What just happened? This morning has been a roller coaster of emotions. Disappointment: my car acting up and being late for work is frustrating as hell. Anger: Daniel showing up thinking we could just rewind, that is, until he needs another break. Desire: from the second Kacen placed his hand on my hip to open the door, desire coursed through my veins. Factor in the kisses to my temple and the way he defended me, calling me his.
I wish I was.
Then there was the kiss, just a whisper of a touch on the corner of my mouth, my cheek. His words. Everything from that night in Hawaii comes crashing back into me. The way he touched me, held me. Sometimes there are moments like today and I think he remembers too and he wants me. Other times, I feel like I’m just Logan, his personal assistant. When I see what looks like fire in his eyes for me, my mind begins to race. If I were to find another job, then he would no longer be my boss.
I find Kacen leaning against the hood of my car, feet and arms crossed. I can see the corded muscles in his arms, his ink catching my attention like it always does. The memory of those powerful arms holding himself above me as he pushed inside . . . GAH!
Kacen holds his hand out and I drop the keys into them. I stand back and watch him unlock the door and then try to start the car. He tries a few times and this time, there is no sound. Nothing happens at all. He pulls his cell phone out of his pocket, taps the screen a few times, and puts it to his ear. I can hear the low rumble of his voice, but I cannot make out what he’s saying.
“Okay,” he says, climbing out of the car. “I called a friend of mine who owns a garage. He’s going to come and tow it to his shop and see if he can diagnose it. I’m not a mechanic, but it could be as simple as your battery.”
“Thank you, you didn’t have to do that.”
He nods. “Let’s swing by and pick up some breakfast. I’m sure the guys are wondering where we are.”
“I can make something.”
“No. This morning has sucked ass for you. Just take a break, Logan. For the last month, you have made us three meals a day. One day of greasy breakfast sandwiches is not going to kill us.” He winks.
I don’t argue with him. Instead, I slide into the passenger seat of his truck and fasten the seat belt.
Kacen pulls into the McDonald’s drive thru and orders so much food that they lady behind the speaker sounded hesitant, as if he was pranking her. After reading it back to him for the second time, he assures her the order is correct and pulls to the first window. She looks surprised and relieved when he hands her his credit card.
When we make it back to his place, the rest of the guys are sprawled out across the living room, still half asleep.
“Oh, thank God!” Tristan says as we walk into the living room. “I’m starving.”
I can’t help but laugh at his theatrics. I empty the four large bags on the coffee table and leave them to it.
“Logan, eat.”
Kacen always insists I eat with them. “I will. I’m just going to put on a pot of coffee and grab a few bottles of water.”
“We can do it.” He goes to stand, but I hold my hand up to stop him.
“It’s fine. I don’t have much of an appetite anyway. It will only take me a few minutes,” I assure him.
I set the coffee pot up to brew and grab five bottles of water out of the fridge. When I turn around, Kacen is there. He reaches for the bottles of water and sets them on the island. I let out a little yelp of surprise when his hands find my hips and he lifts me to sit on the island as well.
His palms are flat against the island on either side of my hips. His forehead is resting on my shoulder. I’m too stunned to say anything. My palms are sweaty, so I rest them flat against my lap. My heart is thundering in my chest; I know he can hear it. I try to focus on taking deep even breaths.
Finally, he slowly lifts his head. His face is close to mine, so close that I can see the swirl of blues in his eyes, just like the ocean. “Logan,” his voice is gruff, “I—”
“What are you two doing in there? Kace, I thought you were bringing drinks?” Cole yells out.
Surprising me further, he presses his lips against my forehead and backs away. His hands are still flat against the counter, caging me in. Gently, he grips my hips and lifts me, bringing my feet back to the floor.
“Kace!” Gavin calls out. “You get lost, man?”
Kacen takes a deep breath and releases his hold on me. I watch him as he picks up four bottles, leaving one for me, and leaves the room.
What the hell was that? I want to rewind three minutes and hit replay. I want Cole to have not yelled out and interrupted us. What was he about to say?
“Logan! Get your fine ass out here before we eat it all!” Tristan yells for me.
I can’t help but smile. Grabbing my bottle of water, I make my way to the living room to have breakfast with the boys of Soul Serenade.
Kacen’s eyes find mine as soon as I enter the room. He looks at the empty spot next to him on the love seat. I take that as I’m supposed to sit beside him. I grab a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel and take my offered seat.
“So, is that hot roommate of yours seeing anyone?” Cole inquires.
“Not that I’m aware of. I’ve not talked to her much, and she left last night to go to Florida with her parents for two weeks.”
“Didn’t she just start a new job too?” Kacen inquires.
“Yes, but she’s known about the trip for a while. She made sure to tell them during her interview.”
“So you’re staying alone all week?” Kacen questions.
I nod. “Yeah, it’s quiet when she’s gone.”
“Is your place safe?” Tristan asks.
“As safe as it can be, I guess. We have a deadbolt on the door and we’re on the second floor.”
None of them say anything else, but I can tell they want to. Honestly, not one of them has a leg to stand on. I’m their employee, or Kacen’s really. It’s an odd situation.