Page 110 of Help Wanted

Chapter 19

That night when they got back to Kenley’s apartment, she didn’t talk about the trial and he didn’t have the courage to bring it up. She crawled into bed next to him and ran her hands up his chest. He knew what she was doing. He’d allowed her to do it many times because he’d honestly thought she was okay. But after seeing the way she’d reacted in the courtroom, he couldn’t let her hide anymore.

“We need to talk,” he said. The look of horror on her face clued him in that he’d said something terribly wrong. “Oh. No. Not that kind of talk.” He shook his head and waved his hands in front of him, hoping to erase the concern on her face.

“What do you want to talk about?” She still looked worried.

“I think it’s time to admit that you’re not as fine as you thought you were.” She frowned, and he wanted to give in and just love the hurt away, but that wouldn’t work. Not in the long run.

She let out a sigh and nodded.

“I was okay until I saw him. In my memories he was a lot bigger. I remember being scared. But then I saw him and I felt so weak. The guy was barely bigger than I am and I couldn’t defend myself.”

“He had a gun, Kenley. He was also high, which would have made it difficult to fight him off.” He brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. “I know you’re strong enough to heal from this. I just don’t think it’s a good idea to use sex to block it out.”

She nodded. “Okay. You’re right. Dr. Fulmer and I prepared for this, but I don’t think anything could have readied me to see him again. I’ll talk to her about it at my session next week.”

Instead of sex, he held her close to him all night, glad her part of the trial was over. She didn’t want to hear the rest, so the next day they planned to go out on the boat and move on with their lives. If only he had a clear idea of what to do next. She’d assured him they didn’t need to worry about the future. They only needed to live for now. He’d been planning to take the next step after the trial, but was she ready?

* * *

Stepping into Dr. Fulmer’s office made her feel stronger already. She was determined to get through this so she could be free. She didn’t want to cringe when she saw someone who reminded her of the man who had scared her. She didn’t want to have flashes of memories that terrified her. And she didn’t want to obsess about what could have happened until she was afraid to be alone. She wanted to take back her life, and assure Zane that she wasn’t using sex to hide from what happened.

After the meeting with Dr. Fulmer, Kenley felt better about the trial, though she was still not clear what her next steps with Zane should be. She just knew she wanted more.

Zane was supportive, and Brady was a huge comfort in that he came up with new and inventive ways to inflict bodily harm on anyone who would try to hurt her, and shared them with her to make her laugh. It probably wasn’t the healthiest of ways to deal with things, but it made her feel better.

She liked having Hunter in the office on the three days he worked for them. It was fun watching him take ownership of his new duties. It was also nice to have company when Zane was away on business, which wasn’t as often as it had once been.

She and Zane were making out in his office the next week when someone came in the front door.

“I swear if that is my sister I’m going to kick her out.”

“You can’t, she’s going shopping with me, to help pick out something to wear to the reunion.”

“You’re sure you want to go? I can think of other things to do that night.” He nibbled the skin under her ear, making her shiver in delight.

“You stood by me when I faced down my fears. I want to help you do the same.”

“Fine, but I’m warning you, your man with a gun has nothing on a ballroom full of bullies.” He winked at her as they heard footsteps in the hall.

“I’m walking very slow and loud so as not to catch you unawares,” Sidney called from outside the door.

“Come in!” Zane yelled.

“Everyone’s properly clothed?”

“Yes. It’s safe.” Kenley laughed and scooted off Zane’s lap.

Sidney stepped in, still covering her eyes.

“Of course it’s safe,” Zane said, acting smooth. “Just taking care of some business.”

“Right. Business.” Sidney laughed. “You ready to go? I’m eager to do something fun with someone who doesn’t go in their pants.”

“I’m ready.” She kissed Zane goodbye, who kept the PDA to a minimum in front of his sister.

“Have a nice time. I’ll see you on Friday when I get back from North Carolina. Don’t worry about locking up. I’ve got it.”