Keeping the Beat: An Adrenaline Novel

by O'Hara, Morgan

  Before we had moved in with the Cooper's my brother and I had always done our best to make each other's birthdays special. One year I had decided to make my brother a cake only to get smacked for my efforts by our uncle for making a mess in the kitchen.

  Declan had gone insane when he'd heard the crack of Skip's hand against my cheek. He had knocked our uncle to the ground, threatening to kill him if he ever put his hands on me again. The night he had Declan drove us to the Cooper's on his fixed up motorcycle and we'd never looked back. Not even when Skip had dropped dead from a heart attack.

  My first birthday with the Cooper's had been a complete shock. They had gone all out, getting me a huge cake shaped like a stack of books and a pile of presents wrapped in Mrs. Cooper's efficient manner. After seeing my new family standing around with grins on their faces waiting to see my reaction I had excused myself to the bathroom. After closing the door behind me I had burst into tears.

  Mr. Cooper had trailed after me entering the room after giving a brief knock. He had wrapped me in his arms and pressed a kiss to my head before giving me one of the best gifts I've ever received. He'd told me to get my butt back to my party because my family wanted to show me just how loved I was.

  I suspected my party tonight was going to be a little different than my eleventh birthday. Reece had texted me the night before to tell me I was expected at JJ's at 6 o'clock sharp or else my ass was grass. My brother had dropped by this afternoon to take me out for lunch while Jace finished running some last minute errands.

  When I had gotten home I found Jace sitting on the couch grinning like he had the best secret in the world.

  "What's the smile for?" I asked as I headed to my room to start getting ready. I turned from inspecting my closet to face the man filling my doorway. I bit my lip as he sauntered towards me, his smile mischievous.

  "If you're a very good girl I'll tell you after your party." The teasing lilt of his voice contrasted the heat in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around me. Hunching over he began to suck my bottom lip into his mouth letting his hands roam over my body. The gentle glide of his tongue over mine sent shivers down my spine. My body felt like it was heating from the inside out as his mouth trailed over my jaw before teasing the sensitive curve of my neck.

  "I have to stop otherwise we're going to end up being late for your party." Jace's heavy breathing filled my ears as his hands slid from my ass to my shoulders. "Go finish getting dressed, sugar. I'm going to step out of the room otherwise I guarantee we won't be leaving it."

  His wicked grin made me want to miss my party. The only thing that was stopping me was the fear of disappointing my family. Plus I knew Emma and Jared had shut down their business just to make the night special for me.

  After throwing the simple black fit and flare dress over my head that Reece had sent over with Declan I walked out into the living room. Jace was leaning against the wall playing on his phone. When the bedroom door clicked shut behind me his head snapped up. His eyes trailed from the loose curls at the top of my head to the pointy heels I had elected to wear. They were taller that I was comfortable with but they made Jace's lips easier to reach.

  "Kenzie," Jace was at my side in a few easy steps. "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." His fingers traced my face almost reverently as he pressed a kiss to my cheek hugging me close to his chest. "Thank you."

  Laughing a little I pulled back to look at him curiously. "Why are you thanking me?"

  "For letting me be yours." He gave me a sly wink before tugging on my hand. "Come on. Grab your coat and let's get this party started so we can come back and you can unwrap your present."

  I grabbed a fist full of Jace's shirt and pulled him towards me. "Are you my present?"

  "I'll be anything you want me to be."

  His tone was so serious it made the smile fall from my face. Thankful for the heels I took a step closer to him and gave the man I loved a kiss, wanting to show him how happy he made me.

  "All I want is you and everything you have to offer. Now let's get going before I unwrap you and Reece comes looking for us."

  Humor lit his eyes as he grabbed his own coat before handing me mine. "We wouldn't want that now would we?"

  "Not if we know what's good for us."

  It was weird to see the JJ's parking lot so empty when it was usually packed. The sign out front let everyone know that there was a private party so they were going to have to find a meal and a drink at another establishment. Everyone's cars were already in the lot by the time Jace and I arrived. With a smile on his face Jace jogged around the front of his truck to help me down.

  "Are you ready, sugar?" He asked keeping a firm arm wrapped around my waist. "Absolutely," I answered with a grin of my own as he reached for the door handle. As we walked in a chorus of happy birthday rang out. My family immediately rushed forward to embrace me before I could take another step inside.

  "Happy birthday, my sweet girl," Mrs. Cooper said squeezing me tight.

  "How does it feel to be so old?" Wyatt asked slinging an arm around my shoulders when his mother released me.

  "Feels great, Wyatt,” I answered resisting the urge to pinch him like I wanted to.

  "You look beautiful, Kenzie," Reece commented nudging Wyatt aside to give me a hug. Pulling away she stepped back to inspect my outfit. "I knew this dress would look great on you."

  "You have great taste," Emma confirmed with a smile. The rest of the family wandered away leaving Jace, Emma, and Wyatt at my side. “Happy birthday, you sexy little thing."

  “Thanks Emma," I stepped forward to give her a quick hug. "And thank you again for throwing me this party."

  "No thanks necessary." Emma threaded her fingers through mine. "You're family."

  I felt Jace wrap his arms around me, placing a kiss to the top of my head. "Everything looks great Emma."

  "Jason," Emma's smile turned devilish right before my eyes. “Every time I see that whipped look in your eye it makes me forget to give you hell about taking my wing woman away from me."

  "Wing woman?" Jace repeated giving me a curious look.

  "I had plans for us but you snatched her up. We were going to tag team breaking hearts in this town."

  "I don't think you need any help with that," Wyatt faked a yawn giving Emma a once over. "I've seen you do more than break a few hearts in the last few weeks." The bored sound of his voice did little to cover up the hard look in his eyes. "I'd think you'd get tired of having a different guy feel you up every Friday night."

  "Slut shaming from you Wyatt? That's rich." Emma's eyes flashed as she placed her hands on her hips. Wyatt's gaze dipped from her face to take in her fitted blue dress before he refocused his gaze. “You’re the last person that should pass judgement."

  "I'm not judging," Wyatt flashed a cruel smile. "Just making a casual observation, Red."

  Emma flinched and took a menacing step towards him. Placing a manicured hand on his chest she leaned up to whisper in his ear. Whatever she said made the cocky smile drop off of Wyatt's face. With a satisfied smirk Emma took a few steps in retreat shooting him the finger before storming off to the kitchen.

  "Smooth, Wyatt," Jace said with a shake of his head. He pulled me towards where the rest of the family was gathered, leaving Wyatt alone with whatever Emma had said to make his usually amused blue eyes look haunted.

  Jace

  Kenzie was having a blast as she, Lane, and Reece stepped out onto the dance floor. As soon as dinner was over and the music was on, she had abandoned her killer heels to go dance with her friends. I was glad she was having fun but I couldn't wait to get back to the house so we could have a little fun of our own.

  Glancing around I saw the rest of the family hovering around the buffet. Lane's boys were lingering around the cake with Simon close by. The three of them were liable to dive in if we didn't sing to Kenzie soon. I couldn't blame them. I'd had Emma's desserts before and there was no doubt in my mind that the cake was going to taste as
good as it looked.

  I started over to talk to the boys before the sight of Lucas sitting alone at the bar caught my attention. I'd been meaning to talk to my cousin for a while and it looked like the perfect opportunity had finally found me.

  "Hey, man." I pulled out the stool next to him, reaching over the bar to grab a spare beer that someone had left unopened. "How's it going?"

  "It's going," he shrugged, watching as I sat down next to him and twisted the top off the bottle. Before I could think of what to say, Lucas opened his mouth to speak. “Listen Jace, I've been thinking a lot lately about the other day. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I know you're not the guy I accused you of being. You’d never treat Kenzie badly, you just caught us off guard."

  "I get that," I nodded watching him from the corner of my eye. "Haven't seen you lose your temper like that in awhile."

  A heavy sigh left Lucas's mouth as he shifted away from me. "Yeah. Lot's been going on lately. Took some of it out on you." He met my eye and gave a small shrug. "Can't say I'm all that sorry though. Kenzie is my little sister too."

  "Wasn't looking for an apology." I watched as Declan took Reece into his arms, giving her a quick spin that made her laugh. "You need anything, Lucas?" I noticed the dark circles under my cousin’s eyes and felt a twinge of concern enter my gut. After Uncle Leonard had died we had all grieved in different ways but Lucas's method of coping had been the most destructive.

  Though his dad had been killed by a drunk driver, Lucas had started drinking a lot after Uncle Leonard had passed. We'd nearly checked him into a rehab facility once but when Simon was born he had cleaned up his act. I think even early on he realized Cadence wasn't going to be a good mother for their son. He knew he was going to have to step up to be both mother and father to Simon.

  "I can handle it but thanks."

  "Lucas." I waited until his wandering eyes found their way back to me. "Don't wait too long to ask for help if you need it.”

  "I won't," Lucas assured me and cleared his throat. "I'm happy for you. I always knew there was something going on between you and Kenzie. I just never expected you to act on it."

  "Neither did I."

  Lucas nodded as he looked across the room to where Kenzie was. I followed his gaze and saw that she was watching the two of us with interest. "I'm glad you did. You make her happy."

  "She makes me happy too."

  "Good. That's what you both deserve."

  "Hi fellas," Kenzie stepped between us with a smile. "How are we doing over here?"

  "Doing fine," Lucas answered giving Kenzie a genuine smile. "How about yourself birthday girl?"

  "Happy as can be." Grabbing the beer from my hand she tossed the remaining contents back. "Got a dance for me before we blow out the candles?"

  "You bet." I set the empty bottle down, holding my free hand out for Kenzie.

  "You're going to dance?" Lucas asked looking amused.

  "Oh I want to see this," Wyatt said hopping onto the stool I had just vacated.

  I shook my head at them heading towards the dance floor and pulling Kenzie into my arms. The song was upbeat but I couldn't have cared less. I wanted to hold my girl close so that's what I was going to do.

  "This is nice," Kenzie said resting her head against my chest. "I'm having the best birthday."

  "Glad to hear it." I felt her small hands move around to cup my ass and laughed against her hair. Taking her chin into my hand I tilted her face up to study her eyes. "You're a little sloshed already aren't you, sugar?"

  "Are you not?" She tilted her head to the side and almost lost her balance in the process.

  "Nope," I laughed even as I steadied her on her feet. "I'm driving home with precious cargo tonight."

  Kenzie's confused frown deepened. "My presents?"

  Unable to resist I pressed my mouth against hers with a soft chuckle. "You, Kenzie. You're my precious cargo."

  "Oh," she looked monetarily surprised before a grin took over her face. "That's a really sweet thing to say, Jason Craw."

  "He is the sweetest," Garret agreed sliding up next to Kenzie with a smile. "Time for you to blow out your candles Little One." My cousin smiled over at me, his eyebrows raising when he saw where Kenzie’s hands were resting.

  Distracted by the promise of cake Kenzie started to head towards where the family was gathering. She stopped at the edge of the dance floor and turned back to me. "Are you coming?"

  "Right behind you," I smiled and followed her over to the table where everyone was already starting to sing. Standing beside her I watched as she grinned before looking down at her candles. Her face blanked for a moment as she swept her eyes around the room, finally resting them on my face.

  "Make a wish, sugar."

  "I have everything I've ever wanted. I don't know what to wish for."

  "For God's sake Kenzie. We want the cake. Wish for world peace." Wyatt's complaint was met with a chorus of laughter. I frowned over at him, scowling when he gave me a cocky wink.

  "I know!" Kenzie exclaimed before taking a deep breath. Once all the candles were out Emma moved forward to start serving as I pulled Kenzie closer to my side.

  "What did you wish for?"

  Kenzie gave a little laugh, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. "I can't tell you or it won't come true."

  Chapter 16

  Kenzie

  By the time we got back to the house I was sobering up. I knew that if I was drunk there was a possibility that I would fall asleep and miss out on my birthday fun with Jace. That was an opportunity I wasn't willing to pass up. Plus he still owed me a present. If he thought I would forget that he was sorely mistaken.

  "Go inside and put something more comfortable on. I'll carry in your loot."

  "I can help," I offered as Jace opened my car door. His hands gripped my waist as he helped me to my feet.

  "It's your birthday. Get your gorgeous ass inside and wait for me to come rub your feet."

  With a soft pat on my bottom Jace nudged me towards the front door. When I twisted the handle it opened right away and I glanced over my shoulder to make sure Jace hadn't seen. He would be furious if he realized we had forgotten to lock it when we left.

  I walked directly to the bedroom and threw my dress onto the floor grabbing one of the shirts Jace had left over and tugging it over my head. I walked back into the living room just as he was locking the front door behind him. "Nice shirt," he grinned setting the bundle of gifts down.

  "I stole it from this guy. I don't think I'll give it back. It smells like him."

  "I’m almost jealous of my own shirt. How pathetic is that?" As he spoke Jace moved across the room, his hands immediately diving under the shirt to touch my lower back. He lowered his head and began nuzzling my neck.

  "Are you trying to make me forget about my present?" I asked as his fingers moved to span the length of my rib cage. "Or my foot rub?"

  ”Neither," he sighed and kissed me once before gently pushing me on the couch. He walked over to the bookcase and stood on his tippy toes to reach on top of it, pulling down two small packages. Handing the gifts to me he sat down on the coffee table and picked up one of my feet, his fingers immediately working their magic on my aching soles. With a groan I let my head thunk back against the couch.

  "Keep making noises like that and you'll have to wait until morning to get your gifts."

  I forced my eyes open and saw Jace grinning at me. Returning his smile I brought one of the packages up to my ear and gave it a shake. "Which one should I open first?"

  "Open the little one," he said nodding towards the package in my right hand. I made quick work of the wrapping and laughed when I opened the box. Over three dozen hair bands of all different colors were displayed before me. "Thought since I steal them so often I should give you a bigger supply."

  "These are perfect," I smiled watching as Jace carefully placed my foot on the ground and picked up the other one.

  "Next present,” Jace commanded.

&n
bsp; I looked at the other box in my hand and began to unwrap it. When the last of the paper was gone I found a small book. Glancing up at Jace I saw him watching me with an anxious expression.

  Thumbing open the book I gasped seeing Jace’s failed math test from over 13 years ago. Next to it was the revised test with a big “B-” written on top. Laughing I looked up at him. “You kept this?”

  Jace nodded. “Keep going.”

  Still smiling I turned to the next page and saw a scattering of pictures. They were from my eleventh birthday party. All the Cooper's stood around me as I blew out my candles, Mr. Cooper's hands were resting on my shoulders as he smiled down at me.

  The next page had pictures from Adrenaline's first concert in a huge arena. The guys and I were backstage just after they had finished their set. I had on one of their band shirts and was laughing as Jace and the guys surrounded me in a group hug. Next to the photo was the show’s ticket and backstage pass I had to wear.

  Flipping through the book I found little moments from our past. A card I had made Jace when he had gotten the flu. Letters I had written when he and the guys were on tour. Pictures from various events throughout our lives.

  When I got to the pages after I had graduated from college, all the pictures featuring Jace and I had a recurring theme. He was never looking at the camera. While everyone else was smiling big, Jace was watching me. The look on his face was one I was familiar with now.

  “This is amazing, Jace,” I breathed and looked through the book again. “I love this.” “Look at the last page,” he instructed.

  Still smiling I flipped to the last page and saw a few sentences written in Jace's messy handwriting.

  “To the woman who makes all my wishes come true.

  For the rest of my life I swear to do the same for you.

  I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you for the rest of our lives.

  Happy birthday.

  Love always, Jace.”

  "Oh, Jace." I felt myself start to tear up and blinked to keep them from spilling over. I knew even if they were happy tears Jace would panic seeing them.