It Started with a Kiss (McKenzie Cousins Book 12)

by Lexi Buchanan

  “Hmm, well, she was fine before the wedding because I kept her company for a short time and then Levi took over.” She looks across the room and my eyes follow.

  Levi notices us looking before he turns and looks at Gretchen, who keeps her head down. He whispers to her and she shakes her head before getting up from the table. She continues to the side of the marquee before disappearing from view.

  “Sofia, I need to find out what is going on.”

  “Of course, you do. Don’t worry. I’ll be delighted to give the speech in your absence.”

  “Jeez.” I lean around Sofia and say to Shane with amusement, “Do not let your wife make the speech. I beg you.”

  “Man-to-man,” he grins, “you have my word, my beautiful wife will keep her sexy butt in the chair.”

  I cringe. “Please don’t talk about my sister like that. It makes me want to puke.”

  Sofia pokes me in the side as I get to my feet.

  My mom frowns as she sees me leaving the marquee, but I can’t talk to her until I know what is going on with Gretchen.

  Outside the sun is nearly set and I make Gretchen out on the family gazebo that overlooks the small man-made pond. Fairy lights twinkle, capturing the girl I’ve fallen in love with, in soft light. She is beautiful. I knew this already. Seeing her now, my heart clenches in my chest.

  Moving toward her, I whisper, “Gretchen,” so as not to frighten her. Her shoulders tense before they droop, and she drops her head.

  What the heck is going on?

  I’m desperate to bring her into my arms, but something tells me she won’t welcome that right now.

  “Are you okay?” I wince at the lame question. “Please talk to me. You seemed to be enjoying yourself and then you got sad all of a sudden.”

  Very slowly, she turns her face toward me, and I see the tears on her cheeks. I cup her face and hold her still. “Tell me.”

  “I gave you my everything, Ryan,” she hiccups, “and all I am to you is nothing serious and satisfying fun.”

  Oh shit!

  “Fuck! I’m sorry.” I quickly kiss her lips and hold her close. “I was talking to my cousin. I wanted him off my back. I promise you. I didn’t mean those words. Dylan knows I didn’t mean those words.” I start panicking at the disbelieving look on her face. “Gretchen, please.”

  I rest my forehead lightly against hers and continue, “You have to know you mean more to me than satisfying fun. God, you’ve been in my head for four years. I’m crazy about you. You are the only girl that I’ve ever called my girlfriend. It’s you, Gretchen. There was no way in hell I was admitting how much I fucking love you to him when I haven’t even told you.”

  Her eyes widen in surprise, as do mine. Seconds later, she bursts out laughing through her tears and I grin. The surge of relief I feel is overwhelming. I can’t believe I was such a fucking asshole to mouth off to my cousin when what came out of my mouth was bullshit.

  I lean in to kiss her, but she pulls out of my reach, shaking her head. “I’m a mess. Let me wash my face,” she gives me a teasing look, “then you can kiss me.”

  “I’ll help you clean up.” I do have an ulterior motive, which she is well aware of as amusement enters her gaze before she becomes nervous. “What you said to Dylan—”

  “What I said to my cousin shouldn’t have left my mouth, especially as I didn’t mean it. Dylan knew that too. There is also no way my family would allow me to lead you on—they like you.”

  “You really love me?”

  Tangling my fingers up with Gretchen’s, I admit, “I really do love you. Those words have never left my lips before.” I pause. “Unless I was referring to someone in my family, that is. Even then, I don’t say them often. I mean—”

  Her hand covers my mouth. “I get it.” She sighs. “Will you show me how much you love me?”

  The pulse in my groin is onboard with that. However, I have a speech to give. The blood rushing south thickens my dick and her breath against my ear as she whispers, “I’m sure we can be quick,” has precum soaking into my boxer briefs.

  Glancing around for somewhere we can go, I notice the barn. It’s cliché in my family, but who the fuck cares? I sure as hell don’t.

  “Over here,” I pull her with me, my legs eating up the distance until I realize Gretchen is wearing high heels.

  Once hidden, I move away from her. “Give me a minute, so I don’t blow the minute I’m inside you.” I rest my hands on my hips and concentrate on breathing, which has no effect when Gretchen pulls her dress off over her head and my eyes land on her naked body.

  She hangs the dress on a nail in the wall and prowls toward me. I don’t stand a chance. Reaching out, she cups my cock before she presses the palm of her hand around me. My eyes cross while my whole fucking body tingles from head to toe.

  Taking the zipper down, she reaches inside my pants and her eyes glitter when she wraps her hand around my erection. “All for me.”

  “Every fucking inch.” I whimper when she pulls me free of my pants and her eyes focus on the dripping head.

  Before I realize what she’s doing, Gretchen is on her knees, holding me to the tip of her tongue and wiggling her tongue into the slit. I can’t breathe with the heat of her mouth pleasuring me. It’s so fucking hot watching her—watching me—while she’s sucking on my dick.

  The need to come is tingling in my lower belly and rapidly dropping to my balls, and as desperate as I am to come while she sucks me, I want to be inside her wet pussy. She knows it too as she gives me a long slow suck before letting me plop out of her mouth.

  Like a spider monkey, she quickly climbs up me when I finally get with it and grab her ass. Her legs wrap around my waist, her arms around my neck as she tries to lower herself. I grab my cock and press the head into her and see fucking stars as she drops down. My legs won’t even move to get us against the wall. It turns out they don’t need to, as Gretchen holds my gaze and starts bouncing up and down. “Touch me, Ryan. Play with the silver.”

  Her legs tighten around me and I move my hands to her amazing tits. I only have to tug on the hoop through her nipples that drives me insane for my cock to thicken and lengthen.

  “Yes,” she throws her head back and comes. Her body twitches and her chest heaves as her orgasm rips through her, taking me over. I quickly grab her hips and press her down while my cock squirts with pleasure inside her sexy body. I grind deep and hiss through my teeth when her legs drop from around my waist, creating tight friction as she’s held up with my dick and an arm around her waist.

  “I think I’m about to drop to my ass.”

  She giggles, which turns into a moan as I pull her off me. “I want to continue playing with you.”

  I give her a sideways look while hunting for something to clean us up with. There is nothing but rags.

  “Let me help you with that,” Gretchen smirks and bending over, starts licking my cock.

  “That isn’t such a good idea.” I moan, her lips arousing.

  “Umm,” she pulls free, tugs up my shorts and pants and shoves me away. “You better, um, work the zipper. I don’t want to get your penis trapped in it.”

  “Jeez!” I cover my dick and wangle the zipper up and hope for control as I take her dress out of her hands. “You are beautiful.” I kiss each nipple and can’t resist tonguing the silver.

  “You’re getting me worked up again.”

  “Serves you right for licking my dick.”

  “I was cleaning you up.”

  I trail my fingers over her bottom and up over her shoulder, delighted when her nipples tighten into hard buds.

  Slipping the dress over her head, I help smooth it down over her glorious curves before I fasten the halter at the back of her neck. “I didn’t clean you up. You want to know why?”

  “Hmm,” she mumbles as I wrap my arms around her from behind.

  “Because it drives me crazy knowing you have my semen running down your legs. It means you’re mine.” I
turn her in my arms. “I’m sorry I said what I did, and I promise, Gretchen, that I won’t ever give you a reason to doubt my love again.” I kiss her lips. “I love you. Please forgive me.”

  “I think I’ve just shown you that I forgive you.” She rests her face in the crook of my neck. “I love you too, Ryan.” On a heavy sigh, she asks, “Don’t you have a speech to give?”

  Oh, fuck!

  Fifteen

  Epilogue - Ten Years Later

  Chaos surrounds us on the large enclosed patio at Uncle Michael and Aunt Lily’s house. For as long as I can remember, we have always congregated here for events and just to get together as a family. I think it started when our grandparents became too frail for traveling. The assisted living facility where they’d chosen to live during their frailer years was five minutes away, so it had been the obvious choice for the family to gather—my grandparents hadn’t missed anything while they’d been alive.

  My chest ached to baptize our fourth child, Haven Ruby McKenzie, and not having them here with us. They’d passed away five years ago within two months of each other. Their presence was still missed and had been for the arrival of more great-grandchildren, including our third daughter, Mila Elizabeth. At least they’d been able to watch the last of their grandchildren get married, which had been Dylan and Jenna.

  I grin, watching my cousin wrestle with his two-year-old daughter, Hanna Margaret, on his lap. His wife, Jenna, cradles Vivien Lauren to her breast beneath a thin white muslin cloth, the same as my wife uses when she’s in public and feeding Haven.

  Mila, our one-year-old is the best-behaved baby I’ve ever seen. She’s always smiling and happy to be held by anyone. She bounces on her grandpa’s knee while trying to bash her five-year-old sister, Greta Ray, on the head with her pacifier. Luckily my father is quick and diverts her attention. Six-year-old Raelyn is currently reading a story about a tiger who came for tea to her grandma.

  My brother and sister and cousins think it’s hilarious that I’m outnumbered at home with five females under the roof. I don’t care. My sexy wife and four children are the best part of me—the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

  I’m still the boss at Kenza even though I promoted Rob to manager seven years ago. I spend three days there, although behind the scenes and two at Emelia’s in Blossom Creek. Both businesses are thriving.

  To my surprise, Charlotte sits next to me, looking exhausted and lets out a loud sigh as though she’s relieved to get off her feet. “Tanner knocked me up again.”

  I blink in surprise and burst out laughing. “I’m sure he didn’t do it alone.”

  Giving me the evil eye, she moans, “This is not what I expected at this age.”

  “Jeez, Charlotte! You’re not exactly old. Landon’s ten, and Ezra’s nine, so, at least you don’t have four under six.”

  She chuckles. “There is that.”

  “Your husband either just got laid, or he’s delighted you’re knocked up.” I nod in Tanner’s direction when I notice him grinning like a fool.

  “Both.” She grins.

  “Gross, Charlotte! Having sex in your old bedroom again, huh?”

  “I can’t get enough when I’m pregnant.” She gazes at her husband. “Then again, I can’t get enough when I’m not because my husband is hot.”

  I roll my eyes and kiss her on the cheek. “Congratulations. Now go and distract Tanner before your mom and dad notice the sated look on his face.” Giggling, Charlotte disappears from view.

  Gretchen takes her place with an unsettled Haven in her arms. “She needs feeding.”

  Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I say, “Rest on me and get comfortable.”

  I take the muslin cloth from her hand and shove it into her bra strap, so she stays covered. With some fidgeting, Gretchen gets Haven attached.

  “Hmm,” she mumbles as Haven suckles. “What was going on with Charlotte?”

  “She’s pregnant.”

  My wife lifts her eyes to mine. “For real?”

  I nod.

  Gretchen chuckles. “That serves her right for teasing me when I got pregnant soon after Mila was born. I told her all the teasing would come back to bite her on the ass.”

  “I doubt she’ll ever admit it, but I think she’s delighted.”

  “I agree.” Sighing, Gretchen nuzzles closer. “I love this place”—she kisses my neck—“right here.”

  I press my lips to the top of her head and enjoy the subtle scent of cherries that lingers from the shampoo she uses. “Are we done having kids?”

  She chuckles. “As much as I love being pregnant, I think so.” Her gaze lifts to mine. “Is that okay?”

  “Honey, we have four perfect girls. I’m good. In fact, I’m better than good.” I grin. “However, if we accidentally get pregnant again, I’m not going to complain because I love you.”

  Gretchen turns her face up to mine and whispers, “I love you more.”

  THE END

  I hope you have enjoyed the McKenzie Cousin’s series.

  Look out for McKenzie appearances in the De La Fuente’s

  Blossom Creek series, coming in 2021.

  The McKenzie Family Tree

  Lucien and Sabrina (Entice)

  Alexander and Rachel McKenzie (Kissing Cousins)

  Arya Louise

  Matilda Maureen

  Olivia and Geary Tyler (A Cowboy for Christmas)

  Isabella Greer

  Bowie Lucien

  Fox Alexander

  Michael and Lily (Seduce, The Wedding)

  Sirena and Garrett Hudson (Baby Makes Three)

  Elias Michael James

  McKenna Lily

  Pippa Ella

  Charlotte and Tanner Jackson (Secret Kisses)

  Landon Elias

  Ezra Matthew

  Isaac Derek

  Joshua and Mallory McKenzie (A Secret Affair)

  Sterling Elias

  Silas Joshua

  Sebastian and Carla McKenzie (Rapture)

  Madison and Derek Jackson (If Only)

  Nora Claire

  Georgina Sarah

  Dylan and Jenna McKenzie (One Christmas)

  Hanna Margaret

  Vivien Lauran

  Ruben and Rosie McKenzie (Delight)

  Ryan and Gretchen McKenzie (It Started with a Kiss)

  Raelyn Ava

  Greta Ray

  Mila Elizabeth

  Haven Ruby

  Sofia and Shane Fletcher (A Baker’s Delight)

  Florence Rose

  Ford Liam

  Scott Ruben

  Jaxon and Poppy McKenzie (The Pregnant Professor)

  Lilian Rose

  Yvonne Marie

  Ramon McKenzie and Noah McKenzie (Cherished)

  Paige and Seth Reynolds (Princess and the Puck)

  Bode Oliver (twin)

  Eason James (twin)

  Rachel and Alexander McKenzie (Kissing Cousins)

  Arya Louise

  Matilda Maureen

  McKenzie Brother’s Reading Order

  Book 1: Seduce (Michael & Lily)

  Book 1.5: The Wedding (Novella)

  Book 2: Rapture (Sebastian & Carla)

  Book 3: Delight (Ruben & Rosie)

  Book 4: Entice (Lucien & Sabrina)

  Book 5: Cherished (Ramon & Noah)

  McKenzie Cousin’s Reading Order

  Book 1: Baby Makes Three (Sirena & Garrett)

  Book 2: A Business Decision (Michael & Brooke)

  Book 3: Secret Kisses (Charlotte & Tanner)

  Book 4: Kissing Cousins (Rachel & Alexander)

  Book 5: If Only (Madison & Derek)

  Book 6: Princess & the Puck (Paige & Seth)

  Book 7: A Bakers Delight (Sofia & Shane)

  Book 8: A Cowboy for Christmas (Olivia & Geary)

  Book 9: A Secret Affair (Joshua & Mallory)

  Book 10: One Christmas (Dylan & Jenna)

  Book 11: The Pregnant Professor (Jaxon & Poppy)

&n
bsp; Book 12: It Started with a Kiss (Ryan & Gretchen)

  Dear Reader

  Thank you for reading It Started with a Kiss, and thank you for your reviews! It’s really appreciated.

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  Butterfly Girl

  Written as Rona Jameson

  Rafael is all about vengeance . . .

  After witnessing the brutal murder of his mother and younger brother, Rafael DeLacroix lives in a world of darkness. With vengeance eating his soul, he moves to Sweet Meadow with his father. There, Rafael discovers a unique connection to the girl next door.

  Wren is all about butterflies . . .

  Trapped in a world of her own, under the watchful eye of her father, the Reverend—leader of their small town—Wren is filled with dreams of flying free like a butterfly. Her life takes an unexpected turn when the boy next door befriends her.

  Not everyone is happy with their growing friendship, and just when Rafael and Wren discover what is really going on in Sweet Meadow, darkness settles over the town.

  A standalone, romantic suspense/coming of age, novel.

  Acknowledgments

  Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design

  Other books by Lexi Buchanan

  Bad Boy Rockers

  Book 1: Sizzle (Jack ‘Phoenix’ & Thalia)

  Book 2: Spicy (Reece & Callie)

  Book 3: Sultry (Donovan & Mara)

  Book 4: Savor (Ryder & Dahlia)

  Book 5: Sinful (Jace & Savannah)

  Book 6: Silent Night (Novella)

  Kincaid Sisters

  Book 1: Meant to be Mine