Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,261

the counter next to me.

“Thank you.” My voice is breathy. I need to get myself together.

Must not lust after the boss.

I feel his breath against my cheek. “You’re welcome,” he says, leaning in close, his front is pressed against my back. His voice is deep and sexy as hell. Is it normal to be turned on by just his voice?

He slowly steps away and I miss the feel of his body pressed against mine.

“Fuck, that smells so good,” Cole announces as he strides into the kitchen and straight to the stove to see what I’ve made. “What is it? You know what, it doesn’t matter. It looks as good as it smells.”

I smile and hand him a plate. “You’re the best, Log,” he says, kissing the top of my head.

“Damn, girl, I could get used to waking up to you,” Tristan says, joining us.

“We may have to draw straws,” Gavin says as he follows Tristan to the stove.

“Enough!” Kacen barks.

I don’t turn around. Instead, I hand Tristan and Gavin their plates and then make one for Kacen. I turn to take it to him and he’s there. Our chests bump into one another and he reaches out his hand to steady the arm that holds his plate, while his other hand locks around my hip, holding me to him. I look up to find his eyes, those cerulean orbs, filled with heat. My breath catches in my chest.

Very slowly, he lifts the hand that reached out to steady mine and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Leaning in, he softly whispers, “Sorry.” His hands then drop to his sides and he takes a step back.

Neither one of us says a word as I lift the plate toward him. He takes it, allowing his fingers to brush against mine. “Thank you.”

I nod, then turn back to the stove. I finish slicing the roll, sure the guys will be back for seconds.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to face them. “Okay, I’ll just be in my office if you need me,” I say and start for the door.

“Logan,” Kacen calls for me.

I stop and look over my shoulder. “Are you not going to eat?”

“No, I had a bagel before I left my apartment.” I turn back around, but before I can take a step, he’s calling my name again.

“Logan.”

I again look over my shoulder.

“You can eat here with us, and you don’t have to rush off to your office. There’s not a lot for you to do right now anyway, besides keeping us fed.” He grins.

“You got that covered, baby girl.” Cole grins then shoves another bite into his mouth. Kacen elbows him in the ribs. He just grunts and continues to eat like nothing happened.

“I don’t want to be in the way,” I say.

“You’re not. Come and sit with us, take a break.” Kacen tilts head to the empty seat on his other side.

“I’m good, really.” I turn back around.

“I am the boss, am I not?” I hear him all but growl.

This brings me to a halt once again. “Yes.” I don’t bother turning around.

“Then sit. There is nothing pressing that you need to get to.”

I want to stomp my foot, wrap my arms across my chest, and push out my bottom lip in a pout. However, I can’t. He is my boss, and he has requested, no . . . demanded that I join them. My heart is pounding and my palms are sweaty. I remind myself that this is a normal reaction to a guy who altered my world on its axis. I just have to learn how to control it, to not let him see me sweat. To get over the fact that he probably ruined me for all men.

He’s my boss.

Turning to face them, I make my way to the table and take the empty seat next to Gavin. I can feel his eyes on me, but I don’t dare look. Instead, I turn to look at Tristan who winks at me. He swallows the gigantic bite he just took and flashes me a grin. “So, Log, what’s for lunch?”

He sounds so much like a little boy I can’t help but laugh at him. “No plans yet, you have a request?”

“Nope, just as long as it’s home cooked. So far everything you’ve made us has been delectable, darling.” He pitches his voice.

We all break out in laughter at his antics, and I relax. The four men who make up Soul Serenade are not at