chance everything, and later Jaris.

  Part of her wanted to put it off and wait for another time, but she knew what a slippery slope that could be. Days would turn to months and then years, and the truth would remain buried under mounds of doubt and fear.

  She closed her eyes, determined to put all her cards on the table when Chance returned with her sandwich. Tonight, not a minute longer.

  * * * *

  It had been a long day. The boys were all in bed, and Jaris quietly shut the door to the dorm room.

  Working at the Boys Ranch meant the world to him. He’d never dreamed of having children of his own, but he felt strongly for these boys. Most had been through hell, being moved from one foster family to another. Because of the Stones, they now had a real home.

  He wasn’t quite ready to call it a night and was pretty sure sleep wouldn’t come easy. He had a ton on his mind. He bent down and patted Sugar on the head. She was waiting for him to let her know which direction he wanted to go.

  The new building had been designed and built by local architect, Lucas Wolfe, the sheriff’s brother. The hallway Jaris was standing in split the place in two sections. On this side were the two giant rooms where the boys slept, one for the older kids and the other for the younger ones. Across the hall was his room, Chance’s room, the kitchen and bathrooms. To the right, the hallway led to the front door. To the left, it led to a large rec room, which had sofas, a pool table, and a flat-screen television. Almost every night after getting the boys settled, he and Chance would grab a beer from the fridge and head to the rec room to discuss the day’s events.

  But Chance isn’t here. He is with Kaylyn.

  With Sugar, he walked to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. “How about we stretch our legs, girl?”

  Sugar led him down the hallway to the front door.

  The air outside was crisp. Though he couldn’t see the sky, he bet there wasn’t a cloud in it.

  The dormitory had a wraparound porch with lots of places to sit. He found his favorite chair and sat down. Before he popped the top, he heard footsteps. Emmett’s footsteps.

  “Mind if I join you, Jaris?”

  “Actually, I’d like some company. Wanna beer?”

  “Yeah.”

  “They’re in the fridge. Help yourself.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Emmett headed in to retrieve his beer.

  The man was as solid as they came. A good friend. Always willing to help and lend an ear.

  Jaris popped the top of his beer and took his first sip of the cool liquid. I could use his advice right now.

  Emmett returned and sat down next to him. “Buddy, what’s going on with you?”

  Jaris knew the cowboy had good instincts about people but never imagined Emmett could read him so easily. “Is it that obvious?”

  “It sure is. You haven’t been yourself since Kaylyn was shot. Are you worried about her?”

  “Of course I’m worried, Emmett. The creep who shot her is still in town, and until we know for sure that he and his friends aren’t connected to Lunceford, I’ll remain on guard.”

  “We’re all going to be quite concerned until fucking Lunceford is put away for good.” Emmett’s sister-in-law’s safety was on all their minds. “I know in my gut those so-called hunters are involved. We’ve got the best sheriff in the state on the job. And don’t forget Shannon’s Elite is working day and night to capture the bastard, too.”

  Shannon’s Elite was a group of highly trained operatives working for the CIA under the supervision of Easton Black. They were incredibly capable.

  Jaris respected the entire team. “But there’s more to it than just that.” He took another swig of his beer. “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Don’t forget, buddy. I’m here for you.” Emmett was a straight shooter and always meant what he said. Having him in his corner was a very good thing. “I don’t want to pry, but I’m ready to listen if you’re ready to talk.”

  “You know how Chance feels about Kaylyn?”

  Emmett chuckled. “Everyone in town knows that.”

  He downed the rest of his beer. “Well, I want to be honest with you. I feel the same way about Kaylyn.”

  “Oh my God.” Emmett slapped him on the back.

  “So you see my dilemma. I think I need to leave town.”

  “What the hell do you mean by that, Jaris? You love her. Chance loves her. What’s the damn problem?”

  “How can I tell her how I feel when I know she and Chance love each other? They’ve known each other for ages. I’ve only known her for less than a year. I can’t come between them.”

  “There’s no coming between anybody, Jaris. This is Destiny, not Chicago. We don’t put any stops on the people we love. Look at me. My brothers and I love Amber. She’s the woman of our dreams and we have the best life imaginable. I love my brothers, and we always wanted to have a family together, just like our parents.”

  “But Chance and I aren’t brothers.”

  “Oh for God’s sakes, Jaris. Everybody knows you are just like brothers. Being brothers is not just from blood. It’s what you mean to one another. And there’s no doubt in my mind Chance couldn’t be more of a brother to you if you had the same parents.”

  “That’s true.”

  “And you? Willing to leave town just to let him have a chance at a life with Kaylyn. Screwy logic, but I know it comes from your heart. You love him. He is your brother.”

  “Yes, he is.” Is Emmett right? Is it possible that Chance and I could figure a way through this? Can we really sh
are Kaylyn?

  “You’re being very selfish, buddy. That’s a fact. Have you even thought about asking Kaylyn how she feels? You’re one of the best men I have ever met. Hell, you’re a goddamn hero. You took a bullet for Nicole. Stop being such a chickenshit. It’s time to man up and go talk to her. And you and Chance need to talk. Nothing is ever solved by running away. You just take it with you.”

  He leaned back in his chair, thinking about all Emmett had said. Chance was his brother. The man had helped him learn to see with his other senses. He’d never been as close to another person in his life other than his dad. And what about Kaylyn? She was from Destiny. She’d grown up with two dads.

  “I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I could share her with Chance, Emmett.”

  “Not surprising, since you’re not from here.”

  “Actually, I never considered having a family of my own before. The Simmons men have a long history of bad luck when it comes to women. I always thought I’d be a bachelor my whole life.”

  “Pardon the expression, Jaris. Open your eyes. Happiness might be right in front of you.”

  “How do you think Chance will feel? He’s not from Destiny either.”

  Emmett stood. “There’s only one way to find out.”

  “You’re right. I will talk to both of them tomorrow.” Jaris smiled. “Thank you, Emmett. You’re a good friend.”

  “Thanks for the beer.”

  “Thanks for the advice.”

  “That’s what friends are for, Jaris. Good night.”

  “Night.”

  As Emmett walked to the big house, Jaris was starting to believe there might be a happy ending for him in all this after all.

  * * * *

  Chance felt like he could conquer the world. He’d made love to the woman of his dreams, his best friend in the world. Kaylyn was his. He’d never been happier.

  After finishing making the peanut butter sandwiches, he gave Annie a treat. “Good girl.” They walked back into Kaylyn’s bedroom with their meal. “Dinner is served, my lady.”

  “Looks delicious. Thank you.” Kaylyn’s tone was a little muted from when he left her, which surprised him.

  They ate their sandwiches quietly. He’d been famished, so he was glad to have some food.

  He listened to Kaylyn’s breathing, which seemed a little shallow to him, sometimes a sign that something was on her mind. “Sweetheart, would you like to talk?”

  She sighed. “We really need to.”

  He didn’t like the sound of worry in her voice. He took her hand. “Whatever it is, I’m here for you. No more secrets between us. Okay?”

  “I agree. You know I’ve been worried about Jaris.”

  “Me, too. Something is off with him for sure.”

  “It might be about me.”

  “Maybe. You were shot. Dealing with that has been all that either he or I have thought about ever since. We want to keep you safe.”

  “You both have been amazing, but I’m not sure that’s all it is. I’m afraid he might’ve picked up on how I feel about him. That might’ve put him in an awkward position.”

  Chance still wasn’t sure what Jaris’s change of mood was about, but he was beginning to realize what was troubling Kaylyn. “You have feelings for him?”

  “Yes,” she said softly. “I feel for him like I feel for you.”

  His gut tightened. “You mean you love him?”

  He heard her take a deep breath. “Yes, Chance. I do. I have for some time. You do understand that it doesn’t take away my feelings for you?”

  “I’m not sure what I understand right now, Kaylyn.” He leaned back against the headboard. “I know you’re from Destiny and I know what kind of families live here. I just never imagined that was the kind of life you wanted. Now that we’re finally together, I was hoping I would be enough.”

  “Are you angry with me?”

  “Of course not, baby. I’m just confused. I didn’t grow up here. For me it’s always been one man and one woman. Two people building a life together, clinging to each other.” He touched her face and felt a tear, which broke his heart. “I love you, Kaylyn, but I don’t know if I could share you with anyone.”

  “It’s not that you’re not enough, Chance. My heart is big enough for both of you. I’ve actually dreamed of the three of us together and how wonderful it would be.”

  “Kaylyn, this is something I have to think about. I need some time.”

  “I understand.”

  “Have you told Jaris how you feel about him?”

  “No, but I must. I kept my feelings for you secret for so long and it nearly killed me. I won’t go through that again. It isn’t fair to me or to Jaris, even if he doesn’t feel the same way about me.”

  Chance thought about the possibility of Jaris rejecting Kaylyn, but he knew better. Thinking back about his talks with his best friend, it was clear that Jaris had feelings for Kaylyn, too. He’d never given much thought to it before, thinking she was out of reach for both of them. But now, after he finally had her in his arms, he was on the verge of losing her again—and this time to a man who was like his brother.

  He pulled her in close. “Baby, we both need more rest. Let me sleep on this, okay?”

  “Okay. I really love you, Chance, and I don’t want to lose you.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart.” He felt more of her tears fall on his chest, which crushed him. He wanted to say something that would make her feel better, but what could he say? Nothing.

  Chapter Ten

  Jaris put his arm around five-year-old Jake, who was the son of Belle, Shane, and Corey Blue.

  “Mr. Jaris, the water is changed for all the dogs,” Juan, Jake’s brother, said.

  “We also cleaned out the pens for Rex, Blue, King, and Rosie.” Stephen was one of the older boys. “They’ll be all set once they are found and come home.”

  The sadness in his voice was clear. All the boys were worried about the dogs. So was he. So is Kaylyn.

  “Very good job.” He was anxious to get finished with the chores and get to Kaylyn and Chance.

  His talk with Emmett last night had turned him around. He was envisioning jumping into the Destiny way of life heart and soul.

  * * * *

  Kaylyn walked into the kitchen, glad to be on her feet again. But it was the only thing good about this morning. Last night, Chance’s response to her confession about her feelings for Jaris devastated her. Why had she expected Chance to act differently? He wasn’t from Destiny. He didn’t understand. Jaris wasn’t from Destiny either. Would he understand? Probably not. Hell, I don’t even know how he feels about me.

  Kaylyn closed her eyes, wondering if she should’ve kept quiet about her true feelings. Had she made a terrible mistake? She started trembling from head to toe.

  Chance was in the shower.

  I feel like a little girl who needs her mommy.

  She knew her mom would be asleep given the time difference between Hawaii and Colorado. But her emotional need was taking over her common sense.

  I really want to talk to her.

  She got her cell and called her mom.

  “Kaylyn, are you okay?” The panic in her mom’s voice came through loud and clear.

  “Physically, Mom, I couldn’t be better.” She choked back her tears. “But I’m in love and I’m falling apart.”

  “Kaylyn, I know Chance loves you.”

  “I know he does, too, but I’m not sure that’s enough. Mom, I also love Jaris.” She told her mother about what she’d said to Chance and how he’d reacted. “So you see, I may lose them both and I haven’t even told Jaris how I feel about him.”

  “Sweetheart, love is a strong emotion, and you’re a very smart girl. I know you will handle this just fine. You’re not going to lose Chance. I promise you. He’s loved you for a long time. After you talk to Jaris, the three of you need to sit down together and go through everything. That’s what I had to do with your dads. You know they
were only casual friends when we started dating. Talk about being scared I would lose them both…I know exactly how you feel. But you know what I told them? Get used to it. This is the way it’s going to be. And you know, Kaylyn, we’ve been happy ever after.”

  “Oh, Mom, you make me feel so much better.” She thought about her two dads, who worked hard in the oil fields of Alaska and were gone for months at a time. But when they came home, they always swept her mother up in their arms and disappeared for a couple days. When they emerged into the light of day, all three of them always had broad smiles. “I am going to tell them what you told my dads.”

  * * * *

  Chance let the shower continue to run though he already cleaned and rinsed off. He was still wrestling with what Kaylyn had told him last night.

  Even with the water running, he was able to hear a knock on the door, which brought him back to the present. That’s not Jaris’s knock.

  * * * *

  “Mom, Jaris is here. Wish me luck.”

  Another knock.

  “Luck, baby. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  * * * *

  Chance threw on his robe, grabbed Annie’s lead, and shot out the bathroom. He could hear Kaylyn walking to the front door. “Stop.”

  “What’s the matter?” she asked him.

  “That’s not Jaris.” He stepped right next to her. “Look out the peephole. Tell me who you see.”

  “I have no idea who that man is.”

  He pulled her behind him and reached for the sheriff’s department handheld radio, which was on the table by the front door. Kaylyn’s family home was a few miles out of town and at the end of a dirt road. There were only four houses on the street, each having several acres.

  Kaylyn leaned in close to him. He could feel her trembling.

  “Chance, I’ve seen a picture of Lunceford. That’s not him outside.”

  “Doesn’t matter who it is. We need to be careful.” He pressed the button of the radio. “This is Chance Reynolds. There’s a stranger at Kaylyn Anderson’s front door. Can someone be here right away?”