Brooklyn Rockstar (Kendall Family #1)

by Jennifer Ann

  I stalk back toward her, ready to flip her down onto her back and finally have my way. On my hands and knees, I sink down to the mattress, hovering above her like an animal with its prey in sight. It’s total torture not to give my tongue the freedom to explore her body the way it wants. “Baby, it’s always going to be hard as long as you’re in the room. And the no touching thing was your idea, remember?”

  Her throat strains with a deep swallow. “Maybe we should reconsider. Hardly seems fair to either one of us.”

  It’s one of those moments that I normally delight in, waiting for a beautiful woman to beg for me to touch her and relieve the ache between her legs. But with Evelyn, I want to make it known this isn’t some short-term fling. When we finally do make love, it better be crystal clear to her that she’s the one I want in my bed and not some random groupie.

  Whoa. Making love. Did I really just use that term?

  Yeah, because you’re pussy-whipped, you dumb shit, Danny says. Better tap that ass to show her who’s in charge.

  Evelyn’s small, warm hands press to the sides of my jaw and she lets out a soft giggle. “What’s with the face?”

  “I have to get a move on,” I say, stopping to kiss the tip of her nose where not a single tempting freckle can be found. “We’re wasting perfectly good daylight and I plan to take you out on the boat later.”

  In record time I’m dressed and grabbing a baseball cap. I practically stumble away from the house, wondering how in the hell to deal with the strange sensations rippling through my chest and the constant taunt of my asshole brother. I don’t fall in love. So why does is it beginning to feel like I can’t breathe without Evelyn?

  * * *

  After hitting the three-mile-mark on my morning run in the compact sand, lungs burning and filled with salty air, I head back feeling lighter. Some pretty extreme thoughts have filled my mind since I met Evelyn, and it’s probably just due to the fact that I’m denying myself the pleasure of taking that sweet body and making it mine. In due time, Walker.

  Jogging up toward the house, I find Evelyn stretched out on the lounger where she came for me the night before, long legs taunting to be touched as she pages through one of my mom’s home improvement magazines. Her dark hair hanging over her freckled shoulders in subtle waves appears to be wet from a recent shower. Without any makeup, the freckles on her nose and cheeks are darker than ever. Between that and the smoking hot body hidden beneath my shirt and boxers, my fingers burn to strip her naked.

  Luckily she sees me before I get too close and jumps up, preventing me from acting on my thoughts. Though I’ve learned to run in long sleeves so I’m not recognized easily, I don’t miss the way her eyes slowly drag across each and every one of the muscles beneath my performance shirt like she’s committing my body to memory.

  “Hope you’re hungry,” she tells me with a bright smile that reflects her easygoing charm. “I’ve been cooking for a houseful of men for years, so I probably overdid it.”

  I wipe a line of sweat off my brow and wink. “I’m always starving after a good run.” Before walking away, I surprise myself by bending to kiss her cheek. That’s normally something I only do with the women in my family. “Just…give me…a minute to shower,” I choke out, caught up by the delicious way my body wash smells on her skin.

  Her eyes hit mine and she giggles with one of her sexy little blushes filling her cheeks. “Great idea.”

  By the time I’ve stripped my clothes in the master bathroom, my dick’s throbbing. I step in the shower, intending to rub one out with the visual of Evelyn standing naked in the same exact spot. Then the idea of saving myself for her comes to me like a school girl with a juvenile crush. I’m laughing at myself like a fool once I’ve dried off and dressed for breakfast. First I invite her to stay the week and decline sex, now this. Guess I can count on a long list of firsts to take shape now that she’s in my life.

  As if I needed another reason to fall for Evelyn, she proves to be a killer cook. Eggs, sausage, and biscuits were exactly the kind of protein and carbs I was craving after my run. She’s adorable when she eats, holding a hand over her mouth when it’s full of food and she wants to talk. And she doesn’t hold back like some of the skinny chicks I’ve taken out. Either she’s packing a high metabolism or she’s avid about her workouts, which I hope eventually we can do together. Inside and outside of the bedroom.

  There’s a light in her eyes as she tells me all about how she met Sharlo online and moved out here because the two of them had become so close. I make a mental note to thank Sharlo for encouraging Evelyn to move in with her. Before long we’re deep into a conversation about our favorite musicians, ninety percent of which we agree on.

  “My absolute favorite has always been nineties grunge,” she admits at one point. “Probably because when I was a kid my mom listened to bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam on an endless loop.” Then, smiling brightly, she adds, “But after hearing you that night at Leona’s, I think I’m becoming more partial to the feel good, indie rock scene.”

  I flinch with the mention of the fateful night, but try like hell not to let it show. “You probably say that to all the musicians you date.”

  “I’m serious. You were awesome up there.” She reaches her hand out and twists our fingers together. “You can’t let those shitty reviews bring you down. You mentioned one night at Leona’s that you were taking a break from performing, but I get the feeling there’s something more going on that you’re not telling me. If it’s because you’re not sure about the new album—”

  “I’m sure,” I snap. Angry with myself for barking at her, I shake my head. “There’s just a lot going on right now. I’m working on rewriting some of the songs before they’re released.”

  It’s a bold-faced lie. I haven’t worked on a single fucking thing since Gwen’s bullshit article went live, and if I’m going to release the album I either need to find another producer, or do it myself. There will be time to tell Evelyn everything, eventually. I’m just worried once I do, it will all unravel and I’m not ready to go there yet.

  * * *

  I clean up while Evelyn’s getting ready. As I’m starting the dishwasher, the door to the garage squeaks open.

  “Charlie?” Katie calls out. “You here?”

  “Just like I told you I’d be,” I mumble too quiet for her to hear. Guess it’s no big surprise my sister couldn’t stay away. She never has been known to do anything she was told. I clear my throat and call back, “In the kitchen.”

  Wherever Katie goes, it’s like there’s a little tornado following her. Swear to God the air coils around the room when she enters, flashing one of her happy-go-lucky smiles, dressed in long shorts covered in prints of tropical fish and an equally obnoxious neon pink shirt. I’ve always wondered if people think she’s full of shit when she tells them I’m her little brother. She’s a third of my size with a narrow face, long and skinny limbed like a teenage boy, and blonde like our father. Like Danny.

  If she discovered she shared more with my drummer than a similar hair color, she’d kill me for not telling her all these years. But I promised our father right before he died a few months back that I would never spill his dirty secrets. It would destroy my mom if she had actual proof that he was unfaithful while they were married. Better to leave that shit in the past.

  “Hey, baby brother!” Swiping an apple from the fruit tray, Katie shimmies up to sit on the counter and sinks her teeth into the red skin. “You’re lookin’ good! How’s things?” Then she leans in close and whispers in a loud stage voice, “Where is she?”

  As much as I want to pretend Katie annoys the hell out of me like she did growing up, her bubbly personality never fails to get under my skin in a good way. Still, I’m not sure I’m ready to share Evelyn with anyone yet. “You said I could have the place for the weekend,” I remind her, trying not to laugh at the comical expression on her face.

  “You totally can,” she tells me between chews. “I just sto
pped by to make sure there isn’t anything you need. You know, groceries….booze…the number of a good wedding planner.”

  Nearly choking on a sharp breath, I shake my head over and over. “Way too early for that kind of talk, Kate. We. Just. Met.” Before she can take another bite of the apple, I pull her elbow down and assist her off the counter. “You need to leave. Now.”

  As I nudge her towards the door, she willingly shuffles along while looking at me wide-eyed over her shoulder. “Will you at least let me know when you’re ready to send out those ‘save the date’ cards? You have to time those little buggers just perfectly or it can wreck havoc on your guests’ social calendars.”

  Unable to keep a straight face any longer I stop, chuckling. “Settle down. We both know I’m not that kind of guy. This is all new to me.”

  Spinning around to face me, she clutches my forearms. “Can I please just meet her? This kind of anomaly is bound to only happen once before I die of old age and I just want to experience what it would be like to have a brother who isn’t on every woman in America’s to do list.”

  My eyebrows lower. “America’s what?”

  Eyes wide on something behind me, she erupts in a smile too big for her face. “Hey, there!” she cries out suddenly, shoving me aside. “You must be the mysterious girl my baby brother’s trying to keep all to himself! I’m his sister, Katie! It’s so nice to see you in person and not all over my phone!”

  Evelyn glides across the room wearing the little shorts and low-cut shirt from the night before. Her dark hair’s drawn up in a loose, high ponytail that makes her look several years younger, evoking the image of a college cheerleader, and she’s still make-up free. I adjust my shorts before either of the women notice I’ve become rock hard.

  Taking in the small bundle of fun suddenly in her face, Evelyn offers her hand. The sideways look she gives my sister as she accepts her hand makes it clear she has no idea what to think. That kind of reaction is pretty normal for someone who’s meeting Katie for the first time.

  “Evelyn,” she says, matching Katie’s now-genuine smile.

  “Evelyn,” Katie repeats, letting go to clap her hands together. “Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl! Tell me, are you a model? Actress? How’d you and my brother meet? You seem way too sweet to be one of his groupies. Wait, are you a musician too? You look more like a Selena but I bet you can belt notes out like Adele!”

  “I…uh…” There’s a little smile on Evelyn’s lips when she turns to me, silently begging for help. “We met at the bar where I work.”

  I wrap my arm behind Evelyn’s back. “Glad you could stop by to meet her, Kate. Sorry, but you just caught us on our way out.”

  My sister’s eyes narrow, heavy with suspicion. “Where you going?”

  Meeting her gaze, I give a small shake of my head in warning. If she mentions anything about a fucking wedding I’m going to throw her over my goddamned shoulder and carry her out to her car.

  “Shopping,” Evelyn answers, looking up at me with a teasing frown. “Your brother whisked me away without bothering to tell me that we were going somewhere for several days.”

  “That sounds nothing like him,” Katie tells her in a flat tone, eyes still narrowed. Then something flicks in her gaze and she gasps. “I can take you! It’d be a girls’ thing! We’d have fun and get to know each other at the same time!”

  “I’m taking her, Katie,” I argue, pulling Evelyn tight up against me.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. She doesn’t want to go with some guy who knows absolutely nothing about fashion unless it’s sent to his front door by a designer. We both know I’m perfect for the job.” Katie drags Evelyn away from me, clicking her tongue. “You always were reluctant to share things as a kid, too. Don’t worry, I’ll have her back to you in two hours tops.”

  “You’re not even supposed to be here,” I remind her.

  “It’s okay, Charlie,” Evelyn decides, giggling at my sister’s insistence. Hands on my chest, she looks up at me with her eyelashes fluttering. “I don’t mind.”

  “See? She doesn’t mind,” Katie parrots in a bratty tone. Keys to the Beamer I bought her last Christmas swinging in her hand, she turns her back to us, starting for the door. “I’ll be using the Amex card, baby brother. I plan on taking her to only the really good places and not somewhere cheap. I’ll be in the driveway when you’re ready, Evelyn.” She waves over her shoulder without turning back. “Bye, Char-Char.”

  The minute she’s gone, taking the little tornado of madness with her, Evelyn busts out in a nasally laugh, pointing at the door. “That’s your sister?”

  I grin with the sound of her funny little laugh. It’s cute while sexy at the same time. “She’s a bit much at first, but you’ll get used to her.”

  She shakes her head, grinning. “Oh, I like her! This is going to be fun!”

  Something about their mutual approval on first sight and the enjoyment in Evelyn’s expression creates a tight band inside my chest. “I like you,” I blurt.

  Evelyn’s grin grows into a sexy smile. “I like you too, Walker.”

  The room spins as I bring her back into my arms for a long kiss, wanting to make it count since my sister is stealing her from me. I already miss her, which is something that can go down in the books as another first.

  Charlie Walker doesn’t pine after women, Danny says.

  I also never used to kiss them deeply while dreaming what it will be like when I finally get to make love to them. My life is changing, whether I’m ready for it or not, and this woman is going to become the center of it.

  Fuck me. I think I might be in love.

  Chapter 17

  EVELYN

  I’m spared the fear of having little to talk about with Katie on the car ride as she doesn’t appear to have an “off” switch. The minute I’m buckled into her sleek convertible, she’s chatting away like we’ve known each other all our lives as we tear down the streets in neck-breaking speeds.

  “You’ve probably already noticed I’m the talker in the family. When Charlie was little he didn’t talk forever and they were worried there was something wrong with him until they realized I did all the talking for him.”

  She buzzes around someone texting on their phone and honks, flipping them her middle finger. “I take it you’re not from the Hamptons or we wouldn’t be going on this shopping spree. Is this your first time here? Charlie hasn’t said much about you. He hasn’t said anything, really. What little I know about you is from what I’ve seen on the internet.” She points a pink fingernail at me. “Don’t tell Charlie I said that. He’ll go postal if he knows I said that. I’m not supposed to read stuff they write about his life. Half of it’s a crock of shit anyway.”

  “I won’t say a word,” I insist, laughing. My mind swarms with her questions as I try to decide which one to answer first. I’m guessing it’s safe to open up to Charlie’s sister or he wouldn’t have allowed her to take me away. “I just moved to Brooklyn Heights from Minnesota.”

  Her hands hit the steering wheel, making me jump. “I knew there was something familiar about your accent! In college I had a friend from Minn-e-soda until she met some dickwad from the south and moved away. You’d think with the internet and such we’d keep in touch but apparently she’s too wrapped up in her six kids to keep in touch.”

  The dizzying conversation continues on until we reach a row of trendy boutiques. Their neat facades painted white or covered in brick are enchanting and something about the bright, clean lines of the stores reminds me of Sharlo, making me wonder how many times she’s been shopping here with her father. Despite her insistence that I pursue this thing with Charlie, I can’t stop feeling guilty for ditching her this long.

  I hide beneath my floppy hat as Katie flies through the first clothing store, filling my arms with things she thinks are “adorable” and “would fit me perfectly.” Though I doubt by the bright outfit she’s wearing we have the same taste, she still manages to nail my s
tyle with her choices so I don’t protest with every trip to the fitting room. After awhile I learn not to question the price of anything, either, as Katie’s apparently the one who has final say.

  “There’s no limit on this thing,” she tells me, flashing a black credit card on our way to the cash register with my first purchases. “Charlie made me an authorized user for things like repairs to the beach house and emergencies. I don’t normally use it that much but this, my dear, is most definitely what I would call an emergency. What kind of guy makes a girl go on a trip without letting her pack a bag? Our mom taught him better, I swear to you. Sometimes that kid’s head is screwed on backwards, but you’ll learn how to straighten it out over time. He really, really likes you, I can tell. The way he went all caveman back there and almost didn’t let me take you? That one’s protective as a momma lion with her cubs. He’s got it bad for you, sister.”

  Her words stick in my head as we go store-to-store, collecting more bags that are nearly as heavy as my unrelenting guilt. Everything Katie throws in my arms has a designer label and costs three times what I’m used to paying. I stick to the basics as best as I can, only letting her buy a swimsuit, some shirts, and a sundress. As much as I wanted to buy a skimpy bikini that would drive Charlie insane, I made a point in picking out something tasteful and modest incase someone recognizes us while we’re out on the boat. Plus there was the added awkwardness of his sister insisting on seeing everything I try on.

  Since I always carry perfume and a wand of mascara in my purse, and Charlie seems so fond of my freckles in the wild, I turn down Katie’s offer to stop by a beauty store. Our last stop is a lingerie shop where I pick out a couple pairs of underwear, intending to hand-wash the pair I’m wearing in the morning along with my shorts. While Katie’s busy chatting with a friend she ran into, I manage to purchase a sexy bra with my own money. It nearly costs half of my first paycheck from the bar, but I want to surprise Charlie with something sexy when we agree we’re both ready for sex.