This week flew by. Kacen took every opportunity for us to spend time together. We’re not officially together, but he’s wearing me down.
Today we went to Children’s Hospital and visited with some of the older kids. All four of the guys were amazing. They were patient with the kids and didn’t treat them as if they were sick. They played board games with them, and the last hour or so, played for them. It was all a capella and the guys took requests. It was a sight to see my rockers singing Taylor Swift. It was even more shocking that they knew the words. On the drive home, they quickly reminded me that they love all genres of music. I think I hurt their feelings, though not intentionally.
As we were packing up to leave, the fifteen-year-old boy who requested that Soul Serenade visit rolled over to Kacen and me in his wheelchair. He stuck his hand out for Kacen to shake and thanked him for an awesome day. I couldn’t prevent the tears that burned hot behind my eyes. Then the kid pointed at me and asked Kacen, “Is she your girlfriend?”
I was embarrassed at first, mainly because I know he wants me to be. “She’s my girl,” he told him, and my heart swelled. It was in that moment that I knew I could no longer fight the inevitable. He makes me happy, and he’s proven time and time again that I’m who he wants. Life is full of risks, and I have to risk my heart in order to reap the reward.
We’ve been home for about an hour and I’m pacing the foyer, waiting for Stacy. She got home two days ago, but had a mandatory meeting yesterday, so I haven’t been able to see her. I miss her. I want to hear all about her vacation, and then I have a ton to catch her up on. She’s missed a lot between Kacen and me.
I’m sure she’s going to be thrilled to know I’m going to tell him tonight after she leaves that I’m in, and I want anything and everything he’s offering. I want to take the risk, especially if he is my reward.
“Is she here yet?” Cole asks as he sits down on the bottom step. Ever since that night in the bar, he’s been bugging me about her. What’s she like? Is she seeing anyone? The list goes on and on. We can all see he’s interested, despite only having met her for a couple of hours. I can only assume that Tristan and Gavin are going to make it hard on him tonight, flirting with her every chance they get. I need to make sure I warn her about those three.
My phone beeps with a text:
Stacy: I’m here. Can you open the gate?
Me: On it.
I walk toward the panel on the wall that controls the gate, but Cole beats me to it. I’m going to enjoy watching him go head to head with my bestie.
I dash out the front door and down the steps, waiting for her to make it up the driveway. As soon as the car stops, I’m rushing her door and pulling it open. We engulf each other in a tight hug.
“I missed your ass,” she laughs.
“I missed you, too. How was vacation?”
“Good, Mom and Dad drove me crazy. ‘When are you going to settle down? I want grandkids . . . yadda, yadda, yadda.’ You know how they are.”
“Yes, I do. You should stay here at least a night or two to give yourself a break,” I offer.
“Listen to you being Ms. Hostess. Does that hottie rock star of yours know you’re passing along that invitation?”
“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.