Forgiving Keven: A Stand-Alone Second Chance Romance

by Siobhan Davis

  Tears roll down her cheeks, and I lift her up, placing her in my lap. I smooth my hand over her hair. “He’s a master manipulator, honey. Most girls would’ve been fooled. It’s not your fault.”

  “I feel responsible. I was living in that house, driving that new car he bought me, and it was all at the expense of others. I feel sick. And now I’ll have to get tested too.”

  “Definitely, and if he’s given you anything, I will fucking kill him.” I’m seething at the thought of it, but I banish it from my mind because this is supposed to be about us moving forward, and continuing to fixate on her ex isn’t helping either of us. I smooth my thumb over the furrows in her brow. “Stop blaming yourself. You didn’t know. And, not to redirect the conversation, but where the hell did you pick up that rust bucket you’re driving?”

  “Lin’s ex-girlfriend left it behind when she moved out.”

  “Gee, I wonder why.”

  “I didn’t want to take anything he gave me, especially the Audi. I can get around the city just fine without a car, but I need one for getting to and from Walpole.”

  “You can’t drive that car. It’s a death trap. I’ll fix you up with a new car.”

  “No.” She turns around on my lap, and I groan, discreetly adjusting my cock in my pants. “Sorry.” She sends me a sheepish smile. “You’re not buying me a car. I have some money saved, and my dad will loan me extra if I need it. I’ll buy my own car.”

  “Please tell me we’re not going to fight about money? Because that’s just plain dumb.”

  “I’m not taking your money. And I’ll be paying you rent,” she adds.

  “You can try.” I smirk. “But I’ll just put it straight back in your account. And I’m getting you a car.”

  “No way, I won’t—”

  I shut her up with a kiss, and soon it turns very hot and heavy, and she’s sprawled on top of me, writhing against me, almost making me come in my pants, but I stop it escalating further because we still have stuff to discuss. “We should talk,” I rasp, holding her at arm’s length when she leans in to kiss me again.

  “Talking’s overrated,” she breathes in a raspy voice, and my cock is like a fucking brick in my pants.

  I stare at her like she’s just grown wings. “I swear you say shit like that to deliberately wind me up.”

  “I do not. I don’t like arguing with you.” She bends down, giving me a fantastic view of her rack and my cock fucking throbs. “I happen to think we can make better use of our time.” She welds her lips to mine, sliding her tongue into my mouth and grinding on my hard-on.

  It takes iron fucking willpower to pull away. “Woman, you will be the death of me. Can we get serious for a minute? Talking is not overrated. Not talking about things has led us to a world of pain and I’m not going to repeat the vicious cycle. We need to agree here and now that there are no more secrets. That we tell each other everything. That we don’t run away from the other person if they’ve pissed us off or there’s a misunderstanding. That we talk through our issues.”

  She nods. “I agree with everything you said, and I promise I won’t run off again.” She presses a sweet kiss to my cheek. “The only place I want to run to is straight into your arms.”

  Chapter 18

  Cheryl

  Kev and I still haven’t had sex even though I sleep in his bed every night the following week. I’ve gotten the all clear—I’m clean, thank God—but he still won’t go there. We make out like demons, and we’ve enjoyed rediscovering each other’s bodies, but he’s still hesitant to bridge that final step. Deep down, I know it’s because he’s giving me time to make sure I’m sure, but there’s a small part of me that debates if he’s having doubts.

  Of course, he didn’t listen to me about the car. I’ve no clue how he does these things, but I woke up for college on Monday morning to find a brand-new X5 waiting for me in the parking lot. The following day, he told me he’d moved the rust bucket to the parking lot at Kade’s old place.

  I went ballistic when he explained he’s also bought Kade’s apartment and put it in my name until he elaborated on the reason for it. He doesn’t want Dan to discover I’m living with him in case he starts digging and uncovers the FBI connection. That could be dangerous for both of us, so it’s best to let Dan believe I’m living in a new place. Kade was looking to get rid of his apartment because he and Eva have just moved into a new house, so it was a matter of signing some papers and transferring some money, and the deal was pushed through fast, or so I was told. There was no way I could hold onto my stubborn pride after learning all that. Kev is covering all the bases in his quest to protect me, and it only makes me love him more.

  So, now I’m the proud owner of a stylish penthouse apartment in the best part of Cambridge that I’ll most likely never live in.

  Dan refuses to go away, hovering like a bad smell. He’s bombarding my cell with texts and messages, so of course, Kev got me a new cell, depositing the old one in my empty apartment so Dan can continue sending messages to his heart’s content, and I don’t have to worry about them.

  It was a good resolution until he showed up at the MassArt library on Thursday, demanding I speak to him. My bodyguard intervened, pretending to be a classmate, and he got Dan removed from the building, but not before he made a huge scene, embarrassing me in the process.

  So, I’m a little stressed as we head for the airport on Friday afternoon although I’m happy to be getting away for a few days. “What’s happening with the case?” I ask Kev when we are freewheeling it on the highway. “Did your boss get the warrant to search the barn?” Kev keeps me informed on a daily basis, which I really appreciate because I know he could get in trouble for divulging classified intel, but he trusts me not to tell a soul.

  “No.” He sighs, reaching out to thread his fingers in mine. “It was a long shot because we were using photographic evidence that’s legally inadmissible, and we have nothing solid to link to the barn. The judge disregarded it straightaway. He said some stuff which leads the SSA to suspect he may be on Stanten or Mancusso’s payroll, so he’s concerned we’ve showed Stanten our hand, which means he’ll be even more careful from now on. It’s a fucking nightmare.”

  “That’s not good. Where does the investigation go from here then?” I ask, rubbing soothing circles on the back of his hand.

  “We’ll keep digging. I know, in my gut, he’s stashing stuff in that barn, but I can’t figure out how he’s getting it in. We have guys watching the house, and Agent Wentward is still following Stanten, but there’s been no deliveries. I’ve pored over the plans of the house and the grounds, but there is no other way onto the property. It makes no sense.” His frustration bleeds into his tone, and I wrack my brain for anything that might help.

  I sit up straighter in my seat as a thought occurs to me. “I remember something,” I say, twisting in my seat to face him. The leather squelches with the movement. “What plans have you been going over?”

  “The one’s Stanten lodged with his recent planning application.”

  Butterflies scatter in my chest, and the words rush out of my mouth in a hurry. “Check further back. Dan told me the house was originally built in the nineteen twenties. It had lain idle for the last eight years, having been neglected, and it needed a lot of work. He said he tore down most of the structure to build the current house, but if you check out the previous plans, including the grounds, maybe there was an old entrance somewhere that he’s using.”

  “It’s an intelligent suggestion, but I’ve already looked at the previous plans, and I didn’t see anything.”

  “But have you looked at all the available plans? Maybe you need to go right back to the original plans.”

  His Adam’s apple jumps in his throat, and he looks deep in thought. “It can’t hurt to try.” He smiles as he takes the turn for the airport. “Let me know if you have any other good ideas.
You just might be on to something there.”

  I lean across the console and kiss his cheek. “Keep me posted if you find anything.”

  “You know I will.”

  Twenty minutes later, we walk hand in hand toward the Kennedy’s private jet, and already I feel some of my stress flittering away. I remember flying to Nantucket with the Kennedys a bunch of times, but this plane looks much bigger. “Is this the same plane?” I inquire.

  “Nope. Dad had to upgrade because the family keeps expanding.” He squeezes my hand, smirking a little. “I hope you’ve prepared yourself.”

  “Prepared myself for what?” I ask, frowning.

  “For the Kennedy reunion experience.” His face breaks out in a wide smile.

  “Tsk.” I brush his concern away. “It’s just like catching up with relatives I haven’t seen in a while.” Although, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little apprehensive. It’s been years since I’ve seen most of Kev’s family and I’m wondering how they’ve taken the news we’re back together.

  “If you say so.” He winks, letting me ascend the stairs first. “Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.”

  I’ve only taken one foot into the plush cabin when Alex—Kev’s mom—jumps up out of her seat, rushes toward me, and grabs me into a mammoth hug.

  “Cheryl. You’ve no idea how excited I was when Keven told me you were joining us for Easter.” She beams at me, her eyes perusing me from head to toe. “Oh my.” She plants a hand on her chest. “You’ve blossomed into a beautiful young woman. I always knew you would.”

  I blush a little at her compliment. “Thank you, and for the invitation. I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone.”

  “Be glad she isn’t still at the helm of Kennedy Apparel, or she’d be roping you into modeling,” Keaton says, coming up behind his mom. “Good to see you, Cher Bear,” he adds—using the pet name he gave me when he was twelve—wrangling me into a hug.

  “You too, Keats.” I ease out of his hug, looking up at him. He’s as tall as Kyler and Kaden now and every bit as good-looking as all his brothers. The Kennedy gene pool is something else and most unfair to the rest of the male population.

  The stylish layer of stubble on Keaton’s face and the tats creeping up one arm give him an edgy vibe, and it’s not something I would’ve ever guessed I’d see on him. But I knew the triplets when they were young teens, and it only highlights how much I’ve missed. “Wow, you’re definitely not a kid anymore.”

  “We’re all grown up now, babe,” Kent says, shoving his brother out of the way and yanking me into his arms. “I’d be happy to give you a full body demonstration, so you can see for yourself,” he adds, copping a cheeky feel of my ass.

  “I’m going to throw you out of this plane,” Kev growls, pushing his brother off me. “While we’re ten thousand feet in the air,” he adds, narrowing his eyes at his younger brother.

  “Don’t be jealous, bruh. It’s not my fault I’m younger and hotter,” he retorts, winking at me in a deliberate attempt to piss Kev off. “Anytime you feel like trading him in for a newer model, I’m your man.” He licks his lips suggestively, and I work hard to contain my laughter.

  “Say that again, asshole,” a girl with vibrant blue hair says, storming past me and pushing Kent in the chest.

  “Whitney, baby.” He reaches for her, but she folds her arms across her chest, glaring at him. “I was only messing around. Cheryl’s with Kev, and I was just winding him up.”

  Kev gives Kent the middle finger before taking my hand and guiding me through the cabin.

  “Hey, Keanu,” I say as we pass the last of the triplets.

  “Hey, Cher.” He gives me a quick smile and a terse nod before popping his ear buds back in his ears and staring out the window.

  “Don’t take that personally,” Kev whispers in my ear. “He’s been a raging asshole for months, but none of us know why. He’s as secretive as ever.”

  Kev pulls me into a seat beside him, facing off against his brother Kyler and a gorgeous dark-haired girl I’m guessing is his girlfriend. “Hey, Ky.” I wiggle my fingers at him. “Long time no see.”

  “I know, right?” He unbuckles his seat belt, leaning over to give me a quick hug. “It’s great to see you, and I’m glad you guys are giving it another go.”

  “Kyler.” Kev’s tone would stop traffic.

  “I’d hoped his mood would improve with you back in his life, but I guess that was too much to ask for,” Ky deadpans, slinging his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders.

  She leans forward in her chair, smiling at me. “Hi, I’m Faye. I’ve been really looking forward to meeting you.”

  She has the most gorgeous, lyrical Irish accent, and I could listen to her all day long. “Me too. And congratulations on your engagement.” My gaze bounces between them, and I catch the loving look they share. “How are your wedding plans coming along?”

  “Great, it’s all pretty much sorted. Alex is like a force of nature, she’s so organized, and she keeps me on top of everything,” Faye says.

  “What Faye is too polite to say is Mom is like the craziest wannabe bridezilla you could ever meet,” Ky faux whispers.

  She tugs at his arm, fighting a smile while chastising him. “Stop it! She’s just excited.” Faye turns her attention back to me. “Alex has been feeling a little bored since she sold her fashion business, and I think she just loves being kept busy now with both weddings and her new interior design company.”

  “And speaking of …” Ky trails off, grinning as he stands. “Hey, man.” I glance over my shoulder, smiling at Rachel and Brad. I feel like such an idiot for jumping the gun last weekend, but Rachel was very gracious about it, and she went out of her way to ensure I didn’t feel stupid, regaling me with stories of how contentious things were with her and Brad when they first met.

  Ky and Brad do the man hug thing, and Faye hops up, squealing and clinging to Rachel as they both jump up and down.

  “Changed your mind yet?” Kev teases, whispering into my ear.

  “Not a bit,” I tell him. “You know I love your family, and it’s an added bonus having the girls on the trip. It’s going to be great.”

  He wraps his large hand around the back of my neck, drawing me into him for a slow, unhurried kiss. My eyes flutter closed, and I hear nothing except the rapid beating of my heart. Kev makes love to my mouth, and I should care that we’re not in private, but the heady feelings racing inside me overrule any sense of logic or decency.

  “Ahem.” A throat clearing breaks us apart, and I turn my head around, grinning at the good-looking older man crouching down over us. “I thought someone”—James shoots daggers at Keven—“would bring you into the cockpit so I could say hello, but I was fed up waiting, so I came to you instead. How are you, Cheryl? We’re delighted you could join us.”

  I stand, giving Kev’s dad a firm hug. “I’m great and really happy to be here.”

  “I hope you’re still saying that after the weekend,” he jokes, pressing in as an unfamiliar man and two young boys move past him to take the last of the seats.

  “Dad!” Faye flings herself into the new arrival’s arms, hugging him fiercely. “I was scared you were going to miss the flight.”

  “I was waiting at the office for Whitney and the twins to be dropped off. Their mother was running late, apparently.” I don’t know these people, but I detect the edge in his voice and sense there’s some friction there.

  “Right, I’d better head back. This plane won’t fly itself.” James grins before dropping a kiss on my cheek. “It’s wonderful to have you back in the fold, sweetheart. Don’t take any shit from this one.” He jabs Kev in the shoulder, good-naturedly, before surveying the chaos in the cabin.

  Hardly anyone is seated, and people are moving up and down the aisle or standing around casually chatting.

 
Putting two fingers in his mouth, he emits a shrill whistle, capturing everyone’s attention. “We’re talking off shortly, so I need everyone to sit down and buckle up. Kent!” James roars, and Faye’s dad whips his head around, concern and frustration etched upon his face. “Get back to your seat. You too, Whitney!” he says, exchanging resigned looks with Faye’s dad.

  “What’s that all about?” I whisper to Kev.

  “Whitney is Faye’s half-sister, and her and Kent usually screw around whenever they see one another. Christmas was the last time they were together, and they were caught fucking, and it did not go down well.”

  “Yikes. I’m so glad we’re past all the sneaking around.”

  He pins me with a wolfish grin, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me into his body. “Me too. It means I get to keep you by my side all night, and we don’t need to worry about anyone catching us.”

  My mind goes back in time. “Do you remember that time—”

  “When we were fucking our brains out in your bedroom thinking your parents wouldn’t be home for at least another couple of hours,” he continues, instantly thinking of the same incident.

  “But Mom got food poisoning, and they came home early,” I say.

  “And I got such a fright I pulled out and came all over your stomach—”

  “And on the bed, my pajamas”—I drill him with a look—“and you even managed to projectile into my hair.”

  He shrugs, his lips curving into a goofy smile. “What can I say? I’ve got mad skills.” He waggles his brows, and I laugh.

  “I can still see you, buck-ass naked, holding your clothes and practically tumbling out my window.”

  “It was a fucking close call,” he admits, shaking his head.

  “It sure was. I had just enough time to yank the covers up and hide my nakedness before Dad came into the room.” My face scrunches up. “Your cum was clinging to my skin while I was trying to keep a pleasant smile on my face. It was so gross.”