Kissing Cousins

by Lexi Buchanan

  She glances at me, and then moans. “God, I forgot how difficult you can be.”

  I laugh. “Pot calling kettle.”

  Paige grins, but turns serious. “I’m going to be okay, Rachel. I panicked in the beginning, but I promise I’m going to be fine.”

  “I’m not leaving you.” I cling to her hand and then she stills when her finger touches my ring.

  Her eyes widen and she lifts our joined hands to her face.

  “I wanted to tell you myself and not over the phone.”

  “Oh Rachel. I really am so happy for you.” She kisses my ring. “Is Alexander with you?”

  “No.” I shake my head. “He desperately wanted to come, but because of everything, I wanted to come alone first. I’ll call him tonight and knowing him he’ll be on the next flight out … and not just because this is where I am.”

  “As much as I wanted to go through all of this alone, I’m so glad our dads discovered what was going on and stayed with me. And I have my sister.” Paige smiles and rests her head on my chest. “I’m tired, which is to be expected, but I’m happy Rachel. Please don’t worry.”

  Paige sleeps in my arms and I find myself also drifting off to sleep, thankful that I’m with my sister.

  29

  Alexander

  My flight into Boston was delayed so I’ve come straight to the hospital only to be bumped into from behind. I turn and find Dylan who is just as surprised as I am.

  He rubs the tiredness from his eyes and glances at his friend. “This is Seth. Seth, my cousin, Alexander. Rachel’s fiancée.”

  I offer a wry smile while nodding to Seth. “Rachel told you?”

  “Paige did.” He smiles and looks nervous.

  “Paige is okay, right?”

  “As far as I know.” He glances at his friend again.

  “He’s nervous because he doesn’t know if she’ll see me.” Seth shrugs. “She hasn’t yet.” He wanders toward the elevators while I stay at the entrance with Dylan.

  “He has feelings for Paige?”

  “Yeah. I feel bad because I always thought he was only after one thing, you know? But since Paige has been sick I’ve realized he really does have feelings for her.” Dylan runs his hand through his hair. “She’s refusing to see him. He’s been here every day and I’m worried about him. He won’t give up.”

  “We all know how stubborn Paige can be. She’ll be worn down eventually.” I smile. “I’ll talk to her.”

  “Will you?” Dylan relaxes. “I’m not used to all these feelings floating around. It’s scary as shit.”

  I shove him with my shoulder as we get on the elevator with Seth. “One day you’ll fall like the rest of us. I just hope I’m there to see it.”

  Seth doesn’t pay any attention to our banter as he watches the number rising to the floor that Paige is on.

  Nothing is said as Seth sits in the waiting room with a reluctant Dylan. I pat my cousin on the shoulder, and head toward my girl and my cousin.

  “I believe there’s trouble brewing in this room,” I say, announcing myself.

  Rachel grins and throws her arms around my neck. I give her a brief albeit hard kiss before moving toward my cousin. I cup Paige’s face and kiss her forehead. “You’re going to regret keeping this from us because now I’m here, I’m in charge.” I smirk, knowing it will rile her up. “I hope that’s okay because I’ve no intention of arguing with you.”

  She snorts. “I’ve never known you to be this bossy before.” Paige says to Rachel, “Is he always like this with you?”

  Rachel blushes. “Only in bed.”

  Paige throws her head back and laughs before clearing her throat. “I think those jokes better stay deeply buried because that’s just too much information.” She shudders, a slight smile on her lips.

  “I bumped into Dylan on the way up here.”

  Paige moves her gaze to mine before she becomes occupied with the view outside her window. I add, “He’s with a friend who looks sick if I’m honest. Someone called Seth.”

  “Seth?” Rachel questions.

  Paige ignores us.

  “According to Dylan, Seth has been here every day since they’ve known about Paige. Except Paige won’t see him, but he still comes. He still worries. He looks rough, Paige.”

  Her eyes are filled with tears as she faces Rachel. “I don’t want him seeing me like this.”

  “Like what?” I question in disbelief. “Paige, I’m not sure what mirror you’re looking through, but you don’t look any different.” I wink at Rachel and continue, “You’re still beautiful,” I pause, “and stubborn.”

  Paige lifts her face and searches my gaze, so I continue, “There is a young man who has been sitting in the waiting area for I don’t know how many days wanting to see you. Wanting to be here to help you in any way he can. That man, more than cares about you whether you or him realize it or not.”

  “Wow, Alexander McKenzie.” Paige softly shakes her head and says no more.

  Time passes slowly and then she looks at Rachel. “Will you help me do my hair and put a bit of make up on?”

  Rachel beams. “Of course I will.”

  “While you two ladies get sorted, I’ll go and tell Seth he can visit with you soon. I don’t know the guy, but I can’t bear seeing him like that. I know Dylan is worried.”

  “Tell him,” Paige agrees.

  I quickly make my way to the waiting room and spot Seth and Dylan stood at the window. I interrupt. “Rachel is helping Paige, and then you can go in, Seth.”

  He blinks a few times. “She’s going to see me?”

  “Yeah, she is.” I quickly make my way into the corridor before I witness Seth’s tears of relief.

  I hadn’t lied to Paige when I’d said she didn’t look any different, but she has lost weight, which I’m sure she’ll eventually put back on. It was a shock seeing her, especially as she looked so dependent on Rachel.

  It isn’t long before Rachel is walking toward me, only to briefly detour into the waiting room. Seth heads toward Paige’s room and Rachel moves toward me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, her face going to the crook of my neck.

  “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” I kiss her forehead and let her take whatever she needs from me.

  Over her head, I spot Madison. She immediately throws herself into Dylan’s arms. The family has been told and everyone free is making their way to Boston to visit Paige.

  I’m not too sure if she’s up to us all descending on her, but they’re not just coming for Paige. They’re coming to support Ramon, Noah, and Rachel as well.

  Rachel sighs softly and lifts her face to mine, brushing her lips across my waiting ones. “How long can you stay?”

  “I’m staying as long as you do.” I quickly cover her lips. “No arguing. You’re my fiancée and I’m not leaving you.” I wince. “Although I may have to go back for meetings, but I can do the rest of my work from your apartment.”

  “I’m glad. It was horrible climbing into bed alone last night. I needed your arms around me, while you told me everything is going to be all right.”

  “She’s going to be okay, Rachel. I believe that,” I reassure, knowing that I’m right. The doctors are more than positive about a full recovery for Paige so we can’t even contemplate any other outcome.

  30

  Rachel

  Madison joins me to purchase coffee from the café in the hospital lobby, which gives me an opportunity to grill her about Derek. I need some gossip to take my mind off of how sick my sister is. I know she’s on the more positive side of her sickness, but the worry and stress is still with me. Having Alexander staying with me helps more than he’ll ever know, but right now my cousin is about to help me.

  Madison pauses and narrows her eyes when she recognizes the grin on my lips. “No way!”

  “Please, Maddie. I need a distraction.”

  “Ugh.” She drops into the chair opposit
e. “That was underhanded of you,” she grumbles.

  I stay silent and wait her out.

  Blinking away tears she starts, “Okay, here it is. I hope you’re listening because I’m not repeating it. I’m staying in a small cabin close to the main house.

  “Derek is dating someone woman from in town, and I only see him when I have to talk to him about the work I’m doing. The woman is always at his house, and he eats with her most nights.”

  She swallows hard before taking a drink of her coffee.

  I feel for her and I’m also surprised at hearing that he’s dating someone else because his eyes always found Madison whenever she entered a room.

  “I’ve only just started the work, which I’m finding difficult to get into. I’m too distracted and heartsick.” She sits back and stares at her coffee on the table. “I was stupid thinking there could have ever been more between us. He’s over twenty years older than me. What was I thinking Rachel?”

  “You were thinking with your heart. There’s nothing wrong with that. My only advice is to finish the work you’ve been hired to do and then leave. Don’t look back.”

  “I wish it would be that easy.”

  I can’t understand why Derek has suddenly decided to leave Madison alone. I’d been sure there was something between them.

  “Anyway, enough about me. When are you and Alexander getting hitched? And please do it somewhere warm.”

  Laughing, I nudge her with my foot. “Wherever Alexander is, it will be warm.”

  She pauses and laughs. “That’s not funny, too much information.”

  “Seriously though, I’m not sure when or where. We haven’t talked about it yet, but I hope it’s once Paige is well enough to not be in the hospital. She has to be my maid of honor.”

  Madison reaches forward and grabs my hands. “She’ll be out of here before you know it. Everything that is being said is positive right? You have to think about that.”

  “I am doing. It’s just difficult when I see her looking so down in the dumps.”

  “She has you and the rest of us to help. You’re also not alone you know that right? We’re not just here for Paige.”

  Tears hover on my lashes. “Thank you.”

  “You don’t have to thank me or anyone.” She gets up, and hugging me she quickly disappears.

  “Madison hightailed it out of here when she saw me.” Alexander raises a brow in question.

  I shrug. “We weren’t talking about you if that’s what you’re thinking.” Our fingers intertwine. “We were just talking.”

  “About?”

  “Paige, Derek, when we’re getting married, and where. Although Madison has requested it’s somewhere warm.”

  “Hmm, well Paige is upstairs smiling while Seth sits quietly beside her bed. Derek, I have no idea about, and when we get married is open for discussion anytime you’re ready.” Alexander kisses my hand carrying his ring.

  “I’ll marry you as soon as Paige can be my maid of honor. I hope you’re okay waiting.”

  “I’ll wait as long as I have to. I’m not going anywhere, and Paige has to be a part of our wedding.”

  I lean close. “I love you Alexander McKenzie, and I look forward to starting our married life together.”

  “Then let’s work on helping your sister through recovery, and get her strength back … although I think Seth might be the best thing for that.”

  “I do hope so. She’s been so stubborn not letting the poor guy into her room, even her life. I only had to take one look at him to realize how much he’s wanted to be with her.”

  “The McKenzie’s can be stubborn.”

  “I’m not stubborn.” I poke him in the stomach. “I seem to remember falling into bed with you within seconds of the adjoining door opening.”

  He rolls his eyes. “So dramatic,” he drawls.

  Becoming serious once more, I say, “I’m glad we took a chance on each other because the fallout from our families was nothing like we’d expected. We could have missed out on so much because we thought we were doing the right thing.”

  “We did take a chance and I’m never letting you go again. I hope you know that.”

  “I do.”

  The End

  If Only, McKenzie Cousins #5

  Madison McKenzie’s story

  Dear Reader

  If you liked Kissing Cousins, I would appreciate it, if you would help others enjoy this book too by recommending it to your friends, family, and book clubs by writing an honest, positive review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBook Store, Goodreads, etc.

  Acknowledgments

  Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design

  Editor: Sirena Van Schaik

  Readers: Emma Clifton, Kathrin Magyar, Lynne Garlick, Nadine Winningham, and Sonya Covert

  Other books by Lexi Buchanan

  Bad Boy Rockers

  Book 1: Sizzle

  Book 2: Spicy

  Book 3: Sultry

  Book 4: Savor

  Book 5: Sinful

  Book 6: Silent Night (Novella)

  McKenzie Brothers

  Book 1: Seduce

  Book 1.5: The Wedding (Novella)

  Book 2:Rapture

  Book 3: Delight

  Book 4: Entice

  Book 5: Cherished

  Book 5.5: A McKenzie Christmas (Novella)

  De La Fuente Family (McKenzie Spinoff)

  Book 1: Love in Montana

  Book 2: Love in Purgatory

  Book 3: Love in Bloom

  Book 4: Love in Country

  Book 5: Love in Flame

  Book 6: Love in Game

  Book 7: Love in Education

  McKenzie Cousins

  (McKenzie Spinoff)

  Book 1: Baby Makes Three

  Book 2: A Business Decision

  Book 3: Secret Kisses

  Book4: Kissing Cousins

  Jackson Hole

  Book 1: From This Moment

  Book 1.5: When we Meet (Novella, in the back of From This Moment)

  Book 2: New Beginning (coming soon)

  Romantic Suspense

  Lawful

  Stryker

  Standalone Novella’s

  One Dance

  Educate Me

  Pure

  Holiday Season

  Kissing Under the Mistletoe

  A Soldier’s Christmas

  Written as Rona Jameson

  Come Back to Me

  Summer at Rose Cottage

  Twenty Eight Days

  Stryker, MMA Romantic Suspense

  written as Lexi Buchanan

  When my childhood friend, Cora, dared me to write a sexy novel about a martial arts fighter, I agreed, albeit under the influence of alcohol. It was something for me—something different and exciting.

  It was supposed to be research, pure and simple. But then I met him—a six-foot-six mountain of a man with no name. The way his muscles flexed and rippled when he trained made my belly quiver. The way his dark hair flopped over his forehead made me want to brush it back from his strong face. His nose had been broken, but it made no difference, he was still a handsome man. He had eyes dark as the night that would land on me the minute I entered his gym…Every…Time.

  He was their star fighter, the one that brought in the big money. At first I feared him because of his size and the way he would look at me. But then I discovered that I was his biggest distraction, and no matter what my head told me, my heart told me to fight for the man who didn’t know how to live outside of the octagon.

  NYT & USA Today bestselling author Lexi Buchanan brings you her new sexy standalone novel about fighting for freedom when the odds are against you.

  Come Back to Me

  written as Rona Jameson

  A whispered plea transcends time.

  When Esmé Rogers meets Luke Carlisle in 1987, she never expected to end up on board the Titanic for its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912. But what started with
confusion and questions turns into the greatest love of her life.

  As the date of the ill-fated sinking of the ocean liner approaches, Esmé questions whether or not she should try and change history. However, one question keeps coming back to haunt her: Does she survive?

  With frigid waters and a predestined collision on the horizon, can she change the fate of those she loves?

  Available at online retailers.

  Summer at Rose Cottage, Cozy Romantic Mystery

  Written as Rona Jameson

  Set in the beautiful coastal town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, ‘Summer at Rose Cottage’ explores two love stories—one lost in time and the other flourishing in the present. McKenzie (Mack) Harper needs to get away and the small cottage just outside of Cape Elizabeth is the perfect location to unwind and bond with her six-year-old nephew, Lucas. It’s here at this quaint summer rental that Mack discovers a diary dated March 4th, 1947, which pulls her into a world of love and heartache.

  Each entry into the diary is brought to life through the words written by nineteen-year-old, Rose Degan, who falls in love with a man her parents disapprove of. Her heart knows what and whom it wants, Jacob Evans, a fire fighter in Cape Elizabeth. He hasn’t been in town long when they meet on the cliffs while she watches the rescue of a crew from a collier ship that went aground during a fierce storm.

  Back in the present, Mack discovers that Jacob is still alive and tries to find him. She leaves a message that falls into the hands of Jacob’s grandson, Dean Evans. With his curiosity piqued, Dean decides that the mystery woman, along with her diary, is an excellent excuse to slip away from home, earning a break from his mother’s matchmaking shenanigans—a grandchild being her sole focus.