Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,252

from me but my time.

“Kacen,” Logan says my name, waving her hand in front of my face. “Are you okay?” she asks.

I can hear the concern in her voice, and that turns me on even more. How long has it been since a woman, other than my mother, was actually concerned about me? Years, if ever. We started the band in high school, so even then the female attention we got was because we were in a band. I don’t know if I’ve ever been on the receiving end of genuine affection.

Smiling at her, I say, “Yeah, I’m good. Just tired. The guys and I had a writing session that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.”

A genuine smile crosses her face. “That’s awesome. They told me how excited they were for you to be back so you all could dig into the next album.”

God, this girl! “Yeah, it was nice to jam with them.”

“Okay, well, let me put my stuff in my office and I’ll start some coffee. Cassidy will be here at ten, so I have some time.”

I watch her walk away, her hips and legs looking incredible in that skirt. Hell, who am I kidding? She looks incredible. Every damn inch of her.

Needing a minute to get myself under control, I step out onto the front porch. It’s already a muggy day with the promise of warmer temperatures.

Walking back into the house, the smell of fresh brewed coffee leads me to the kitchen. I find Logan at the counter rolling out dough. “Hey, what’s all this?”

Without looking at me, she continues to roll out the dough. “I thought I would make biscuits and gravy for breakfast.”

“It sounds amazing. You could have just gone out and picked something up.” It sounds odd saying this to her. My gut instinct is to tell her to stop, that it’s not her job to wait on us, but then I’m reminded that it is. It’s going to be a struggle for me to separate Hawaii Logan and Tennessee Logan in my mind.

“Nah, this won’t take long. Besides, the guys said you all only get home-cooked meals when you go home to see your mamas. I enjoy cooking, so it’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Can I help?” I offer, biting back the urge to take over.

“Nope, the coffee is ready, and this”—she points to a cookie sheet full of homemade biscuits—“will be ready in about fifteen minutes.”

I make my way to the coffee maker and pour myself a steaming cup. Instead of retreating back to the island or the living room or, hell, anywhere else, I turn and rest my back against the counter, crossing my legs and sip on my coffee. Logan is beside me at the stove, browning sausage.

“So, who taught you to cook?”

A wistful smile crossed her face. “My mom and my gran.”

Her smile makes those brown eyes sparkle. “My mom tried.” I laugh. “I didn’t have much interest. I can grill just about anything, but get me in an actual kitchen and you need to be on high alert.”

A giggle escapes those pink lips and I want to pull her mouth to mine and kiss her. Shit! I’ve got to get a handle on this. She’s my employee. Maybe if I try imagining her as Paige in Hawaii and Logan here in Tennessee it will be enough to separate the two? I take another sip of my coffee, mulling it over.

“My brother’s pretty much the same way.”

Her voice brings me out of my silent musing, causing me to turn my head to look at her. There is no way I can pretend she’s two different people. I’m captivated by her. Still.

“What the hell smells so damn good?” Cole grumbles from the doorway.

“Good morning, grumpy,” she teases him. “I’m making breakfast. Coffee is waiting. This will be ready in about ten.”

Cole strides toward me and gives me a knowing look. “Either make me a cup or move out of my way. I need caffeine.”

I step to the side, allowing him to move in and make his own. My intention is to stay close, so as soon as he’s done, I can resume my spot next to her. Cole has other plans. He mimics my previous position and starts up a conversation with Logan.

“You know you’re the best assistant ever, right?” he asks.

Looking up, she grins at him. “Duh.”

They both laugh and, for some reason, it bothers me. I watch as Cole leans in closer and inhales. He gives off