Series Starter : Firsts in Series Collection

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Logan.” He says my name reverently. “Although Cole was looking out for me, he should have explained himself a little better. I would be distracted. Not because you are in my house, or upstairs alone, but because anytime you are anywhere near me, I want to be right next to you. Do you not wonder why, if we write during the day, it’s upstairs most of the time? Do you not wonder why I’m always the only one awake when you get here each day? I want to be wherever you are.”

  I suck in a breath. Did I hear him right? He wants to be near me?

  “So, please, Logan, please stay here. I want you here.” He reaches down and laces his fingers through mine. “Come downstairs with me, hang out with us while we work.” Leaning down, placing his lips next to my ear, he whispers, “Please.”

  How do I say no to that? I nod my agreement. “Okay,” I say softly.

  I feel the feather-light press of his lips against my temple, and then he’s gone, lifting my suitcases onto the bed. “Let’s get you unpacked.”

  I place my hand on top of the case he’s about to open. “I can do it.”

  “Okay, but it needs to be done before we head downstairs. I’ll wait in the hall for you.” He looks from me to the bags then turns and walks out the door.

  Holy shit!

  Chapter 22

  Kacen

  As soon as I shut her bedroom door, I pull my phone out and text Cole.

  Me: Logan was packed and leaving.

  Cole: WTF?

  Me: She said you talked to her, didn’t want to be a distraction.

  My phone rings and his face lights my screen. I hit ignore and lean back against the wall across from her door. My phone dings with a text.

  Cole: THAT’S NOT WHAT I SAID!!!

  Me: I know, but that’s what she heard.

  Cole: Did she leave?

  Me: No, I stopped her. She’s unpacking, and then we’ll be down.

  Cole: Good

  I hear her door open, so I slide my phone back in my pocket. “We good?” I ask her.

  “Yeah.”

  “Good.” I grab her hand, lacing her fingers through mine, and lead her down to the studio in the basement. I know I’m pushing boundaries. The fucking lines are starting to blur. I want her. I’ve been good about hiding that, but something happened between last night and today when I told her douchebag ex that she was mine. She was curled in my arms as I said the words, and it felt . . . right.

  Hopefully, I’ve bought myself some time to figure this shit out.

  I lead her into the studio, her hand still laced in mine. All three of the guys notice, but don’t say a word. They know what it means. She’s the first girl any of us has had down here. We write alone, until now.

  Tugging her against my chest, I place my lips next to her ear. “I want you next to me.”

  Logan sucks in a deep breath at my admission, and if I had not had my eyes glued to her, I would have missed the faint nod of agreement that she gives me.

  Keeping my hold on her, I walk to the far wall and grab my guitar. I then lead Logan to an oversized chair. Each of us have our “spots” that we like to be in when we’re writing. It wasn’t something we planned, but just became routine. This oversized chair is mine.

  Tilting my head toward the chair, I indicate to Logan to sit. She does, keeping her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I’ve touched her a lot today, more than I should. I know I’m crossing lines, but I really don’t give a fuck. All I do is think about her, dream about my hands all over her tight little body. Rules be damned, I want her.

  Feeling the eyes of my bandmates boring into me, I take my seat in the oversized chair next to Logan. I sit on the edge and angle my body toward her. I know she’s nervous, confused. I’ve done a complete change on her today.

  I can’t fight it.

  I don’t want to fight it.

  I refuse to fight it.

  Her teeth clasp onto her bottom lip and desire rushes through me. Yeah, it’s hot at hell, but that’s also the same move she made when I was buried deep inside of her. Leaning forward, I gently tug on her bottom lip with my thumb, setting it free. “You’re making it really hard for me not to kiss you,” I say softly.

  Her eyes grow large, then dart around the room to see if the others had heard me. They hadn’t. I kept my voice low, just for us. Regardless, they know what’s up. They’ve been riding me for weeks about her, and I jump down their throats every fucking time they get near her or even speak about her in any way that indicates she’s more than their PA.

  I’ve pretty much already staked my claim in their eyes. You can’t spend as much time together as we do and not learn how to read each other.

  I fought it.

  They knew it was coming.

  Pulling away from her, I grip my guitar and raise my eyes to see if they’re ready. All three of them are wearing knowing smirks. Shrugging, I begin to strum a few chords on my guitar.

  I need to let Logan in on the change. I just need time to convince her, wear her down, so she understands this is the right thing. We can be together with her still working for me. Hell, I’ll hire another PA, whatever it takes. I know she loves this job, so I don’t want it to come to that, but if that is the only thing that stands in my way, you can bet your ass it’s going to happen.

  I want her.

  Chapter 23

  Logan

  Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out. I keep repeating the words in my head. Kacen is acting . . . different. Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt tension between us. There would be subtle touches or a wink, but nothing like last night and today. It almost seems like when he pretended like we were together when Daniel showed up at my place earlier, that he’s still . . . acting? I want to say it’s all just an act, but I know better.

  I can feel it.

  I can feel his eyes rake over my body, memorizing what they see. I can feel the heat of his body when he stands next to me. I can feel his hands, his gentle touch.

  It’s not just an act.

  I have no idea what this means. I work for him, and being involved is a bad idea. We both agreed that moving forward as if Hawaii never happened was the best course of action. It was a good plan, solid except for the fact that we spend five days a week with each other, and now . . . now I’m staying here.

  This was a bad idea.

  The sound of Kacen’s voice brings my attention back to the present. Not that it was ever far away with his body pressed next to mine. Oversized chair my ass!

  His voice is deep and smooth like velvet. The sound alone sends desire coursing through me. I sit quietly with my hands folded in my lap, just taking it all in. I take the time to watch each one of them. This is truly their passion.

  “Hold up,” Tristan says.

  They all stop and wait for his instruction. I watch as he closes his eyes and taps his foot.

  Surprising me, Kacen drops his hand to my thigh and rests it there, casually tracing circles with his thumb. “He’s working out a beat,” he says low enough that only I can hear.

  I don’t reply, afraid my voice will give me away. His hands on me for . . . I’ve lost count of the number of times today. My body is screaming for him, but my head is telling me no. I couldn’t make it work with Daniel so how in the hell am I going to make it work with a rock star? Kacen is tall, dark, and so handsome it’s sometimes painful to be around him. Painful because I think of that week we shared. I study him with his chiseled jaw sporting a five o’clock shadow, dark hair that always looks like I just finished running my hands through it. His broad shoulders, six pack, and oh, yes . . . the V, and his array of tattoos is one hard to resist sexy package.

  Tristan works the beat out in his head and gives his bandmates a nod, and just like that, they pick right up where they left off. I’m mesmerized as I watch them create what could possibly be the next big hit. This is an experience I will never forget. I love music, and being able to witness this creative process is something I will always cherish.

&nb
sp; I jump when I feel my phone vibrate. I am so in tune to them that it scared the hell out of me.

  Stacy: I got your message. That sucks. You can stay at Mom and Dad’s.

  That’s probably where I will go until it’s ready. The spare key is in

  my desk at the apartment.

  “Is that him?” Kacen leans in to peer at my phone.

  I show him the screen and say, “Stacy.”

  He nods. “You’re good here.”

  His simple statement leaves no room for argument.

  I can’t help but think this is going to make it even harder for me. I think about him all the time, think about that night. I’m still not convinced staying here is the best choice.

  His hand again falls to my thigh and he gives a gentle squeeze. “I want you here.”

  Four simple words.

  Regardless of what my head is telling me, how do I say no to that?

  Me: I’m good here. Maybe when you get back next week, if it’s not fixed by then.

  Stacy: Okay. Let me know if you change your mind. So how’s the rock god?

  Me: Good. The guys are all super nice. But after last night you already know that.

  Stacy: YES!!!

  Me: LOL

  Stacy: Gotta go. Offer stands if you change your mind.

  Me: Thanks.

  Clicking out of the messages icon, I see it’s after midnight. “I think I’m going to call it a night,” I say as soon as there is a break in the action.

  Kacen immediately stands and holds his hand out for me. I take it, thinking he’s just being polite and helping me up since we are sitting so close together.

  Wrong.

  He keeps my hand in his grip while leading me to the back wall to place his guitar on the stand. “That’s it for tonight. See you all in the morning.”

  He doesn’t stop to say goodbye, goodnight, kiss my ass, nothing. He just leads me out of the room and up the stairs.

  Chapter 24

  Kacen

  She’s tired, so it’s time to call it a night. Why? I have no fucking clue. It’s not like I get to slide into bed beside her and wrap her in my arms. Nope, I get to walk her to her bedroom door and tell her goodnight. Regardless, I know my concentration would be shit for the rest of the night.

  The guys are going to give me shit for this.

  We walk silently through the house and head upstairs. I stop in front of what I now consider her room. Without thinking, I pull her into my chest and wrap my arms around her.

  She fits me.

  I don’t know how long we stand there, but eventually, she pulls away. I want to tighten my grip, but I know I’ve already pushed the barriers today.

  Instead, I cup her face in my hands and get lost in those big brown eyes. When her breathing starts to change, my mood brightens.

  She feels it too.

  Leaning down, I press my lips to her forehead. “Goodnight, sweet Logan,” I say, pulling away. Reluctantly, I drop my hold on her and we are no longer touching.

  “Goodnight, Kacen,” she whispers before disappearing into her room.

  Knowing if I don’t retreat to my room, I’ll be busting through her door, I turn and twist the handle of mine instead. Like a fool, I put her in the room just across the hall from mine. At the time, it made sense in my head. What if she needs something? I’ll be right across the hall. It’s also the opposite end of the house from where the guys stay, when they stay. Usually they spend their nights here when we’re working on a new album. It’s not like I don’t have the space.

  They know she’s off-limits, and after tonight, me bringing her to our writing session, they understand why. Hell, I’m finally starting to work it out myself. I’m more than attracted to Logan. It started as just that. Thoughts of the week in Hawaii, the night I got to feel her from the inside. I assumed it was just me not being able to forget how great she was, how great she is. I’m man enough to admit it’s more than that.

  There are no stars in her eyes when she looks at me, no dollar signs. She’s easygoing and gives just as good as she gets. Her dark brown hair and those chocolate eyes are a lethal combination. She commands attention just by walking into a room. Only, she doesn’t see it. She has no idea how gorgeous she is.

  Logan’s the real deal.

  Needing yet another cold shower, something that has come to be a staple in my day-to-day over the last several weeks, I strip down, careful of my tenting erection, and climb in. I have to bite my bottom lip to keep from yelling out as the cold water hits me. Unfortunately, it does nothing for the pole between my legs.

  No point in suffering the cold water. After adjusting the temperature to something more bearable, I brace myself with one hand against the shower wall. The other grips my cock. Closing my eyes as I begin to stroke, it takes no effort to bring back the image of her beneath me. Her hair spread out on the white sheets. The sparkle of lust in those big brown eyes, the way she would lift her hips to meet mine thrust for thrust. The heat of feeling her from the inside, the way her body used mine to bring us both crashing into orgasmic bliss. Just like my fifteen-year-old self, I reach my climax in record time.

  Lying in bed, I stare at the ceiling. Although I’ve been getting up early each day to be in the kitchen when Logan gets here, I’m still used to staying up late with the guys. What the fuck is the deal with me and this need I have to be as close to her as possible? She’s here in my house, and I’m so fucking gone for this girl that I have to go to bed just because she does. Tonight, sitting with her, having her witness my passion, it solidified what I’ve known, but have been fighting. Hell, this entire day has me suddenly seeing things more clearly.

  I want her. I want to be as close to her as possible. I’m all in. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her see that. Whatever it takes to evolve this relationship and have her continue to work for me. I could hire someone else, but I don’t want to. I trust Logan.

  Tonight, I touched her every chance I got. Resting my hand on her leg, holding her hand. She didn’t flinch. I could see the confusion in her eyes. She needs to get used to it. I’m staking my claim. I know jackass did things to her, made her feel like she wasn’t worthy. The way he treated her altered her idea of relationships. It’s now my mission to change that. I’ll show her how good it can be, how good we can be. I smile to myself. I hope she’s ready for Hurricane Kacen. I’ll prove to her that she’s more, that she’s worthy, and we belong together.

  I’m determined to make her mine.

  Chapter 25

  Logan

  It took me forever to fall asleep last night. However, once I finally did, I slept great. I woke up at my normal time, and considering I don’t have a commute today, I decided to start on breakfast for the guys. I know Kacen ended the session when he walked me to my room. I heard him go into his room as well, so I assume the guys went to bed early too. At first, I thought it was weird how they all practically live here, even though it’s Kacen’s house. After watching their interaction the past several weeks, it makes sense. Especially considering they are working on the new album. Last night provided me with a completely new outlook on the dynamics of the group. It also increased my respect for all four of them. They’re goofballs on the best of days, but they dedicate 110 percent of themselves to their music.

  I decide to make cinnamon French toast. I’m standing at the stove, waiting to flip the first batch, when I feel strong hands grip my waist and scruff scratch the side of my face.

  Kacen.

  “Morning, beautiful,” he says as he places a tender kiss on my cheek.

  At a loss for words, I stand still as a statue, waiting to see what he’ll do next.

  Keeping his hands on my hips, he leans over my shoulder. “French toast. It smells incredible.”

  His words are soft and spoken next to my ear. His voice is gruff from lack of use. It sends tingles throughout my body. Not to mention that he’s pressed tight against me.

  “Th-Thank you,” I stutter. I swallow hard
and try again. “This first batch is almost ready.”

  “Damn, Logan! Can you just move in? Waking up to your cooking could spoil a guy,” Gavin says, joining us.

  “Might not be a bad idea,” Kacen whispers.

  I’m shocked, not only by his words, but how he’s acting with me today. Yesterday was just an . . . off day, with the run-in with Daniel and deciding to stay here, at least until Stacy gets home. Today, I’m at a loss. I don’t know why he’s acting like this. Like we’re together. It’s confusing and it’s hard for my head to control my heart when he’s standing this close.

  “Go ahead and sit. I’ll bring it to you,” I say, flipping the first batch of toast. I don’t look over my shoulder at him. I just keep my eyes trained on the griddle.

  “Can I do anything?” he asks.

  “Nope. I’m good here. Just go take a seat and I’ll make you both a plate.”

  “You don’t need to wait on us.”

  “I want to, now go.” I wave the spatula in the air, hoping he takes the hint.

  He does, but not before kissing my cheek. “Thanks for breakfast,” he says, then releases his hold on me and joins Gavin at the table.

  I try like hell to ignore my body’s reaction to him. I focus on breakfast. The first batch of French toast is done. I plate it, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, and set a plate in front of each of them. I know it won’t be long before Tristan and Cole come wandering in, so I keep cooking. I make them both a plate and just finish sprinkling the powdered sugar when they walk into the kitchen. Tristan is rubbing his eyes and Cole is wearing nothing but his boxer briefs. His eyes are not even half open. They both plop down at the table. I carry their plates and slide them in front of them. They both mumble what I think is “Thank you” as I walk back to the stove.