Kinley

So much has changed over the last few weeks that it’s hard to wrap my head around it. I have a boyfriend, an extremely famous, any-other-woman-would-kill-to-have-him boyfriend, and if that isn’t surreal enough, I have a mother.

I’ve talked to my mom a few times since our first meeting, and we met for drinks a few nights ago as well. Everything seems to be going okay. I’d give anything to be able to talk to Dad and get his opinion on all this but judging by Clark and Harriet’s view of my mother, I don’t think he’d approve.

Dad taught me to be forgiving and that everyone deserves a second chance, so that’s what I’m trying to do. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good to have a parent again. We have plans to go shopping together in a few days and I’m excited to spend more time with her.

We’re into our busy season at Foxhaven, but everything is going smoothly. Vera is doing a great job taking over my duties as manager, and the new assistant manager is working out well. I’m almost sorry when I get a message that Liam Carter would like to arrange two suites for the week.

If Marcus Singleton is the most famous name in rock music, Liam is his country counterpart. With his tattoos, tight jeans, and bright blue hair, he doesn’t have the typical cowboy country look, which seems to endear him to the younger fans.

I should be thrilled. This was what I wanted, what dad wanted, to bring in more elite guests. It’s the reason we had the suites remodeled and security upgraded. But Independence Day is this week, and I dread dealing with even more paparazzi and celebrity headaches.

Reluctantly, I return the call to Liam’s agent, and assure him we’d love to accommodate Liam and the rest of his group. I arrange for him and his band to stay in the opposite wing from Holt’s suite, right down the hall from me, so I hope they don’t party too hard.

Poor Clark and Harriet now have three suites to service, but I know they can handle it.

I’m sitting on a bench in front of Foxhaven when Holt gets out of the dark car that takes him back and forth to the studio. I watch his muscles flex as he slings his guitar over his back, and marvel once again that he’s mine.

“What’s going on? It’s a madhouse out there. Way worse than usual. Did I miss some tabloid bullshit?” he asks, sitting beside me and planting a quick kiss on my lips.

“No, Liam Carter and his band are staying at Foxhaven for a week.”

His smile wavers. “Look at you, bringing in all the big names.”

“Let’s hope it’s not a giant mistake.” An oddity occurs to me. “Why haven’t any of the Jilted members come to visit? Aren’t you supposed to be working on an album?”

He shrugs and looks away as he answers. “We needed a little break from each other. They’re waiting on me to write the songs, then the recording starts.”

It seems to be a touchy subject, so I don’t pursue it. He stands up and takes a step back. “Meet me at the gazebo tonight? I want to show you something.”

“I’ve seen your something, and you already know how impressive it is.”

“Damn straight. I’m glad you recognize its gloriousness, but I have something else in mind. Eight o’clock?”

“I’ll be there.”

My stomach flutters at the sight of his charming smile, and he heads inside. I’m not sure I’ll ever stop having that response to him.

An uproar just outside the gates tells me Liam has arrived seconds before a stretch limo pulls up in front of me. Clark and Herb are standing by in case there’s a problem, but none of the paparazzi or fans made it past the gate.

Liam is the first to step out of the limo. Good god, it’s unfair that these guys get to have musical talent and also look like that. His bright blue hair, chopped short and left messy, does nothing to detract from his handsome face and thick body. He must spend a lot of time in the gym because he’s a pile of muscle and veins.

“Mr. Carter,” I greet, sticking out my hand. “I’m Kinley Matthews, the owner. We’re happy to have you at Foxhaven.”

His smile is sweet and sincere. “William Carter, but please, darlin’, call me Liam.”

“Liam, then. The bellboys will get your things. If you’d like to come with me, I’ll show you to your suite.”

Clark and Harriet are busy giving the same welcome and offer to the rest of the band, and a few minutes later, we all make our way to their suites.

“This one is yours,” I say, unlocking the door then handing him a keycard. “Your band members are right next door. There’s a door that goes from the bedroom to one of the bedrooms in their suite if you’d like to connect them.”

“Nah, let those assholes stay over there,” he laughs, looking around. “This place is amazing.”

He’s sure a lot nicer than Holt was the first day. I never figured out why he was such a dick or the cause of the turn in his behavior, but I’m glad for it.

“If you need anything, you can call Clark, a contact card is on the table, and Harriet is the housekeeper assigned to your suites. Her number is included on the card. The front desk is also staffed twenty four hours if you have any needs or concerns.”

His grin is boyish and cute. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Thank you.”

“I’ll let you get settled in then. Welcome to Foxhaven.”

After checking that the band is happy with their room and that everything is under control, I decide to call it a day. I could use a nice hot bath before I meet Holt.

It’s a warm night and I decide to head to the gazebo a little early to give myself some time alone to think. I’ve been reconsidering the path I want to take when it comes to Foxhaven. Dad wanted to make it more elite, cater to the higher income guests and celebrities, but I’m not sure that’s the direction to take anymore.

There are so many lovely families who stay with us every year, who have helped us build this place from the beginning with their loyalty, and I don’t want to push them out for more money. It’s not even a matter of not having the space to cater to both. If you’re trying to get a nice peaceful week on the lake with your family, the last thing you want to have to deal with is a crowd of paparazzi and fans every time you try to come and go. We’ll lose our regular guests if it keeps up this way.

I’m not making any major changes until I have some time to think about it, but for now, I’ll be choosy when it comes to what celebrities stay with us. No more known troublemakers or trashy reality stars.

The smooth sound of an acoustic guitar reverberates through the forest when I near the gazebo, and I smile at the thought of hearing Holt play. He carries that guitar everywhere, but I’ve only heard him play the one time on the beach.

When I step out of the woods, I pause for a second. It’s not Holt I heard playing. Liam sits on the steps of the gazebo, his forehead crinkled as he plays a few chords, frowns, and repeats them.

He’s obviously working, and I don’t want to interrupt. My plan is to text Holt and have him meet me somewhere else, but Liam calls out before I can retreat. “Hi Kinley.”

“Hey, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

He beams at me. “You didn’t. I’m just working on a few things. This is a beautiful place. Kind of secluded.”

Yeah, that’s why I had sex on that bench right behind you. That’s the thought that pops into my head, but at least it doesn’t leave my mouth. “I’m glad you like it. I’m just waiting on someone, but I can have him meet me by the dock.”

“Don’t be silly,” he calls when I turn to head back down the path. “Wait with me. I could use a fresh perspective.” He pats the step beside him.

I don’t want to be rude, so I oblige, taking a seat. “I have to admit, I’m not big on country music, so I’m probably not the person to ask.”

He grins down at me. “You don’t like country?”

“Not really. My dad used to listen to it, but it wasn’t my thing. I don’t find a tractor sexy,” I tease, and he bursts out laughing.

“I promise I don’t sing about tractors. Or my dog, or truck, or ex wife. I don’t have lyrics for this yet anyway. I’m not a songwriter. Just putting some chords together.”

“Okay, I’m listening.”

I lean back on the palms of my hands and watch the sky gradually lose its light as he plays. It’s nice and relaxing. Maybe I would like some of his music. The combination of the warm evening air and the soothing music relaxes me and puts a small smile on my face. A smile that dissolves quickly when I look up and notice Holt glaring at me.

I never heard him coming and I wonder how long he’s been standing there. And why is he looking at me like that?

“Holt.” I get to my feet and brush off the back of my shorts. “Have you met Liam?”

Liam doesn’t get up or set the guitar aside, but sticks out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Liam Carter.”

“Marcus Singleton,” Holt replies. His voice is tense, and I notice he didn’t ask him to use his middle name the way he did with me and my friends.

“Are you ready, bug?” He slings an arm around my shoulders in a clearly possessive move.

“Sure.” I turn to Liam. “I liked your playing. If there’s no tractors involved, I’d definitely give it a listen.”

Chuckling, he nods at me. “Always glad to have another listener.”

Holt starts toward the path, taking me with him since his arm has moved from my shoulders to my waist. A minute or so passes without a word. “Is something wrong?” I ask.

“Nope.” He keeps walking, then takes a deep breath. “I love watching some other asshole play for you in our gazebo. Makes my fucking day.”

Is he kidding me right now?

I stop, and he turns to face me, his frown outlined in moonlight. “Are you serious? He was there when I showed up and asked me to listen while I waited on you. I can’t help that he found the gazebo as well.”

The way his lips press together and his chest rises and falls betrays his anger and attempt to get it under control. Finally, he takes a step back. “Tonight wasn’t a good idea. I’m in a shitty mood. I’ll see you later,” he says, and stalks off, leaving me gaping after him. What the hell was that?

I’ve always heard that musicians were moody and unpredictable, but after all the bullshit I’ve put up with, including finding a half naked woman in his bed, he has the nerve to get jealous?

I’m tempted to chase after him and insist he talk to me, but I know that will just cause an argument and make things worse. Instead, I walk down to the shore and sit in the grass. The fading sun throws a swirl of oranges and reds across the rippling water, and I think back to all the times I sat out here with Dad, talking about plans for Foxhaven.

It occurs to me that we never talked about a lot of other things that we should have, and I suppose he thought the same as I did. We had time. We never talked about my future other than what he expected of me when it came to our business. I’m proud that he trusted me enough to leave me his life’s work, but I wish I’d gotten advice from him about so many other things. Like men.

I don’t know what he would think of Holt. He probably wouldn’t like him. Hell, there are times like this when I don’t like him, but there’s something about him that draws me in and makes me care. Maybe too much.

The feelings I’ve developed for him scare the shit out of me. I’ve only known him a couple of months, but I feel more for him than I did my ex that I dated for three years.

My phone beeps with a text from Foster.

A snort of laughter jumps out of me. He knew I wouldn’t say no. I may have a screwed up family situation and complicated relationships, but I know I’m fortunate to have great friends. They’d do anything for me and I’d do anything for them.

I shoot him a quick text letting him know where I am, and a few minutes later he sits beside me.

“Hey Kin. Do you want to tell me why you’re sitting down here trying to get chigger bites on your no no places?”

“After you tell me why you’re temporarily homeless.”

Sighing, he leans back on his hands and stretches his long legs out in front of him. “Remember that guy I told you I met last week?”

“The tennis player?”

“No, that was the week before. The dental hygienist.” Foster is a wonderful guy, but a bit of a man whore.

“Right.”

“Turns out he’s not all that hygienic.”

Crossing my legs, I sit up. “Foster, if this is about him having stinky genitals or an STD…”

He bursts out laughing. “No, well, you aren’t far off on the funky balls, but he also has a house full of bedbugs, and spread them to my apartment.”

“Oh no.”

“Yeah, they’re spraying and hooking up heaters and all kinds of stuff, but it’ll be a few days at least before I can get back in.”

The look I give him makes him laugh. “I took my clothes to a laundromat, washed and dried them on hot, including the ones I’m wearing. Then I bug bombed my car and took a taxi here.”

“No offense. But bedbugs are the coming of an apocalypse to a hotel.”

“I know. I’m clean as a whistle. Now, do you want to tell me why you look all pouty?”

I shove him. “I don’t look pouty.” He remains silent for a few moments until I add, “Holt and I had a fight…sort of…I don’t know.”

“What happened?”

Foster listens to my explanation, and his lips grow into a smirk. “He got jealous. You really have your hooks into this guy, Kin.”

“Not everyone considers jealousy a virtue.” My eye roll doesn’t deter him.

Shrugging, he stands up. “Let’s walk. I didn’t escape one infestation to get eaten alive by chiggers and mosquitos.”

His shoulder bumps mine as we walk along the lake. “Yeah, he overreacted, but try to see it from his point of view. He’s a musician and he’s crazy about you. Then he finds you alone, at your spot with another musician. Maybe he’s worried you have a type and that you’re more attracted to his profession than him.”

“Then he isn’t paying attention,” I mumble.

Foster slings his arm around my neck. “I seem to remember telling you not to fall for this guy.”

“Yeah, we’ve established I don’t listen. Moving on.”

He glances at me. “Tell me what the real problem is. Because we both know this is a little hiccup that wouldn’t usually upset you so much.”

We stop to sit on a bench overlooking the dock. “I feel too much for him. Christ, Foster, I didn’t feel this way about my ex and we were together for three years.”

“Time doesn’t matter. And you can’t control how you feel. If so, no one would ever get their heart broken. You just have to decide if he’s worth taking the chance.”

I lay my head on his shoulder. “I’ve never been much of a risk taker.”

“I know, but safe is also boring. Have you considered that he’s feeling the same fear? I’ve seen how he is around you, how he looks at you. You aren’t the only one who’s in deep, Kin. Maybe he’s freaking out too.”

“Honestly, no. That thought never crossed my mind. He can have anyone he wants.”

“But he wants you. It’s like a chick flick,” he teases. “Playboy rock star meets his match in sassy resort owner. Classic.”

“Shut up,” I laugh.

“Kinley.” Holt’s voice makes me jump. I didn’t hear him come up behind us. There’s no way he didn’t hear Foster’s last comment.

Foster gives me a quick hug. “I’ll grab a key from Harriet. You know where I am if you need me.”

He walks away, and Holt sits beside me. His elbows rest on his knees as he runs his hands through his hair. “I need to know something.”

“Then ask.”

“If this wasn’t my life. The fame and concerts, travelling, and everything, if it all went away tomorrow, would you still be interested in me?”

My first response is anger. He’s asking me if I want him because he’s a star? Maybe he doesn’t know me at all. Then Foster’s advice rings in my head. Maybe he’s scared too. It’s hard to imagine a man who looks like him with all his talent could be insecure, but that’s what he’s showing me right now, isn’t it?

Instead of going with my first instinct and kicking him in the balls, I run my palm over his cheek, turning him to face me. Anxiety is etched on his face. “How I feel about you has nothing to do with what you do, only who you are. I’m not dating a rock star or a celebrity, I’m dating Holt. He’s all I want.”

He wraps his arms around me and talks into my hair. “I’m sorry I was a dick.”

“You have to trust me. If I can manage to put up with every woman in the country wanting you, I think you can handle the guys around me. I’m not a cheater. And I’m not some trashy groupie who can be won over by a pretty face and guitar.”

Sitting back, he stares at me. “I never thought you were. I want you to be careful around Liam and his group. I don’t know them, but I don’t trust them. I trust you, but you don’t know what the music scene is like. What musicians are like.”

A small smile appears on my face. “You mean they aren’t all the upstanding members of society that you are?”

His usual charming smile returns, and I’m glad to see it. He may not think I know what musicians are like, but it’s safe to say they’re mercurial as hell. “Everyone can’t be this amazing.”

“Meh.” I shrug. “You’re okay sometimes.”

“Aww.” He gives me a long, slow kiss. “You’re okay sometimes too.”

“So, what did you have planned for us tonight before all this?”

Getting to his feet, he takes my hand. “Something that can wait.”

We walk back to Foxhaven and laughter pours off the deck as we approach. Liam and two of his band members sit by the pool with Foster right in the middle of them. Foster grins up at me, and we say a quick hello before heading up to my place.

I’m glad to leave the outside world behind when I close the door behind me. After the last few hours, I just want to cuddle up on the couch and watch TV with Holt. Knowing Foster, he’ll be in late, so we have the place to ourselves for a while.

Holt and I have so much fun together, but out of everything we do, riding jet skis, hiking in the woods, hanging out in the pool, these are the times I enjoy most. I love having someone to just lounge around with. To relax and be myself.

And then get my brains screwed out by the best lover I’ve ever had.

We spend a few hours on the couch, snuggled under a blanket, when I get an urge. Without warning, I hook my fingers under the waistband of his shorts and underwear, and slide off the edge of the couch, slipping them both off as I go.

His eyes darken with lust and meet mine as I wrap my hand around him. I love the feel of him growing hard in my palm. I pause when I hear a bang and laughter from the hallway, but it’s just Liam’s group entering their suite. Music starts playing very faintly through the wall.

“Foster is staying with me. He could walk in any minute,” I murmur, punctuating my words with a lick just under the head of his cock.

His lips part, and he shifts his hips. “I don’t care if a marching band goes through right about now, bug.”

I’ve never considered myself an exhibitionist, but there’s something thrilling about taking him in my mouth when I know we could get caught any minute. I felt the same way when we fucked in the gazebo.

I adore the way he hisses through his teeth, the curses and praise that tumble from his lips as I lick and suck him until his hand tightens in my hair. “Fuck, I’m going to come,” he warns, and I pull him in as far as possible, swallowing to the sound of his pained groan.

He reaches to pull my shirt off, tossing it aside, and scoops me up, carrying me to my bedroom. It’s a good thing because we hear the suite door shut behind Foster a few seconds later.

“Just in time,” I giggle, and he dives on the bed, stripping us both down in record time.

“For your friend to hear you scream my name.” He buries his face between my legs and a squeal escapes me before I grab a pillow and shove it over my face.

I’m so on edge it isn’t going to take much. Holt pauses and grabs the pillow, tossing it off the bed. “I want to see your face. You’ll just have to be quiet,” he says with a wicked grin.

He barely gets the word out when a moan comes from the guest room right beside mine. “I don’t think he’s listening,” I laugh. God knows who Foster brought back. Another long moan filters through the wall followed by a curse.

“I will not be outdone,” Holt says, grabbing my thighs and getting back to it. I can’t help the sounds that slip out of my mouth as he makes me come with his tongue and fingers. Self-satisfaction is clear on his face as he crawls up my body. We can hear Foster and his partner going at it, but none of us seem to care at the moment.

Every thought of anyone other than Holt disappears when he rolls me over onto my stomach and tucks two pillows under my hips. Sitting back on his feet, he stares down at me and I press my face into the bed. It’s a vulnerable moment, his hands sliding up my thighs to caress my ass that’s sticking up in the air.

It quiets a bit next door, and Holt takes that opportunity to smack each ass cheek. The sound is unmistakable, and my chest shakes with laughter when I hear a smack repeated from their side of the wall. Assholes.

Holt chuckles, then leans to drop hot kisses down my spine. “Do you have any idea how fucking sexy you look like this?” he murmurs. I hear him unwrap the condom, and a second later he slips inside me in one slow, smooth motion.

His body molds to my back and he sucks the nape of my neck, sending a mass of tingles running over my skin. “Holt,” I plead, when he doesn’t move.

He pushes my arms against my sides and holds them there as he strokes in and out. I’m completely trapped under his body, unable to do anything but arch my hips and take what he’s giving me.

I’m acutely aware that he’s in control and I can’t believe how much the thought turns me on. There’s not a scrap of me that’s submissive, at least, I didn’t think so, but every touch, kiss, and stroke seems magnified by a hundred, and I moan his name, begging him for something when I’m not even sure what I need. Finally, I whimper, “Don’t stop.”

God, the man can move. I lose all touch with time and how long he drives into me, gradually moving faster, delving so deep all I can do is cry out and ride the sensations until they crash into me and leave me a shaking, sweaty mess.

His body drapes over mine, his chest sticking to my back, and I turn my head, still trying to catch my breath.

“Are you okay?”

“Mmm.” It’s all the noise I’m capable of making. Anything I say will be a jumbled mess.

There’s silence from the next room as he chuckles and leans down, kissing my ear. “We showed them.”

My body shakes with laughter, and he rolls off me, then pulls me close.

“Definitely the winners,” I agree, snuggling into him. Those first few post sex moments are always amazing. Lying there, your chest rising and falling with the same heavy breaths you hear from your partner. Your muscles are relaxed, but your skin is busy, filled with a slowly fading buzz. Closing my eyes, I just revel in the feeling until he sits up.

“Sorry, but I have to piss.”

“And I need some water.” We both pull on underwear, and I slip his tee shirt over my head before opening my bedroom door.

One step out the door and I bump into someone in the dark. “Shit, sorry.” I flip the light on and get a look at the man we heard with Foster.

“Kinley, ah, hi.” Liam Carter runs his hand over the back of his neck. “I was just leaving.”

Foster walks out of the guest room in a pair of shorts and makes a beeline for the fridge. “Liam, do you want water, juice, I think she has some sports drink.” It isn’t until he’s met with an awkward silence he realizes Liam isn’t really cool with this, especially when Holt joins us.

“Listen,” Liam says. “I’m not exactly…out to everyone. I mean, in my career, so if we could keep this between us…”

Holt nods and grabs a bottle of water. “No problem. It’s nobody’s business.”

“I think we can leave everything we heard and witnessed tonight at the door,” I reply, and Foster chuckles.

“I don’t know. I never imagined you’d be a beggar, Kin,” he taunts, and I slap at him.

Holt laughs and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder. “Later guys.”

I look up just as we’re entering the bedroom and get a split second view of Liam kissing Foster. I didn’t see that one coming.

Holt finds me at the front desk and leans on it, propping his chin on his hand with a wide smile.

“Oh lord, what are you up to?” Harriet chuckles. She turns to me. “You know he wants something when he breaks out the charming smile instead of that frown he usually wears.”

“Aw, Harriet, you think my smile is charming? I knew I’d win you over eventually.”

Harriet scoffs and shakes her head. “You spent your first month here with a face like a slapped ass. I noticed the difference.”

“That’s more like it,” he replies, and I laugh at the two of them.

“Aren’t you taking your granddaughter to the fireworks?” I remind her, and she curses, glancing at the clock. “Yeah, I’d better go.”

Holt waits while she gathers her stuff and leaves. Brandy pokes her head out of the office. “I’m just making coffee. I’ll keep an eye out. Get out of here.”

His arm drapes around me. “So, you know a spot to watch the show, huh?”

There’s no way we were going to try to go to town to watch fireworks. The paparazzi would just follow us and ruin things for everyone. Liam and his group have made the same decision. Other than them, there are only a few guests that may not follow the crowd, but typically, the place is a ghost town until about eleven.

“Yeah, we have a pretty good view from the east hill. A local radio station sets them off. They aren’t as impressive as the ones the town does, but it’s still pretty. I have some stuff to do first, though. Meet you in thirty minutes?”

It’ll be a late night. When everyone returns, they generally sit outside, swim in the pool, or have a few drinks at our bar. There’s a large firepit area I’m sure will get used, so I need to make sure everything is stocked and ready for the rush we’ll get after the fireworks end.

“On the back deck,” he replies, dropping a kiss on my lips before walking away. Harriet is right. He really does seem happier, and a small optimistic sliver of me hopes it’s because of me.

The bar and restaurant are stocked and ready, and I’m on my way to make sure there’s wood for the fire pit when I run into Liam. He’s coming up the stairs of the deck. “Hey Kinley,” he greets. “Plans tonight?”

“With Hol-Marcus,” I reply, correcting myself. “No idea what he has planned.”

An embarrassed grin blooms on his face and he asks, “Is Foster still staying with you?”

Ugh, cuteness overload today. “He is. He had to work, but he should be here any time.”

“Good, I’ll see you later,” he says, and hurries away.

It looks like my friend has a famous crush too. It’s strange how normal it’s beginning to seem.