I don't know what to think. I'm a little heart broken everyone's against Chase, but at the same time, he doesn't seem to want to better his situation with his friends.
The ride to town is quiet. I want to fix him up, but it's dark and he needs to unwind a little. We're supposed to have Thanksgiving with my mom and the rest of the Kenshaws in a couple of days, but I don't know that Chase will want to do that now.
I get us inside the shop and he's yet to say anything to me. I don't know what to say. What's there to say?
“I'm sorry,” I blurt, as I unlock the apartment door.
“Why the hell are you sorry?” He stops just inside the door and his eyebrows pull together as he finally looks at me. “You did nothing wrong, Kaydence.”
“I asked you to come. I...just didn't think it'd be like this. Why are they so against you and me being together, Chase? What do they know that I don't?” I grab his arm when I see the dried blood and start pulling him to the bathroom.
“Hell, I don't know. I was always the guy that didn't quite fit into their little clique. Maybe they're just pissed I penetrated the circle.” He pauses and chuckles. “Literally and figuratively.”
“Chase,” I whisper his name and grab a washcloth. “Jo and Kinlee have nothing but good things to say about you. So you're saying you and Brandt have the problem?” I watch him while he stares at himself in the mirror.
“Brandt is just being protective of you. I got around in this town back in high school, Kay. All he really knows about me is I'm an asshole, I sleep around, and I'm not scared of a fight. He's right to try and protect you.” He turns on the water and runs his hands under the stream.
“You're not like that with me.”
He snickers and glances at me. “I just fucking fought your brother, Kay.”
“That was his fault. Bo doesn't seem to have a problem with you.”
“We've had our differences. Kinlee used to be my best friend, and even then I wasn't welcomed into the group with open arms. Bo pretty much broke that shit up. Jo's not from here, so she gets it...the whole being a 'newbie' to the group.” He splashes water on his face.
“You and Kinlee? You used to be with her? Jo said you were in love with her.” I gently wipe at the cut on his lip.
“Nah. It seemed like it. We dated for a split second, but it didn't work out. We remained friends and she went through some stuff where she leaned pretty heavily on me for a few years. We were inseparable. If you're askin' if we fucked, I ain't gonna lie to you, but I'm not gonna say I was in love with her. I thought back then I had feelings for her. I thought maybe I could love her the way that guys were supposed to love the cute girl in town.” He pauses, taking hold of my wrist and looking me in the eyes. “Turns out I didn't even know what love was back then.”
I blink a few times then carefully wipe the washcloth over his eyebrow. I'd like to ask him if one day he thinks he'd be in love with me, but tonight's been too emotional for me to put that strain on what we have right now.
“I just want them to accept you, Chase. They're my family and you're my boyfriend.” I huff. “I'm tired.” Wringing out the washcloth, I leave it on the sink. “Can we lay down for the night? Do you need something? Water? Pills? Food?”
“You,” he says. “I just need you tonight.” He walks out of the bathroom and I follow him to the bedroom. Slowly and carefully he pulls his shirt off, cussing and trying to stretch through the pain. “Your brother's pretty fuckin' scrappy.” He chuckles.
“God.” I groan and kick off my shoes. “I am so sorry.” I push on my eyes tiredly. Talking to Tyler about this is going to be hard.
“Hey,” he blurts, walking over to me and taking my arms, wrapping them around him. “Could you stop apologizing for something that was one hundred percent out of your control, please? Tonight wasn't your fault. At all.”
“But he's my brother.” I look up at him and it feels like the world is sitting on my chest. “And he's not going anywhere in my life. And you. I love being with you. Happiness is a choice and I choose you. I just don't want to have to choose you over him.”
“Still ain't your fault, doll. Your brother's a grown man. He knows he started that shit.” He takes a few steps back to the bed and sits, pulling me to his lap. “Can we not talk about it anymore tonight? We'll fix it. I promise you. But tonight I'm kinda over talking about it.” He presses his lips gently to my neck and his hands grip the hem of my shirt.
“No more talking about it, but Thanksgiving...will you still come?” I whisper, letting him pull my shirt off.
He smirks at me. “You're gonna be the one coming,” he whispers, unbuttoning my pants and pushing his hands down the front of them. He lets out a low laugh and nuzzles his face in my boobs.
How do you tell someone after only knowing them a couple months that you think you've fallen in love already? A guy like Chase, you don't, but the second I think he's there too, I'll be sure to tell him. His hands slow down as he strips me of my clothes. When he sits back and stares at me sitting naked in front of him, I smile.
“My turn.” I crawl toward him, kneeling between his legs and pop the button to his jeans, tugging them down while he lifts his hips. I trace the tattoo on his chest with my fingernail before pressing a kiss over it then sliding his boxer-briefs down.
“You're too tempting.” I kiss him as I start to stroke his dick with both hands.
“You're...fucking perfect,” he whispers, twisting his hand through my hair and fisting it at the base of my neck.
He pulls me up his body and manages to spin us, pressing me against the mattress. His head dips and his lips press kisses down my neck, across my collarbone, and when he lands on my nipple he moans, flicking it with his tongue. My back arches, reacting to him isn't something I even have to think about doing. It just happens. He pulls more from me than any other guy ever has.
Chase nudges my legs apart with his knee and his hand slides downward. He growls, and a look of pure need traces his features when he finds how wet I am for him. We stare into each other's eyes while he slides inside of me and I bite my lip, letting a whimper escape when he sinks all the way to the hilt. He pulls out then does it again, thrusting a little harder and deeper, making me cry out this time and drop my head back. Each time he pulls out, I eagerly wait for him to fill me again and the sensation is better with each thrust.
His eyes never leave me. He never closes them like some guys do. Doesn't look away when the moment gets intense. When I lift my head again, he dips his and presses his forehead to mine, breathing deep through every thrust. The sounds he's making and the way he's so wrapped into this moment makes my orgasm ten times stronger than it's ever been.
He slams our lips together, pumping harder and faster while my orgasm splinters through me, leaving every nerve ending in my body tingling, and when he comes he growls so low I can feel it reverberating in my chest. I pull him over me and he settles on top, panting heavily before moving his mouth to mine and kissing me slowly, gripping me tightly, protectively. He shifts to the side, still kissing me until we pull back to take a breath. We stare into each other's eyes until sleep claims us. I could fall asleep daily studying his face.
I've been waiting for Chase to get here, cooking like a madwoman while my mom waits patiently in the living room to finally meet my boyfriend. The bell dings and I skip to the door. It's Thanksgiving week and he's agreed to meet my mom before the big dinner.
“Hi.” I smile, pushing open the door for Chase and taking a step toward him.
When I kiss him, I hear my mom over my shoulder make a noise of surprise. Chase takes a step back and smiles over my shoulder.
“Mrs. Kenshaw, nice to meet you.” He smiles bright and I step to the side, letting him come in.
“Hi.” My mom doesn't get up from the couch, she just stares like she hasn't seen a man since my dad.
“Mom, this is my boyfriend Chase.”
“I see that.” She keeps flashing her eyes from Chase to me and when Chase clears his throat uncomfortably I quickly turn to face him.
“Let's get you something to drink,” I offer and take his hand, pulling him to the kitchen. “Hi,” I whisper when we're alone in the kitchen and I kiss him again.
“You look nice,” he says, his lips still on mine and his hands trying their hardest not to roam to my ass. “I like this dress.” I can feel him smirk as he pushes his lips to mine again.
“Thank you. Are you hungry?” I glance over my shoulder at all the food I prepared. Luckily Tyler will eat it all, but my mom only munches, and I'm too nervous to eat, but hopefully Chase will eat.
“Uh...” He smiles. “Sure? You sure did go through a lot of trouble making everything. You know today's not Thanksgiving, right?” He laughs at me and walks over to the relish tray I set out, popping an olive in his mouth.
“I haven't seen my mom in a while. I just wanted it to be nice.” I wipe my sweaty palms on the kitchen towel. “You want something to drink? I bought whiskey for you.” I grab a glass.
“Kaydence, are you drinking alcohol?” My mom's voice travels. She could always hear the things she wasn't supposed to.
“Just a small drink, mom,” I call back. “You want one?”
“On your pills?” She bellows and my gaze darts to Chase who's staring at me with his brows high. I smile and walk into the living room. “Can I get you something, mom?”
“You shouldn't be drinking on your meds. You can't mix those, Kaydence.”
“I know, mom,” I whisper. “You want me to fix you a plate?”
“I'm fine right now. Just don't drink on your meds.”
I nod and smile, walking back into the kitchen. Chase is silent, watching me cross the room then he pops another olive in his mouth.
“These olives are amazing. You did a really nice job preparing them,” he says, obviously trying to lighten my nerves.
I chuckle and start braiding my hair. “Can I make you a drink?” I glance at the whiskey bottle. I'd like a tall glass for myself right now.
“I think I'm okay today. Maybe tonight you can.” He smirks. “You got any water or sweet tea?” His eyes flick to the living room before coming back to me. “We just gonna hide in here today?”
“No.” I laugh, pouring him a glass of tea. “Let's go.” I'm still holding his glass when I head for the living room before realizing and handing it over. “Mom, you sure you don't want anything?”
“I'm okay right now, honey. So, Chase.” She stares at him.
“Yes, Mrs. Kenshaw?” he says, taking a drink of his tea and sitting on the couch across the room from her.
“What do you do for a living?” She glances at his tattooed hands and I sit on the arm of the couch next to him, putting my hand on his shoulder.
“I own the tattoo shop in town. I also work part time at Willies, the bar across the street.” He glances up at me. “That's where we met.”
My mother's wide-eyed gaze lands on me and I smile, rubbing Chase's shoulder a little.
“Kaydence, I really hope you and your brother aren't drinking.”
“Mom.” I chuckle. “I'm twenty-five.”
“But your meds!” She gasps.
“Mom, can we talk about something else?” I smile at her but my palms are starting to sweat again. “Chase is an amazing artist,” I offer a subject.
She eyes him again, her eyes going to his hands. “You draw the pictures on your hands?”
He glances down at them and smiles back up at her. “One hand, yes, ma'am. The other hand a buddy of mine in Vegas did when I lived there.”
“Vegas.” She pushes her hair out of her face and starts to braid it. “You're a traveler, and a tattoo artist. Working in a bar.” When she looks at me, I smile wider. “Kaydence speaks very highly of you. I'm glad I got to come into town to visit. I don't get out of the house much. Since my husband died, I haven't had many opportunities to leave. Well, Kaydence knows. She's always been there for me. Then her brother…my son, convinced her to abandon me.” Securing her braid, she looks at Chase and I'm staring at her with my mouth agape, having no idea she felt that way.
“Mom, you said you'd be okay. I didn't abandon you.” I move to sit next to her. “I didn't know you felt like that.”
“Well, you have to grow up, I guess. And you are.” She gestures to Chase. “Meeting men in strange towns. I just worry.”
“Kaydence is doing wonders at the ranch, Mrs. Kenshaw. You should see her with those horses,” Chase insists, gripping his iced tea glass tight.
“Oh, I know my baby can handle a horse.” She pats my knee then stands. “I'm going to fix a plate. When's Tyler going to be here?”
“Soon,” I mutter and glance at Chase. When she walks away, I cross the room back over to him and sit. “I'm so sorry,” I whisper. “I didn't think she'd ever say anything like that.”
“Moms are pretty unpredictable,” he mutters, watching the front door. “I think maybe I should head home before your brother gets here.”
I frown at him but dart my eyes away when everything starts building up in my chest. “Okay.” I nod and quickly stand. “I have to use the bathroom. I'll be right back.” I dart down the hall and quickly close the door, leaning my forehead against it before a flood of tears pours from my eyes.
There's no explanation for this. I took my pill today. Maybe another will stop this feeling that's overwhelming me.
My mother claiming I abandoned her makes me feel terrible. I had no idea that was how she felt and I don't know what to do to fix it. And the look on Chase's face when my mom brought up Tyler crushed me. I know their animosity for each other hasn't passed just because I want it to. I just don't know how to change it.
I slip to my bedroom after cleaning up my face and I stare at the tall pill bottle my mother brought me. After swallowing my pill, I walk into the living room where Chase is helping her with the TV and I smile.
“So just hit this button any time you want to pick a new show,” he says, helping her figure out Netflix. “Be careful, it's really addicting.” He laughs.
My mom starts pushing buttons and the TV flips show to show, going faster than she's ready for and she starts squealing, laughing harder than I've ever seen her laugh. Chase grabs the remote and stops it on a show and she grabs his arm, still laughing.
“I don't know what I'm doing,” she claims and her red cheeks make me wonder if she had a drink, or if she's really flirting with my boyfriend.
Seeing my mom happy and not worrying for once makes me smile and I sit back, watching them interact with each other, trying to find a show to watch. Chase convinces her to watch a show my mom would normally gasp at, but she takes his word that it's amazing and sits down with him. It's amazing seeing them laughing together, Chase trying to keep his mouth shut about what's about to happen, and my mom cursing the actions of the characters while they bond over hating the same people.
I love him and I want him to be my chosen happiness for the rest of my life.
When Tyler walks through the door, Chase only throws a glance toward him and my mom can't pull her eyes from the show, so she doesn't even realize he's here. He walks into the kitchen and I follow.
“What the hell's going on in there?” he mumbles grabbing a handful of chips.
“Mom met Chase.” I smile. “They've been watching TV for the past two hours. Where you been?”
“Out and about,” he mumbles. “Why'd you cook all this? It's not Thanksgiving yet.” He eyes me and I smirk because Chase said the same.
“I just wanted the four of us to have something nice together. Make a plate and come hang out with us.”
He stares toward the living room where mom and Chase are laughing.
“Ty,” I mumble. “Please don't start anything. Chase isn't going anywhere.”
“That's the problem, Kay,” he quietly snaps. “Even if he cheated, you'd be too fucking stupid to dump him. You'd make excuses. You always make excuses for everyone. I just for once want you to realize not everyone is a good person.”
“I know that, Tyler. I know that. But Chase is a good person. He treats me right, he's sweet to me, he wouldn't hurt me, and he'd never cheat on me.” I scowl at him until his glare softens.
“And what if he did? Hypothetically, Kay. What if he did hurt you?”
“Everything happens for a reason,” I state and fix myself a plate.
“And what if one day he just got sick of you? You're freakin' in love with the guy, let's say he just dumps you 'cause he's had enough. Breaks your heart. Crushes it.”
“Tyler.” I uncomfortably laugh. I haven't told my brother I'm in love with Chase, but I guess it's not hard to pick up on. “Everything happens for a reason, but I don't think that'll happen,” I mumble and push a cracker into my mouth.
He nods doubtfully then starts to pile food onto a plate before walking around me. “Ma, you eat?” he asks and I tense up, waiting for either him or Chase to make a snide comment to each other.
“Some. Have you watched this show, Ty? What's it called, Chase?”
I smile hearing the happiness in my mom's voice when she talks to Chase. It's not surprising he's charmed her enough to change her initial opinion of him.
Chase mutters something I can't hear, then moments later he's in the kitchen with me, grabbing a plate.
“You doing okay?” he asks, filling his plate with food. “You ran out of the room pretty quickly. Left me to fend for myself.” His playful chuckle makes me grin and move closer to him.
“My mom loves you.” I take his plate, setting it on the counter before pushing myself into his arms and kissing his chin. “Thank you for being perfect.”
He pulls back the slightest. “I'm not perfect, Kaydence.” One side of his mouth lifts in a half smile. “But I am pretty easy to love, aren't I?”
I giggle and press my lips to his, wrapping my arms tighter around his neck. “I wish I could come over tonight.”
“Why can't you? Your mom's not stayin' here is she?” His arms tighten around me and he leans against the counter, forcing me to lean on him even more.
“Yes, she is tonight. But back to my uncle's tomorrow.” I slide my fingers up the front of his shirt. “So maybe tomorrow.” I cock my eyebrow.
“Absolutely tomorrow,” he all but growls, then kisses me again, not giving up until my brother walks in the room and clears his throat. Chase pulls back and glances over my shoulder, then his eyes fly back to mine and he gives me a small smirk. “Tyler,” he says, his eyes not leaving mine.
“Chase,” my brother mutters and pulls out a chair. I glance over my shoulder and see him staring at us. “You two going to hide in here and make out the rest of the night? You've already gotten my mom thinking you're a goddamn prince charming. Can't let her down now. Or...that your thing?”
“Tyler. Are you still hungry?” I blurt and turn out of Chase's arms.
“Nope.” He smirks at Chase. “And I'm not entertaining mom tonight.” He leaves the kitchen and I drop my forehead to Chase's chest.
“I'm sorry,” I whisper.
“Stop fuckin' doing that, Kaydence.” Chase pushes his lips to my forehead. “He'll grow to love me. Kenshaws can't resist me.” He winks and pushes us off the counter.
I grin at Chase as I walk through the bar door and wiggle my fingers at him as Grant pulls me to a table.
“Hi, guys.” I accept the shot Felder pushes toward me. “Y'all been waiting for me?” I chuckle.
“No, why?” Felder blurts. “We look like we're waiting on someone?” He glances around and shrugs, taking a drink of his beer.
“Just here to have some beer. Chase said you were coming up. Thought you could hang out with us while he works.” Tommy nods toward the bar where Chase is currently slammed. “So how are you today, Kaydence?”
“I'm great! Thank you. How are you guys doing?” I look around at all three of them.
“Great!” Felder blurts, looking like he may have already had too much to drink.
“Happy to be off work,” Grant says and Tommy agrees. “How's teaching those rich little shits how to ride horses goin'?”
I smile at him and take the beer Felder pushes my way. “They're not little shits. And all my clients are really nice. Really, really nice. I love my job!”
“I'd fucking hate dealing with those snobs. Right, man?” Grant nudges Tommy and he nods.
“Hate it,” he mumbles. “Plus I heard Garrison's a hardass. He go easy on you since you're his niece?”
I smile at them, looking at each of them individually while they stare at me. “He's a hard worker, and he doesn't really get involved with what I do on the ranch. His wife more so runs the lessons. They're all really great people, guys. Family aside.”
“Yeah, they are,” Grant mumbles, then I see him nudge Felder and Felder clears his throat.
“I heard shit went down at the shop with Sarah. She's a bitch, huh? I told Chase not to take her as a client, I can't fucking stand her.”
I sip my beer and stare at him a second. “She's not a bitch. She was upset. As I understand it, her and Chase...had a thing, and she was upset he's no longer available. He needs his clients.”
The three of them nod then Grant speaks up after finishing his glass of beer. “You're not put off by that, though? That Chase used to be a fuckin' man-whore of this town? And all these girls are gonna hate you for—Fuck!” He glares at Tommy and Tommy's eyes are wide.
“Not cool, man. Too far,” he whispers.
“We all have a past, guys. Really, I don't care. Chase is with me now and we're happy.” I nod, still smiling and take another drink of my beer.
“Why didn't you retaliate when she was being such a bitch to you?” Grant asks, spinning his glass. “It's just weird, Kay. I mean, if you cared about our boy there wouldn't you be a little more...I don't know...angry at that bitch?”
“Why should I be angry at her?” I chuckle and sip my beer a little quicker, getting uncomfortable they're all glaring at me. “She didn't do anything to hurt me, or him.” I shrug. “It's fine, and happened so long ago. Why are we talking about this?”
“Just curious. That's all.” Grant nods across the bar. “I mean, she's here right now and she's heading for the bar. So just making sure you're okay with her still being buddy, buddy with Chase.”
“I trust Chase.” I glance at them but turn my back and drink my beer.
“I trust him too. He's never cheated on a girl. Ever. But that bitch, on the other hand.” Tommy points his beer bottle toward the bar then shakes his head. “She's relentless.”
I spin my beer, keeping my eyes on the bottle. “Well, if Chase is more interested in her persistence.” I shrug and look up at Tommy. “There's really nothing I can do. Everything happens for a reason.”
“So go on up there and claim what's yours, Kay!” Felder blurts, waving toward the bar. “Teach that girl she can't fucking have him.”
I laugh and shake my head before finishing my beer. “Why? If Chase doesn't want her, why do I have to start something for no reason? You guys just like to get aggressive.”
“We're not talking go up and punch the chick in her face.” Tommy laughs.
“Just go talk to Chase. Kiss him. Smile and be that nice bitch we all know is hiding inside. Show her he's yours.” Grant shrugs. “I mean, I wouldn't like some guy pushing his dick all up on my girl. No matter how much I knew she loved me or vice versa. So seeing some other girl shoving her tits up on our boy over there, when we know how happy he is with you is kinda unnerving. And we can't start shit with a girl.” He takes a long swig of his beer. “Plus, I mean, you're not the least bit jealous of that?” He nods behind me and I glance over my shoulder. My stomach tightens and heart starts to beat faster when I see Chase talking to her and she's laughing, pushing her chest toward him as much as she can. I'm sure he has a reason to be talking to her. She's a paying customer and that's reason enough.
“Should I be jealous of her? Are you guys trying to tell me something? Do you blame her? Chase is sexy.” I giggle and glance back at them again, watching him hand her a drink. “And he's amazing.”
Felder narrows his eyes at me. “How can you just sit there and let that happen?”
“Dude, drop it. Maybe she's just not as into him as we thought.” Grant stands and walks toward the bathroom.
I frown and look at the other two. “I'm just not that kind of girl, guys. I like Chase. A lot. Why do I have to be a bitch for you guys to like me?” I stand and grab the empty beer bottles from the table.
Walking up to the bar, I set them down and Chase immediately walks over, smiling. “Hey there, beautiful.” He takes the bottles and nods over to the table. “They're not givin' ya a hard time are they?”
“No.” I push a smile on my face and make it a point not to glance at Sarah. “Can I get a beer please?” I cock my head and stare at him in a white t-shirt and black jeans. He's casually dressed but looks so good doing it.
“Sure thing. The pumpkin finally went out of season. Blue Moon?” He tosses the towel he was holding on the bar and is still wearing a beautiful smile.
“Yeah.” With a grin and nod, I lean against the bar. I don't want his friends thinking I'm not into him. I'm in love with him. But I'm just not a fighter like they're expecting. Everything happens for a reason. If Chase wanted Sarah, I wouldn't be able to change that.
He slides the beer over the bar and leans in, pecking my lips. “You look petty hot tonight in this shirt,” he whispers before pulling back.
“I was just thinking that about you.” I bite my lip staring at him until I'm bumped into from behind, almost spilling my beer.
“Sorry.” Sarah scowls at me.
“No worries.” I grip my beer tight and smile at Chase. “I'm going to sit back down.”
“We're slowin' down. You can sit up here by me. I'd enjoy the eye candy.” He smirks, his eyes lighting up.
“I'll tell the boys.” I lean forward, forcing myself to be the girl the guys said I should be and I peck his cheek. When I walk back over to the table, I smile at them. “We should go sit at the bar.” I point and glance, seeing Sarah's sitting there with two other girls and I roll my eyes, but quickly correct my smile.
“Uh...yeah. Okay.” Felder wiggles his eyebrows. “Let's go sit at the bar, boys.”
I lead the way and sit next to a platinum blonde, giving her a quick smile. “Hi.” She doesn't respond, but I didn't expect it.
“Whoa, shit!” I hear coming from behind me then my back is suddenly cold. And wet. “Oh shit, I'm so fuckin' sorry!” Felder blurts, laughing so hard he's almost in tears. “It kinda looks like a dick, guys! Look at that wet spot!”
The other two laugh and Chase's eyes fly to us.
“What the fuck did you idiots do?” He's got his arms crossed in front of him and I hear Sarah and her friends snickering next to me.
“Accident, man. She may need to take that shirt off,” Grant says from behind me.
I stand from the stool and glance at the girls that are laughing next to me. Turning around, my eyes land on Felder and he tries to stop laughing but can't. My cheeks turn red and in a swift move I yank my shirt off.
“Give me your shirt!” I throw my shirt as his face and hold out my shaking hand, waiting for his.
“Holy shit!” Grant's uncontrollable laughter does nothing for this situation.
“What the fuck!” Chase shrieks, running around the bar and holding a towel in front of me. “Jesus, Kaydence. Fuck, Felder!” He's shaking his head. “Felder, take your fucking shirt off for the girl. Since it's your goddamned fault anyway.”
“I'm not sure my wife would like me coming home without a shirt on, Chase,” he says, giggling.
“Here,” Tommy blurts, pulling his off and tossing it at me. “Sorry he's a fucking tool, Kaydence.”
“It was an accident,” I say, managing to keep the tremble out of my tone.
“It wasn't a fuckin' accident.” Sarah laughs. “He did that on purpose.”
“Stay out of it, Sarah,” Chase growls. “You're only allowed to stay in here tonight if you keep it shut tight. Did you already forget that?”
I glance at Chase and my lips part. I'm ready to tell him, or her, to get the hell out of here. Ready to be the girl Chase's friends think I have to be to be with him but when Chase pulls my hair from out of the shirt and softly smiles at me, I don't do it. That's not the type of person I am.
“Thanks, Tommy,” I say and turn to the bar, grabbing my beer.
“Last call, guys,” Chase says, still watching me.
“The fuck, it's barely midnight!” Grant whines.
“And I said last fuckin' call. It's just you assholes here anyway. Go home and get drunk, we're closin' early tonight.”
His friends bitch and moan all the way back to the table but Chase won't stop watching me. I quietly finish my beer, sitting two stools away from Sarah and her friends while they talk about it, laughing at me. Chase doesn't seem to notice, and I don't want him to. They don't matter. They're not going to take my happiness away.
I hold Chase's hand tight as we ring the bell at Uncle Garrison's.
“When's your mom coming back from Vegas?” I ask as we wait for the door to open.
“Monday I think,” he says, then takes a deep breath. “She can't wait to meet you. I almost feel bad she hasn't yet.”
I grin. “I'm excited. I want to meet your sister too! And all her kids.” The door opens and I hug Donna quickly, stepping around her.
“Come on to the dining room.”
We make our way through the mansion that goofily sits on this ranch, but Donna loves this house.
Brandt, Tyler, Jo, my mom, Uncle Garrison, Kinlee, Will, Bo, Wendy, and another boy around the twins age, all the little kids, and a few people I don't really know are sitting at the table talking until we enter the room and all goes quiet.
“Hi!” I laugh uncomfortably and pull Chase to the open chairs waiting for us.
I make my rounds hugging everyone and meeting the few people I don't know. When we sit down, talk picks up until we say a prayer. Everyone at the table is talking except Brandt, Tyler, Bo, and Chase. And they're the loudest men, so it's becoming more and more noticeable. And the fact all four of them keep answering questions with short answers is starting to piss my uncle Garrison off.
“More potatoes, baby?” I smile at Chase and hear my brother groan from next to me.
When I look up, my eyes meet Uncle Garrison's and he's looking between Tyler and Chase, back and forth before he looks over at Brandt.
“No thanks.” Chase looks down at his plate. “Good food, Mrs. Kenshaw.”
“It was mainly Jo,” Donna says. “She's been busting her butt all day and the kids haven't let her be either. Not to mention.” Donna grins across the table at Jo. “She's carrying another Kenshaw. This family grows bigger and bigger every year.” She smiles proudly. “What about you, Kaydence? You gonna grow a little Kenshaw. Oh, well, it wouldn't be a Kenshaw.” She chuckles and looks at Chase.
Tyler's laugh makes me jump and everyone looks at him. “Kay don't need to be having kids without a father. We know what it's like growing up without a dad.” He glances at my mom and heat starts to flush my entire body in panic.
“Well the baby would have a father, Ty.” Donna laughs. “I was kinda meaning Chase and Kay are cute together.” Donna grins at me and Chase again.
“She's way too good for him, Donna,” Brandt mumbles. “Maybe when she finds someone a little more stable. Then we'll talk.”
Bo snickers next to him until Kinlee elbows him in the gut, making him go silent.
“B—” I begin to say until Uncle Garrison cuts me off.
“Close it, Kaydence.” He points his fork at me then looks from Chase to Tyler, then from Tyler to Brandt and Bo. “Y'all have made my Thanksgiving dinner more uncomfortable than I'd like to admit tonight. I want to know what's got you all so foul that you thought it'd be okay to come in here and ruin the dinner Donna and Jo slaved over for the day.”
“I'm cool.” Tyler shrugs.
“Nothin',” Brandt says, shoving a bite of mashed potatoes in his mouth.
“Sorry, sir,” Chase mumbles, pushing food around his plate. “Kaydence, I'm gonna take a walk. Not feelin' too hungry anymore.” He moves to shove his chair back but Uncle Garrison slams his fist on the table, stopping him in his tracks.
“Sit down, son,” he demands and Jo sighs, throwing her napkin onto the table before leaning back in her chair and popping the button on her jeans. Everyone's staring at her because it seemed like she had something to say, but I think she's just stuffed.
“Pants are snug,” she mumbles and looks at Uncle Garrison who's glaring at her with a fury in his gaze. “Brandt, Tyler, and I think Bo. I don't really know, he's usually just the strong silent type, but they all got an issue with Chase because Chase's...past reputation with...” She glances at her kids. “Ladies. He's a ladies man. They somehow think this will affect his and Kay's relationship. They're all throwing tantrums, acting like teenagers instead of thirty-year-old men. Well...not you, Ty, you're practically young enough to be my son.”
“I'm twenty-one, Jo,” he snickers.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Anyway, they all been makin' Kay's life hell since Chase came into the picture. Who wants dessert?” She reaches for the pie and I dart my gaze to Uncle Garrison who's glaring at Brandt.
Tonight isn't going to end well. I can feel it.
“Tyler.” Uncle Garrison points to the office just off the dining area. “Brandt.” He says when Tyler heads for the door. When Brandt stands, Uncle Garrison looks at Chase, but then quickly to Bo. “You got something to say?”
“No, sir. I want whatever makes Kaydence happy. Chase seems to be doin' just that.” He gives Chase a cordial nod.
“Then next time keep your snickers to yourself.” Uncle Garrison narrows his eyes at him.
“Yes, sir.” Bo nods.
“Chase. Office. Now. Let's deal with this like men.” The chair scrapes across the floor when Uncle Garrison stands and I flinch, almost grabbing Chase but he's on his way and already through the door.
“Jo,” I say in panic.
“Thank god someone's man enough to deal with this finally.” She shoves a bite of pie in her mouth and I look over my shoulder toward the door with worry.