“I do, and she already knows that what she wants she gets,” Kacen says from the steps.
“Log, aren’t you going to officially introduce us to your friend?” Cole yells. I can only assume he would be down here already if it weren’t for Kacen. He knows how much I missed my best friend, and he’s making sure I have time to say hello.
He spoils me.
“Come on, I want you to officially meet the guys.” I tug on her arm, leading her up the steps. As soon as I reach the top step, Kacen snakes his arm around my waist and places a kiss on my temple. He’s been touching me every chance he gets. I’m sure this is his way of showing Stacy where he stands.
“Stacy, or should I call you Lynn?” Kacen smirks at her.
Not missing a beat, she says, “Stacy will do. I only use Lynn when my best friend wants to pretend she’s someone she’s not to get enough courage to spend some time with a tall, tatted, and tempting man she meets at the beach.”
I can feel my face turn crimson as Cole and Kacen throw their heads back with laughter. “I don’t care what I call her as long as she stays where she is,” he says, referring to me.
“Glad to see you’ve staked your claim.”
“Always, I’m a man who goes after what he wants.”
“Uh . . . Ahem,” Cole clears his throat, trying to volley for attention.
“Stacy, this is Cole. He’s the lead guitar player for Soul Serenade. Cole, this is my best friend, Stacy. He’s the one you were dancing with at the bar.” I remind her even though I know she knows. I can tell from the look in her eye.
“Hey,” Cole says and my mouth drops open.
“He appears to be awestruck. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that happen,” Kacen whispers in my ear.
“Stacy, let’s go catch up. Kacen is going to throw some steaks on the grill, and I made potato salad, and the baked beans are in the crockpot.”
She waves to the guys and we head into the house. “This place is gorgeous,” she compliments.
“Yeah, it really is. The entire property is. Kacen and I had a picnic earlier this week out by the pond.”
“Oh, really? Sounds like you and I have lots catching up to do.” She grins.
“You have no idea.”
We spend the next forty-five minutes sitting in the living room catching up. I hear the guys in the kitchen, but I know Kacen won’t let them bother us.
“So, have you told him you love him?” she asks me.
“Um, well, I haven’t even told you,” I reply.
“Please,”—she waves her hand in the air—“I can see it written all over you. He makes you happy. From the way you talk about him, he treats you right, so what are you waiting for?”
“Well, if you must know—”
She cuts me off. “I must.” She laughs.
“Well, as I was saying, I plan to tell him tonight that I want whatever he’s offering. I don’t think I’m quite ready to tell him I love him, but I want to be with him. I want to see where this takes us.”
“So you’re willing to take the risk?” I know why she’s asking. She wants to make sure I’ve thought about this. She knows better though.
“If Kacen is the reward, I’ll take it every day for as long as he will have me.”
“Hell, yeah! I’m so freaking happy for you! If anyone deserves a guy like Kacen, it’s you.”
“And what about you? Are you dating? I know it’s only been two weeks, but a lot can change in that time.”
“Nope. No prospects on vacay either.”
“You ladies ready to eat?” Kacen asks from the doorway. “I don’t think I can keep them at bay much longer.” He points over his shoulder, and I see the rest of the guys trying to get a glimpse of my girl.
“Yes,” Stacy and I say in unison.
Chapter 37
Kacen
“She’s hot!” Cole says next to me. We just finished eating and we’re all hanging out by the pool. Logan and Stacy are sitting on the edge, in their own little world. I smile, thinking about her friend being here. I want Logan to be comfortable here. From the looks of it, she seems to be just that.
“Dude, did you hear me?” Cole asks.
“Yes, I heard you, and yes, she’s a beautiful woman,” I reply.
“Are we talking about the same girl? She’s perfect.”
“Unless you’re talking about Logan, in which case I will kick your ass, I have no opinion.”
“Well, all right then. I just want to go on record as stating that they’re both hot as hell,” he adds.
“I love you, bro. We’ve been friends for longer than I can even remember, but she’s here.” I place my hand over my chest. “Don’t fuck with what’s mine,” I warn him.
“You know me better than that. I just like to get you wound up. You’ve tapped out with her, with Logan.”
“Yep.”
“No hesitation, no second thoughts?”
“Nope.”
He’s quiet, then says, “I’m happy for you, man. She’s a great girl.”
“She’s my girl.”
“What does she have to say about that?” Gavin asks as he and Tristan join us. They had clean-up duty.
“She knows how I feel.”
“So she knows that you’re in love with her?” This is from Tristan.
“I have not said the words, but I alluded to it.” I have yet to take my eyes off her. So when her cell rings and she answers it, I can see something’s wrong. I’m on my feet, and in just a few long strides, I’m next to her. She stands on wobbly legs and bumps into me. I wrap my arms around her, not just to steady her, but to comfort her.
It’s bad. I can see it in her eyes. “Okay, I’ll be on the first flight home,” she says to whoever is on the other end of the phone. “No, I’m not alone. Stacy’s here and so are Kacen and . . .” her voice breaks on a sob.
Gently, I pull the phone from her hands, keeping one arm around her. As she buries her face in my chest and cries, I lift the phone to my ear. “Hello, this is Kacen,” I say to the caller.
“Kacen, hi, this is Jase. I’m Logan’s brother. Listen, I had to give Logan some bad news. Our grandfather just passed away.” I can hear his voice crack, but I can tell he’s trying to remain strong.
“She’s going to need help getting to the airport. Can you . . . ?”
“I’ve got her. Don’t worry. I’ll text you her flight information.”
“Thank you,” he whispers. “Take care of her for me?” he asks.
“Always, you don’t even have to ask. We’ll talk soon, and I’m sorry for your loss.”
Ending the call, I slip her phone in my pocket, bend down and place my hands under her knees, and pick her up. “Her grandfather just passed. That was Jase. I’m taking her inside to lie down,” I tell Stacy.
“What can I do?” she asks.
“Just hang out for a while. She may not want me; she might need you.” It hurts that I might not be who she needs, but I’ll make damn sure she’s taken care of.