“Because he’s not good enough for you and I recognized the look in his eye. I’m totally on board with your plan, but Conner isn't the kind of person you’re looking to meet.”
“What plan?” Emma looked back and forth between Jared and I as I continued to stare at him, my heartbeat quickening in my chest. I felt my fists clench at my sides and made a conscious effort to relax them. I started going through some breathing techniques I had learned in my Coping with Stress class, trying desperately to temper my bubbling panic.
“The plan Kenzie has to get over Jace,” Jared answered like it was no big deal.
A rush of anger washed over me as I listened to him speak. I felt like there was steam coming out of my ears and almost raised my hand to check.
Pinching the bridge of my nose between my fingers, I continued to concentrate on my breathing as tears burned behind my eyes. If Jared knew then there was no telling how long it would be before everyone else found out about my plan. That was what I got for expanding my circle of trust.
“Uh oh,” Emma commented as she looked me over. “You just stressed her the fuck out.” Rearing back she landed a punch on his shoulder making him wince. Like my soon to be sister in law, Emma was often prone to violent outbursts. “I don't think that’s public knowledge, you dolt.”
Jared frowned and looked at me uneasily as I tried to get control of myself. “Which one of them told you?” I spoke quietly meeting Jared’s eye. It either had to be Reece, Lane or Garret. My money was on the boyfriend.
He tried to look anywhere but at me as he bit his lip, crossing his arms over his chest. “Can I plead the fifth?”
I let out a low growl and pulled my hair away from my face, my anxiety level rising when it only continued to flop into my eyes. I wished like hell I hadn't given Jace my last hairband even though the smile it had put on his face had almost been worth my current level of aggravation.
Emma looked at her friend as though she wanted to hit him again. “Keep the pillow talk to yourself next time, Jared.” The man had the decency to look ashamed, casting his gaze to the floor. Emma’s lips twitched at his response before she firmed her expression. “Kenzie is old enough to make her own mistakes, which is exactly what Conner would be.” She turned back to me with a shake of her head. “While I don't agree with how he went about it, Jared is right about that. He’s a player. Not good enough for you.” Jared picked up his head looking justified as he started nodding in agreement with Emma’s words.
“However,” she continued, her smile showcasing her dimpled cheeks, “If you want to fill me in on the plan, I can certainly help you identify some prime candidates to make you forget about a certain egotistical knuckle walker. I have some prior experience in that area incase you forgot. You can be my wing woman and we’ll have the men in this town falling at our feet.”
I felt my looming headache recede as Emma gave me a sassy wink. Jared scrubbed a hand over his jaw and looked at me with a grin tugging at his lips. “Looks like you got yourself a pimp, Kenzie.”
Jace
Since Garret and I had patched things up I found sleeping easier. Over the past few months I had started to hate my cousin, which left me with a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. When I had thought there was something going on between him and Kenzie, I had felt powerless to stop it. Logically I knew Kenzie was going to end up with someone someday, I just didn't think it was going to be my best friend. Seeing how close he and Kenzie were drove me insane.
The amount of relief I had felt when Garret came out was immeasurable.
I heard a knock on my front door and called for whoever it was to come in. Glancing up from where I was mindlessly channel surfing and munching on potato chips, I saw Declan stride into my living room. He gave me a short look before plopping down into the recliner next to mine with a loud sigh.
“I’m bored,” he complained giving me a pathetic look. “Reece and Simon are in school. Lucas and Garret are fishing. Kenzie is in town. Wyatt is God knows where and Mrs. Cooper is packing for her vacation.”
“So what you're saying is I’m your last resort?”
My friend grinned and nodded his head. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
I nodded in acknowledgement and tried to relax in my seat. Declan and I hadn't spent much time together since we had gotten back home. Things had been tense between us since the night of Kenzie’s birthday party, even more so over the last few weeks.
“So I talked to Kenzie,” Declan spoke without taking his eyes off of the television. “She told me that you guys are back to being friends.”
I turned my head to look at him, feeling a huge smile take over my face. “She did?”
Flicking his eyes to me, Declan gave a curt nod.
I bit my tongue to keep myself from asking him if she had said anything else about me. If Kenzie had told Declan that we were on good terms again then it had to be for real. Those two were as close as any siblings could be. Hell, Declan was basically Kenzie’s father.
“She’s obviously forgiven you for however you fucked up.” Throwing the remote on the end table he focused his icy blue stare on me. “Just to be clear, I haven't.” “Wouldn't expect you too.” I didn't bother denying that mine and Kenzie’s falling out was my fault. We both knew that it was. Kenzie was too kindhearted to ever hurt someone she loved. Unlike me who had done nothing but hurt the people I loved the most continuously over the past year.
The conversation I’d had with Garret had stuck with me long after it had ended. My cousin didn't think I was a bad guy, but if he knew what I came from then he wouldn't want me anywhere near Kenzie. If Declan knew, I doubted that I would ever see her again.
I didn't talk about my early childhood for a lot of reasons, but mostly because I liked to pretend that it had never happened. That everything I’d experienced living with my parent’s had happened to someone else and not to me. With Uncle Leonard gone, Aunt Lorraine was the only one left who knew what had actually happened to my family. Thankfully my aunt never brought it up. She never told her kids about it either even though I knew those nosey bastards had asked her endless questions about why their foreign cousin was coming to stay with them on a permanent basis.
A few days after moving from Australia
when I had been getting settled in at the farm, I had heard the twins badgering Aunt Lorraine in the kitchen. They kept asking about why I had a black eye and a broken arm, wondering what had happened to me. The more she evaded their questions, the more curious they became.
I had sat in my new room with my ear to the door waiting for her to breakdown and tell them what had happened to her sister. When Uncle Leonard’s calm voice had spoken the twin’s questions slid back down their throats. I’d never asked what he’d said to make them shut up, but they had never asked about my parent’s again after that.
“You seem to be in a better mood,” Declan commented as he picked the remote back up. “Did you and Garret make up too?”
“You could say that,” I shrugged. “Glad everything is out in the open now.”
Declan gave me a look I couldn't decipher before shaking his head. “He seems a lot happier now. Jared’s a good guy, I’m glad that he and Garret got together. I seriously thought Reece was going to castrate him for not telling her though.” A smile lit up his face at the mention of his fiancé. “Even after dinner the other night she was still steamed about it. Thought she was going to rip Garret’s hand off when he tried to take her phone away.”
“I wouldn't fuck with her.” The first night we had met Reece she had wrapped a girl’s hair around her fist and dragged her out of JJ’s for throwing herself at Declan. That night I had also learned Reece had gotten into a fight with an ex of mine for putting the moves on her best friend’s man. The girl could hold her own. “You got lucky.”
“I hit the fucking jackpot,” my friend laughed. “I can’t wait to find out if we’re going to have a little girl who’s as badass as her momma.” If possible my f
riends smile grew even wider thinking about his unborn child.
“You hoping for a girl?” I felt my lips twitch thinking of a little firecracker like Reece running around.
“As long as it’s healthy I’ll be happy.” He seemed to think about it for a moment. “Besides if it’s not a girl, we can get started on baby number two right away.” Declan glanced over his shoulder nervously before looking back at me. “Don’t tell Reece I said that.”
“I’ll try to keep it to myself,” I muttered amused at Declan’s paranoid behavior. “You know it’s two in the afternoon right? Reece doesn't even get off of work until three.”
“I know that,” my friend grumbled sinking into his seat. “The woman always seems to know what I’m thinking though.”
“Have you guys set a date?”
Declan’s eyes clouded over as he let out a groan. “I want to marry her now. She says she wants to wait until after the baby is born.” Rubbing a hand through his hair he let out a tight laugh. “Says she wants to fit into a wedding dress when she marries me.” He worried his lower lip for a moment before pinching the bridge of his nose. The gesture almost made me smile because it reminded me so much of Kenzie. “All I can think is that she’s going to change her mind and not marry me at all.”
The miserable look on his face made my gut clench in sympathy. Leaning over I clapped a hand to his back and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Reece is crazy about you. No one would ever doubt it if they saw the two of you together. Besides if she wasn't planning on making an honest man out of you, why else would she tolerate your needy ass?”
Declan laughed and nodded his head, the concerned look leaving his face. “Thanks, man. I think that I needed that reminder.” His blue eyes raked over me once before he turned his attention back to the movie he’d put on. “You’re a good friend, Jace.”
I blinked once surprised by the genuineness I head in his voice. Nodding I offered him the bag of chips I had been snacking on when he had knocked on my door. “You are too.”
Chapter 7
Kenzie
When my first shift had ended I had immediately gone home and called Garret, giving him hell for telling Jared about my plan. My friend had apologized repeatedly, showing up at my door with a pint of my favorite flavored ice cream after I had hung up on him. His reasoning for telling Jared the plan was that he needed another set of eyes and ears to make sure I wasn't getting taken advantage of. I’d felt like strangling him until I’d noticed the worried look in his eye. It was hard to stay mad at the guy when he only wanted the best for me.
After a few days on the job I couldn't remember why I had been so nervous. For my first three shifts Jared had stayed behind the bar with me, letting me go solo on my fourth night. Despite my initial hesitation at being left alone, the night had gone well. I’d even made a decent amount of tip money. Tonight was my first Friday night at JJ’s. Conner was also working but he was doing his best to keep his distance from me. It made me wonder if Jared had warned him off again after we had met the other day.
“Fetch me a beer, wench,” I heard a familiar male voice command. Glaring at Wyatt I fought the urge to give him the finger knowing it wasn't professional.
“Tap or bottle?”
“Tap, barkeep. You know what I like.” He gave me a shooing gesture with the back of his hand. His pale blue eyes lit up with amusement when I stood still in front of him. Wyatt grinned at me showcasing his perfect white teeth. “Please.”
I let the smile I was fighting break free as I grabbed a clean glass and filled it with Wyatt’s favorite brew. We both knew I couldn't stay mad at him for long, no matter how much of an ass he was. Wyatt Cooper was one of those rare people who could annoy you one minute and have you laughing hysterically the next. There was never a dull moment when he was around.
“Hey there, Little One,” Lucas greeted me as he took the seat next to his twin’s.
“Hi Lucas,” I smiled at him, leaning over the bar to give him a peck on the cheek.
“How come I didn't get a kiss hello?” Wyatt frowned looking between his brother and I.
“You called me a wench, Wyatt,” I scowled at him as I got Lucas a beer. “You don't deserve a kiss hello if you act like a dick.”
Lucas let out a soft chuckle as Wyatt pouted into his drink.
“Hi there Cooper’s,” Jared addressed the twins coming to stand beside me. Lucas and Wyatt swiveled their heads in his direction.
“Hey man, how’s it going?” Wyatt asked with a crooked grin. “How about a round on the house courtesy of big bro’s man?”
“We can pay for our own drinks, Wyatt,” Lucas growled giving his twin a sharp elbow to the gut. “Just ignore him, Jared. We all do.”
“Noted,” Jared nodded with a grin. “None the less this one’s on the house. Kenzie why don't you move down the bar so Conner can go on his break. I’ll take over down here for you. Get used to ignoring Wyatt a little more.”
I laughed and did as I was told walking towards my coworker. “Hey Conner, Jared told me to relieve you for your break.”
The man glanced up from where he was pouring a drink and gave me a small nod. “Thanks, Kenzie. I’ll be back in fifteen.” He handed the girl at the bar her drink with a wink before walking away without a backward glance. I looked over my shoulder to find Jared watching the interaction with a satisfied smirk. When he caught my glare he laughed and turned back to the twins who had puzzled looks on their faces.
“Is one of those guys over there your boyfriend?” Turning towards the voice I saw a guy who looked to be about my age leaning against the bar. He appeared to be a little taller than me, with dark brown eyes and shaggy blonde hair. I didn't have to crane my neck to look at him like I did with Jace.
Mentally slapping myself for immediately comparing every guy I met to the one I was trying to forget, I forced myself to smile at the man before me. “No, they’re family. What can I get for you?”
The man seemed pleased by my answer as he hopped onto the empty bar stool in front of him. “What would you recommend?”
“It depends on your taste, but you can never go wrong with a beer I guess.”
“Surprise me,” he gave me a charming smile that did nothing for me. I went about making him his drink as he continued to watch me. “Are you new around here?”
“My family and I just got back to town after being away for a bit,” I explained. I never told anyone who my family was. It usually brought on an onslaught of drama and questions that I never felt like playing into.
“I thought it might be something like that. I would remember seeing you,” he winked and extended his hand over the bar once I put his drink in front of him. “Jeremy O’Connell.”
“Kenzie,” I greeted him politely keeping my last name to myself. It wasn't often, but sometimes people would immediately associate me with my brother based on my last name.
“Kenzie,” he repeated still smiling. “Suits you. So, Kenzie what do you like to do for fun?”
It wasn't like I had never been flirted with before but I wasn't exactly comfortable with it either. But that was the whole point of my plan. To get out and meet new people. Blowing out a breath I made the decision to put some effort in.
“Oh you know, this and that. I like to read a lot.” I tried to ignore the fact that Lucas and Wyatt probably had their eyes on me and focused on my conversation with Jeremy.
“What kind of books do you like to read?”
“It would probably be easier to ask what kind of books I don't like to read.”
Jeremy’s eyes lit with humor. “Okay, what kind of books don't you like to read?”
I smiled, cupping my chin in my hand and leaned on the bar. “Haven’t come across one yet. What do you like to do for fun?”
“Well I’m a physical therapist, so I like playing sports and staying active.” He said it in a way that made me think I was supposed to be impressed so I made my face look appropriately so. Jeremy looked like he ha
d a nice enough body, but I was used to dreaming about a six foot five wall of solid muscle.
There I went again.
“I’m much too lazy for anything like that,” I laughed and refilled the drinks of the girls sitting next to Jeremy.
“I don’t know, you look like you’re in pretty good shape.” I felt myself blush, unsure of how to reply to his compliment. Thankfully he spoke before I could. “Listen, my buddies are waving me back over. I guess they’re jealous I got to you first. Can I get your phone number? Maybe we can go out sometime.”
I bit the inside of my cheek and hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure.” Jeremy grinned and handed me his phone. I typed in my information quickly before handing it back to him. I saw Conner coming back from the break room just as Jeremy put his phone back in his pocket.
“Great, I’ll give you a call sometime tomorrow to set something up. It was great meeting you, Kenzie.”
I smiled at him. “You too, Jeremy. Have a good night.”
Before Conner had a chance to say anything I headed back down the bar towards Jared ignoring the anxious feeling in my gut. My plan was working out the way I wanted. So why was I feeling so sick about it?
“What the fuck was that?” Wyatt asked in a hard voice.
I looked at him surprised as Lucas gave him a glare. “Shut up, Wyatt.”
Wyatt turned his glare on his brother. “You’re okay with Little One picking up guys in a bar?”
“Jeremy’s a nice guy. I dated his older brother for awhile,” Jared piped up placing a hand on my shoulder. I gave him a grateful look but the knot in my gut didn't loosen. I’d wanted Jason Craw for so long, it felt almost disloyal to even think about going on a date with someone else. Too bad he had never had that same consideration for my feelings.
Clearing my throat I went about wiping down the bar top ignoring Wyatt’s stare and Lucas’ concerned frown. I was going to start dating, they were just going to have to get used to it.
So was I.
Jace
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