Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,272

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.

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