Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,284

me growing up. It’s like comfort food, and that’s what I want her to feel. I want Logan to be comfortable with me. I want her to be able to relax and enjoy spending the day with me. I hope to give her a glimpse of how it would be with us. I want her to let go of her fears and be with me, be mine.

I add a few bottles of water and zip the top. Tearing off a few paper towels, I fold them and store them in the front pocket of the cooler. My mind runs through a mental checklist. I don’t want to forget anything.

“Ready.”

I turn to see Logan standing in the doorway. Her hair is pulled up in a knot on top of her head, a few loose strands frame her face. She’s wearing a tank top and a pair of tiny shorts. My eyes continue to take her in as they lock on her tanned legs, leading to her feet. Bright pink toenails and a pair of flip-flops. Meeting her eyes after undressing her with mine, I hold her stare as I stalk toward her.

My hands grip her waist and I pull her against me. “You about made me swallow my damn tongue.” My voice is gruff, laced with my desire for her. Burying my face in her neck, I breathe her in. Forcing myself to pull away, I ask, “Ready to be wooed?”

She throws her head back and laughs. “Let’s see what you got, rock star.”

Grabbing her hand, I lead her into the kitchen, pick up the cooler, and head for the garage.

“This is what we’re taking?”

“Yep. Have you ever ridden in one?”

“No, we had four-wheelers growing up, but nothing like this.”

“You’ll love it. On the way back, you can drive.”

“Really?” she asks with excitement.

“Yes, really.” I laugh at her enthusiasm. I help her fasten her seat belt, and then shut the door.

“Don’t we need helmets?”

“Not for what we’re doing. Seat belts are sufficient, besides I won’t be going that fast. I’m carrying precious cargo.” I watch the blush creep up her cheeks. I love that about her.

As soon as we are out of the garage and on our way to the back of the property, I reach over and rest my hand on her thigh. I can’t help but touch her when she’s so close; besides, I promised romance.

It takes about fifteen minutes to get to the pond. I park under one of the many shade trees and kill the engine.

I can’t take my eyes off her as she takes in our surroundings. “Kacen, this place is beautiful. You own this?”

“Yeah, it’s part of what sold me on the place. The house is great, a little big for what I need, but maybe someday I’ll be able to fill it with kids.” Her eyes go wide at my admission. I’ve mentioned before that I want a family. “My parents’ farm is like this. There was always an adventure waiting for me. My cousins, Blaise, Asher, Ember, and me would spends hours roaming, building forts. I have a lot of great memories. I figured if I was going to invest in a home, I wanted it to have unlimited possibilities,” I confess.

“I’m impressed.” She grins.

I climb out and jog around to her side to help her. I reach in the back and grab the blankets and cooler. “What can I carry?” she asks.

I start to say I got it, but then I realize that if I give her something, my hand will be free to hold hers. “You can take these if you want.” I hold the blankets out to her. She takes them in one arm, and I immediately lace my fingers through hers. I will always take every chance I get to touch her.

Hands down.

I lead her down to the bank of the pond where a cluster of shade trees are nestled together. “When did you have time to have this mowed?” she questions.

“I got a guy,” I say with a wink. “It’s part of the landscaper’s job. I love coming out here, and keeping the grass cut, there are less ticks and . . . other critters.”

“Nice.”

Bringing our joined hands to my lips, I kiss her knuckles before releasing my hold on her. I take one blanket and spread it out on the ground, followed by the other. “After you, beautiful,” I say, sweeping my arm toward the blankets.

She takes a seat and pulls off her flip-flops, setting them to