Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,266

his shirt and push him up against the wall.

“What did I tell you about talking to her like that?” I pull my arm back ready to blow when I feel her hands pulling it back.

“Kacen, please. He’s not worth it.” Her eyes are pleading. There is a double meaning. If the press were to get ahold of the fact that I assaulted him, without him throwing the first punch, they would have a field day. Who am I kidding? They will twist it and have a field day regardless.

I release him. “Get the hell out of here. Forget her name, forget her number, forget her address. Forget her.”

He rubs at his neck, giving us each one last hard look, before turning and walking away. I watch him until I can no longer see him.

“Well, that was fun,” I say, turning to face Logan.

“I’m sorry you had to see that. Thank you for stepping in. You didn’t have to do that.” Her voice is soft.

In one long stride, I’m standing toe to toe with her. I place my index finger under her chin and tilt her face up to me. Big brown eyes filled with hurt and shame stare back at me. “He’s a fucking idiot. If you were mine, I would never let you go.”

Knowing that it’s supposed to be wrong, I just don’t give a fuck. I lean down and place a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. She releases a soft gasp of surprise, but doesn’t pull away. I kiss a trail to her ear. “You deserve better,” I whisper.

It takes extreme effort, but I stand to my full height and take a small step back.

“I’ll . . . um . . . I’ll just get my purse.” Her voice is whisper soft as she turns and walks into her apartment.

Chapter 19

Logan

What just happened? This morning has been a roller coaster of emotions. Disappointment: my car acting up and being late for work is frustrating as hell. Anger: Daniel showing up thinking we could just rewind, that is, until he needs another break. Desire: from the second Kacen placed his hand on my hip to open the door, desire coursed through my veins. Factor in the kisses to my temple and the way he defended me, calling me his.

I wish I was.

Then there was the kiss, just a whisper of a touch on the corner of my mouth, my cheek. His words. Everything from that night in Hawaii comes crashing back into me. The way he touched me, held me. Sometimes there are moments like today and I think he remembers too and he wants me. Other times, I feel like I’m just Logan, his personal assistant. When I see what looks like fire in his eyes for me, my mind begins to race. If I were to find another job, then he would no longer be my boss.

I find Kacen leaning against the hood of my car, feet and arms crossed. I can see the corded muscles in his arms, his ink catching my attention like it always does. The memory of those powerful arms holding himself above me as he pushed inside . . . GAH!

Kacen holds his hand out and I drop the keys into them. I stand back and watch him unlock the door and then try to start the car. He tries a few times and this time, there is no sound. Nothing happens at all. He pulls his cell phone out of his pocket, taps the screen a few times, and puts it to his ear. I can hear the low rumble of his voice, but I cannot make out what he’s saying.

“Okay,” he says, climbing out of the car. “I called a friend of mine who owns a garage. He’s going to come and tow it to his shop and see if he can diagnose it. I’m not a mechanic, but it could be as simple as your battery.”

“Thank you, you didn’t have to do that.”

He nods. “Let’s swing by and pick up some breakfast. I’m sure the guys are wondering where we are.”

“I can make something.”

“No. This morning has sucked ass for you. Just take a break, Logan. For the last month, you have made us three meals a day. One day of greasy breakfast sandwiches is not going to kill us.” He winks.

I don’t argue with him. Instead, I slide into the passenger seat of his truck and fasten the seat belt.

Kacen pulls into the McDonald’s drive