by Terra Kelly
He crawled under the covers and snuggled in beside her. “Hmmm…well, we will have to think about it then.” Then he bent to kiss her swollen lips. “Sleep well, baby.”
She turned, so they were spooning and wiggled her behind into his sex. “You too, handsome.”
Monday morning Kenzie woke to her loud alarm on her phone. She reached over and turned it off, realizing she was alone in the bed. Stretching, she got up and went to grab panties and a t-shirt. She made her way down the hallway and heard the TV in the living room. When she peeked her head around the corner, she laughed. “You’re watching a cooking show?”
Joshua was sitting on the coach with his feet resting on the ottoman. “What? I always watch cooking shows.”
She sat down beside him. “You do, huh?” Then poking his side. “So when did you start liking them, this morning?” She giggled, “I get it, just gearing up for the big day.”
He shook his head. “You’re just worried, because you know I will take you down.”
“What?” Then she leaned up and straddled him. “Never, I’m just worried you will be upset when you lose.” Then she bent and kissed his lips. “I haven’t seen you upset yet. Is it ugly?”
He spun around and had her lying on the couch with him above her, “You don’t have to worry about all that, because you won’t see me upset. You will however see me cheering.” Then he moved his hips into her and bent to kiss her sweet lips. Just then the door rang and Josh rested his forehead on hers. “Worst timing ever goes to...” Then he went to answer the door. “Hey Gage, what’s up?”
“Hey man, can I hang out here? I need a few hours away from mom and dad.”
“Come on in.”
“Hey little bro, you okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, just needed a break. Did I interrupt anything? I can leave?”
Joshua and Kenzie answered at the same time. “Not at all.”
Kenzie pulled his arm toward the kitchen table. “Are they talking your ear off?”
Just then Elvis came lumbering in the room and sat down against Gage’s leg. He bent to pet the gentle giant. “Your dogs are awesome. Which one is this one?” Elvis leaned his head up and rested it on Gage’s thigh.
Kenzie laughed. “That big sweetie is, Elvis. He seems to know when someone is feeling down or stressed.” She bent forward and kissed his nose. “Don’t you buddy?” Elvis took that moment to kiss the whole side of her face. “And he loves to give big slobbery kisses.”
Joshua was pouring himself another cup of coffee. He held up the pot and asked, “Coffee?”
They both said yes at the same time. Gage smiled. “So, you live here now?”
Kenzie took the warm mug of coffee from Joshua. “Well, yes. Would you want to rent the house? Otherwise, I’ll just get out of the lease.”
Gage looked excited. “Shit yeah! Thanks, sis.”
Kenzie shrugged, “No biggie. Hey, you’re coming to the cook-off tonight, right? It will be Joshua’s family, mom and dad, Izzy’s parents and brother. It will be freaking crazy. We’re making fish tacos and there will be enough to feed an army.” She took a big sip of her coffee and sighed, loving how Joshua knew exactly how to make her coffee. She looked over at him as he grabbed a couple things from the fridge. She teased, “I was actually just preparing Joshua for losing tonight.”
Gage heard Josh snort, and he had to smile. “You better be prepared man, she is competitive. Oh, and a sore loser.”
Kenzie punched him. “What? I never lose.”
Joshua looked over at Gage, laughing. “Just shake your head yes and move on. It’s easier.”
“Oh whatever.” Then she stood, and while walking past Joshua, she playfully pushed him. “I believe that is my cue to get ready for work.”
Kenzie and Shawna were the last to arrive at Connie and Jim’s place. Kenzie hopped out of her car. “Okay, let’s go kick some ass and devour a lot of fish tacos.”
Shawna had heard about the cook-off all day and was finding her friends competitive side entertaining. “Oh girl, with all your trash talk today I hope you win.” She grabbed a couple bags from the car. “Now, if your tacos are as good as you shared earlier. Well, winner, winner, chicken dinner.”
“They’ll be even better.”
As they walked up the steps, Izzy opened the door and squealed. “There’s my sweet friends. Who’s ready to kick some fish taco ass?”
Kenzie looked at Shawna, and said, “See, not just me.”
Shawna shook her head and walked inside first. Connie was walking in from the backyard. “Shawna, darling. Is Kenzie with you, too?”
“Yup, she and Izzy are discussing the win tonight.”
“Hi Connie, did you prepare Joshua for a huge loss?”
Connie laughed. “I’m staying out of that one, sweetie. I will say though, everyone’s here and hungry.”
Izzy grabbed the girls’ hands and pulled them towards the backyard. “Hey, look who the cat dragged in.”
Everyone cheered, some had to meet for the first time, while others hugged. Then Izzy piped up. “Okay, so not only are we having fun and celebrating the wedding week of festivities. We get to be a part of a cook-off between Joshua and Kenzie. This is all in good spirits, no real contest is happening. Josh... Kenzie... play fair and make a killer recipe. We all came hungry tonight.”
Kenzie was at her little station where a grill was being heated for the fish. She also had a little portable burner, so she could sauté vegetables. They both had given Connie a list of what they wanted for their recipes. Connie had everything presented on both tables, lids off cans, seals removed on containers, everything. She stood there for a moment, then looked at Joshua. “Your mom is amazing.”
“I have to agree. What makes you say that?”
“Our tables look like we’re on a cooking show. Everything is so neat and tidy.”
“She is OCD. I guess that’s a benefit to us.”
Shawna walked up and looked at Kenzie. “You’re talking to the competitor?”
“Um…Yeah,” Kenzie chuckled, grabbing the fish. “Okay, let’s get this party started.”
Lexie was hopping from foot to foot with so much excitement. She looked at Alex, and asked, “Can I help them, Daddy?”
Alex pulled her closer to his side. “Let’s let them cook the tacos, then you can help with some other recipes. Okay, sweet girl?”
Joshua smiled. “We need sous chefs to help. I would love mine to be, sweet little Lexie.”
“Well, you made a little girl very happy. Izzy, Shawna, either of you want to help?”
Izzy raised her hand. “Heck yeah girl, let’s do this.”
For the next fifty minutes, each team worked together, and pumped out some serious fish tacos. Since they were making extra for the whole clan, they had to take a little extra time to get more items cut up and prepped. With Kenzie being from the Southwest, she stayed true to the Mexican style tacos.
Joshua’s only exposure to fish tacos was the little Mexican restaurant not far from his house. He made a Mexican-American food fusion with his tacos. They each had enough to feed everyone two tacos.
When they were done, Kenzie sighed and rested her behind on a table. “Wow, okay, who has wine to place in these little paws?”
Her dad laughed. “Your mom had a bottle open and ready for you.”
“Oh, bless you,” Kenzie teased, as her mom handed her a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc. She took a big gulp as warm arms wrapped around her waist. “Hey love, want some?” Then she held her glass for him to take a sip. They fit together perfectly. Every feeling. Every moment. Perfect.
Connie was holding Lexie’s hand and walking toward them. Lexie was hopping up and down. “Uncle Josh, Kenzie, that was so fun. Can we do it again?”
Joshua bent down and scooped her up. “Let’s take a day or two to enjoy this cook-off. Then maybe we can get your mom and dad to do a cook-off?”
Lexie giggled. “That would be so much fun.” Then she leaned in and h
ugged him around his neck. “I tried them. I can’t decide, they both good.”
Kenzie melted right there. “So, is this the Lexie spell you shared with me? I just want to eat you up, you are so precious.”
Lexie giggled. “Eat me up, but I may taste bad.”
Kenzie and Joshua at the same time said, “Never.”
Connie looked at Kenzie, “Okay, the votes are in and it’s confirmed, you know your fish tacos.”
Kenzie yelled, “Yes! I won?”
Joshua looked at Chuck and Jean. “I see she is a gracious winner.”
They both laughed, Chuck patted his arm. “Son, this is only the tip of the iceberg.”
A little later, Connie walked out onto the patio and looked around at everyone. She couldn’t believe her son was getting married in just five days. Drew and Joshua walked up beside her at that moment. Drew put his arm around Connie. “How are you doing, Mom?”
“Wonderful. I can’t believe in just five days you will be married.”
Joshua laughed. “Yeah, because now the pressure moves to Grant or me.”
“I would say you more, right?”
Joshua shook his head. “Not sure, I have a feeling we will wait for awhile. We’re still making up for ten years of lost time together.”
“Well, enjoy every moment and don’t rush it. She’s wonderful,” Drew said, patting him on the back. “I’m happy for you, man.”
Just then Izzy and Kenzie walked up, they were both holding a couple tacos. Connie kissed both her sons on the cheeks. “I love you both so much.” Then she walked away, leaving the them with just the girls.
Izzy laughed. “I must say, both tacos were fantastic. Each recipe was so different. Whoever decided the winner must have been more partial to Kenzie’s recipe.”
Kenzie looked at Izzy with surprise in her eyes. “What? No way, I won. That’s the end of the story.” She laughed, then grabbed the back of Joshua’s neck- and pulled him in for a much needed kiss. “I’m kidding. Your tacos are wonderful. Have you thought about trying to have them added to the menu at The Clam Bake?”
Drew nodded. “That’s a great idea.”
Joshua didn’t know what to say, he hadn’t thought about that. “Huh, I guess I could talk to the chef and share my recipe.” He pulled Kenzie closer. “Lexie was having so much fun helping. Although, she has got to be full, I think she ate more of the ingredients.”
Izzy turned to Kenzie. “So, the bachelorette/bachelor party is on Wednesday. The guys are having their party at The Clam Bake. I’m thinking we should all go to Burlesque Me Tonight for our party?”
Shawna walked up, dancing to the music blaring out of the little speakers. “What’s this about Burlesque Me Tonight?”
Kenzie grabbed her hands and danced along with her. “Izzy’s bachelorette party there?”
Shawna twirled in place. “I love it. I’ll talk to Frank about a special discount for us. Should I tell him we will be there at a specific time?”
“Eight or nine maybe?”
“Yup, let’s say eight,” Izzy agreed. “It will be the three of us, plus Alyssa, Jax, and Georgie. So, plan to get a little crazy.”
Kenzie dipped Shawna, and they both said, “A Little?”
Chapter 12
On Wednesday morning Kenzie was out back with the supply truck, checking on her order. She was talking to the truck driver about an extra box when she noticed a car parking. It looked like Izzy’s car, so she waved to her to get her attention. Izzy was just about to head around to the front door when she noticed Kenzie waving. As Izzy made her way toward Kenzie. “Hey sexy stalker.”
Kenzie shook her head. “Hi, sweetie. Give me five minutes to finish checking in this order.”
Izzy headed into the shop. “You don’t have to tell me twice. I think I may need more Summer clothes for the honeymoon.”
“Uh huh, I bet you do.” She then turned to the truck driver and spent another five minutes completing her order. Then she headed inside to see Izzy. “Hey sweetie, you need any help?”
Izzy sighed. “No, I was trying on that new swimsuit I saw up front.” Then she opened the dressing room door, “What do you think?” The swimsuit was a skirt and tank top, the tank had a full-size bra for complete support. Looking down at herself. “Not sure about the green? It fits perfectly and it is comfortable.”
Kenzie walked closer. “Let me see the back?” Izzy turned, then turned again to face her. “I love the green on you and the size is perfect. So, how many swimsuits are you taking with you?”
“Oh, like five. Think that will be enough?” Then she headed back into the dressing room to change. When she came out, she handed the swimsuit to Kenzie. “Sold. So, I came by to pay for my wedding dress. The swimsuit just distracted me.”
Kenzie paused for a moment. “Um… Connie didn’t tell you yet?”
Izzy was swaying back and forth to the low music playing in the background. She stopped and looked at Kenzie. “She didn’t? Did she?”
Kenzie shrugged. “Um… She did.”
Izzy put her head in her hands. “Drew told her we would pay for it, but no. He said she may do this.” She looked up at Kenzie. “Well, how can you be mad? I mean, that’s pretty freaking sweet.”
Kenzie reached forward and squeezed her arm. “You’re right,” she said, ringing up her swimsuit. “On the bright side, now you have extra money for the trip.”
At 5:00 p.m. Kenzie flipped the sign and went to close up. She wanted to get home, eat, and primp a little… or a lot. After she completed the till and made sure everything was turned off, she headed home.
As she walked inside, she yelled, “Hey, baby.” She heard Joshua and headed to the living room. He was sitting on the floor, leaning against the couch. He was looking at some things on the laptop and glancing at the TV. Both puppies were taking up the couch, resting on their sides. As she walked into the living room, both dogs lifted their heads. She laughed. “Hi there. How was your day of relaxation?” She sat on the edge of the couch next to Joshua. “I need to eat something, you hungry?”
“Yes. We have stuff for a quesadilla or grilled cheese. What sounds good?” He got up into the kneeling position and unbuttoned her shirt. “But first, you need to get out of these uncomfortable clothes,” he teased, finished unbuttoning her shirt and reaching behind to undo her bra. The moment her girls were free, she sighed with relief. “I love the sound you make every time you remove your bra. Maybe they need to make bras more comfortable?” He massaged both breasts and squeezing each nipple.
She moaned. “What are you doing?” She lifted his chin and leaned forward to give him a kiss. “I have to leave in a few hours, mister.”
“Perfect.” Then he stood, grabbed her hand, and almost dragged her down the hallway. “I need you for oh, about thirty minutes. Then more time tomorrow. I’m willing to compromise.”
She was laughing as she got tugged down the hallway. “Only thirty minutes? You sure that’s enough time?”
He took her into their room and spun her around to face him, “It will have to be.”
After some time, they emerged from the bedroom. She was wearing her outfit for the bachelorette party. She wore a skimpy, frilly skirt, and a gorgeous corset. There was a little short sleeved puffy shirt under the corset. The outfit had been picked out by Shawna herself. He was struggling with the outfit; he almost wanted no one else to see her in it. “You look amazing. So, maybe we can do a role playing game sometime with this corset. Maybe you could be a French maid or something?”
She burst out laughing. “French maid?” Then she looked in the mirror. “Well you have a point there. Now, how am I supposed to eat with this damn thing on?”
He put his hands up in surrender. “Don’t look at me. I tell you when you look hot.” He leaned forward and kissed her soft lips. “Don’t they have fun tapas at the club?”
Kenzie beeped his nose. “Yes, perfect.” Then she went into the kitchen to grab a small snack and some water. Just the
n a horn beeped and several people were knocking on the door. She walked over to open it. “Yes.”
Shawna and Georgie were standing there, Shawna whistled, “That’s my girl. You look fantastic.” She stood beside her. “Oh, I love the girls in your corset. Do you feel like it’s tight enough?”
Georgie pouted. “Now I want a corset!”
“Pit stop at the boutique.”
The girls ended up renting a small limo, it was more fun, and it smelled better than a taxi. Shawna hopped in first. “Okay, wait till you see Kenzie, ladies.”
Kenzie was the next one to slide in. “And guess who wants to wear a corset now?”
Georgie was last and hopped in. “So, boutique, then night club. Deal?”
Izzy cheered. “Oh, yes, corsets for everyone.” She looked up front at the driver, and asked, “Can you take us to Curvalicious Boutique over on main, then we will head to Burlesque Me Tonight.” She sat back down in her seat. “Kenzie, wow. How did you get to leave the house like that?”
Kenzie winked. “Well, you know, take care of things beforehand.”
Everyone in the limo burst out laughing. Georgie pouted. “So not fair.”
Jax leaned forward and patted her twin sisters knee. “Well, get that corset and work it and own it tonight.”
Alyssa cleared her throat. “Um, will you call me a prude if I don’t put one on?”
Jax laughed. “I ain’t putting one on either, so no name calling from me.”
Izzy looked at Alyssa. “Oh my God, no, no. You look stunning just like that, not even close to a prude.” Then she giggled. “But there are other fancy, lacy dresses to check out.”
Kenzie shook her head in agreement. “Since Shawna started working at the boutique, more fancy, lacy items have been popping up.” Then she turned to Shawna and winked. “Do the girls at the club love the items at the shop?”
Shawna sighed. “Oh shit, I thought you were pissed at first.” She brushed her hand across her forehead. “Whew. Yes, the girls adore your shop, even the teeny tiny cuties.”