Loch and Key: McLaughlins, Book 3

by Shelli Stevens

  He had three more years in the Navy. That was it. Could Kenzie handle that? Could he handle it? Being on a ship and slipping back into that mode where he was always wondering if she would become like the other women. If she’d be tempted to cheat.

  Why couldn’t he have met her a few years from now? When he was close to retiring?

  Every day things were only becoming more intense between them. At some point they’d have to make a decision. Keep it serious or cut it off.

  Another glance at her sleeping form had his heart clenching.

  Shit. He was so fucked.

  “Have you actually ever been camping, Kenzie?”

  Kenzie paused in the midst of stuffing clothes into her backpack and glanced at Delonna.

  “No, I can’t say that I have. But I imagine it’s a lot of outdoor cooking and sleeping in a tent, aye? I’ll be fine.”

  “Plus you’ve got a bunch of hot Navy guys going,” Delonna drawled, sitting down on the edge of her bed.

  Kenzie snorted. “And their wives.”

  “Still, you’ll be having fun, and you’ll be rubbing elbows with that elite chief crowd.”

  “Are they elite?”

  “God, I don’t know. Sure sounds impressive. What does a chief do anyway?”

  “Not quite sure.” Kenzie resumed packing. “Brett told me his official position is Flight Deck Chief.”

  “Oh, see? That even sounds impressive. I really do like this guy, Kenz. He’s good for you.”

  And Delonna wasn’t saying that arbitrarily. She’d actually met and interacted with Brett a few times now. Whether here at the house or when he’d come into the pub to visit. It was wonderful that her friends and family all approved him.

  “Aye, he has been good for me,” she agreed softly.

  “Though, I’ve got to say it’s weird seeing you here. You’re rarely home.” Delonna leaned back on the bed, propping herself up on her elbows. “You’re paying half the rent, which is awesome, but never here. Not that I’m complaining, but I do miss you.”

  “I know. I miss you too.” Kenzie paused to hug her friend as a prick of guilt slid through her. “Thank you for being such a good friend as I rediscover dating.”

  Delonna hugged her back. “I think you guys are beyond dating.”

  Those words sunk in and Kenzie pulled back. “How so?”

  “You guys are pretty serious, pretty fast.”

  “We simply enjoy being together.”

  “There’s being together, and then there’s inseparable. I think sex with James is awesome, but when we’re done, I want my space.” Delonna shrugged. “Cuddling can be nice for a few minutes, but I’m usually happier if he goes home for the night.”

  Kenzie frowned. “Really? I hate the nights I have to kiss him good-bye.”

  “Mmm hmm. Which leads me right back to what I was saying. Pretty serious, pretty fast.”

  “Maybe it’s just the honeymoon phase of dating?”

  “Or maybe it’s leading up to an actual honeymoon.” Delonna laughed, and dodged the pillow Kenzie tossed at her. “Speaking of, did you order the cake for Hailey’s bachelorette party?”

  “Aye. Yesterday.”

  “Sweet. Was it the dirty cock cake I told you about?”

  “Unfortunately, no. I don’t think she’d share our appreciation of artistic edible erections.”

  “That’s a bummer. But now we know what to get each other for our bachelorettes.”

  “Aye, and that’s so close to happening?” Kenzie snorted and went to continue packing.

  “Well definitely not for me, but you now…I’m not so sure.”

  “We’re just dating.”

  “Mmm hmm. Keep telling yourself that. I gotta shower and get ready for work.” Delonna eased off the bed and headed toward the door. “You need to channel your inner Girl Scout and get ready for your camping trip.”

  “On my honor, I will try…”

  Delonna paused in the doorway and glanced back. “One last word of advice. Spoken with all the wisdom of a woman who’s had her heart broken on more than one occasion.”

  More than one occasion? Delonna was only twenty-three. Kenzie’s heart gave a twinge of sympathy for her friend.

  “Please share your wisdom, oh wise one,” she tried to tease.

  But though Delonna gave a small smile, there was a hint of sadness in it. “If you’re going to fall for a guy, make sure he’s willing to catch you…”

  She was in over her head. Not even an hour after arriving at their large, shared campsite and Kenzie realized how woefully underprepared she was, and it had nothing to do with camping.

  There were three other couples, with one more that had yet to show. While all the men she’d met were quite friendly and welcoming, the women had been as chilly as the breeze off Puget Sound.

  Sure, they’d been polite with the initial introductions, but she’d clearly been measured up and found lacking. Then again she didn’t quite have the salon perfect hair, made-up faces and clothing that made these ladies look as if they’d just stepped off an REI photo shoot.

  Kenzie adjusted her chair by the fire and tried to tell herself she was being paranoid. Maybe she felt a bit self-conscious with her hair in braids—her go-to, no-frills hairstyle—her most beat-up jeans and T-shirt with a fleece thrown on top. But, bloody hell, she was comfortable. So fuck it all.

  She slid a glance over to where the men were busy preparing the steaks for dinner. They were deep in conversation, though she caught Brett sneaking a concerned glance her way now and then.

  Oh yes, she knew what he wanted. For her to go and try and talk to the ladies. Make friends. Usually she wasn’t too bad at it, either. Most people tended to like her, unless they were on the receiving end and unappreciative of her blunt opinions.

  Still, maybe she needed to at least try and talk to them. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she was coming across just as antisocial, as they were cliquish.

  “How long have you all been doing these camping weekends?”

  The three turned to face her, and she took in their expressions, which ranged from irritation to boredom.

  “A few years now.” It was the sleek redhead, Sheila, who answered. The one in the expensive jacket and hiking boots, who looked as if she’d had her makeup professionally done.

  “Well I think it’s lovely that they do this together.” Kenzie gestured to the men. “And include the wives at that.”

  “Mmm, and apparently flavor-of-the-month girlfriends now.”

  The words were delivered so sweetly from the tall brunette—Jenny?—that it took Kenzie a moment to realize the context of them. She inhaled slowly, forcing herself to stay calm.

  Don’t be a bitch. Don’t stoop to their level. She repeated the mantra in her head.

  She gave Jenny a saccharine smile. “You must be thinking of someone else. From what I understand I’m the first girl Brett’s taken on this camping weekend.”

  “So far.” The other, Lisa, chimed in.

  Well weren’t they simply a vicious little pack? And clearly Sheila was the alpha.

  She had to get through two days of this. How could Brett not have realized what little twats they were? Then again, he hung out with the boys and wasn’t exactly socializing with the ladies’ group.

  “What do you ladies do?” Kenzie asked, attempting to keep things civil.

  “I’m a pediatrician.” Sheila gave a cold smile.

  Shite, this woman was allowed around children? Did she live in a gingerbread house in the forest?

  “I’m a lawyer,” Lisa inserted, her expression haughty and dripping with judgment.

  Lovely.

  Kenzie glanced at the last lady. Jenny.

  “I am CEO of the Wilkinson household,” she said in a proud, syrupy sweet tone with a Midwestern accent. “Four children, two cats and a dog.”

  The other ladies laughed and cooed in a nauseating display of support that was likely as real as Sheila’s breasts. This
lot of them made her want to hurl up the granola bar she’d eaten just an hour ago.

  “And what do you do, Kelly?”

  “It’s Kenzie. I’m a waitress at my family’s pub, but also am in school.”

  “You’re a waitress?” Sheila murmured, tossing her hair. “Oh isn’t that cute.”

  “It pays the bills. I’m proud of my family’s pub, actually. It’s quite popular.” She couldn’t resist adding, “I’m sure your husbands would be familiar with it.”

  “Which pub do they own?” Jenny asked, her face pinching.

  “McLaughlin’s Pub.”

  By the dawning comprehension on their faces and then flash of irritation, Kenzie knew she was right.

  “Ah, yes. You must be part of that Scottish family.”

  “You say Scottish like it’s a bad thing,” Kenzie drawled.

  There was no reply, only more fake smiles. Fuck them. Fuck them all in their judgmental little arses.

  “So what are you going to school for?” Jenny asked.

  “Paralegal degree.”

  “Oh good for you,” Lisa said, with an encouraging smile that Kenzie didn’t trust an inch. “We always need a few more half-educated grunts around the office.”

  And there it was.

  “Mm. Well, as lovely as it was chatting with you charming gals, I think I’ll go and chat with the guys.”

  Which, she realized as she strode away, would probably just make them hate her more. Oh well, it’s not like she had a chance at befriending them. Clearly they weren’t open to newcomers. Or maybe, she was really just in over her head.

  Her stride faltered as she looked at the group of men talking and joking by the grill. They all had that commanding presence and self-important attitude. Even Brett did to an extent, but these guys seemed to swim in it.

  She envisioned the wives, so uptight and haughty. Likely feeling just as self-important being the wife of a chief, as if they’d assumed the position themselves.

  And here she was. The new girlfriend showing up to the camping trip. Somewhat immune to Brett’s importance in his career. Yes, she was proud of him and his position, but she hadn’t been by his side while he made the climb. These ladies had, and they resented her presence here. Saw her as temporary.

  Which, she was, right? Brett had said that once, and though he’d hinted maybe there could be more, did he really want that? Did she?

  Or maybe it was as the women had insinuated. Maybe she was just the waitress Chief Craven was passing time with. Even as her mind and heart called bullshit on that idea, a tiny part of her kept whispering what if?

  And the same question that had been going through her mind for weeks now, came back again.

  Even if Brett was willing, did she want more than that…?

  From the corner of his eye, Brett saw her crossing the campsite toward him.

  The guys were talking baseball and work, drinking a few beers. But the tension in Kenzie’s body and unhappiness in her eyes had concern swelling inside him.

  He walked away from the men and met her halfway.

  “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” He kept his voice low.

  She gave a tight smile. “Can we walk for a bit?”

  “Of course.” He set his beer down on the picnic table and reached to take her hand in his. His concern grew.

  Once they were a good distance from the campsite, and strolling along the beach, he gave her another glance.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Those women are awful, Brett,” she said softly. “I don’t know if I can make it a whole weekend with them.”

  “How so? I saw you guys talking and figured you were getting along.”

  She snorted. “If by getting along you mean turning me into a human piñata, than aye. We were getting along fine. They’re catty, and mean, and I don’t fit in with them the least bit.”

  His mouth thinned. Shit. He knew they tended to be a little cliquish together, but he hadn’t realized they were that bad. Then again he spent his time with the guys and the women often did their own thing and were pleasant enough when they all got together.

  Even without Kenzie’s revelation, he knew things weren’t working as well for him this time. Maybe in the past he’d been the single guy on the camping trips, but he’d never felt too out of place.

  They’d only been here a couple of hours and already he missed talking to Kenzie. Having her at his side. The divide of women and men was pretty natural at these things, except when everyone crashed in their respective tents at night.

  Maybe it was for the wrong reasons, but he was glad she’d come and asked him to walk. It gave them a chance to be alone with each other again.

  “It’s that bad, huh?” he finally asked.

  “It’s pretty bad. I haven’t seen this much bitchiness since girls’ gym class and everyone was on the same PMS cycle.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh at that imagery. “Think you can hang in there at least one night? If things are still bad we can come up with some excuse and leave tomorrow.”

  She hesitated and then nodded. “Of course. I don’t mean to be throwing a tantrum, but jeez. These women. I can only be nice for so long before my snarky starts showing.”

  “Let the snark fly. I sure won’t protest.” He came to a stop and pulled her into his arms. “We got rushed trying to pack up and get out the door, I never got one of these.”

  “One of what?”

  He caught her mouth in a slow, sweet kiss, letting his hands knead her waist. She sighed and leaned into him, curling her fingers into his shoulders.

  “Thank you.” She folded herself into his arms. “I needed that.”

  “Me too.”

  They held each other for a moment.

  “Are they all like that? These chiefs’ wives?”

  He laughed softly. “Not at all. Some are the most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Like Nicole. She’ll be here later tonight with Delmar.”

  “Oh thank God. An ally.”

  He tilted her chin and kissed her again. “You’ve got me in your corner, sugar.”

  “I know, or I’d probably be taking a flashlight to one of these chicks’ heads.”

  “If I had known they were this bad, I never would’ve come.”

  “I can handle it. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” She pulled away and slid her hand into his as they headed back to the campsite.

  He did worry about her, though. And it wasn’t just with the bitch wives of his friends. He worried about Charles Richland. About some drunk getting a little aggressive at the pub while she worked.

  That was the bottom line. He cared. Too much for this even to be considered a temporary thing anymore.

  Whether Kenzie felt the same was another story.

  The rest of the evening passed pretty uneventfully. Steak and grilled corn were served with chips for dinner. Conversation was easygoing and everyone seemed friendly enough, but now that he was aware of it, he could sense the simmering venom the ladies of the group directed toward Kenzie.

  It disappointed him, but more so, it pissed him the hell off. Kenzie was a good person. From what he’d seen, there weren’t a lot of people who didn’t like her.

  And it affected the way he treated them. His communication with them had a crisp chilliness that let them know he didn’t appreciate their antics.

  They got the message too, because they wouldn’t look him in the eye and eventually stopped trying to engage him in conversation. They didn’t even pretend to with Kenzie anymore.

  What a trio of bitches. He glanced at his friends and felt a little sorry for them now. Could understand why they drank a little more than they should and hung out with each other on these weekends.

  So why the pretense of even bringing the wives? They likely would have a fit and a half.

  “Do you want another s’more?” Kenzie asked.

  He turned to answer her, but his response died at the sight of her sucking marshmallow off her
fingers.

  “I…do I… What was the question?”

  “S’mores? Would you like me to make you another?”

  “No.” God. He needed to be alone with her. Now. He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “Think you can plead a headache? We can go chill in the tent for a bit.”

  “Absolutely.” She winked and turned back to the fire.

  Clearly she intended to take her time, because it was several minutes—and another toasted marshmallow he had to watch her suck off her fingers—before she stood and pressed her palm to her forehead.

  “Sorry to be a complete wanker, but I’ve got the beginnings of a terrible headache. I think I’ll go lie down for the night.”

  There were murmurs of sympathy from the men and suspicious stares from the women. Kenzie seemed oblivious; keeping a friendly expression on her face as she bid everyone goodnight and then gave him a chaste kiss and a wink only he could see. A moment later she disappeared into the tent.

  Brett bided his time. Hating every moment he lingered outside by the fire talking shit with the guys. After fifteen minutes, he excused himself by saying he was going to check on her.

  “But it’s not even nine. You’re not going to bed this early are you?” Jack’s wife called out, her expression displeased.

  She was the redhead—clearly from a bottle, unlike Kenzie—the prettiest out of the three wives, and seemed the most vicious. It slowly dawned on him. She probably saw Kenzie as a threat. Kenzie had her beat hands down in looks and personality.

  The longer he’d sat out by the fire and paid attention, the more he’d overheard the women gossiping about other Navy wives. It had left a bad taste in his mouth.

  Escaping into the tent with Kenzie sounded like a pretty damn good break, actually.

  “It’s been a long day.” He gave her a brief smile. “I might come back out in a while.”

  He stood, stretched his arms above his head, and then made his way into the tent.

  Kenzie was stretched out on the blow up mattress, watching and clearly waiting for him.

  “Took you long enough,” she chided, when he lay down beside her.

  “Mmm. Didn’t want to be too obvious.” He smoothed a hand up over her belly, pushing the T-shirt up with it. “You should be arrested for eating s’mores so seductively.”