Sing Like Nobody's Listening

by S. J. McCoy

  She laughed, surprised that he could make her feel nervous. “Nothing, nothing at all. It's just that he wants me to be his auntie. I've never been one before and he said you are an awesome uncle, so I was hoping you might give me some guidance.

  The way Gabe's face transformed when he smiled was quite something. He was even more handsome when he relaxed. It was obvious he loved his nephew very much. “I'd be happy to help, whenever you like. The little guy is quite a handful, but if he's decided he likes you, you're on to a winner.”

  Kenzie smiled. “I certainly feel like I am. I just don't want to screw up and let him down, you know? I'm not good with kids.”

  Gabe gave her a knowing smirk. “What, and you think I am?”

  She had to laugh. “Actually, no. You don't seem like the type to bother with kids at all. Just like me. That's why I think you can probably help me out.”

  He laughed with her. “Yeah. I'd say the little guy got himself an unusual aunt and uncle, but he did well out of it.”

  Kenzie smiled. She thought that was a compliment. It certainly felt like one, and coming from Gabe it meant a lot.

  “I'll help you out any way I can,” he said. “I think you'll be good for him.” He hesitated a moment. “I might ask you a favor in return, though.”

  That surprised Kenzie. What could she ever do for this guy?

  He looked so uncertain, she had to smile. “Do you have Renée's number?”

  Ah, so that was it. She shook her head sadly. “I'm sorry, I don't. I know she'll be at work in the bakery in the morning though.”

  Gabe nodded. “No worries. It doesn't matter. I'll catch up with her.”

  From the way he spoke so quickly and the look of disappointment on his face, Kenzie figured it did matter, and it mattered a lot. She'd have to see if Ben had Renée's number. She liked Gabe and he obviously liked Renée. She'd love to help them along if she could.

  ~ ~ ~

  Chase was finding it difficult to keep his eyes off the bar while he sang tonight. She worked it so well. He'd watched her chat with Michael's brother until it got busy. She'd been working her ass off back there all night, but she had a smile and a joke for everyone and she was really efficient about getting drinks in hands and dollars in the cash register.

  When they finished this set, he was going to go check in with her. There were a couple of guys sitting at the end of the bar who were too interested in talking to her and watching her backside for his liking. Besides, he figured he could get away with a quick kiss just because he wanted one. If it helped get rid of those guys, all the better.

  “I guess you're off to the bar,” said Eddie once they finished the last number.

  Chase grinned. “Sure am.”

  “It's all right. I'll get my own drink since you won't be back in time, even if you do remember.”

  “Sorry.” Chase hadn't managed to bring any of the guys a drink back since Kenzie had been working the bar.

  Eddie punched his arm. “No problem. I'm only busting your balls. It's kinda fun to watch you going all lovesick puppy. I was thinking too if you want we can switch it up again, do Robin's three numbers at the end of the next set so you can go dance with her?”

  Chase frowned at him. He'd love that, but she was working herself. It wasn't as though he could just go pull her onto the dance floor whenever it suited him. They both had a job to do.

  “Ask her what time her break is and I'll make it work!” said Eddie with a laugh.

  Chase grinned. “Thanks, Ed! I will.”

  He made his way over to the bar with a big grin on his face. He'd always liked the fact that even when he was with a woman, he didn't have to spend the entire evening with them. He was up on the stage and unavailable until it was time to take them home—take them to bed. But since Kenzie had been here, he wanted to spend the whole time with her. During the week, he'd come in and sat at the bar while she worked. He liked the idea of being able to dance with her. He decided he'd have to take her out on their nights off. Find somewhere they could go and just enjoy each other's company. He pursed his lips when he realized he wanted to take her out on real dates. He was still grinning though.

  Her smiled slayed him. She was beautiful, and she was so happy to see him. What she'd told him earlier about being grateful to him, grateful for him, had blown him away. He knew they were doing well together. This first week sharing the house had been awesome, but until tonight they'd just been enjoying themselves. Neither of them had talked about feelings. He'd wanted to tell her a few times how happy he was, but he hadn't dared to. He was grateful that she had. He smiled back at her then raised an eyebrow at Ben, who was behind the bar with her. Ben grinned and nodded, so Chase let himself through.

  “Take a break if you want, Kenzie. I've got it covered for now,” said Ben.

  Chase stopped. He didn't want to take up her break now if it meant he wouldn't get to dance with her later.

  Ben looked at him. “Problem?”

  He shook his head. “Nah. I'm just being greedy. Wondering how many breaks my girl gets.”

  Ben laughed. “She can take one whenever she wants one.” He looked at Kenzie. “You're doing a great job. If you need to take ten minutes to keep the band happy now and again, I think that’ll work out for all of us.”

  Kenzie looked from Ben to Chase. “When the band takes a break is when we get the busiest. Everyone comes for a drink while you're between sets.”

  “I know, sorry.” He grinned at her. “How about I don't come pester you in the next break?” He was pleased with the look of disappointment that crossed her face. He may be making a nuisance of himself, but she liked it. And she didn't realize that he would come pester her—to dance with him when they weren't on a break.

  She shot Ben a look. “If you're really okay here I'll make the most of this one then.”

  Ben grinned and waved them out from behind the bar. “And don't hurry back.” He laughed as he closed it behind them.

  Chase took her hand and led her out onto the quiet back deck. “How's it going, are you having fun?”

  She nodded. “It's great Chase. This is the best job I've ever had, I love it. Ben's great to work for, the customers are all easygoing...” Her hazel eyes shone as she smiled up at him. “And I get to listen to my favorite band and watch my favorite singer while I work.”

  He led her around the corner into the darkness where he leaned back against the wall pulling her against him. “Your favorite band, huh?”

  She smiled and nodded. “And my favorite singer.”

  “What's so good about him?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close.

  She rubbed her hips against his, making him hard. She reached her hands up and tangled them in his hair as she pecked his lips. Then looking deep into his eyes, she said, “I love...”

  Chase could feel his heart thundering in his chest. His arms tightened around her. She did?

  “...his voice.”

  Ah! He was getting waaay ahead of himself again.

  The way she held his gaze as she continued made him wonder if he really was though. “I love the way he plays guitar, the way he moves around the stage.” She ran her hands down his sides then closed them around his ass, pulling him against her. “And his ass, he has a great ass!”

  That made him laugh. “He does, does he?”

  She nodded, then caught her breath as he cupped her ass. “We have a matching set then.”

  She laughed. “I thought you were trying to fatten up my skinny little ass?”

  “That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it, I just want more of it!”

  She laughed again. “I'm happy for you to have more of my ass anytime you want, Chase.”

  He laughed with her. “I'm glad to hear it because I intend to. Tonight and every night for as long as you'll have me.” Maybe that was pushing it? But it was true.

  The laughter faded from her face. “What are you sayin
g, Chase?”

  What was he saying? “That I was right when I said we might have a one-of-a-kind kind of thing. We do. I love it, and I don't want it to end.”

  She looked so damned happy, his heart filled up. “I don't want it to end either, but for now I think I'd better get back behind the bar, and you'd better get back to work yourself.”

  He nodded. She might be running off because she didn't know what to say, but he could tell it was because she was scared of how good they were together, not because she didn't want to be together. “Okay, but promise me you'll take another break with me when I come find you again?”

  “I will if I can.”

  “No,” he leaned down to kiss her, loving the way she let him in and kissed him back sinking her fingers into his hair, pressing herself against him. He lifted his head. “You have to promise you will.”

  She searched his face, then smiled. “I promise.”

  “Good.” He thrust his hips against hers and squeezed her ass one last time before letting her go. “Now let's get back to work.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Kenzie let herself back into the bar, Ben had everything covered. She smiled at him. “Are you sure you even need me?”

  He laughed. “Too damned right, I do. Now you're back, I'm getting out of here. I want to hang with the guys. I can actually relax and enjoy myself knowing you're back here. Thanks, Kenzie. Do you need anything before I go?”

  She grinned. It was a standing joke that Ben never really took any time off. She was honored that he felt he could relax and let her take care of things. “I'm great, you go have fun.” She spotted Gabe still sitting at the end of the bar. He was staring at the dance floor but looked as though his thoughts were a million miles away. “Actually there is one thing, do you have Renée's number?”

  “Sure.” Ben pulled his phone out of his back pocket. “I'll text it to you.”

  “Thanks. Now get out of here. We've got this handled.”

  Once he'd gone, she went over to Gabe. “Are you ready for another?”

  He looked at his empty beer bottle and then up at Kenzie. “I think I'm going to head out. Thanks though. I'll see you around.”

  As he stood up, she reached across the bar and touched his arm. “Before you go...”

  He gave her a puzzled look.

  She smiled at him. “I got Renée's number for you.”

  The smile that spread across his face made Kenzie's day. She'd been a little concerned that he might think she was interfering. Maybe she was, but hell he was family. Kind of. Almost. She read him the number and he tapped it into his phone.

  “Thanks, Kenzie. I owe you one.”

  “You don't owe me a thing, Gabe. I'm happy to help.”

  He nodded. He really was handsome when he smiled. “I owe you,” he insisted.

  Michael appeared at his side and grinned at them both. “What are you two up to? If the Angel Gabriel says he owes you one, darl' you must be doing something right. What did you do?”

  Gabe looked at her with panic in his eyes. She simply smiled at them both. “Just doing my job, Michael. And how about you, what can I get you?”

  Michael looked from her to his brother and back, seeming to sense there was something they weren't telling him. He shrugged and let it go. Kenzie could see Gabe's relief, even though she didn't understand it—she didn't need to. She got busy fetching fresh beers for Michael and gave Gabe a little wave as she watched him leave. Whatever his deal with Renée might be, she wished them well. She liked both of them and even if she couldn't imagine them together, what did she know?

  For the next half hour, she was rushed off her feet. She was already getting to know the locals and what they liked to drink. There were a couple of guys who had their regular spots at the bar and who liked to keep the banter going. It made working fun. She knew two of them in particular had their eyes on her ass every time she bent down, but that was nothing new to her. She knew how to work it, it was just part of keeping the customers happy.

  She closed the cash register and turned around to see Chase standing at the bar grinning at her. She did a double take. The band was still playing—what was he doing here? Glancing up at the stage she could see that Robin was launching into one of his songs. She smiled as Chase lifted the bar and Ben came through.

  “Time for you to take another break,” he said with a grin.

  Chase beckoned for her to come out. She looked back at Ben. He was supposed to be taking the night off.

  He smiled back at her. “Go on. Go dance. I'll need your help again when they break so go make the most of it while you can.”

  She didn't need to be told twice. She took Chase's outstretched hand and let him lead her out onto the dance floor. She smiled up at him as he closed his arms around her and drew her against him.

  “Our first dance,” he said. His hazel eyes were shining as he smiled. She hung onto his shoulders as he moved her hips with his own.

  How was she supposed to go back to work after this? The way he was moving her body filled her with desire. He danced as well as he sang, all she could do was move with him and hold on for the ride. As he turned her, she caught Robin's eye. He looked pissed! Ah well, whatever his problem was, it wasn't hers.

  Chase lowered his head and spoke next to hear ear, sending hot shivers down her spine. “We move well together, lover.”

  She tightened her grip and spoke into his neck. “We already knew that.”

  His body shook as he laughed. “Yeah, but now everyone else does, too.”

  She peeked around and realized that people were watching them. She didn't care, she was enjoying herself, enjoying the feel of Chase too much to care what anyone thought. “We're just part of the entertainment,” she said.

  “I've been thinking about that. How would you like to really be part of the entertainment? Get up and sing with us?”

  She stood still and looked up at him. “I told you Chase. I'm not good enough.”

  He pushed his hips against her and leaned in, swaying her body until she was dancing again. “I don't believe you. I think you're just saying that. I mean you were in Nashville to sing. You don't go to that town unless you think you stand a chance.”

  She shook her head. “It was just another stupid dream of mine, Chase. I was there all that time, I never got anywhere. I obviously wasn't good enough!” She could feel her heart pounding. It was true. She'd tried. Gone to the auditions Hunter had set up for her and no one had taken her on. The last thing she wanted was for Chase to give her a chance. If he did, it would be for all the wrong reasons and would no doubt end up embarrassing them both.

  He held her closer. “Relax. I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought you might like to.”

  She rested her cheek against his shoulder. “It's sweet of you Chase, but can we forget about singing and just focus on dancing?”

  He spun her around and then pulled her back in close to him. “Anything you say, lover. I just want to make you happy.”

  She reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. “You already do.” And no way was she going to risk messing that up. Neither of them needed for him to know that she just wasn't good enough. She was glad that he let it go, but all of a sudden she needed to get away from him. She was stuck in a struggle with herself and could no longer just enjoy the feel of dancing with him. He'd reminded her why she'd always lived the way she did. Never letting anyone get too close, moving on before anyone could. The last few weeks that she'd been here, she'd almost forgotten, but his wanting her to sing with them had reminded her. She just wasn't good enough. At singing or anything else. She lived behind her walls because that way no one could get close enough to find out. What had she been thinking, letting Chase get so close? It was guys she liked that she normally put up the biggest walls against. Let them engage with the brazen blonde. Let them sleep with her, and they would never be interested enough in the real Kenzie to find out what a big fat failure sh
e really was. As the song came to end, she pulled away from him. “I should get back to work.”

  “But we've still got one more song.” The hurt in his eyes was almost enough to make her stay. She didn't want to leave his arms, leave his warmth. But she did. “I have to go.” She pushed her way off the dance floor.

  Ben raised an eyebrow at her when she let herself back through the bar. She shrugged and got busy with customers. She couldn't really explain it to herself—how could she explain it to him?

  ~ ~ ~

  Chase stared after her for a moment. What was her problem? He made his way across the dance floor and out onto the back deck. All he'd wanted was to give her a chance to do something he thought she enjoyed. The look in her eyes, when she'd pulled away from him, had looked a lot like fear—but what was she afraid of? He'd already agreed not to talk anymore about singing. What else was she afraid of? He shook his head and leaned against the rail to look out at the lake. He'd never claimed to understand women—but he wanted to understand Kenzie. What was she afraid of?

  Robin came out and leaned on the rail beside him. “Looks like that backfired on you.”

  Chase just kept staring out at the lake. Robin seemed to rub him the wrong way when it came to anything to do with Kenzie.

  “What's the big deal with her anyway? Is she that good in the sack?”

  Chase took a deep breath. “It's not just that.”

  Robin grinned. “But that's a big of part of it, right?”

  Chase nodded. It was easier to agree than to try to explain it. He didn't think Robin would understand anyway.

  “Well, you can use her to keep you warm through the winter.”

  Chase balled his fists and bit the inside of his cheek. He wasn't going to use Kenzie for anything!

  Robin continued, oblivious to his mounting anger. “But what do you say we get out of here when the summer season rolls around? I was talking to Andrew and he said the cruise line he books for is starting to line up acts for next season. That'd be cool, wouldn't it? Sailing around the Caribbean or the Mediterranean for the summer? The resort's been fun, but I think we'll be ready for a change come spring. I told Andrew to give Eddie a call.”