by Karen Deen
“You are more like me than you realize, Lil. Lord help the man you finally choose to marry. He’s going to be either very patient or more controlling and stubborn than I am, and that’s saying something. You’re going to keep him jumping, that’s for sure. Now, can I go and see my girlfriend please, Princess Lilly?” He leans down and kisses the top of my head as the bags start to come around the carousel. I know, being my brother, he will attend to my suitcase and then will complain about how heavy it is as we make our way to the taxi stand.
“You might think I’m hard work, but I pity Zara too. Have you looked in the mirror lately? You’re just as big a pain in the ass as I am, so suck it up and let’s get moving.” I feel the deep laugh that is rattling his chest against my body. This is what Grant and I do. We are constantly at each other, pushing buttons, as only a brother and sister can get away with. Regardless, I know he will always be there for me and I love him for just being him, in all his controlling ways. That’s what family does, loves each other despite the flaws.
Alesha and I head towards the doors that leave the airport. The boys are behind us dragging the bags, Xavier patiently listening to Grant carry on about the time. The airport is busy and there’s a lineup for taxis which I can hear Grant huffing about behind me. Little does he realize that while he was inside lecturing me, I was ordering an Uber that’s just pulling up to the pickup area now.
“That red SUV over there is our Uber, so less talking and more walking, boys.” Alesha rolls her eyes at me and follows along, not game to take sides. She and Xavier will be glad to get rid of Grant and I later tonight to get quiet time to themselves. “They’ll drop us to the hotel with the bags first and then drop you straight to the theatre, Grant. Does that sound okay?”
“Thanks, sis.” He gives me a hint of a small smile when I look back over my shoulder at him. Thinking about it, I think he might be right; I’m the only one who knows how to tame Grant and cut off the bossiness before it escalates. It could be how similar we are deep down. Not that I will ever admit that out loud to anyone.
Looking at my watch, even I’m getting a little worried at how little time I’m going to have to get ready. This Friday traffic is ridiculous. We would have been fine if the flight hadn’t been delayed on take-off, and then of course that put us out of sequence when trying to land. Next time I’m taking the whole day off and flying out earlier than everyone else. I hate being rushed to get ready for a night on the town. I like to enjoy the process of dressing up.
“The hotel is just up this road a little, so we’re nearly there,” the Uber driver announces. Thankful, I gather my handbag in my lap and get ready to jump out as soon as he pulls to a stop. This is the time I will curse how big and heavy my bag is. Grant tells the driver he’ll get my bag out and then be back in to continue on to the theatre. Grant only has a small bag that he’ll take with him. He stays at Zara’s place and doesn’t need much. Either he has clothes he leaves here, or he doesn’t plan on wearing any for most of the weekend. Whatever the answer, I don’t need to know.
My heels clipping across the floor in a fast beat let people know I’m coming and that I’m on a mission. Several people clear out of my way as I march towards the check-in counter. I have no problem telling the desk clerk that we’re in a hurry and giving him a little extra cleavage as I lean forward on the desk to help him get us checked in quicker.
“There are your keys, Miss Stevenson, and I will be here tonight and tomorrow night if you need any extra help with anything at all. Here is my card so you know who to ask for.” His hand lingers a little too long on mine while handing it to me. He’s kind of cute and could be worth a little chat later tonight on my way back into the hotel. But for now, I’m in a hurry and don’t have time for the chit chat.
“Sorry,” I look down at the card, “Ford, I’m in a hurry. Maybe we can chat later.” I turn and rush towards the elevator where Xavier and Alesha are already pushing the button. I hand them the key for their room, that’s next door to mine, as we all step into the elevator.
“Lilly, no joke, you have ten minutes until you need to be back at the elevator ready to go. I don’t want to miss the start of the show. Plus, you saw how bad the traffic is. I mean it. Be quick.” Alesha tries to put on the stern big sister voice. If I had more time, I’d joke with her, but I just mumble yes as I rush into my room, closing the door behind me. I don’t have time to check it out, I just drop my bag to the floor and start grabbing what I need. I was going to save my red dress for tomorrow night, but it’s on top so that’s what I’m wearing now. Hopefully, wherever we end up after the show, there are some hot guys who will appreciate this little sexy number. With all the carry on today with Grant, then rushing here and listening to Alesha be the big sister, I’m honestly just needing a drink. I could really use a night out letting loose. Theatre first, play later.
Just as I’m spraying a fresh round of perfume after reapplying my make-up, there’s bashing on my door. Far out. I get it. We need to go. I grab my bag and phone and curse on my way to the door about damn big brothers and sisters.
Walking into the foyer of the theatre, the ten-minute warning bell is chiming. Secretly deep down, I’m breathing a sigh of relief that we made it on time. I didn’t want to disappoint Zara or Grant by missing the first part of the show. Moving down the aisle towards the front rows, I can see Grant fixated on his phone. Shuffling into the seats, he startles a little, quickly closing down his phone screen. There is a smoldering smile plastered on his face.
“What you are you doing, big brother?” I sit down next to him giving him a little jab with my elbow. “A little sexting with Zara would be my guess.”
“Lilly,” he says in a low growl. That tells me in an instant. Back off, you’re in dangerous territory. Also confirms I was right which makes me smile.
“Touchy,” I whisper as the lights dim down and the music starts up. My mind is lost in the beauty of the show and the talent of watching Zara do what she has trained so hard to achieve. She obviously loves it so much, just looking at the happiness on her face.
The show is over before I know it, I was so mesmerized by it that I didn’t realize it was coming to an end. There is something about a Broadway show that just takes you to another place and stops you thinking of anything else for a short while.
Waiting for Zara to come out from backstage, Grant paces with pent-up energy. You can tell how much he misses her. Usually, I might be happy to be the annoying sister, but right at this moment, I’m happily watching his face light up as she comes towards him at a quick walk that’s almost a run. I never imagined he would be one for a big public display of affection, but he wraps his arms around her and kisses her like their lives depend on it. There are sparks and electricity flying around them as they are tuned out from the rest of the world. They only see each other in this moment.
We stand back for a minute but then I can’t resist a comment. “Perhaps a room for you two would be a good idea?” Zara giggles and drops her head into Grant’s chest as he gives me the look that says be careful who you’re messing with, little sister.
He finally lets Zara go long enough for us to say our hellos, then we all head to a restaurant down the road to grab a late dinner. Just as well, because I’m starving. Probably a good idea too if we plan on going out drinking later.
Lots of bubbles on an empty stomach makes for a very silly Lilly.
We catch up with Zara and how life in New York is for her. Alesha and I are both wanting to know about the shopping and what places we should visit tomorrow. Can’t imagine that Grant would be much help, even though he has been visiting here on a regular basis. Not sure he’s ever here for the sightseeing.
“So, where are we off to now we’ve finished eating? I’m so ready to party and let loose on the dance floor. Are you girls with me?” I look across the table at both Alesha and Zara who are both tucked under the arms of their men. Neither look like they’re ready to party with me.
“We’r
e heading home. Zara’s tired and has a two-show day tomorrow. You guys have fun and maybe tomorrow night we can join you.” The way he looks down into Zara’s eyes tells me no matter how tired she is, Grant has plans for her.
“Yeah, right. Tired, is that the new word for going home to get down and dirty?” I ask with a smirk on my face.
“Lilly,” Grant growls at me at the same time Alesha says my name in shock.
“What? It’s not like we don’t all know what happens when you don’t see your loved one for a few weeks. I might be the youngest in this family, but people, I’m not five years old. Now you two get moving and head home for a good night’s sleep. We are heading out to explore New York at night. You ready, Lesh and Xav, got your dancing shoes on?” Alesha looks at me and then up at Xavier with the sort of face you would expect if she were about to walk into the dentist.
“Don’t you dare tell me you aren’t coming out with me, Alesha. You can’t come to the city that never sleeps and head home early. Suck it up, we are going out and you will smile and love it!” What the hell is wrong with my family. More precisely, where did I come from? I need Luke here. He would have been up for a night on the town.
“Calm down, Lil. We’re coming with you. I’ve got a friend here who’s going to meet us wherever we end up. So, you two girls go hold hands and visit the ladies’ room, so we can get moving.” Alesha giggles at Xavier.
“Yes, Dad.” I stand, giving Xavier the salute as we head off to find the bathroom. Great, another man in the family who thinks they can be like my father. How rude of him saying we need to hold hands to go the bathroom. Women do tend to head to the bathroom with a friend, but holding hands is ridiculous. We just like safety in numbers or use it for a place to gossip, whichever works.
After touching up my lipstick and checking out myself in the mirrors, I am ready to hit the town.
“Who’s Xavier’s friend that we’re meeting, and is he hot? Is he single? How does he know him, have you met him? Come on, don’t leave a girl hanging.” I link my arm in Alesha’s as we walk back out towards our table. She’s quietly giggling at me.
“I have no idea. I didn’t know anything about it until just now when he mentioned it. So, I’m in the dark like you. We’ll just have to wait to find out,” she whispers as we arrive back at the table.
Like hell I’m waiting, Xavier is about to get the Spanish Inquisition on the way in the cab to whatever bar we decide to go to. Saying our goodbyes to Grant and Zara along with a few little jokes about where they’re going, we head out to flag down a ride across town. Zara suggested a bar called Silver Dome which is classy and has a great atmosphere. As she’s hugging me goodbye, she whispers in my ear that it will be full of sinfully hot guys who are looking for a good time. Half the single dancers in her show party there. I squeeze her that little bit tighter to thank her for the heads up on the potential eye candy.
“Time to spill the beans, Xavier. Who’s your friend we’re meeting? I need to know all the details before I meet him. Come on, tell me everything. Is he good looking? Is he single? What’s he like and how come you only just mentioned this now?”
“Because I knew you would carry on exactly like this. Give the poor guy a break. Can you not go all types of Lilly crazy on him when you first see him? But to answer your questions, he’s just a guy I know, he thinks he’s good-looking—I can’t however pass judgement on that—he’s very single and a good guy. I’m pretty sure you’ll like him, so calm down.” For some reason, Xavier wasn’t looking straight at me when he was talking. I can’t tell if he’s laughing because what he’s told me is crap or he’s just laughing at me asking for details. Seriously, it’s just like having another brother the same as Luke. They’re never too serious and love to make me the center of their jokes.
“I swear to god, Xavier, you better not be making fun of me. I haven’t had enough drinks yet for you to be this funny. I guess I’ll have to judge for myself this friend of yours but I’m thinking if he is anything like you then he’ll be damn annoying. Not sure we need another annoying guy in this little party.”
“Hey, I’ve been on my best behavior tonight. I know your brother doesn’t get my sense of humor so I promised Ally I would be a good boy, well, until now.” He squeezes her hand as she’s rolling her eyes at him.
“Wow, she must have really scared you for you to agree to that.”
“It’s the punishment of what she threatened to withhold which is enough for me to behave.” Xavier starts laughing out loud while Alesha is punching him in the arm telling him to be quiet. I can’t help but start to laugh at them both. They’re super cute together.
“Well, you better listen to me, if you have set me up tonight and then run off and leave me while you two head back to the room, there’s going to be more trouble for you than if my sister was to withhold sex. Got it, funny boy?” I was trying to pretend to be angry and threaten him, but it never works for me. I love Xavier, he does make me laugh although he is annoying at times, but I know how much he loves Alesha and that means the world to me.
“You may be a scary woman, Lilly, but nothing is scarier than Ally and her threats to cut me off. That’s like saying to you that you’re banned from buying any more shoes.”
“Uhh,” I gasped. “Don’t ever swear like that again. You know that’ll kill me. Don’t even pretend that’s a possibility. You will destroy my soul.”
Xavier’s phone signals a message as we pull up to the curb. “Is that your friend?” I smirk at him. Turning to open the door I hear him answer, “Yep, he’s here,” in the background as my breathing stops and my heart slams into my chest as my eyes lock onto him.
The eyes, the smile and a body that sings a tune I can’t ignore.
Holy shit, tonight just got a whole lot more interesting.
Okay, little red dress, time to work your magic.
He reaches for my hand to help me from the cab, pulling me up to be standing straight in front of him.
Shocks race up my arm.
Snap out of it. Time to play, Lilly.
His smile makes me want to melt but I manage to get one word out.
“Kane.”
Chapter Four
Kane
There are a lot of people walking past me, heading inside the bar that I’m waiting for Xavier and Ally to arrive at. I was happy when he mentioned last week that he was heading to New York at the same time I was here training. Nothing better than spending time with friends that you can trust and can completely relax with. Ally is such a sweetheart and we’ve become so close over the last few months. After what we went through when we thought we lost Xavier, we’re closer than most friends. Xavier is our bond. She might be a little quiet, but once you get to know her, she is such a beautiful soul. Total opposite to Xavier but she grounds him. They’re meant to be together which is cool for him.
I hope they don’t take too much longer. Large crowds make me nervous. It’s like I can’t look in enough places at once to watch out for potential danger. Part of who I am, or rather who I have become. Switching the police brain off to just be Kane is hard for me to do. I need to know how much longer they’ll be.
Kane: Where’s your ugly mug, man, how much longer will you be?
Xavier: Pulling up in front of you in the taxi. Looking at your fat head right now.
About time. I walk forward to help Ally out of the only cab at the curb. The leg that slides out of the open door is certainly not Alesha.
Holy shit.
Instinct has me holding out my hand to help the woman from the cab. As she stands, I should have moved back to give her room, but for some reason my feet are stuck in the one spot. Her body is now within inches of mine and I am looking into the face of the sexy sister. The one who’s caught me off guard once before.
Lilly!
Fuck me, what a sight she is to a man who’s looking for a good time.
I step back a little to give the others room to get out of the taxi.
“Ka
ne, what are you doing here?” Alesha squeals as she hugs me tight. “Xavier didn’t tell me you were going to be in New York. He just said we were meeting a friend.”
Looking over at Xavier, the bastard wears a wide grin. The girls aren’t the only ones shocked.
Leaving my arm draped over her shoulder, I look down to Alesha. “You should have guessed it was me then. Xavier doesn’t have any other friends. No one else puts up with him like we do.”
Xavier pulls her out of my arms, slapping me in the chest. “Says the man who has to put his hands on my woman because he can’t find his own,” Xavier comments, half joking and half serious. There is only one thing that Xavier can’t take a joke about and that’s when it comes to his Ally.
My eyes are instantly drawn to Lilly as he talks about me finding my own woman. Life is not that simple but there’s one hot-as-fuck woman standing in front of me right now that I wouldn’t mind making mine for a while. Slowly scanning her body, I feel my own heat up. She’s poured into a red dress that leaves nothing to my imagination on how she’s shaped underneath it. My hands are twitching to run over the dress to confirm what those curves feel like underneath the red tormenting outer skin she has on.
A whack to my shoulder snaps me back to the here and now. I think Xavier said something I’ve missed. The girls are heading towards the doorway, and Xavier shoves me in the back to follow.
“Pick your jaw off the ground and wipe the dribble off your chin. It’s not very becoming for a guy to look so desperate.” Xavier thinks he’s hilarious as he stalks after the girls. Fuck, that ass of hers is only going to cause trouble for me.
Big. Fucking. Trouble.
The music is pounding in my chest the way it always does. It drowns out the feelings that often are whirring around in my body, distracting me. We find a table near the bar and the girls take a seat while we head to grab some drinks.