Sing Like Nobody's Listening

by S. J. McCoy

Chase nodded. “I'll have to check with the guys, but I think they'd love to. I can't see any of them having a problem with it.”

  “Great,” Dan looked so happy, Chase had to wonder how it would feel—to know that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with one woman and to be on the verge of making it happen. He was surprised to realize that it wasn't too much of a stretch to imagine. Normally the thought of spending more than one night with a woman made him feel claustrophobic. Yet the thought that he'd just moved in with Kenzie had him smiling all the time, and the thought of making the arrangement permanent made him smile even more. What the hell was she doing to him?

  Dan looked up as she came walking out onto the deck with Ben. He gave Chase a knowing look. “I never thought I'd get married, you know. Never understood why anyone would want to. It's amazing how fast everything changes when you meet the right woman.”

  Chase shot him a sideways glance. Evidently he was perceptive as well as smart. “How do you know though?” he asked.

  Dan gave him a slow smile. “You just know. Like I said, everything changes. For me, everything has always been logical, linear. I could explain the logic and reason behind anything I thought, said or did. When I met Miss, it didn't make sense. Nothing about us getting together made sense, but that didn't matter one bit. We're so different. There's nothing logical about how great we are together, but we just are. When I met her, I knew she was everything I could ever want. I tried denying it to myself for months because there was so much going against us, but it was impossible to ignore.” He smiled at Chase then nodded over to where Kenzie and Ben were fast approaching. “Looks to me like everything is changing for you. I'm not one for giving advice, but I will tell you my only regret is the time we lost before we were ready to accept the inevitable.”

  Chase nodded. Were he and Kenzie inevitable? He felt like they might be, but did she? And how long would it last if she did?”

  “Hey,” said Kenzie as they reached the table and she sat down next to Chase.

  He slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. “Did you guys get it figured out?” he asked looking from her to Ben.

  She nodded. “We did. We got the schedule organized and everything else, too.”

  Ben smiled. “I really do think we're going to be a great team, the three of us. And we have the rest of the winter to find our groove. By the time the season rolls around again we'll have everything running like a well-oiled machine.”

  Chase noticed the slight frown on Kenzie's face. He had to wonder if it was because she wasn't planning on staying that long. He wasn't about to ask her now though. Instead, he smiled at her. “That sounds perfect.”

  She smiled up at him. “I decided to take Mondays and Tuesdays as my weekends.”

  He smiled back. That suited him, they were his weekend in the busy season. At the moment, though, he was only working weekends. The band didn't play during the week while it was so quiet.

  “I need to get going,” said Dan. “I'm picking Scot up.” He turned to Chase. “I'll give you a shout about playlists and let you know as soon as we have a firm date.”

  “Great,” said Chase. He'd ask him about Ethan then, too. He didn't want to bring it up in front of Kenzie.

  Ben grinned. “That's one weekend we'll have to find someone else to cover for all of us.”

  Dan nodded and smiled at Kenzie. “I hope you'll come?”

  She looked puzzled and Chase realized she'd missed their earlier conversation. “Dan and Missy are getting married in Vegas. We're going to be their wedding band.”

  “And I imagine this place will be pretty quiet that weekend,” added Ben.

  She looked at Dan. “I'd love to come, thank you.”

  She looked thrilled to be invited, but there was something else in her eyes too. Was it fear? It was gone too soon for Chase to figure it out, but he wanted to know. Did the thought of a wedding freak her out in the way it always had him?

  “See you soon,” said Dan as he got up and left.

  “I need to get going, too,” said Ben. He smiled at Chase, then Kenzie. “Catch you later, team.”

  Chase grinned back at him. He loved the idea of the three of them being a team. “Later, boss man.”

  Once Ben had gone, Chase tightened his arm around Kenzie's shoulders. “What do you say, lover, want to go home and I'll make us some dinner?”

  She smiled up at him. “That sounds wonderful. You really don't mind though? I've always thought of cooking as a chore.”

  “No! I love to cook. To me, it's really enjoyable. It just got to be a bit much with all the guys. If I was going to cook, I had to make enough to feed everyone and they just wolfed it down without even noticing.” He stood up and took hold of her hand as they walked out through the bar. “I've been looking forward to cooking for you.”

  She gave him a sultry smile. “I'll take care of dessert.”

  “I thought the kitchen was only for coffee and cereal?”

  She chuckled, she had such a dirty laugh. “It is. I was thinking of the bedroom for dessert.”

  Chase narrowed his eyes at her. “I like the sounds of this.”

  She reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. “Then hurry up and get me home.”

  “Yes, Ma'am!” He opened the truck door for her to climb in, wondering if they could start with dessert and work backward.

  ~ ~ ~

  Kenzie smiled at him across the little kitchen table. “That was wonderful. Thank you so much.” He was a great cook. Like most guys, everything seemed to focus around the grill. He'd marinated some chicken breasts while they'd taken care of dessert. She'd taken his hand and led him upstairs, not wanting to wait until after they'd eaten. He'd followed her eagerly and made love to her. She couldn't help but call it that. She'd screwed a lot of guys, had sex, slept with them, hell she fucked them! But she'd never thought of herself as making love with a guy before. Not till now, till Chase.

  He took her hand and smiled back at her. “I'm just glad you enjoyed it. I'm planning on feeding you up, so it would kind of suck if you didn't like my cooking.”

  She raised an eyebrow at him. “Feeding me up?”

  He nodded, suddenly looking uncertain. Most of the time he was so sure of himself, it surprised her anytime he was less than confident.

  She knew his intentions could only be good, but she couldn't resist teasing him. “What's up, you don't like my skinny little ass?”

  He narrowed his eyes at her. “You know I love your ass.” He ran his eyes over her. “I love your body, I love everything about you. I just think you need to eat more, put some meat on your bones.”

  Kenzie stared at him. He could only mean he loved everything about her body—couldn't he?

  He held her gaze for a long moment, looking as though he was about to say something else. He seemed to change his mind. The confidence was back as he smiled his sexy smile. “The more I feed you up, the more of you there'll be for me to hold on to. I like holding on to you.”

  She smiled. Relieved that he was going back to familiar territory. “I noticed. I have to say I like it, too.” She stood up from the table. “Which part of me are you going to hold on to this time?”

  He got up and came to stand behind her, sliding his arms around her waist and walking her back toward the stairs. He nuzzled his lips into her neck and whispered. “Your hips. From behind.”

  His words sent shivers down her spine and she leaned back into him. “That could be arranged.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kenzie smiled to herself as she wiped down the bar. It was quiet yet, but it was still early. She was thoroughly enjoying her new job. Ben was a great boss. He was so easygoing and fun to be around that if you didn't pay attention you wouldn't realize what a great job he did of making sure every little detail was taken care of and that everything was running smoothly. She knew the bar and restaurant were only one aspect of the resort, and he seemed to keep th
e whole place going with the same relaxed efficiency. Kenzie loved the atmosphere. She was pleased that he seemed impressed with her, too. She certainly knew what she was doing behind a bar, and the Boathouse was an enjoyable place to work. The staff was a great bunch. The customers were happy and friendly—visitors and locals alike, they all seemed so upbeat. It was a very pleasant change from some of the bars she'd worked in.

  She smiled when she saw Holly come in. She knew the whole gang was coming out tonight, but she hadn't expected to see any of them this early. She was surprised to see that Holly was alone as she pulled up a seat and rested her elbows on the bar.

  “Hey girlfriend, you look like you need a drink. What can I get you?”

  Holly rested her chin on her hands and blew out a big sigh. “Something strong. Very strong.”

  “Uh-oh, first tell me your favorite kind of strong, then tell me what's wrong.”

  Holly stared at the bottles intently. “White Russian. I need a White Russian. Can you make me one?”

  Kenzie nodded. “Coming right up. You want to tell me your woes while I fix this?”

  Holly shook her head. “I'd sooner you entertained me with fun stories. I'm tired of my woes, I want to forget them, not talk about them.”

  Kenzie wracked her brain as she reached for the vodka. What fun stories did she have to cheer Holly up?

  Holly grinned at her. “Just tell me about that hot guy of yours. He's gorgeous!”

  Kenzie was amazed to feel the heat in her cheeks. She wasn't exactly the blushing kind—normally.

  Holly laughed. “Well, look at you! I was thinking I was going to get raunchy tales of no strings sex and here you are blushing like it matters to you! I swear there's something about Summer Lake that casts a spell on people.” She knocked back her drink as soon as Kenzie put it in front of her. “You'd better just keep 'em coming, sweetie.”

  Kenzie raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure? It's still early. If you keep up at that rate, you'll be out of it by the time everyone gets here.”

  Holly rolled her eyes and pushed her glass back to Kenzie. “That's the plan.”

  Kenzie fixed her another then smiled when she saw Chase. He raised a hand and came over.

  “Hey, Holly.”

  “Hey, Chase.” Holly slid down from her stool. “If you'll excuse me. I'll give you two lovebirds a minute. I remember what it was like.” She headed for the ladies' room before either of them could reply.

  Chase looked at Kenzie. “What's up with her?”

  “I don't know, but it doesn't look good. She's here by herself, knocking 'em back and she doesn't want to talk about it.”

  “Are the girls coming tonight?”

  Kenzie nodded. “In theory the whole gang is coming, but she didn't seem too thrilled about it. Do you think there's something going on with her man?”

  Chase shrugged. “Holly and Pete are as solid as they come. They're getting married in the spring. I can't believe there's anything up between the two of them.” He raised the bar and came through. Kenzie smiled as he circled her waist with his arms. She looped hers up around his neck and pecked his lips. “Anyways, I came to make sure you are okay, not Holly.”

  She tightened her arms around him, loving the feeling that he cared. He wanted to know she was okay. She remembered that first night they'd spent together. Remembered deciding it would be nice to feel that someone, somewhere cared about her. Now here he was, here she was in this place, in his arms and he still cared. “I am so much more than okay, Chase. I am great, and it's all thanks to you.”

  He held her closer and looked down at her questioningly.

  “If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have this job, I wouldn't be starting this new life. If it weren't for you, I'd still be in Tennessee, still be in the same old mess, or something worse. You changed everything and I am so grateful to you.” His smile was so gentle. He looked so happy at her words, she decided to be brave and say the rest. “But more than all of that, I am so grateful for you. Everything you've done for me is amazing, but the fact that you're with me, that you want to be with me is the most amazing of all. I'm happier than I've ever been, not because of what you've done for me, but because you're with me.” She lifted her lips to his and spoke in the moment before they met, “Chase I...”

  “Oh, stop making me jealous and put him down!”

  Kenzie sprang away from him as Holly plonked herself back down at the bar.

  Chase planted a kiss on top of her head and held her gaze for a moment.

  “Come see me when you take a break?” she asked.

  He smiled back at her. “Oh, I plan to, lover.”

  “Don't overdo the planning,” said Holly. “You two just do your thing. Too much planning kills all the fun.”

  Kenzie gave her a puzzled look then nodded at Chase as he let himself out through the bar. What had she been about to say to him? She looked at Holly, who was grinning back at her.

  “Sorry, sweetie. I get the feeling I just killed the moment.”

  Kenzie shrugged and started fixing her a fresh drink. She was kind of relieved that Holly had come back when she did. Whatever she'd been about to say needed at least some planning before she said it. When she turned back to set Holly's drink in front of her, she noticed a familiar looking guy coming in. He came to the bar and stood there looking at her, he looked confused—disappointed somehow? Whatever that was about, she smiled at him, knowing she should recognize him from somewhere. Summer Lake truly did seem to be overrun with hot men and this one was no exception. He was very tall, built, brown hair, green eyes. His expensive-looking suit screamed city-type though, not local.

  “Hi, what can I get you?”

  He still looked puzzled, but visibly pulled himself together. “Where's Renée?”

  Kenzie remembered him as soon as he asked that. He was Michael's brother! That first weekend she'd been here he'd come out on the Saturday night with Michael—and spent most of the night sitting at the bar, talking to Renée. She smiled apologetically. “Sorry, she's not working here anymore. Can I get you a drink?”

  He nodded slowly and pulled up a seat. His disappointment was so obvious she was intrigued. “Yeah. I'll have a bourbon on the rocks.”

  As Kenzie poured it, she wracked her brain. Gabe! That was his name. “Here you go, Gabe,” she said as she set it in front of him.

  He looked up at her. “You're Megan's sister, right?”

  She nodded and held her hand out. “Kenzie. It's good to see you again. I guess we're almost family.”

  He shook her hand but didn't smile. If she were into broody business types, he'd be top of her list. She noticed the way Holly was looking at him. It seemed she was thinking the same thing—and from what Kenzie had seen of her fiancé, Holly was into broody business types! What the hell was going on with her?

  “I guess we are,” said Gabe. He seemed preoccupied.

  Kenzie busied herself with other customers. When she came back, Gabe caught her eye. “Do you know what happened to Renée?”

  She smiled. She would never have thought a guy like him would be into a girl like Renée, but what did she know? “Yeah, she's working at the bakery now. She wasn't really enjoying the bar. We traded jobs actually. She's much happier with early mornings and fresh bread.”

  “So, she's doing better?” he asked.

  Kenzie didn't know what he meant. She gave him a puzzled look. “She's happier working there than here, but that's not what you mean, is it?”

  He shook his head. “Never mind. Are Michael and Megan coming in tonight?”

  He obviously wasn't going to explain what he meant about Renée. “Yeah, they should be here soon. The whole gang is coming.” She looked at Holly, who was working her way through yet another White Russian. “Aren't they?”

  Holly nodded morosely. Kenzie was going to have to find a way to slow her down before she fell off her stool. “Yep, they will all be here at eight
. Perfectly on schedule. Just as planned.” She glowered at Gabe. “I bet you're a planner too aren't you? Everything on schedule, everyone organized to within an inch of their life and noooo deviating from the plan, right?”

  Gabe looked at her for a moment before a hint of a smile touched his face. “Hey, you're Holly, aren't you? Pete's fiancée?”

  She nodded glumly. “I'm just a piece of Pete's plan, that's all I am. Can you get me another, Kenzie?”

  “I think you need to slow down a bit,” said Kenzie. She was relieved when Ben appeared from the back.

  “Hey guys. How is everyone? Good to see you back again, Gabe. Holly? Are you okay?”

  “Oh, I'm just great, Ben! I'll be even better if you tell Kenzie to make mine doubles tonight and keep 'em coming.”

  Ben raised an eyebrow at her. “I'll tell you what. I'll go one better than that. Why don't you come sit out back with me till the others get here and I'll keep ‘em coming?”

  She nodded and slid down from her stool. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Ben led her out onto the deck and came back a few minutes later.

  “Is she okay?” asked Kenzie.

  Ben smiled. “She'll be fine. Let's keep the White Russians to mostly cream tonight though. We won't charge her for them and at this point she won't notice. It seems Pete's getting a bit carried away with wedding planning and she's feeling down.”

  Kenzie nodded. Ben didn't just manage the resort well, he also seemed to understand and manage people like no one she'd ever known. Whatever was going on with Holly and Pete, she was sure Ben would help them figure it out.

  She noticed Gabe's glass was empty and went to over to him.

  “You're doing a great job,” he said. “Are you planning on settling down here?”

  She nodded slowly. “I think so.”

  “It's a good place. Seems as if everyone is coming back here and settling down.”

  She smiled. “Are you planning on joining us then? If you are, I could use your help with Ethan.”

  He fixed her with a hard stare. She'd never understood the appeal of serious, powerful guys, but she could see how women would find him attractive. “What's up with Ethan?”