McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2 Read online

  Her words hit me like an arrow in the heart.

  Instead of shouting about how much I love Alexander, I slip out of her hold and back away from her.

  Paige gasps. “Rachel, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean … I don’t know what I meant.” She takes a step toward me.

  “I’m already in love with a man I can’t live without.” I turn on a sob and run away.

  Unfortunately my legs won’t carry me as far as I’d like and I come to a stop a few blocks over, panting, bent at the waist with my hands on my knees. I’m so out of shape.

  I dry my face on the sleeve on my sweatshirt and lift my face up to the sky, breathing in the cold fresh air. Snow is in the air. With a heavy sigh, I turn and head to the apartment I share with Paige.

  She’ll be there waiting for me and my outburst won’t be mentioned.

  This is my life.

  3

  Alexander

  Meetings between us McKenzies are usually entertaining, but today I can’t bring myself to pay too much attention. The boardroom is off of my cousin, Michael’s office. We all elected him to be at the helm once our fathers announced their retirement. He’s the manager amongst us. With my current mood, I’d rather lock my office door and work on a new project without any interruptions. My sister Olivia is more outgoing than me, but she too, likes to be locked away with her work.

  My father, Lucien, and his brothers, Michael and Sebastian, still keep up-to-date with what’s going on at the office, which is why they’re also sitting around the large conference table.

  Papers are scattered while I sit in my seat woolgathering, as my mother would say. My concentration has been all over the place and I can’t settle on any one project, which is unlike me. I’m never indecisive.

  My mind is constantly on what Rachel is doing. I wonder until it drives me crazy. I need to get more of a life, but I have no idea how to do that. My heart has settled on Rachel, and I know that I won’t ever be truly happy with someone else.

  Suddenly, I feel the silence around me and slowly glance around the room—all eyes are on me.

  “What?” I ask, frowning.

  All eyes turn toward my father who stares at me and shakes his head, a worried expression on his features. He clears his throat, but it’s my sister Olivia, who says, “Snap out of it Alexander.” Clicking her fingers in my face.

  Opening my mouth, nothing comes out.

  “Let’s get back to business,” Dad says and I sigh in relief.

  I glance at Olivia and reaching out, squeeze her hand. She’s angry with me because she knows what’s going on. In fact I’m fairly sure the whole family is aware what’s going on between Rachel and I.

  “The office here is closing for four days during Charlotte’s wedding, although we’ll all have our office phones forwarded to our cells during that time,” Michael says as I force myself to concentrate.

  “Dad,” I say, “are you and Mom still traveling to the hotel with me from the airport?” I glance at Olivia. “Are you driving or do you need a lift?”

  “We’ll still drive up with you.” Dad grins. “Your mother is looking forward to a road trip with our two children.”

  “Urgh,” Olivia groans. “I guess that means I’m going with you as well.”

  I laugh and so does Olivia. She loves spending family time together, which I guess we all do.

  “Joshua is meeting us at the airport in Boston and insists on driving Lily and I.” Uncle Michael smiles. “Lily is slightly disappointed that Charlotte is making her own way there with Tanner. She understands though.”

  “Carla keeps hinting to Madison that it’s about time she finds a ‘nice young man’, much to her chagrin,” Uncle Sebastian says. “I actually think my wife is more interested in having a grandchild than a daughter who is married.” He shudders. “Madison is my baby girl, I can’t imagine her married or a mother.”

  “Or what she’d have to do if she got married and have a baby,” Uncle Michael teases.

  Uncle Sebastian goes white and narrows his eyes at his brother. “I don’t want to imagine my daughter with a horny assed man, thank you for that.”

  “If you two have finished, I can’t wait for Alexander or Olivia to get married and start popping out babies,” Dad says to my horror.

  Olivia starts laughing. “I’d love to see Alex popping out babies.”

  Dad rolls his eyes. “Let me rephrase, I can’t wait for Alex to marry and for his wife to pop out grandchildren.” He grins at Olivia. “Of course you could be first.”

  Now I laugh at the shock on my sister’s face. “Nice one.”

  Olivia glares in my direction.

  I warn, “Do not go there.”

  She snaps her mouth closed.

  Michael chuckles and shakes his head. “So we’re sorted with work and for the wedding. Correct?”

  “Yes boss.” I salute.

  Michael gives me the finger.

  Grinning, I gather up my things and ask, “Are Dylan, Jaxon, Rachel, and Paige traveling to the hotel together?”

  I notice Dad’s attention from the corner of my eyes while I hold Uncle Sebastian’s gaze.

  “Yes they are. Dylan has the four-wheel drive with him. Which is just as well considering the forecast for snow. So I think Charlotte is going to get the white wedding she wants.” Uncle Sebastian smiles. “My wife has plans for the snow.”

  Uncle Michael snorts. “Won’t body parts freeze off in the snow? I mean you’re not as young as you once were.”

  “My body parts will be warmed by my wife.” Uncle Sebastian winks and laughing, walks out with a wave to us all.

  Dad groans and looks at his brother. “When McKenzie Holdings was started so many years ago, I never imagined we’d be sitting at the conference table with some of our children.” He glances at Olivia, then me, then Michael. “I want you to know that we’re all proud of you.”

  “Geez Dad.” Olivia sniffles. “I never cry.”

  “I’m going to tell Mom,” I offer, trying to hide how much his words touched me.

  Uncle Michael laughs. “All your mother will do is smack his ass and kiss it better.”

  “Dad!” Michael shouts.

  “On that note, I’ll leave you to business.” Uncle Michael pats his son on the shoulder as he leaves.

  “God,” Michael slumps in his chair, “I’m not sure what’s wrong with Dad today and the comments.”

  Dad roars with laughter. “You’re married Michael, I’m sure you can work it out.”

  Michael’s eyes widen in surprise and then he shudders. “Moms and Dads never have sex,” he says with a straight face as he leaves the room.

  Olivia follows him out.

  I offer my dad a wry smile. “Was it planned for us both to be left in here alone?”

  “I couldn’t have planned it better.” Dad moves beside me and sits against the tables’ edge as I lean back in my chair. “You’re my son Alexander, and I love you.”

  “But—”

  He shakes his head. “No buts … I’m here if you need me. For anything Alexander.”

  Quickly glancing away, I turn back to the man who I’ve always loved and respected “I know Dad. I’ve always known that you and Mom are there for me. Olivia knows that too.”

  “I wish I knew how to help you,” Dad admits. “It hurts us knowing that you’re hurting. I never want my children to struggle and no matter how old you and your sister get, I’ll always want to make everything better for you both. It’s been that way since the minute you were born.”

  “You’re making me want to cry like a baby.”

  He smiles softly. “I love you.” Dad grabs my head and kisses me on the top. “Follow your heart.”

  Before his words register he’s gone and I’m alone in the room.

  Did he tell me to follow my heart, knowing exactly where that will take me?

  4

  Rachel

  It’s been a long car ride from college with Paige, Dylan, and Jaxon, and all
I want now is a long soak in either a Jacuzzi or a bathtub. I’m not too fussy as to which at this point.

  The Stowe Mountain Lodge is a huge five star resort, which is overrun with guests during the winter months. Luckily for Charlotte there had been a wedding cancellation, which meant she and Tanner could be slotted in earlier than expected, and the block of guest rooms also went to the McKenzie/Jackson wedding party.

  Finding somewhere to park in the huge lot wasn’t easy, but eventually we slipped into a space as another SUV pulled out—right at the entrance to the hotel.

  Dylan grins. “This spot was so worth driving around for.”

  Jaxon raises his brows and opens the door, letting the cold air invade the warmth of the car. “At least you won’t get a parking ticket here.”

  I chuckle and clamber out, following my cousin to the trunk. Paige and Dylan join us as we grab our bags. Paige’s dress and mine are in separate clothing bags as we have our own rooms in this resort. Apparently when Charlotte took over the original booking she had no choice but to accept the room allocation as well. I’m not complaining.

  “Mom and Dad are here,” Jaxon jogs over to Aunt Rosie and Uncle Ruben who look to have just arrived with my cousins, Ryan and Sofia.

  “I think I’m going to sleep until the wedding,” Dylan comments, yawning. “Coach has us training hard.”

  Paige teases, “You should have early nights instead of spending them out.”

  I spot my dads, Noah and Ramon, strolling with our grandparents. Smiling widely, I nudge into Paige and grab Dylan’s arm. “Lets go and help. We can shove our bags on the baggage cart Ramon has.”

  Without waiting for a response, but knowing they’ll follow, I head over and greet our grandparents with a hug and a kiss to their cheeks. “How was the drive?”

  Ramon wraps an arm around my shoulders and kisses the top of my head. “The drive was good. So was the flight yesterday.” He smiles. “I missed you.”

  I roll my eyes. “Dad, I’ve hardly had chance to settle back into college since the Christmas break.”

  He kisses my cheek as I turn back to my grandparents.

  “My old bones are glad to have a rest from the traveling for a few days though,” Granddad admitted as Noah, helps him into the wheelchair.

  He hates the chair, but he accepts that he can’t get around like he used to be able to. I’m just glad to have both my grandparents in my life.

  I find myself wrapped in Noah’s arms, squished into Paige. “Missed you both,” he says. “How you doing Dylan?” he asks hugging him.

  Our families are big huggers—every last one of them.

  “Fine.” Dylan yawns again.

  Noah grins. “Too many late nights.” He watches Paige and me when he says that. His grin widening as we stifle our sniggers.

  Noah leads Grandma into the hotel and we follow at a slower pace with Ramon while he negotiates the wheelchair that Granddad has to use. When we get inside Granddad is looking around for his wife, his eyes alight when he spots her. Seeing them together, and so in love into their nineties always makes me smile. They certainly set a good example for their children, and grandchildren.

  “I’m going to find out why Madison looks upset.” Dylan takes off toward his sister, his mom and dad, Sebastian and Carla, close by.

  “Rachel. Paige.”

  I recognize that voice.

  We turn and smile at Sirena as she slowly waddles toward us. Her husband, Garrett, carries their son Elias in his arms while trying to keep hold of his wife.

  “Why haven’t you given birth yet?” Paige asks.

  “I feel like I’ve been pregnant forever,” Sirena complains, but she glows with happiness. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She settles into her husband’s one-armed embrace.

  “Have you seen my parents yet?” Sirena asks.

  I shake my head. “I think I heard that Joshua was meeting them at the airport and driving them up here.”

  “I heard that too.” Sirena glances at her husband.

  Garrett smiles softly. “I think we need to find our rooms so you can have a nap.”

  “Hey,” Dylan returns, “you need to check in over there. They’ve set a desk up for wedding guests. It’s quicker than joining the line at reception.”

  “Thanks.” I grab Dylan’s arm as he’s about to run off again. “Did you find out what’s up with Madison?”

  He frowns. “She says she’s fine, but I don’t believe her.”

  “I’ll get her alone and talk to her.” I shrug. “Let her know I’m here if she needs a female ear.”

  “She’s my sister, she should talk to me.” Dylan isn’t happy.

  “You’re a guy, and if she’s having man trouble why would she want to talk to her hot headed brother about it?” I grin. “You seriously want to have a conversation with your sister about sex?”

  He narrows his eyes, grabs my face and gives me a sloppy kiss on the cheek. “Cousins are not allowed to mention that word.”

  “What word?” My cousin Joshua appears.

  “Sex,” I tell him.

  Joshua pauses and glances to Dylan before saying dryly, “I’m not even going to ask.”

  Dylan disappears with Paige in tow while I exchange a hug with Joshua. He blushes as I squeeze his arms. “Why Joshua, I do believe you’ve been working out,” I tease and reaching up, kiss his cheek. “You’re so easy to tease.”

  “It’s hard work having a large family.” He smiles. “Can’t get away with anything.”

  We head toward the desk Dylan had indicated for the room allocation. I turn to Joshua and ask, “Where did your mom and dad go? They came with you, right?”

  “They did. Checked in the minute they walked through the front doors.”

  “Ah!” I chuckle. “Say no more.”

  “They’re like teenagers and can’t keep their hands off of each other.” He shudders. “Parents aren’t supposed to do that kind of stuff.”

  “All my male cousins think like that. Why is it weird knowing your parents have plenty of sex?”

  I get the narrowed-eyed glare. “I hate you,” he grumbles.

  Joshua has always been quick to give in with us girls, and I bet now is no different. So while he’s pretending to ignore me, I slip my arms around his waist and bury my face in his neck.

  He sighs and wraps me in an embrace. “I love you Rachel,” he whispers, “not as much as our cousin does though.”

  I still and feel him kiss my forehead.

  “I love you both, so be careful okay?”

  Nodding, I let him give our names and take our keys as we’re checked off a list. “This is your room.” He hands me a keycard and I walk with him toward the elevators, grabbing my luggage and dress as I pass the cart my dads have.

  “You’ve gone silent on me.” Joshua frowns. “I didn’t mean to hurt you when I said that about Alexander.”

  “I know. It just hurts … all the time.” I blink back tears. “I’ll survive.”

  I hope.

  Joshua stays silent in the elevator and gives me a long hug when I’m on my floor. “Thank me later.”

  I smile softly at him as the elevator doors slide shut. I frown at the closed doors wondering why I’d thank him later.

  5

  Alexander

  The sound of Joshua walking into the room next to mine has my attention. I’ve been waiting for him to get here to drag him onto the slopes with me. I listen as the door clicks shut behind him, and then I hear the sound of hangers in the closet jangling together. My ear to the connecting door, I smile when a loud sigh comes through the door very clear—not Joshua though.

  Hearing my name muttered from the lips of the woman I’m in love with has me banging on the door. “Rachel?” I shout before I can even think about what I’m doing. I’m not even sure I care anymore.

  There is a pause then I hear, “Alexander?” from directly behind the locked door.

  My forehead drops to the door as I place th
e palms of my hands flat against the wood keeping me from her. “I’m being punished.”

  “Unlock the door,” she says, the click of her side being unlocked loud in the silence between us.

  It’s wrong.

  I need her, to breathe.

  I’m going to hell.

  Unlocking the door, I tug it open and come face-to-face with my girl.

  My heart thumps hard in my chest as I caress over her, but my eyes struggle to leave her face.

  “I was expecting Joshua.”

  “He said this was my room when he gave me the room card.”

  Thank you Joshua!

  I shake my head and grin. “He knew exactly what he was doing.”

  “I’m exactly where I belong,” she says and steps into my room. “Because I’m only half alive when we’re apart Alexander.”

  Reaching for Rachel, our fingers intertwine. “I agree,” I whisper against her lips. “We’re heading for trouble.”

  “We’ve tried for a long time to stay apart. It’s not working.”

  “Then I’m done staying away.” My lips brush against her pink lips.

  She sighs her eyes alight with love. “Kiss me Alex.”

  “Yes,” I growl.

  Whatever calm I had is shattered with the hunger of her kisses. Her arms wrap around my neck as I crush her to me. No way can I let her go. I don’t think about anything but Rachel as she brings a leg up, hooking it over my hip.

  Our bodies are perfectly aligned and having Rachel rubbing against my throbbing dick sends all common sense out of the window.

  My lips leave hers to nibble at her earlobe; a shudder working it’s way through us both. “Rachel,” I whisper, trailing kisses along her neck to the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat. I raise my head and gaze into her eyes.

  “Make love to me Alexander,” Rachel says, her fingers threading through the short strands of my hair, hardening my body at the sensation.

  I grip her bottom in my large hands, holding her against me at the words that nearly have me undone. “Are you sure? Because I won’t let you go if we do. You’ll be mine Rachel. No one else will ever be able to say that.”