Chaos (Constellation Book 2) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Praise for Constellation

  Praise for Exposure

  Dedication

  Chaos

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Acknowledgments

  Author Bio

  Books by Jennifer Locklear

  Team Chaos

  Chaos ARC Edition

  Constellation Series

  Jennifer Locklear

  Author’s Note

  This is the ARC edition of CHAOS by Jennifer Locklear. If you did not receive this e-book from the Author or one of her representatives, it is an illegal copy. You may not make this e-book publicly available in any way. If you believe the copy of this e-book you are reading infringes on the author’s copyright, please notify the author right away.

  Copyright © 2018 Jennifer Locklear

  Published by Locklear Books/Enchanted Publications

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance of actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

  Published by Locklear Books

  http://www.locklearbooks.com

  [email protected].

  Enchanted Publications

  www.enchantedpublications.com

  [email protected].

  Library of Congress Control Number:

  First Edition: May 2018

  ISBN 978-0-9978607-4-0

  Praise for Constellation

  “Constellation is nothing like I expected! I was ready for more of Jennifer’s trademark brand of intellectual romance laced with quick wit. Instead, I found myself in the grips of a hauntingly emotional love story. It’s equal parts wildly erotic and heartbreakingly angsty.”

  ~Agents of Romance

  “Jennifer Locklear has set up a sexy, suspenseful story; a story of two broken people, two broken families, and the torturous journey they undertake with the hope of becoming whole.”

  ~Passionate Reads

  “I was incredibly sucked into this story and tremendously moved by its characters. The author approaches heavy subjects with such maturity and delicacy, and I appreciate the realism. A soulful supernova.”

  ~Raven, Amazon Review

  “Jennifer sets the pages on fire with Kathleen and Jack. Her words made me feel. I cried, and I cheered.”

  ~Melissa P., Amazon Review

  “A modern classic in the making. I'm not ashamed to say I wept at some of the passages. The emotions pour off of the page.”

  ~Catherine H., Amazon Review

  Praise for Exposure

  “Morgan and Jennifer have masterfully crafted a quirky love story that is smart and witty. Don’t miss this fabulous fusion of passion and humor…”

  ~Agents of Romance

  “I adored this book. The plot and the characters were engaging, fresh and unique. These two authors have made a fan of me and I would definitely recommend this book to romance lovers. If you are looking for something a little outside of the box with enough punch to keep you hooked - Exposure is just the place to start.”

  ~Cassia Brightmore, Author

  “Exposure is a great ride, a hilarious adventure, a warm and witty character study of the egos and eccentrics who make the movies and television shows we love to watch.”

  ~Serendipitous, Amazon Review

  “Egos, drama, divorce, movie set, lights, camera ... action! An engaging story that flowed nicely and delivered satisfaction on a silver platter.”

  ~Sugar and Spice Book Reviews

  “Remember those old screwball comedy movies? It's one of those. It's sexy, frustrating (in a good way), and funny. Get it and read it. Then gift it to your friends for Christmas.”

  ~Morgan R., Amazon Review

  For Melissa and MJ

  Chaos: A distinctive area of broken terrain.

  “AFTER THE first time we made love, you trembled in my arms and you asked me a question. Do you remember?”

  My hands shook as I waited for Kathleen to answer. We’d been distant for weeks, our fragile relationship strained by the circumstances surrounding my daughter’s brush with death. I needed Kathleen back in my arms like I needed air to breathe, but I had to settle for her voice on the phone.

  “Yes. I’ll never forget it.”

  I closed my eyes and summoned my courage. She was on her way to a job interview in Colorado, on the verge of leaving me, her family and her hometown for good. I couldn’t stop her from making the trip to Denver, so I was doing my best to make her understand what she meant to me. “Then you remember my answer,” I continued with a powerful mixture of caution and anticipation.

  “Yes.”

  Encouraged, I turned toward my office window, ignoring the view of the Cascade Mountain Range. “Nothing has changed since the first time I held your beautiful body to mine. I will always feel that way about you.”

  She was at the Portland International Airport while I was one hundred sixty miles away in my office in Bend. She wasn’t responding to my last statement, and although it was too late to take anything back, I second-guessed my choice of words.

  “Are you still there?” I asked her.

  “Yes. Thank you, Jack. You don’t know how much I needed to hear that.”

  I plopped down in my office chair. “Just as much as I needed to say it. I love you, Kathleen.”

  “I love you. I do. I’m not doing this to hurt you.”

  “I understand that now. I’m not trying to talk you out of going to Denver.” I leaned forward and rubbed my temple. I was such a liar. I didn’t want her getting on that fucking jet, but I didn’t have the right to demand otherwise.

  “I know that. They’re getting ready to board the plane. I better go.”

  Familiar knots tightened in my stomach as I was forced to acknowledge the inevitable. “Have a safe trip,” I said.

  “Jack?” Her voice held a mild tone of anxiety. For the first time in that long and miserable autumn, we were emotionally united, even if on
ly by a mutual sense of unease.

  “Yes?”

  “Robert asked me to think about things for a few days before I make any big decisions. I want you to know that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

  Kathleen was always true to her word. I’d learned this in ways both pleasurable and painful. Her statement held determination. She was intent on exploring her options, but her declaration also held promise.

  “I believe in you, Kathleen.”

  “Thank you for saying so. I’ll see you next week.”

  “Bye.”

  She disconnected the call as soon as I uttered the word. I should have said more, but I was at a loss. It had been several days since she’d blindsided me with the announcement she was flying to Colorado. I hadn’t lost her for certain, but she was a strong candidate for any job in the advertising profession. I was running out of time.

  While Kathleen boarded her flight, I tossed my phone onto the desk and leaned against the seat back, my work forgotten as I sorted out my thoughts.

  Allison was staying in my home, helping our seven-year-old daughter, Heide, recover from traumatic injuries sustained when a baseball backstop crushed her. I would never deny Allison access to our child, and Kathleen agreed with me about my ex-wife’s vital role as Heide’s mother. I didn’t want to be with Allison, but until she returned to Maryland and Heide’s injuries didn’t require my undivided attention, Kathleen was going to stay away from me.

  She was sacrificing her own happiness to ensure my daughter’s. I admired her strength of character but saw now that the prolonged isolation was alienating her. She’d endured a childhood tragedy and had told me in gruesome detail about the suicide of her mother. Kathleen’s developing fear for her own well-being horrified me. I was scared that I had the potential to destroy her spirit.

  I wanted Kathleen Brighton, and although she had bravely shared her biggest secret with me, I had stupidly hesitated to provide her with the same level of intimacy. If I had any hope of salvaging my relationship with her, I was going to have to tell her everything she wanted to know when she returned from Denver. It was a tremendous gamble.

  I would lose her for good if I continued to avoid the truth. These were the ongoing consequences of my actions and I was forced to bear the responsibility of them once more.

  After work, I drove straight home. My hands clenched the steering wheel as I took a few deep breaths. I couldn’t go back into my house without my wits intact.

  It was a strain on Allison and me to keep things civil for the sake of our only daughter. We were good parents, but terrible partners. Heide’s strength was my biggest source of inspiration. If she could overcome her challenges with minimal fuss, I should be able to do the same.

  I tried my best to set aside my worries about Kathleen as I left the solitude of my BMW and walked into the house. Heide was resting on the sofa with her tablet in her hands and the stuffed Minecraft zombie toy from Kathleen at her side.

  I smiled as I approached, leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Hey there.”

  “Hey, Dad.”

  “Where’s your mom?”

  Heide screwed up her face in concentration as she fought to focus on her game. “In the kitchen. Making dinner.”

  “Thanks.” I straightened up and listened for my ex-wife’s greeting.

  Allison either hadn’t heard me come in or didn’t care. Either way, I took advantage of the opportunity and went to my bedroom, closing and locking the door behind me. I removed my charcoal gray blazer and set it down on my bed. As I unbuttoned my work shirt, my eyes came to rest on one particular dresser drawer.

  Kathleen was in Denver by now. Knowing she was far away made me miss her even more. I made my way over to the dresser. Inside were her garter and stockings, a memento from our first night together.

  I recalled how deliciously pleasing it was to discover the elegant lingerie underneath her tailored work clothes. With her long blond hair and tall yet curvy figure, I wasn’t the only man in the office who found Kathleen Brighton sexy. I was, however, the only one who knew what tantalizing silks and satins habitually adorned her stunning body. And I loved that she had left some of those items in my care.

  Anxious to reconnect with her somehow, I opened the drawer and discovered the stunning truth.

  Her lingerie was gone. It was as far from my presence as Kathleen was.

  Disappointed, I closed the drawer quietly. Of course, Kathleen had removed her underwear along with her other possessions before Allison’s return to Bend. She hadn’t wanted my ex-wife to come across any evidence that I’d brought a new lover into my bedroom. I’d lived the life of a monk during my marriage to Allison. I didn’t want to live like one after my divorce.

  Even so, what troubled me wasn’t that Kathleen had moved the items. It was how long it had taken me to realize her treasures were gone.

  “MR. EVANS? I’ll show you to the conference room now.”

  “Thank you, Tracie.” I smiled at the receptionist. The young woman with short and spiky black hair was an excellent first impression of Aurora Advertising. She was stylish and friendly with a bubbly voice. I was a stranger to everyone in this town, but she made me feel welcome instantly.

  I stood up from my chair and buttoned my suit jacket as I followed her down a short corridor. When we reached the conference room door, Tracie turned to me.

  “May I offer you anything to drink? Water? Or coffee perhaps?”

  “Water would be wonderful. Thanks again.”

  She gestured to the doorway and I stepped into the room. Tracie followed, and walked toward a small counter in the back corner. There were only two other people seated at the large conference table—an older man and a younger woman. The man I recognized as the owner and current CEO of the agency, Robert Brighton. He rose from his seat, dominating my attention. He made his way over to me, extending his hand in greeting.

  “Welcome to Oregon, Mr. Evans.”

  “Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Brighton. It’s an amazing place.”

  “You have a pick of empty seats here. Please take whichever one you’d like.”

  The table was long, and the space was large, so I chose to occupy the empty chair next to Robert. My back was to the window and my spot was directly across from the unfamiliar woman, who was too busy taking notes to look up. I unbuttoned my suit coat and prepared to sit down.

  “Here you are, Mr. Evans. Is there anything else I can get for you?” Tracie delivered a glass of water, complete with a fresh slice of lemon.

  “No, thank you. This is great.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  The receptionist closed the door behind her, and I turned to look at the mystery woman in the room. She had yet to say a word and left me wondering how much influence she might have in who was hired. I was uncertain if I should go ahead and sit down, but when Robert returned to his chair, I followed his lead. I placed my hands on the table and waited for the job interview to begin.

  “Allow me to introduce Kathleen,” Robert said. “I’ve asked her to sit in on the conversation.”

  I glanced from Robert to the woman who now had a name.

  She paused her note-taking and nodded politely. “Hello, Mr. Evans.” Her voice was soft and pleasant. She had long, golden hair that absorbed the incoming sunshine. Her face was hidden from view either from a bashful nature or a preoccupation with her notes.

  “Hello, Kathleen.”

  I decided she was Robert’s administrative assistant. As he launched into the interview, I gave him my attention and we fell into a comfortable discussion as he tested my various skill sets. We spoke for twenty minutes before he turned to look at the woman across from me. She had been so quiet I’d forgotten she was there.

  “Kathleen?”

  She abruptly halted her note-taking and looked at Robert.

  “Why don’t you ask Jack a question?”

  Surprised with his curveball, I shifted toward her and waited for what was next.

&n
bsp; A faint blush appeared across her cheeks. She appeared flustered by Robert’s request. Maybe she wasn’t prepared to ask me anything. It was a potentially awkward test for us both. I decided that no matter what she asked of me, I wouldn’t take offense at her lack of preparation. Instead, I was more curious about what had motivated Robert’s impulsiveness.

  Maybe it’s a West Coast thing.

  Kathleen set her pen down and leaned back in her seat, raising her head up and away from her notes for the first time since the interview began. She made eye contact and her sparkling green gaze distracted me. In addition to their vibrant color, her eyes held both astuteness and true femininity.

  She’s pretty. The thought flashed unbidden through my brain, but I’d been married long enough to tune such frequencies down.

  “You live in Baltimore now?” she asked me.

  Easy question. Easy answer.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you from Maryland?” she pressed.

  She should have been able to figure that out from my résumé. She must not have seen it. I couldn’t decide what her role was in this interview, and until I could, I was going to answer her inquiries with minimal detail. “Not originally, but I’ve been there for almost ten years.”

  “Are you from the Pacific Northwest?” she prodded just a bit further.

  If these questions had been coming from anyone else, I would have begun fidgeting with impatience. However, we were both improvising this part of the interview, and I couldn’t deny that I was enjoying this game of twenty questions. The tender lilt of the woman’s voice was soothing.

  “No. This is my first time out here.”

  “Why now? Why Bend?” she asked.

  Suddenly I perceived a deeper reasoning for her geographic inquiry. As I began to formulate my response, she offered up her own theory.