Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,275

of me. He cups my cheek with his big hand. “I’m sorry. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. You shouldn’t have to see that.” I get lost in the blue of his eyes as he watches me. “Never again,” he says loud enough for them to hear. “Do you hear me? I want you all clothed in front of Logan,” he says, still looking at me.

“Kacen,” I whisper his name. “It’s fine. It doesn’t bother me.”

Leaning close, his voice feather soft, he says, “It bothers me, babe.”

Okay, then. I nod once, letting him know I’m not going to argue with him, and turn back to the stove. His hand drops from my face. I’m working on my next batch when Kacen appears beside me. He has his plate in his hand as he leans against the counter, finishing his breakfast. Biting my tongue, I make each of them another plate, then make me two pieces as well. As I sit at the island to eat, Kacen pulls the stool out beside me and sits down.

“So what’s on the agenda for today?”

This is not normal for us. Is he concerned I’m not doing my job? “I have to call Cassidy today. She left me a message last night saying she has something she wants me to run by you guys.”

“After that, maybe you can take a break? Let’s go for a swim,” he suggests.

“Kacen, you pay me to work, not swim.”

“I pay you to keep us organized, to keep us fed. You do that; hell, you excel at that. Take a few hours to relax.”

Wow. His words touch me. I try to remain professional and keep up with the demands of the job. I’m thrilled he thinks I’m excelling. It took me a while to get into the swing of it, but now I field fan mail, take care of landscapers, cleaning staff, and basically every other need he or the band may have while they are here. I’ve also been working with Cassidy and the label on scheduling some appearances for later in the year when they hope to have the album complete. It’s unreal how far in advance you have to plan for the release. I’ve learned a lot, and I love what I do. All the more reason to keep my head controlling my heart.

“Let me see what Cassidy wants and how long it takes to get through the messages today. Maybe later this afternoon.”

“Fine.” He places his hand on top of mine. His thumb gently rolls across my knuckles. “This isn’t a conventional job, Logan. As long as it’s done and you are here if I need you, that’s all that matters. If you get it done in ten hours per week, good for you. I’m still going to pay you your full salary. I see how hard you work. We’re not an easy bunch.”

“Speak for yourself,” Cole chimes in.

“That’s enough from the naked peanut gallery. Finish eating and get some damn clothes on.”

“Like I said, I’ll see how it goes.”

“Fair enough.” He gives my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing his hold on me. However, he remains on the stool beside me, making casual conversation while I finish eating. My head tells me he’s just being friendly, my heart tells me he feels the connection too. I’m in so much trouble.

Chapter 26

Kacen

I’m sitting out on the back deck thinking about breakfast. All was going fine until Cole strolled in practically naked. Fucker. I’m going to need to talk to all of them. They can’t do that shit with Logan here.

“Hey, man,” Gavin says, stepping out the patio door.

I tilt my head back, acknowledging him.

“What was that earlier?” he questions.

“What?” I’m playing dumb. I know exactly what he’s talking about. Maybe if I play it cool, I won’t have to spill my guts. Then again, it’s not like they don’t know my intentions.

“That shit with Cole.”

“Logan doesn’t need to see the fucking twig and berries flapping in the wind. You all need to keep your junk covered if you’re going to stay here.”

Gavin chuckles at my analogy. We’re both quiet for several minutes when he says, “So, she’s it, huh?”

There is no need for him to elaborate. I know exactly what he means. The four of us grew up together, and we’ve talked about what would happen to the band if any of us found “it,” the one person who is our game changer. I know for me it’s Logan. Crazy, I’ve known her, what, three