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CHAPTER TWELVE

Ambrose

Lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I let out a slow, measured breath, my thoughts weaving a tangled web between two pivotal figures, Wyatt, who is coming next week, and Kenzie.

Wyatt always holds precedence in my life. There's no doubt about that.

Yet something about Kenzie clings stubbornly to my mind, refusing to be dismissed as easily as the other women I've known.

Perhaps it's her stark contrast to Lara, or the way she challenges me, making me feel like more than just a hockey player.

But Wyatt; he is my entire universe.

I've never introduced him to a woman before, never even entertained the idea. It's always been just the two of us, and I don't bring women into our world unless I'm certain they will be a lasting presence.

That thought knots my stomach with uncertainty.

Would Kenzie stay if she met Wyatt? Would she even want to?

I rub a hand over my face, a deep exhalation escaping my lips. The truth is, I don't know what this thing between us is yet.

I do know that I'm not ready to entwine her with my family life, at least not yet. Not when her feelings for me, or for us, remain a mystery.

The room lies shrouded in darkness, yet I can still discern the faint, persistent glow of my phone screen on the nightstand. The gentle whirring of the fan overhead fills the room with a soothing hum, and I close my eyes, striving to sweep away the swirling thoughts.

But even as I attempt to will myself into slumber, her image remains stubbornly lodged in my mind.

Kenzie is a wildfire, fierce and untamed, and I feel the sting of burns on my hands from the times I’ve tried to get close. I roll onto my side, my eyes fixed on my phone, the faint blue glow casting eerie shadows on the nightstand.

The words "poly relationships" linger in my mind.

Before meeting Kenzie, I hadn’t given them much thought. They were a distant concept, something seen from afar, like knowing of stars without ever touching their light.

Sure, I was aware of them. After all, I've been teammates with Brooks long enough to witness the harmony he shares with Ally. Tyler, Nick and him all think they’re slick, but they aren’t.

Still, that just tempts me even more.

Though, I’ve always seen myself as a one-woman kind of guy. The traditional trappings of love, a relationship, marriage, kids…that was the dream etched into my heart. At least, it was until Lara shattered that vision, leaving the pieces scattered like shards of glass.

Now, here I am, pondering my place in the realm of relationships. Perhaps I’m too much for one woman to handle, or maybe I’ve built walls too high to let myself believe in something genuine again.

But what if the answer isn’t about one woman at all? What if it’s about sharing life with three guys and one woman: dividing the burden, the pressure, the emotions, so none of us feels overwhelmed?

It’s an unfamiliar path, but unfamiliar might be exactly what I need. What we need. But for it to work, Kenzie would have to embrace it wholeheartedly, just as the rest of us would.

I let out a sigh and reach for my phone, fingers tapping against the screen as it lights up in response to my touch. I type out a message, the words forming a bridge between thoughts and action.

Want to go for a run with me tomorrow morning?

The anticipation is brief, and soon her reply flickers onto the screen.

Depends. How early are we talking?

A smirk tugs at my lips.

She’s intrigued, and that's the first step.

It’s an unfamiliar path, but unfamiliar might be exactly what I need. What we need.

I reply quickly.

Five AM. I’ll take you somewhere special.

Kenzie takes a few minutes to respond. I imagine her nestled under her blankets, deliberating whether she truly wants to commit to waking up at such an ungodly hour.

The phone screen remains still for a moment longer, and then the familiar bubbles appear, signaling her reply.

Ugh, fine. But I have a flight at one. I can’t be late.

I reassure her.

Don’t worry. You’ll make it.

I lean back, feeling a sense of triumph, and let my phone rest on my chest.

Kenzie is a puzzle. She presents a facade of independence, as if she doesn’t need help or attention, yet I sense a deeper yearning beneath her exterior.

It’s this intricate duality that captivates me, drawing me into her world with an irresistible pull.

I close my eyes, attempting to silence my racing thoughts, but memories flood my senses with vivid intensity. The memory of her skin, soft and warm, the way her eyes met mine that unforgettable night at Ally’s party, the electric sensation of her body pressed against mine, it’s all-consuming, a tidal wave of emotions that sweeps me away.

I find myself wondering about the dimensions of her life beyond the clinic, outside the confines of her professional facade. What is she like when she’s free, unburdened by the expectations of work?

I ache to unravel her secrets, to explore the depths of her being.

A smirk tugs at my lips. She’s intrigued, and that's the first step.

Then, a pang of sadness follows.

Kenzie’s going home .

The thought hangs heavily in my mind, like a dense fog.

I don't know much about her family, but what I do know is enough to stir my curiosity. Her reaction when we asked if she wanted us to call her parents? That was telling, a flicker of something deep and unresolved flashing in her eyes.

She doesn’t want to go, that much is clear. And yet, she’s still going. I want to ask her about it, to pry into the shadows that cloud her thoughts, but I don’t.

I understand the tangled web of family issues all too well.

My own turbulent relationship with my ex-wife is proof enough that not everything is picture-perfect behind closed doors, like a fractured mirror reflecting a distorted image.

Still, the thought of her flying back to some ultra-religious, conservative family that doesn’t understand her makes my chest tight, like a vice squeezing my heart.

I don’t like it, and the discomfort gnaws at me like an insistent itch. I want to know why she doesn’t want to go. But I also know she won’t just tell me, her silence as impenetrable as a locked chest.

Kenzie is independent and fiercely so, like a lone wolf prowling the wilderness. She won’t let anyone in unless she wants to. I sigh, rolling onto my side and staring at the phone in my hand.

Five a.m. That’s when I’ll see her next, when the world is still draped in the quiet embrace of dawn. I close my eyes and let the exhaustion pull me under.

I dream of running side by side with Kenzie, feeling her warmth next to mine, watching her look up at me with those big, dark eyes that hold a universe of mysteries, and wishing, even just for a second, that she’d let me in, like a glimpse of sunlight breaking through the clouds.

When I wake, the early morning sun hovers low in the sky, a radiant orb of gold casting its glow over the sprawling city skyline. Its brilliance nearly blinds me as I navigate the quiet streets.

At this hour, the roads are mostly deserted, with only the occasional car gliding past, their headlights flickering off as the light of dawn fully embraces the city.

The crisp, cool air seeps in through the window I’ve slightly cracked open, carrying with it the earthy fragrance of dew-kissed grass and freshly turned soil.

A flutter of nerves dances in my stomach. It’s an unusual sensation for me. Unsettling, even.

I rarely get nervous. But this time, I understand why. I like Kenzie. And spending the morning alone with her is like a gentle thaw, softening the hardened edges of my typically gruff demeanor more than I’d like to admit.

My grip tightens on the steering wheel as I swallow down the lump of anticipation lodged in my throat, easing the car to a stop in front of her place. The street is serene and still, the only sound the soft purr of my engine idling beneath me.

Reaching for my phone, I quickly type out a message.

I'm here.

A mere minute passes before the door swings open, and my stomach twists with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Kenzie steps outside, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. She's wearing a matching athletic set, sleek black leggings hugging her legs and a fitted sports bra that reveals a sliver of her toned stomach between the fabric.

Her long, dark hair is intricately braided down her back, and her skin possesses a radiant glow in the gentle embrace of the early morning light.

She looks like one of those ethereal Instagram models I often see online, the kind that mesmerize and captivate countless admirers. And right now? I completely understand why.

She climbs into the car, and before she even settles into the seat, I lean over and gently cup her face, drawing her into a deep, lingering kiss.

Kenzie gasps softly against my lips, her body momentarily freezing before she relaxes, melting into the kiss and returning it with equal fervor.

When I pull away, her cheeks are flushed a vivid shade of red, and her breath comes in shaky, uneven bursts. I can't help but smirk. "Good morning, sunshine."

She clears her throat, crossing her arms and turning her gaze towards the window, clearly flustered. "You're silly."

I chuckle, shifting the car into drive. "You love it."

The rest of the drive is wrapped in a comfortable silence. I guide us out of the bustling city, watching as the towering skyline gradually fades away behind us.

The roads stretch out into expansive open land, and the dense woods surrounding Minneapolis envelop us, creating a serene escape from the urban chaos.

I pull into a little parking area at the entrance of a sprawling nature reserve, where the air is cool and still beneath the towering, leafy canopy of ancient trees.

The scent of damp earth mingles with the sharp tang of pine, filling my lungs with each breath as we step onto the well-trodden dirt trail, our shoes crunching rhythmically against the gravelly path.

Kenzie stretches her arms high above her head, rolling her shoulders with a fluid grace that catches my eye. Her leggings cling to her form, accentuating her curves, and I have to force myself to look away, focusing instead on the trail ahead.

I set a steady pace, and she matches it effortlessly, her breaths soft and measured beside me, a gentle rhythm in the quiet surroundings.

“So,” I inquire, glancing over at her with curiosity, “why are you heading to Ohio?”

She releases a sigh, her expression clouding slightly. “Family stuff,” she replies, her tone suggesting she doesn't wish to say more.

I nod, understanding her reluctance, and shift the conversation to my own family, talking about Wyatt, his eagerly anticipated visit, and how much I miss him. I recount the story of my ex-wife, her betrayal, and how it shattered my perception of love for a time.

Kenzie listens with genuine interest, nodding thoughtfully and offering soft hums of empathy. “I bet you’re excited to see your son.”

“More than words can describe. I’m picking him up today at three.” A smirk tugs at my lips, and I want to say something that will keep the conversation going. “I wrote a book about running,” I reveal with a hint of pride.

Her eyebrows arch in surprise. “You wrote a book?”

“Don’t sound so surprised,” I tease, enjoying her reaction.

She giggles, a light sound that dances in the air. “I mean, I’d love to read it. I bet I could kick your ass if I used your own methods against you.”

I flash a grin at her challenge. “You wish,” I retort playfully.

We race up the hill, legs burning with effort, until we finally reach the peak where the dense canopy of trees begins to thin and opens up to reveal a breathtaking panorama. Below us, the town sprawls in every direction, its rooftops bathed in the soft, golden light of the rising sun.

The distant Mississippi River meanders through the landscape like a shimmering silver ribbon, cutting through the city with lazy, winding curves that catch the light.

Kenzie exhales deeply, placing her hands on her hips as she absorbs the scene before her. Her eyes are wide, taking in the beauty with a sense of awe and wonder.

“Wow,” she breathes softly, her voice barely more than a whisper carried away by the breeze. “It’s beautiful.”

I don’t respond immediately, not because I disagree, but because I’m entranced by her. I note the way her dark eyes glisten in the morning light, catching flecks of gold from the sun, and the way her lips part ever so slightly, her breath still coming fast and shallow from the exertion of our run.

I take in the way she stands there, completely at ease, as if all the worries of the city and its relentless expectations have evaporated in this tranquil moment.

She turns to me and catches me watching her, a soft smile playing on her lips. “What?” she asks, curiosity lacing her voice.

Instead of answering, I step closer, gently lifting her chin with a fingertip before dipping my head to capture her lips in a slow, deep kiss. She melts into me, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt as I pull her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against mine.

Her scent envelops me, a heady mix of clean sweat, the tang of citrus, and an elusive sweetness that I can't quite identify but find utterly intoxicating.

Out here, with the vastness of the world spread out before us, under the pale blush of dawn, with no one else around, Kenzie is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

Our kisses become more frantic and hot. My hands slide across the tight fabric of her clothing, slipping beneath her sports bra to caress the soft skin underneath. Kenzie gasps against my mouth, her fingers tangling in my hair as she presses herself closer.

I back her up against a nearby tree, the rough bark scraping against her exposed skin. She doesn't seem to mind, wrapping one leg around my waist to pull me closer. I groan, grinding against her, feeling the heat of her body even through our clothes.

"Ambrose," she breathes, her head falling back as I trail kisses down her neck. "We shouldn't… We’re in public.”

But her actions betray her words as she arches into me, her hips rocking against mine. I slide my hand down her side, hooking my fingers into the waistband of her leggings.

"Tell me to stop," I murmur against her skin. "And I will.”

She's quiet for a moment, her chest heaving with excitement. “Don’t stop, please. I want you here, now.”

She doesn’t have to say more and I guide her over to the wooden railing overlooking the view.

She naturally bends over it, poking her perfect ass back out to me, and I revel in her as I pull her pants down and dive face-first into her, licking every part of her.

Kenzie’s moans fill the air with an intensity that makes my cock ache against the inside of my running shorts. She pushes back against me, sopping my face before I can’t take it any longer. I stand, my hands thrusting her hips back toward me, and I press into her.

I gasp, feeling myself fill her up completely, sliding myself back and forth inside of her. Her good hand grabs onto my own, her nails digging into my flesh as she screams in pleasure.

The beautiful scenery below us stretches out, the sun gilding it as I rock inside of her and she presses back against me. She’s so wet, so tight, it’s all I can do not to bust immediately, but I want to take care of her.

“I’m so close,” she breathes out, writhing a little against me.

I reach forward, my fingers finding her clit. She rewards me by immediately flying apart with a loud cry, a gush of warmth rushing over me as she finds her release.

I growl with pleasure, gripping her hips again, driving into her harder and harder as I chase my own orgasm. I try to stop myself from crying out her name as I surrender to my own pleasure, but it happens anyway, her name echoing through the silence around us.

“Goodness,” she murmurs, gripping the fence and my hand, breathing hard. “If I had known that this was what you meant by going running, I would have been less reluctant to join you.”

My laugh is a surprised bark as I reluctantly pull out of her and help her to get her leggings pulled back up.

She leans back against the fence, returning the favor, tucking me reverently inside of my shorts and then stretching up on tiptoe to kiss my cheek.

It’s these little gestures that make her so hard to resist for me. The tiny peck on my cheek feels just as special as the orgasm that she just helped me to achieve.

How on earth is a girl like this still single, unattached, and lacking in confidence? How does she not know how special she is?

We run back down the trail, our breaths even and measured, as our footfalls are muted by the damp earth beneath us. The air is cool and carries the fresh scent of morning dew.

Neither of us speaks for a while, but the silence is filled with a comforting tranquility. The only sounds accompanying us are the melodic calls of birds waking up high in the trees and the gentle rustling of wind weaving through the branches, like whispers of the forest.

As we draw closer to the car, Kenzie finally breaks the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’ve always admired people like you," she murmurs, her tone softer than usual, almost reverent. "People who go after their dreams without hesitation."

I slow to a stop, feeling the stretch in my legs as I pause to face her. "You can do the same thing, Kenz," I say encouragingly, my voice carrying the weight of sincerity.

She bites her lip, her fingers nervously playing with the frayed hem of her tank top. "It’s just…complicated," she confesses, her gaze momentarily dropping to the ground.

I step closer, gently brushing my knuckles under her chin to tilt her face toward mine. "Complicated doesn’t mean impossible," I assure her, my eyes holding hers with a steady conviction.

She exhales sharply, her eyes flickering to my lips for a fleeting moment before she swallows hard and nods. I can see the desire in her eyes, the dreams that simmer just beneath the surface. But something, or someone, has planted seeds of doubt, convincing her she can't reach them.

I choose not to push her further. Instead, I offer her hand a reassuring squeeze before moving to open the passenger door for her. "Come on. Let’s get you home before you miss your flight."

She nods, slipping gracefully into the seat, and as I close the door, a feeling lingers in my heart. This conversation isn't over. Not by a long shot.

I pull up to Kenzie’s place, the quiet hum of the engine filling the space between us like a gentle whisper. The car sits under the soft glow of the streetlamps, casting long shadows that dance across the dashboard.

She unbuckles her seatbelt, the click echoing in the confined space, but she doesn't get out right away. Instead, she turns towards me, her dark eyes flickering with a mysterious emotion that remains unspoken, yet palpable.

I don’t give her the chance to hesitate. Leaning in, I capture her lips in a kiss that’s slow and deliberate, each moment stretching into eternity.

Her lips are warm and inviting, and she gasps slightly against me, her breath a warm caress. Her fingers curl into the fabric of my shirt, anchoring me to her in this suspended moment. It’s not rushed, not desperate, just real, the kind of kiss that speaks volumes of unspoken promises and shared moments.

When I pull back, her cheeks are flushed, and she’s breathless. Her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race.

"Have a safe flight," I murmur softly, my voice carrying the weight of unsaid words.

She nods, her expression a mixture of gratitude and something deeper. But before she steps out, she pauses, her hand lingering on the door handle.

"Ambrose…thank you. For this morning. I needed it," she says, her voice gentle but firm, carrying a depth of emotion that resonates within me.

I nod, watching her as she walks up to her door, her silhouette graceful and confident against the dimly lit backdrop. My stomach tightens, a knot of reluctance and longing, and I hate the feeling of letting her go, even if it’s just for a weekend.

On the drive home, the road stretches endlessly before me, and my mind refuses to quiet, thoughts spinning in an endless loop. Kenzie. Wyatt. Two cherished parts of my life, but how do I weave them together into a cohesive whole?

I picture explaining something like this to my son, imagining his curious eyes and thoughtful questions. Would I even need to? Wyatt is perceptive and smart.

If he saw that I loved her, wouldn’t that be enough? Why does anyone need to know the intimate details of what we do behind closed doors?

I exhale sharply. One thing is certain. I don’t just want Kenzie sexually.

I want her in my life, for real, with all the beautiful complexities and challenges that come with her.

By the time I get home, a restless energy courses through me, making it impossible to sit still.

Wyatt is set to land in just a few hours, and the anticipation bubbling inside me feels almost unbearable, like a pot about to boil over.

To channel my nerves and excitement, I resort to the only remedy I can think of, and I embark on a cleaning spree that could rival any professional.

The vacuum roars to life, sucking away every speck of dust from the carpets. I vigorously scrub the counters until they gleam with a spotless shine. The fridge undergoes a meticulous reorganization, its contents now perfectly aligned like soldiers ready for inspection.

Even the throw blankets on the couch are not spared. I fold them with precision, tucking corners like a seasoned domestic expert.

Braden wanders in at some point, eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "Uh, buddy…you good?" he asks, his voice tinged with amusement.

"I need to keep moving," I grumble, wiping down the dining table for the third time, my movements almost manic.

Braden just smirks, shaking his head in disbelief. "You’re like a kid on Christmas," he teases.

He's damn right. That's exactly how I feel. My glance flickers to the clock. Two more hours to endure.

I shove Braden gently out of my path and head upstairs to take a shower, letting the hot water cascade over me, massaging the tension from my shoulders.

One hour to go.

I pull on a pair of jeans and a hoodie, grab my keys, and dash to the car, my mind a whirl of excitement and impatience.

Thirty minutes left.

I arrive at the airport far too early, but I couldn't care less. I'd rather stand here, jittery and eager, than risk missing even one precious second of seeing my boy.

My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I scan the arrivals board, each beat echoing the anticipation thrumming through my veins.

Wyatt’s flight has just landed.

The moment I catch sight of him emerging through the terminal doors, a surge of emotion almost overwhelms me. Wyatt spots me, and pure joy transforms his face into a radiant smile.

“Dad!” he shouts, his voice cutting through the bustling crowd.

He darts toward me, his small figure weaving gracefully among the travelers, his backpack bouncing rhythmically with each determined step. I drop to my knees just in time for him to slam into my arms, enveloping me in a heartfelt embrace.

The familiar scent of his kid shampoo and the soft aroma of fabric softener fill my senses, and I hold him tighter, my throat thick with emotion.

“Missed you so much, buddy,” I whisper into his soft hair, my voice barely holding steady.

Wyatt leans back, his hazel eyes gleaming with excitement. “Missed you too! I got the coolest new hockey stick. Mom let me pick it out myself!” he exclaims, his face alight with pride.

I chuckle, my hand playfully ruffling his hair. “Can’t wait to see pictures of it.”

We collect his luggage and make our way to our favorite burger joint near the airport. The inviting aroma of sizzling beef and crispy fries greets us as we step inside, the perfect prelude to our time together.

As we dive into our meals, I share with him the exciting plans I’ve arranged, hockey games, trips to the arcade, and visits to the sports emporium.

Wyatt grins between mouthfuls, a smudge of ketchup adorning his cheek like a badge of honor.

“Honestly, Dad,” he says, licking his fingers with relish, “I’m just happy to see you.”

My heart swells, and I reach across the table to tousle his hair again. “I’m happy to see you, too, bud.”