live in the sunshine

Kennedy Reynolds Winters. 25. Self proclaimed free spirit.

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

“Yeah, I recognize it but what good is that going to do?” Rhett wasn’t expecting an answer really because he didn’t see one. “But that is the thing, Ken. I do have to. I don’t have any other choice. They are counting on me to keep this company going. Not like Brennan is going to give up his career to keep it going. It’s like I am strapped to this fucking thing no matter what I want.” When he had her at least he felt like he had something to himself. Loving her, once he allowed himself to feel it, had been the only time he felt any freedom since his father’s stroke. “I have contracts I have to be around for he shrugged.” His eyes met hers at her comment, a sadness there as he looked at her. “You should. You shouldn’t want me here.”

Kennedy sighed. Her heart broke for Rhett every time they had to discuss work. She wished he could be free of this burden that weighed on him so heavily. “I think there has to be some compromise. Would your dad absolutely lose it if you brought on someone that isn’t in the family? Maybe if someone else could help with your work load you could take some time away.” It was probably a lost cause to try and convince him that there was more to life than work. He might not even want her advice, just someone to listen. “Oh come on Rhett. I’m always here for you. We can always talk.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

The old name that she had for him always stung and brought warmth when he heard it leave her lips. He didn’t deserve to hear it or the tenderness that came with it. He really had no right to be there at all. It was all selfish. He listened but began to shake his head. “No, I can’t. I have to be this guy. I don’t get the choice anymore. I can’t sell my half of the company without screwing my family over, and I’m not really sure I have grown,” he admitted. “I think I wanted to, but if I had then I would stick to what I said and I’d stay away from you. But instead I am here cause of a shitty day just expecting you to deal with it.”

“I think the fact that you can recognize what you want or don’t want in life is growth. You’re the strongest person I know. You might also be the most selfless,” she told him. “You have sacrificed so much for your family, but you don’t have to give them everything.” His family dynamic was a complicated subject. Many times Kennedy tried to relate and understand to his struggles, only to realize she could never do what he’s done. “You could take a month or two off, go somewhere to shake away the restlessness. I’m sure the place would survive without you.” She paused for a moment. “You don’t have to stay away from me. You know I don’t want that.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

“Maybe we just balanced each other out that way,” he commented quietly at first but he continued on and maybe that was why he had come here because he needed someone to talk to. He didn’t have anyone to really do that with and in the past Kennedy had been the only one that he was comfortable doing it with. She still was. “Or I don’t know, maybe I was just forced to be steady, I became that. I had plans to go. Get out of here. Take a risk and it didn’t happen so I settled then you came along and you… You were my great adventure,” he shrugged.

Kennedy swore she could feel some of the weight falling away from him as he spoke. “Oh sweetness,” she exhaled, barely controlling her urge to reach out and touch him. No one knew how closed off he could be like she did. Her chest filled with pride and relief at the fact that he still felt comfortable to open up to her. He was still hers. “You had to be steady to survive what was going on in your life. It doesn’t have to be a part of your story forever. You can change Rhett. Just think of how much you’ve grown since we met,” she said giving him a gentle smile. 

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

It had sounded like he had ended up there by some accident when Rhett had been aware of every turn he made to get there. To get to her. “I was just feeling restless, I guess. Kind of have felt that a lot lately,” he admitted, giving the dog’s ears a final rub before turning to her. “You always understood that feeling.”

Kennedy watched him like a hawk. Suddenly his large presence made her apartment feel so small. She was so drawn to him, like he was the only source of oxygen in the room. “I do understand that feeling,” she replied, clearing her throat. “It’s not like you to feel restless, though. You were always the steady one. You always kept me in place. ”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

“I guess you are right about that,” he gave a soft laugh. And he couldn’t help but wonder how she felt about it. “I just was going for a drive and ended up here,” he explained as he walked into her place thankful for the dog that he could focus on.

Kennedy kept the smile on her face. She was happy he had decided to turn up at her door. It was definitely unexpected, the two hadn’t spoken in some time, but she was never truly unhappy to see him. “You know you’re always welcome here. What prompted the night drive?”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

@itskennedyreynolds​

“I take it ex-husbands showing up in the middle of the night probably isn’t following the unspoken divorce rules correctly.”

“I don’t think anything we’ve done as divorced couple has been very normal,” she smiled, opening the door up for him. “Come on in.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

brayden-eberle​:

Brayden nodded, his eyes following hers to try and make sure there were no obvious signs. “You sure you’re good?” He stood up, reaching his hand out for her to take. “Ego a little bruised?” He let a hint of a smile out.

Kennedy grabbed his outstretched hand and hoisted her body up off the ground. “Oh I definitely have a case of bruised ego. I’m really clumsy so you think I’d be over it but nope,” she laughed. “Thanks for checking on me.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

“Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing,” he said the comment in jest though it was true. Maybe if he wasn’t this would be easier. He’d be smarter and truly let her go. “Good then it is settled. Haven’t really used it much the past year.”

“That would be the worst thing in the world,” she told him seriously. Rhett pissed her off constantly, but she wouldn’t change anything about him. He was her favorite person on the planet. “Okay, I guess it’s settled. So I guess I haven’t missed any backyard parties while I was gone.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

Text || Ken + Rhett

Rhett: I don't want to be the reason that you stayed away.

Kennedy: Unfortunately that's kind of how it works after a break up. I knew it would be hard if i came back, but I'm here anyway.

[itskennedyreynolds]

christian-fenton​:

“I knew you were badass but damn, blondie.” He gave an impressed look before chuckling. “I… I am not sure how to take that? Lurking just makes me seem gross. Let’s make it more romantic than that. Like maybe I come back here just hoping to get another chance to see you.”

“Wow, do you really think I can pass as a bad ass?” Kennedy asked excitedly. She laughed along with the boy. “Hmm, lurking doesn’t have the best connotation I can agree with that. You hanging around the alley waiting for me is kind of lurking behavior, though.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

brayden-eberle​:

“Wow wow wow wow–” Brayden knelt by the person’s side after watching their fall. “Take your time. Did you get your head?” He asked, eyes moving there.

“No no I’m fine,” Kennedy insisted, mortified someone had seen her. “I don’t think I hit my head, I think my butt took most of the fall.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

atlas-cruz​:

“I swear they paid me to paint this!” Atlas threw his hands up as if surrendering, a laugh coming over as he shook the spray paint can to continue on with the mural.

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not a cop or anything. I think your work is really good. Better than other tags around town. There’s one on the interstate that drives me crazy because I can’t figure out what it’s supposed to say!”

[itskennedyreynolds]

reese-murry​:

“Is wearing speedos to go jogging like a new trend I don’t know about? Is that another tiktok thing? Because that app is ruining my life. “

“Wearing a speedo while running seems very uncomfortable. Chaffing is an obvious issue, but also can a speedo keep everything contained while running?”

[itskennedyreynolds]

christian-fenton​:

“Is that so?” A big smile took place on his features. “Just how many alleys do you walk through? Is it a lot because I hope it’s a lot.”

“Yeah, I actually fight crime in my spare time,” Kennedy joked. “This is the only alley I frequent. You look more like the type to be lurking around in one.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

rhettwinters​:

“Yet that didn’t work when I was in the shower,” he joked, quickly shaking his head. “I should not have said that. Sorry,” Rhett gave a guilty look. “Might be a bit chilly but I can make it work. I get the firepit going.”

Kennedy opened her mouth to say something, but just shook her head at him. “You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t say things like that.” A night in front of the fire sounded incredible to her, but it sounded nearly impossible not to fall back in old habits. “I’m always a sucker for a fire pit.”

[itskennedyreynolds]

Text || Ken + Rhett

Rhett: Idk. I can't imagine being your friend and feeling the way I do. I just want to kiss you and touch you again.

Kennedy: You're killing me sweetness. This would've been easier if I didn't come back.

[itskennedyreynolds]

Text || Ken + Rhett

Rhett: A really selfish part of me wants to say yes but I don't see how that would do you any good at all.

Kennedy: So we try and be friends? I don't think I'm going to be good at that.