“I’m pretty sure.” Austin opened the refrigerator in the kitchen. He scanned the door and shelves. Then he opened the pantry door. “Shit! We forgot ketchup.”
Scott shook his head. “Wow. I better go get it.” He grabbed his car keys. “What time’s their flight coming in?”
“One o’clock, I think.” Austin took out the ribs. “I’m gonna get these on the grill.”
Checking the microwave clock, Scott replied, “Damn. I better get a move on. I’ll be back.” They lived over an hour from the airport.
Brandon and Mackenzie stood on the arrival platform at LAX, with two airport police officers on either side of them. Scott was late. Brandon checked his phone again. Austin had texted him that Scott was running late. No explanation, though. He wasn’t sure he wanted one.
They had left Jesse at their house. He was staying there while they were in California. It was a waste for him not to. He promised to leave it in good condition, and they trusted him.
“That’s gotta be him.” Brandon heard the loud engine and assumed it to be Scott’s convertible Shelby GT500. He shook his head. “Why didn’t he borrow Austin’s truck?”
Mackenzie’s mouth dropped when Scott pulled over to the curb, top down. “Holy shit.” She stared at the metallic blue body with white racing stripes. “I love that car.”
“I’m sure that’s what he was hoping for.” Brandon groaned.
Scott popped the truck and cut the engine. “You like?” He smiled. “My favorite car.”
Brandon gave him a half hug when he was close enough. “It’s as beautiful as last time I saw it.”
“But it’s Kenzie’s first time.” Scott grinned at her, cocking an eyebrow. She was studying the car. “Seems she likes it, too.” He helped Brandon put their luggage in the trunk.
Then Brandon helped Mackenzie into the back seat. “Put your seatbelt on.” He glanced at Scott nervously, then back at her. “You got enough room?” When she smiled and nodded, he let the passenger seat go back into place. “Is Austin cooking?” He belted himself in.
“Yeah. Kinda why I’m late,” Scott explained. “I had to run to the store because we were out of ketchup. Then I got stuck in traffic.” He started the car. Avenged Sevenfold’s “Burn it Down” came from the speakers. “Kick-ass sound system, too.” The volume was low, so the police nearby didn’t complain.
Mackenzie looked around as Scott started driving. “It’s just as warm here as back home.” She watched the palm trees. That was the only other familiar thing about Los Angeles.
“Watch out!” Brandon held onto the door as Scott narrowly missed a car. “We shoulda taken a cab.”
Scott eased off the gas as the light ahead turned red. “Why?”
“Because you shouldn’t have a license.” Brandon regretted letting Scott convince him that it would be fine. “Concentrate on getting us to your place in one piece, please.”
Slightly offended, Scott glared at the steering wheel. “I’ll be careful.” Brandon and Austin always got on his case about his driving. He was a bit of an aggressive driver. Scratch that, a very aggressive driver with a touch of constant road rage. “Promise.” He had gotten into more accidents than the band and crew combined in the last few years.
Mackenzie yawned. “What time is it?”
“4:30,” Brandon told her.
“1:30,” Scott corrected. “You should fix your watch.” He laughed. “Tonight you’ll both be passed out by like, nine.” He sighed. “How did the move go?”
Brandon forced himself to relax. “Pretty good. Jesse, Terri and Travis helped. So glad to have my car again.” He took a deep breath. “Hope Jesse doesn’t take it out for a spin.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Mackenzie assured him. “Are we staying in the room next to yours or Austin’s?”
Scott didn’t take his eyes off the road. “I’m giving you my room.”
“Wait. Why?” Brandon didn’t want him to go to so much trouble. “A guest room is fine. There’s a bathroom in the hallway.”
Smiling unconsciously, Scott said, “I sleep in Austin’s room now.”
“Ah, cool.” Brandon was truly happy they found each other. “Have you talked to him about how you feel?”
Unhappy the subject suddenly shifted, Scott groaned. “Not exactly. I don’t really know how I feel about him.”
Brandon saw right through the lie. “Yeah. Sure, you don’t.” He dropped it though. “I’m starving.”
Mackenzie patted Brandon’s shoulder. “I’m sure they’ll be plenty of food at their house.” She couldn’t wait to see the place. It sounded like a dream house. “I just want to sit and not move.”
Knowing exactly what she meant, Brandon turned to her. “We don’t have to go anywhere tonight.” He knew she hated flying. “You can stay in my lap and sleep if you want.”
“Good.” She looked outside again. “I thought we had traffic.” There were cars as far as she could see in both directions.
Scott resisted hitting the horn. “You have no idea. I could never live in the city. Glad we’re so far south.”
Chapter 36
“Look who I found at the airport,” Scott announced loudly as he opened the front door. He let Mackenzie walk in first, then led her to the living room. “Be right back.” He headed to Austin’s room.
Chico jumped up. “Hey, glad you came, too.” He grabbed her in a tight embrace, lifting her off her feet. “Didn’t wanna watch Brandon sulk.” He laughed as he set her on her feet. “Someone I want you to meet.” He stepped back and put out a hand to the couch. “Mackenzie, Cassandra, Cassandra, Mackenzie.”
“Nice to meet you.” Mackenzie put out her hand, which Cassandra took.
“You too.” Cassandra smiled. “I heard a lot about you.” She tossed her bleached blonde hair and sat back again. “Brandon, you look good.” She winked at him.
Brandon gave her a half smile and stood behind Mackenzie. He didn’t want to be within 10 feet of Cassandra. She had a thing for him. Once she had walked in on him taking a shower at Chico’s. She stared at him until he noticed and covered up. He didn’t tell Chico and never planned to. Instead, he avoided her like the plague.
Mackenzie watched Cassandra as Chico sat next to her. She laid a hand on his knee but leered at Jake. Something wasn’t right. She knew Chico expected his women to be faithful to him, although he wasn’t. No way would she accept that type of uneven relationship. Then she realized she had met three of Chico’s girlfriends.
“Hey.” She leaned back on Brandon and whispered, “Where does number four live?”
Confused, Brandon asked, “Number four what?”
“Girlfriend. Chico has four doesn’t he?”
Brandon sighed. “Yeah. The other one’s in Salt Lake City. He doesn’t see her much.” He wrapped his arms around her. “So glad it’s just me and you. Don’t think I could keep it straight with four women.”
“What’re you two whispering about?” Austin said as he walked into the house.
Mackenzie looked up. “Hey, Austin. What were you doing outside?”
“Cooking.” Austin stopped in the middle of the room. “Dinner’s just about ready.” An older woman appeared behind him. “Hey, Mom. This is Kenzie. Brandon’s girlfriend.”
Sighing with relief, Mackenzie extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.” She had been worried that Austin had a thing for much older women. “You raised a great son, Mrs. Mason.”
“Call me Liv or Olivia. Thank you.” Olivia looked out back. “Gene, come meet Kenzie.”
A tall, lanky teenager walked in the house. “What’s up?” He waved but didn’t come too close. The resemblance between Gene and Austin was amazing. Neither looked much like their mother, taking after their father. “When we eating? I’m starving.”
Mackenzie cracked up, almost doubling over. “Oh, my God. You sound like Austin, too.”
Austin put an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “Mini-me.” He grinned, proudly.
Looking uncomfortable, Gene grunted. “Come on, man.” He struggled to get away from Austin. “I didn’t come here to be tortured.”
“I have to make up for lost time.” Austin rubbed his fist into Gene’s hair. “Haven’t see you much since August, little bro.” He quickly got Gene into a headlock.
With the eight-inch height difference, Gene had a hard time breaking free. “Chico, help.” All the guys had become surrogate brothers to him. “Please.”
Chico rushed Austin, knocking the pair to the ground. “How’s this?” He had the brothers in a bear hug. “Bet I could lift you both.” It turned into wrestling. Then everyone was laughing.
“Break it up, boys,” Olivia shouted when they rolled close to the glass coffee table. She worried someone would get hurt.
Scott came in the room. “Mom, who started that?” He chuckled and put a hand on Olivia’s shoulder. “Austin?”
“Yep.” Olivia folded her arms over her chest. “At least I have one respectful son.” She leaned her head on Scott’s shoulder. He stood several inches taller than she did. Her boys had their father’s height as well. “Break it up, boys. Now!”
Austin let Gene go just as Chico let him go. They all tumbled to the floor, on their back, Austin and Chico were still hysterical. “Sorry, Mom.” Austin panted as he tried to catch his breath. “Let me go check the grill.” He slowly got to his feet and walked outside.
After she had caught her breath, Mackenzie moved to Scott. “I need to use the bathroom,” she whispered.
Scott leaned down and replied, “There’s one in each hallway.” He pointed towards the hallway that led to Austin's bedroom, then to the opposite master suite. “Or you can use the one in my old room.”
By the time Mackenzie made it back to the living room, Austin had shouted, “Food’s done!”
Mackenzie held Brandon’s hand as they followed the others outside. There was a large table with nine place settings. Two umbrellas shaded one side of the table from the sun. Ten plush chairs surrounded the table.
“Sit anywhere,” Scott called as he slipped behind the bar.
Austin and Gene set out the food; while Scott made sure everyone had a drink. They worked well together. After everyone was had been settled, Austin and Scott sat next to each other.
“Do you got bacon?” Brandon asked as he fixed his hamburger.
Grinning, Austin uncovered the last bowl. “Of course.” He revealed two pounds of cooked bacon strips. “I know it’s your thing.”
“You’re the best.” Brandon grabbed four strips and added it to the rest of his burger’s dressings. He took a big bite and mumbled, “Fucking good.”
Olivia slapped his shoulder and glared at him.
Brandon swallowed and gave her a sheepish expression. “Sorry, Liv. I’ll watch my mouth.”
“I didn’t know you could cook,” Mackenzie said as she dug into a chicken breast.
Austin looked up. “I have few hidden talents.” He winked at her. “Chico likes cooking, so we all let him cook for us.”
“Maybe next trip, I’ll hand down the spatula.” Chico grinned. “Well, maybe hannd it up.”
Mackenzie looked over her shoulder and admired the view of the beach. Then she noticed a pool off to the right. There were a short set of steps leading down to it. She shivered.
“Hey, you OK?” Brandon put a hand on her back. “Cold?”
She shook her head. “Not much humidity here, but feels like the same temperature.”
“Gets colder at night,” Scott told her from across the table. “Hope you brought a jacket.” Their eyes met. He swore he saw a hint of desire. “Don’t worry, we’ll keep you warm.” He licked his lips, then took a sip of his rum and coke.
Austin squeezed his thigh and leaned in close. “Not in front of Mom.”
“Sorry.” Scott took one more glance at Mackenzie. “Later,” he mouthed.
Mackenzie felt her cheeks heating up. An image of Scott and her on the couch in the front lounge came to mind. She closed her eyes and let the memory go. That was not why they were staying at the house. Although, she wouldn’t turn down a threesome with either well-endowed man across from her.
When everyone had enough, most helped clean up. The dishwasher was filled, the grill cleaned and the garbage taken out. Then they went back to the vast living room.
Scott brought in his laptop and set it on the coffee table. “I thought this would be a great time to check out new buses, like we talked about on the last tour.” He connected the laptop’s video to the television so everyone could see. “I like this one.” He pulled up the advertisement he found a week ago.
“Our bus has too many memories,” Austin complained. “We can’t get rid of it.”
Chico cleared his throat. “It does. How can we just let it go?”
“For a real bed,” Jake announced. “And a working GPS.” He folded his arms over his huge chest. “I’m all for it.”
Brandon put a finger up. “We need two buses. The crew can have the old one.” He knew they always planned it that way, but never got around to buying a second one. “The new one can be for just us. Imagine being able to get a bit of solitude on the road.” He sighed. “God knows I coulda used some on the last trip.”
“He’s right.” Scott stood up. “We’re the only headlining band I know that’s crammed onto one bus for months. We need to do this for our sanity. Last trip we all got on each other’s nerves. We can take shifts in the bedroom or draw straws like we did for bunks.”
Austin had memories floating through his head. That bus held so many. He could see Scott up against the shower wall as he slammed his cock into Scott’s ass. That was the first time Chico walked in on them. He freaked out then like he still did.
“Just check out what I found.” Scott sat and scrolled through pictures of the two custom bus styles he liked most. “We can add stuff if we want. They have a bunch of custom options.”
Chico pulled Cassandra close. “OK. Maybe this is a good idea. I’d like to be able to turn over and not almost fall outta my bunk.”
“Yeah, and a bed could be nice.” Austin looked over at Scott and winked.
Scott was glad Chico and Austin were coming around. “If we want it ready for the January tour, we need to make a decision this week.”
They tossed around ideas for about an hour. In the end, they were all happy with the configuration chosen. The larger bunks, added storage space and roomier bathroom were good choices. The next tour would be much more comfortable for everyone.
“We’re gonna get going,” Olivia announced, standing up.
Austin jumped to his feet. “You sure, Mom?”
She nodded. “This way you can spend time with your friends.” She turned to Gene. “Come on.” Then she stepped towards Austin. “We’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“I’ll pick you guys up at four.” Austin gave them both a hug. They had plans to go to dinner and the movies as a family. Scott opted to stay behind with their guests. “Drive careful.” He was quite protective of his mother and brother.
Olivia kissed Austin’s cheek. “I will. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Austin walked them to the front door.
Scott stood. “OK, now that it’s adults only, who’s up for naked Twister?”
“Fuck you.” Jake laughed loudly. “I ain’t letting you rub all over me naked.”
Chico cringed. “Thanks for the image, asshole.” He shook his head. “Cards or monopoly would be better than that.”
Leaning towards Chico, Brandon said, “He’s just fuckin’ with you.”
“Totally don’t wanna see you and Jake naked tonight.” Scott let his face scrounge up. “No skinny dipping either.”
Austin strolled back into the room. “I was thinking we could play that Dirty Minds game.” They played it with friends sometimes.
“A sex game?” Mackenzie was a bit confused. “I’m not so sure about that.”
Trying not to laugh, Scott answered, “It�
�s not a sex game. It’s hard to explain. Someone gives clues that sound dirty. You need to guess the answer. But it’s not what you expect, because you’re mind’s in the gutter.”
“No way Jake could win.” Brandon pulled Mackenzie close and laughed. “Sounds like fun, though.”
Austin made sure everyone had a drink. Scott set out chips and dip, for a snack. They played a few rounds, hysterical almost the entire time. It was a fun time for the group. The answers some gave were filthy most of the time. It was hard not to think dirty.
“Be right back.” Cassandra stood suddenly.
Brandon cried out as Cassandra spilled her drink all over his pants. “Fuck, that’s cold.” He stood and tried to dry it with a few napkins.
“That’s not going to clean it up.” Mackenzie glanced at Cassandra who was smirking. What’s she up to?
Scott slapped his thighs with both hands. “How about we take a swim? The pool’s heated. We have extra trunks.”
Jake nodded. “Good idea.”
“Not naked,” Chico glared at Jake. “I seen enough of your dick.”
Brandon sighed. “I’ll go get changed.” He headed down the hall to Scott’s room.
Cassandra put her empty glass down. “I brought my suit.” She gave Chico a kiss and disappeared down the same hallway.
Suspicious, Mackenzie stood as well. “I’ll be back.”
“Wait.” Scott grabbed her hand. “Everything OK?”
She smiled. “Things are great. Everything worked out for the best.”
“I see you’re not wearing the ring, though.” Scott hoped to help remedy that soon.
Mackenzie sighed. “We decided to wait on that. I’m not ready.” She kept saying that, yet she wanted to stake a claim on Brandon. “I’m gonna go change, too.”
“Hey, what’re you doing in here?” Brandon covered his naked pelvis with his jeans as Cassandra stared at him. He didn’t hear the door open. “You want something?”
Cassandra looked Brandon over. “You know what I want.”
Sinful Needs (Wicked End Book 2) Page 34
