It Started with a Kiss (McKenzie Cousins Book 12) Read online

  My head is telling me to leave this alone—go back to Boston and forget all about Ryan McKenzie. It’s what I should do. However, I’m not ready to do that yet. Over the next week, I’ll do everything I can to attract his attention to the point that he approaches me because I’m not sure I dare to approach him.

  Not like the woman who approaches him now with all her curves visible and breasts larger than melons. Her fingernails flash under the light, and Ryan barely misses those claws. I smile as he shakes his head and backs away from the woman. He snaps something to her, and then gives the bartender the finger, before he disappears down the ‘staff only’ hallway.

  My heart pounds, knowing he turned her away. Is it because he’s seen me? My belly is full of nerves making me feel unsettled at the thought. I want to hope I had something to do with that rejection I witnessed. Ryan won’t have behaved with the women—that I do know. I’m aware of his reputation just like I had been all those years ago.

  Not liking the way my thoughts have turned, I move toward the bar and place my empty glass on the black granite surface.

  “I’m Rob.” The bartender appears and moving my glass out of his way, leans on the bar. “I’ve noticed you like the boss, huh?” He grins. “And you are?”

  Heat creeps onto my face. “Gretchen.”

  “Nice name.” He glances around and adds under his breath, “Will we see you tomorrow night?”

  Nodding, I swallow around the lump in my throat. “I’ll be here.”

  “Good. I think it’s going to be fun.”

  I frown, wondering what he meant by fun and move through Kenza to the street outside. The Uber I ordered is waiting, so I jump inside. After confirming my destination, I settle back for the short five-minute journey. I would have walked, however, at two o’clock in the morning, I grab a ride.

  The 21c Museum Hotel is central, modern, and welcoming. I tip the Uber driver and have the door opened by the hotel doorman, who has a warm smile.

  “Did you have a good evening?” he enquires while I retrieve the keycard I have to use if I want the elevator to move upwards—it doubles as a room key.

  “I did. Thank you.”

  In minutes, I’m locked behind my bedroom door and I let out a deep sigh.

  I did it.

  I went on my own to a nightclub. Not only did I do that with my knees trembling, but I stayed for hours watching Ryan.

  He probably thinks I’m a stalker or something, which is, um, maybe a little bit accurate. I’m not crazy or anything, though.

  Kicking my shoes off, I flex my aching toes after they’ve been squished in the high heels all evening.

  The soft pile carpet feels good as I move into the bathroom, stripping my clothing as I go. The cold air conditioning pebbles my nipples, making them ache. I turn the shower on and while I’m waiting for it to warm up, I look at myself in the mirror over the sink. I spread my fingers over my hips and move them to my flat belly.

  Four

  Ryan

  “She’s here again,” Rob says.

  I glance at him with a brow raised when he indicates with his head toward the dark corner closest to the bar.

  My heart lurches in my chest as I move away from my annoying friend and assistant manager. It takes control not to stare in the direction Rob indicated. Instead, I continue placing cleaned glasses back on the shelves and slowly cast my eyes around the room. I try not to be too obvious about it…and then there she is.

  The moment my eyes focus on the girl, she quickly averts her gaze. I smile, knowing she’s watching me as closely as I’m going to be watching her. I’m under no illusion that the sexy girl knows exactly who I am. Just like I know exactly who she is—the girl I’ve been unable to forget. On nights alone, I remember the feel of her lips on mine. I remember the way she’d clung to me—her soft curves against my harder shape. My cock had been so hard from the moment our lips had met that an hour later, I’d been in the shower with my hand for pleasure.

  Giving my back to the growing crowd, I quickly slip my hand into my jeans and straighten my throbbing dick. I get some relief now that it’s not squashed. Knowing she’s so close yet so far is a cause of frustration.

  Rob laughs as he moves past my loitering figure to reach for a new bottle of vodka. “What’s gotten into you?” he asks on his way back to finish making the cocktail.

  “Nothing.”

  “That’s what women say when they mean everything is wrong.”

  “Shut up,” I hiss. “Don’t I pay you to serve the customers?”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t be charging you extra for the advice.”

  “I should hope not considering you haven’t given me any.”

  Rob pauses. “Go and talk to her.” He grins. “That’s your advice!”

  “Idiot,” I mumble. “I have paperwork to do.”

  Rob grins and shakes his head.

  A guy is allowed to go and work—hide—in his office.

  Without one more glance in Gretchen’s direction, I forcibly shove my sleeves up. I come to a surprising stop when I recognize my cousin blocking the way through to the office.

  My grin widens as we hug tight. Levi is a second cousin. He’s the son of my father’s cousin, Dante De La Fuente and his wife, Emelia. Growing up, we’d see a lot of Levi and his sister, Emma, because they lived in Essex, Vermont, while the rest of their family lived in Montana.

  “Not that I’m complaining,” I say, my arm around his shoulders while leading him to the office, “but, to what do I owe this visit?”

  Levi grins. “I’ve finally got the money together to open another Emelia’s here in Lexington.” He laughs.

  “Sooner rather than later, huh?”

  “Hmm.” He sits back in the guest chair and rests an ankle on his knee while he debates how to say what he’s here for. I know him that well.

  “Go in with me.”

  I blink a few times, thinking I’ve misheard and Levi laughs. “Never thought I’d see the day you’re left speechless.”

  Shaking my head, I reply, “We talked about this years ago.”

  Levi nods. “When your parents took you, Sofia and Jaxon, on holiday to Vermont.”

  I frown. “You wouldn’t stop looking at Sofia as I recall.”

  “What can I say she was hot. Still is.”

  My frown deepens and he laughs. “Sofia is like a sister to me, get your head out of your ass.”

  “Leave my sister out of this and you might have a deal.” I sit forward, resting my hands on the desk. “Do you think this could work between us?”

  “I don’t see why not. It’s what we used to talk about as teenagers. As adults, you’ve been managing Kenza for years. I’ve been managing Emelia’s in Essex alongside my sister for three years. I’ve talked to Emma about this and she’s more than happy to stay in Essex. Mom and Dad are onboard with the plan. Emma is going to be involved at some point.”

  “You have it all planned.”

  “I want you to come and see the building with me tomorrow.” He stretches in the chair. “I’ll email you the plans and proposal. The building is run down and I own it.” He grins. “I wasn’t letting a bargain get away from me. It’s out past the Kentucky Horse Park in a small town, Blossom Creek. Just remember, it needs a lot of work. It’s more the location that I want you to see. The view behind is worth everything. It’s amazing, Ryan.”

  “I believe you.” I have paperwork on my desk and bills needing paying, but I’m excited to see what Levi has planned. “Send me that email in the next hour and I’ll read it tonight.”

  “Will do.” He stands and glances toward the door. “I think I might hang around for a while. Lots of pretty ladies out there.”

  Rolling my eyes, I add, “Email me before leaving this office. Otherwise, you’ll get carried away and forget.”

  A few seconds after punching buttons on his phone, he slips it into his back pocket. “Done.” He leaves the office door open and shouts over his shoulder, “I’
m hoping the redhead is still out there.”

  I scramble from behind the desk and jog to catch up to him, which I do, and steer him over to the bar. “Let me get you a drink on the house.”

  “I thought you had work to do?” His head turns as he looks around the club. “She’s gone.”

  My head snaps to the corner where Gretchen has been partly hidden, and to my dismay, she has gone. When I look at Levi, his eyes are filled with humor. “I watched you watching her when I arrived. I couldn’t resist teasing you. She watched you too if you want to know.”

  “Asshole,” I mumble, secretly excited to hear she had her eyes on me.

  Levi laughs, tips his beer toward me in a salute.

  I leave him to it.

  A smile on my lips as my cousin disappears through the crowd of people on the dance floor. It soon slips when I realize Gretchen has left. It doesn’t stop me from slowly searching over the sweaty bodies for her. I do see Levi dancing with a couple of girls. They’re regular and always up for a good time. Unfortunately, I have firsthand knowledge of that.

  Wincing, I continue looking but don’t see Gretchen anywhere.

  Has she left?

  Before I even realize what I’m doing, the cold evening air hits me in the face. I’m standing on the sidewalk watching cabs pull away from the club. I don’t see her. Then again, the pavement is bustling with people waiting to get inside the club. Even though she has a head of red hair, her petite frame keeps her hidden.

  Five

  Gretchen

  Five days later and I’m still no closer to talking to Ryan than I was when I first arrived in Lexington. If I weren’t frustrated, I’d love this game I seem to have fallen into. However, I am frustrated. I want his sole attention on me and not on the women who bid for his attention when he’s working the bar. He’s flirty and although I’m well aware of his reputation with the ladies, so far, I haven’t seen anything to believe he’s really like that.

  As I wiggle into the red dress and pull it down over my bottom, I gasp when I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I chew on my bottom lip as I try and tug at the material of the dress to cover more flesh. It doesn’t work. When I bought this sexy number, I had no idea I’d be so revealed.

  The top part of the dress is made up of four pieces of material—two at the front and two at the back—they are held together with a jeweled choker. My intention tonight by dressing in this seductive way is to get his attention to the point that he reacts.

  Slipping my feet into the matching red high-heels, I twirl in front of the mirror, knowing I look hot. I feel uncomfortable, though. This is going to be the first and last time I’m ever in anything remotely like this. I’d much prefer yoga pants and a t-shirt with everything covered. Even a skater dress with a pair of boots is preferred.

  Inhaling deeply, I grab my purse and quickly leave the hotel room before I can change my mind. In the elevator, an older man and his wife join me on the floor below. My nerves are so profound at this point that I’m surprised I’m not hyperventilating on the floor. The man only stares, making me so uncomfortable that I scramble out and quickly walk outside to where the doorman gives me a second glance before whistling for a cab.

  My heart pounds until I arrive at the club. The moment security spots me, I’m waved through into the beautiful place. In part, I wonder whether or not Ryan has said something to security because each night I’ve been here, I haven’t had to wait outside. That first night I had for a short time until the security guard had taken pity on me waiting alone. Kenza is a popular place and the word is that nothing illegal goes on at the club. The McKenzie family has a strict policy on the subject of drugs or any kind of underhand dealings.

  Thinking of Ryan, he’s already behind the bar serving drinks to the flirting ladies. He appears distracted from where I’m standing, while he’s keeping an eye on the dark-haired man. The man has been at the bar for the past few nights.

  A throat being cleared drags my gaze to Rob leaning across the bar toward me. His eyes are full of mischief as he looks me over before casting a glance toward his boss. He chuckles. “What can I get you this evening, Gretchen?”

  “Water, please.”

  “Coming up.”

  I swallow around the lump in my throat and force myself to concentrate on the man getting me a bottle of water from the small fridge behind him.

  “Are you sure you don’t want anything stronger?” He asks me this each evening.

  I shake my head and notice his eyes shift to my hair that falls around my shoulders.

  “I have a feeling the boss is going to need a drink when he catches sight of you.”

  “Oh.” My legs feel weak as the man disappears to serve other customers.

  His words give my confidence a boost, so before I end up on my ass on the floor, I move into my corner. It’s challenging to keep my gaze elsewhere, but I read an article online last night about ignoring the man you want. It said if he’s as interested in you, then being ignored will irritate him and have him making the first move. So, I’m trying that out. If it doesn’t work, I’ll be leaving a negative review.

  Keeping my gaze away from the bar, I search around looking for a man—a red herring. I find him. Medium build with shaggy blond hair. He’s in a group of three men drinking beer. He’ll do. He appears safe because his attention is on his friends as they talk. I don’t want to encourage anyone to approach me. I shudder at the thought and would have no clue how to handle that situation. I’m not all that sure how to handle Ryan if I’m honest with myself. Something is compelling me to go after him. It’s not only lust. I want to be near him. I do want to experience being in his arms again, but there is more to it than that. I wish I could put my finger on it. However, I can’t.

  “I haven’t seen you before.”

  I’m pulled from my woolgathering by the guy I’ve been staring at. My stomach dips as he moves closer, his eyes staring at my boobs.

  “Gretchen!”

  I jump, hearing my name shouted seconds before an arm wraps around my waist from behind.

  “Don’t fight me,” Ryan hisses, moving me to his side.

  “I saw her first,” the man glares, making no move to go away.

  “She’s been mine for four fucking years.” Ryan tightens his hold and marches me from the central part of the club, down a hallway, and into an office.

  He lifts me by the hips and plonks my ass down on his desk. His eyes, when I work up the courage to meet them, are dark and heated. I lick my lips and watch his eyes narrow before I feel his hands on my legs. They slide upwards and he pushes my knees so that I open to him. He wastes no time and grabbing my ass brings me up against the front of his jeans as he steps between my spread legs.

  His face is inches from mine as I wrap my hands around his biceps. There is a lot of strength in this man and I want it all. I want him.

  I slide my hands up over his shoulders and feel him shudder at my touch on the nape of his neck.

  Ryan drops his forehead to mine and holds my gaze. “You looked at me. Tonight, you looked at him. I didn’t like it.”

  “It got your attention,” I whisper.

  “You’ve had my fucking attention for four years, Gretchen.”

  “Then why have you ignored me?”

  Breathing heavily, Ryan catches his breath when I wiggle my hips, rubbing on the hardness pressing against my softness. “When I saw you in the club for the first time, I told myself I had to go six months without sex. It’s been two up to your arrival here. I had four months to go.” He rotates his hips. “I lasted days, Gretchen—fucking days before I came after you.”

  Frowning, my hands drop from around his neck and I push him away, wiggling from his desk. I stumble slightly in the high heels and end up dropping down into the chair opposite his desk. He looms over me, as I ask, “What you’re saying is that you’ve abstained from sex for two months and I’m convenient?”

  Ryan narrows his eyes and very slowly perches on the de
sk. He crosses his ankles and grips the side of his desk. My eyes stray to the bulge behind his zipper—that he doesn’t try to hide—before I drag them up to his face. The asshole smirks.

  “There is nothing convenient about you, Gretchen.” He pauses. “Four years ago, you blew my head off with that kiss.” His jaw twitches. “I had to jerk off three times that night before I could sleep.”

  The pulse between my legs throbs while I feel my breasts swell, my nipples tight as I inhale nervous breaths. Ryan’s gaze dips and as he stares at my breasts, he grows thicker between his legs.

  Averting my gaze, I feel a blush creeping up my neck and onto my face.

  Ryan gently grips my jaw in a large hand and turns my attention back to him. “The reputation that proceeds me is from when I was fresh out of college and really enjoying life. That hasn’t been me in a long time.” He winces. “I’m not a choir boy. However, these days you’d think so.” He clears his throat and moves to sit behind his desk.

  My body feels alive from the way he’s looking at me and I find my voice has deserted me. What I’d say to him, though, is unclear because all I want to do is walk around his desk and sit on his lap.

  Six

  Ryan

  “Gretchen,” I hiss, my composure close to breaking. Doesn’t she realize how much I want her? How many times I’ve imagined her lying on my desk while I lick her pussy.

  The innocence surrounding her tells me to go slow. However, I wish my body would get the message. My cock is hard and thick, leaking precum in my pants with how aroused I am for the beautiful girl. Her sexy legs are smooth and begging for me to continue touching. Gretchen’s arousal is easy for me to see in the way her breathing has changed. Her round breasts have swelled, and the hard tips press against the material of the thing she calls a dress. I struggle to look away, especially when I’m wondering if she has a nipple piercing.