Steal You Away by Victoria Ashley is #LIVE and available with #KindleUnlimited! Check out this forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance today!!
Boyfriend’s Younger Brother
Brothers fighting over the same girl
Hot skater/Food truck cook
She belongs to my brotherā¦
Iāve stood back for years watching Dax repeatedly screw things up with Kennedy, as if he doesnāt think anyone could ever swoop in and steal her away.
Breakup after breakup, they always end up back together, even though Iāve always had a thing for her. Iām tired of waiting. He had his chance.
When Dixieās Alibi ā her Grandmotherās bar ā needs a new cook for the food truck, I jump at the opportunity, despite the fact that Kennedy Ward hates me. At least, she pretends she does. We both know she secretly wants me and always has.
One way or another, I will get her to finally admit it, even if it involves losing my brother. I plan to play dirty ā real dirty ā just like he did. This time Iām going to beat him at his own game.
I wanted her first, and he knew that, but our age kept us apart.
Now, Iām grown and ready to take what shouldāve been mine to begin with.

PROLOGUE
Kennedy
Ā Ā Ā Ā TWO YEARS AGO
āā¦even his jeans are sexy, Kennedy. Look at him.ā
My best friend Blaire is lying on the chair beside me going on about the new guy hanging out next door at Travisās house, but the only thing Iāve been able to concentrate on is my best friendās younger brother doing tricks on his skateboard from the other side of the wrought iron fence.
Watching him skate around Travisās pool makes me feel guilty, but apparently not guilty enough to stop ogling the way his abdomen flexes every time he works his board. Iāll admitāas much as I hate Colson Bennett at timesāthe ink peeking out of his jeans just above his waistband from where theyāre hanging dangerously low on his waist has had me wiping drool on multiple occasions since we started sunbathing over an hour ago.
Heās just riding around now, not even doing tricks anymore, yet here I am still watching him like some pervert. His wild, dark hair is wet from sweat and hanging in strands around his face as he reaches for a cigarette and lights it with a match.
After extinguishing the flame with one flick of the wrist, he places the smoke between his lips and leans his head back, pulling in a long drag. Heās oblivious to the fact that heās being watched; either that or he just doesnāt care. You can never tell with him.
āThank God Travis decided to drain the pool next door. Look at that Paxton guy move,ā she continues. āThat ass is incredible; so firm and tight. Oh, the things Iād do to it. Do you think he has a girlfriend?ā Blaire pauses for a moment as if to consider it. āShit, I hope not. There hasnāt been a guy that hot to come through town in years. I call dibs.ā
āYou donāt have to call dibs, Blaire. Iām not interested.ā I pull my eyes away from Colson the moment I realize heās watching me watch him. Every single girl next door is watching him, dying for a chance, yet itās me who gets caught doing it. Heās barely looked their way since they arrived over twenty minutes ago. In fact, he barely gives any girls the time of day. Iāve noticed, even though I shouldnāt. Iād love nothing more than to not notice Colson, or anything about him for that matter. āHeās cute and all, but Dax and I are just on a small break. Iām not looking for any guy trouble. One guy is enough to deal with.ā
Blaire releases a sound of disapproval and sits up in her lounger. āJust because you and my brother have dated since you were sixteen doesnāt mean you have to stay with him forever. I love him, donāt get me wrong, but you guys have broken up how many times now? Four⦠five? He may be my brother, but youāre my best friend. Iāll always choose your side. Dax can be a dick. Everyone knows it.ā
āThree times, actually. Not that Iām counting. And all couples have issues, Blaire. Stop being so judgmental when it comes to Dax.ā I pull my sunglasses down to cover my eyes, not wanting her to see me get emotional. Dax confuses me, with his back and forth and negative attitude at times. Iāve thought about us breaking up permanently in the past, but every time I say Iām done for good, I stay, because I love him and have since we were teenagers. āI canāt just switch off my emotions for a guy Iāve known since I was a kid. Some couples just need a break from time to time to work through things. Itās not like weāre dating other people while we do it. We just take some personal space. Thatās all.ā
āAnd I get that, I do, but itās been two weeks since you guys have seen each other. It has to get old. I mean⦠come on. Youāre twenty-two and youāve only dated one guy. Youāre taking over management at your grandmotherās bar someday and there are plenty of guys who would die for a date with you. There is nothing wrong with showing Dax he needs to fight for you.ā
āMight be taking over the bar,ā I remind her. āDixie doesnāt seem to think Iām ready yet, even though Iāve been busting my ass day and night to prove to her that I am. Today is the first day Iāve taken off in months.ā I pause to exhale. āAnd Iād rather not talk about mine and Daxās break. I want to relax and enjoy my time off. No more talk about your brother. Got it?ā
āOkay, babe. All Iām saying is to keep your options open before deciding if you want to get back together with my brother. Like I said, you deserve someone whoāll fight for you. I donāt see Dax being that guy. Hell, Colson has fought for you more than Dax ever has and heās not even the brother youāre dating.ā
āWhat is that supposed to mean?ā I ask, confused.
āNothing really. Iāve just seen Colson knock a few assholes out for mentioning you in inappropriate ways. You have no idea how many guys in this town talk about wanting to hook up with you whenever you and my brother take a break. It just never gets around because Colson puts them in their place.ā
āI didnāt know that.ā
Our conversation dies out, me not wanting to talk about her brothers anymore. Especially after learning what I just did about Colson. I came to her dadās to relax and clear my head, not talk about her two insanely hot brothers. Okay, and maybe because I secretly wanted to watch Colson skate at Travisās now that I donāt go to the park anymore.
I know Iām wrong for enjoying the view. But looking is all Iāll ever do. I have eyes. Dax has eyes. Everyone looks on occasion. At least thatās what I like to tell myself when I find myself looking at his brother for an extended period of time.
āSpeaking of my other brother. If you keep staring at him the way you have been, heās going to think he has a chance with you. Iām pretty sure my brothers would never speak again if that happened.ā
āWhat?ā I shake my head when she pulls my sunglasses off to look me in the eyes as if to confirm sheās right. āI havenāt been watching him, Blaire. Thatās in your head. Even if things never worked out between Dax and I, thereās not a chance in hell Iād be interested in Colson. Iāve made sure heās very clear on that. We used to be friends and nothing more.ā
āIs it in my head? Then how come your head follows his skateboard? Iāve been watching you for two solid minutes, and guess what? My brother is the only one on that side of the pool.ā She drops my sunglasses in my lap and shakes her head. āWhen I said you need to keep your options open, I didnāt mean my younger brother. Thereāll be a damn war in my family if you cross that line.ā
āI donāt have a thing for Colson,ā I say a little too defensively and way too loud. āPlease donāt ever say that out loud again.ā
As if Colson can hear our entire conversation, he hops off his skateboard in front of the fence. The muscles in his arm flex as he grabs his board and tucks it under his arm. His eyes stay on me as if he can read my thoughts about wanting to touch him, and it has my heart working overtime. Itās as if heās telling me with his eyes that heāll get what he wants someday, and I hate it.
The dickhead is very aware of how sexy he is. There isnāt one male in our town more attractive than him, Dax included. I know it, he knows it, and so does everyone else with eyes.
Lucky for me, his asshole ways are enough to keep me from giving in to that aching need thatās been hitting me right between my legs lately.
Giving myself away like an idiot, I keep my eyes on his dark ones, unable to turn away until Jett Garrett rolls up beside him on his board and says something to him.
Instead of responding to whatever Jett said, Colson flexes his jaw, before stepping into his personal space, towering over him. Thereās a moment of complete silence between them, all eyes on them ā mine included ā before Colson slams his forehead into Jettās nose, sending him to the ground.
āWhat the fuck is wrong with you, dude?ā Jett immediately covers his bleeding nose and attempts to jump to his feet, seeming a little disoriented as he stumbles before catching his balance.
Without a word, Colson backs away, his eyes meeting mine for a split second before he turns and heads for Travisās sliding glass door.
āWhat the hell did Jett do this time?ā Blaire mumbles beside me, sitting up in a hurry. āCan my brother go a day without making someone bleed? Or can his friends at least go a day without pissing him off?ā Sheās silent for a moment, before adding, āYouāre staring at my brother again.ā
āBlaire,ā I scold, pulling my attention from Colson right before he disappears through the door. āOf course Iām staring. He just smashed someoneās face in. Who isnāt staring?ā
āYeah, except theyāre all staring at poor Jett, watching him bleed all over the concrete. Even those half-naked girls over there that have been trying to get my brotherās attention since the moment they showed up.ā
āI donāt like Colson like that. Do I find him attractive? Yes. Every girl does. Lots of guys are hot. That doesnāt mean I like or want to date him.ā
āBut you want to sleep with him just like every other girl in this town has been trying to do since the day he turned nineteen and developed muscles?ā
āGod no, and Iām disappointed that you would even insinuate that. Iād never touch your other brother and you know it. Iād never do that to you or Dax, so drop it. Now.ā
āWhat about letting him touch you? Because the way you were just looking at himāā
āNo, Blaire,ā I say more sternly this time. āCan we drop this ridiculous subject?ā I sit up and face her, pretending to look interested. āSo, what about this Paxton guy? Did you get his number at the skatepark earlier?ā I lift an eyebrow. āHe watches you whenever he thinks youāre not looking.ā
āHa!ā She gives me a suspicious look and flips her phone over to send a text to someone. In fact, I think sheās been texting someone this whole time. āNow youāre interested in what I have to say? Is it because my brother is out of sight or youāre afraid that Iām right about you wanting him?ā
āNeither. Tell me about Paxton. When did he move here? Iāve never seen him until today.ā
She gives me a questioning look, before going into more details about their conversation from earlier at Underground Pit. I only manage to concentrate on some of what she says, because Iām too busy questioning my sexual desire for Colson and when the hell it started.
He went to California to help a friendās dadās business for the summer and came back a couple of weeks ago with the body of a man and facial features that resembled every girlās wildest fantasy. He somehow grew into himself in the months heād been gone, and just like every other girl who isnāt related to Colson, I noticed. Such a shit thing to do.
I shouldāve stayed far away from this house the day he came back looking the way he didāall grown up and sexier than hellābut since Blaire is moving into my place tomorrow, I told her Iād help her pack.
āLooks like you were right. Maybe you werenāt staring at my brother. Not the entire time at least.ā She shoots up from her seat in a hurry and opens his message. āHe wants to take me to a movie.ā
āAre you going to say yes?ā
āI think so.ā Her smile widens. āHeās super-hot. Itād be crazy for me to say no, right? I havenāt been on a date in six months. I need some fun.ā
āThen say yes. What could it hurt?ā
āBut what about you? Are you going to be okay if I leave you alone for a few hours? Clearly, my brother is in a shit mood.ā
I nod. āYeah. Iāll just stay upstairs and catch up on some shows until you get back. Itās cool. Go and have fun with Paxton. Iāll lock myself in your room.ā
āGood, because I already told him yes like two minutes ago. Looks like the skating party ended early. Not that Iām complaining.ā She stands up. āI should shower and get ready. Iām all sweaty and smell unladylike.ā
āYeah, I agree on the shower part,ā I joke, causing her to give me the middle finger. āI think Iāll lie here for a bit longer while the sun is still out. Itās not like Iāll be able to do this in a couple of weeks. We donāt have many warm days left.ā
āWhelp, enjoy it while you can, because the sun is about to go down soon, babe.ā
After she walks away, I close my eyes and take in the warmth of the sun, enjoying whatās left of it. Itās hard to believe that summer is almost over. It sucks, because weāll probably be spending the rest of it moving and unpacking.
I donāt know how long Iāve been lying here when I smell food coming from the house. If it wasnāt for my stomach rumbling, Iād ignore the mouthwatering smell and continue to wait out here for Blaire. But as much as Colson frustrates me, heās an incredible cook. Thereās no denying it. Itās the only thing that keeps me in his presence willingly for any amount of time these days.
Grabbing my towel, I wrap it around me and push my sunglasses on top of my head as I make my way to the sliding glass door that is cracked open just enough to entice me inside.
I stop at the door and exhale, before opening it. The asshole knew Iād come inside, wanting a taste of his food. I always do.
āWhat did you cook this time?ā I slide the door shut behind me and mentally curse myself when he flashes a cocky grin my way.
āTheyāre leftover pork tacos from yesterday. Cooked these bad boys for over twenty-four hours. So fucking goodā¦ā He brings one to his mouth and growls out his pleasure while taking a bite. I hate with everything in me just how sexy that little growl sounds. āGo ahead. Make yourself one, babe.ā
My stomach twists into nervous knots at being called babe by Colson. Not that itās the first time, but itās a foreign feeling from when his brother calls me it. āIām not your babe, so donāt call me that.ā
He shrugs, watching me make myself a taco. āYou say that now⦠but I have ways to change your mind.ā
āI doubt that.ā I bring the taco to my lips and desperately take a bite. Holy shit. This is the best taco Iāve ever eaten. āAnd if you think this is the best taco Iāve ever had, itās not.ā
āIt is,ā he says back quickly, so damn sure of himself.
āMaybe in your opinion, little Bennett.ā
A smirk graces his lips as he pushes away from the counter and walks over to stand in front of me. Heās close. Too damn close. I play it off as if his closeness has no affect on me. āIām not so little anymore, Kennedy. And from the way youāve been checking me out recently, you see it too. Trust me, Iām bigger than most men. Iāll show you before I go back to California if you want.ā
āFuck you, Colson.ā My pulse races as I unwillingly look him over in his form fitting jeans, before quickly pulling my eyes away. That V of muscle leading down to his jeans is enough to make any girl stupid. āI donāt want you to, and I doubt your brother would either.ā
āReally? From what I can tell, you and my brother are on a break⦠again.ā With his eyes locked on mine, he moves his hand down to unbutton his jeans. The movement has my insides going wild with excitement. āI know youāre lyināā
āHow does this outfit look?ā
The moment Blaire appears in the doorway, I step around Colson and hurry my way over to Blaire to check out her cute little embellished jumpsuit with a ribbon on the waist and the black heels that she paired it off with. Her strawberry blonde curls are pulled into a messy side bun that tops the look off nicely.
āYou look beautiful, Blaire. Letās go upstairs to your room and throw on some of that new perfume you got for your birthday. Iām sure Paxton would love it on you.ā
Really, I just want as far away from Colson as I can get. Itās so hard to resist him when heās looking and talking the way he is. Heās a disaster waiting to happen. A huge one. Iām not sure what has come over him suddenly, but itās fucking with me big time. Heās always flirted in ways, but not to this extent. If heās trying to piss his brother off, this will definitely do the trick.
āOooh. Good idea. I almost forgot about it.ā
I loop my arm through hers and hurry her out of the kitchen. I can practically feel Colsonās eyes on me, and I know he has that cocky little smirk on his face that I want to slap right off.
He and I both know if Blaire hadnāt have come downstairs that he wouldāve had me right where he wanted meāme wanting him and thatās the last thing I should do.
***
Blaire left an hour ago, and instead of catching up on some shows as planned, I started packing some of her stuff by myself. The quicker we can get her stuff out of here, the better. I havenāt talked to Dax in weeks and being here with his brother alone feels like a very bad idea.
In fact, I know itās a bad idea after that happened downstairs earlier.
Itās not until Iāve packed a few boxes that I realize the packing tape previously on her dresser when I started is now gone, along with the permanent marker.
Colsonās room is down the hall, which means the little asshole probably creeped in here on the way to his room just to piss me off and make me believe I misplaced them. I donāt think so. Iām not going to spend my night searching this room like an idiot just for him to get a kick out of it. Heās always liked hiding things from me just to work up my nerves.
āSneaky little fuckerā¦ā
Pissed off and ready for a fight, I storm my way down the hall and enter his bedroom without knocking. I immediately wish that I didnāt just barge in the way I did, because the sight of him sitting on the bed with his hand down the front of his jeans has my entire body lighting on fire.
Iām unable to move for a second. I canāt react at all, because the sight of his perfectly sculpted body covered in sweat has me paralyzed.
My brain catches up. āHoly shit! Iām sorry. I didnātā¦ā I throw my hand up to cover my eyes and begin backing out of the room, but before I can make my escape the door slams shut, trapping me inside.
His heavy breathing hits my neck as he moves in closer, surrounding me with his body. His scent, his heat, everything that is him envelops me and itās so damn intoxicating. Colson Bennett. The guy that every girl wants a taste of. āYou didnāt knock,ā he growls out.
āObviously that was a mistake,ā I breathe out, panic setting in. āI didnāt see anything. Just move and Iāll leave and weāll forget this ever happened. Okay.ā
āMaybe I donāt want that.ā I hear his zipper slowly move down, the sound teasing my body, because I know what he plans to do right here in front of me. āIād rather you stay for this.ā
āLet me out, Colson,ā I say quickly, unsure of how to react right now. My body wants one thing while my head is screaming at me to run, to get as far away from his room as I can. Dax and I may be on a break, but I still consider him my boyfriend. This is wrong. So wrong.
But he doesnāt listen to my demand. Instead, I open my eyes long enough to see him slide his hand back down his jeans, before it begins moving up and down in a slow, steady rhythm.
This cannot be happening right now. Heās not jerking himself off just inches away from me!
But he is, and with each growl of pleasure he releases into my ear, the pulsing between my legs becomes stronger. I can barely breathe without moaning out, so I hold my breath and pray that I donāt pass out.
āThereās nothing wrong with me touching myself for you, Kennedy.ā He runs his bottom lip over my ear, causing goose bumps to break out over my entire body. āI wonāt tell anyone you enjoyed it if you donāt. My brother never has to know⦠unless you want him to.ā
Fuck me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, the sounds of his heavy breathing haunting my mind the closer he gets to his release. Why are you still in here? I canāt force my feet to move. Instead, I stay planted, listening as he strokes himself. His movements are slow and a perfect rhythm to my breathing. Itās so incredibly hot that my skin is on fire. Iād probably burn anyone who touched me right now.
Within minutes, he growls out his release, his heavy panting against my neck causing the muscles between my legs to throb. Itās no longer just a pulse. Itās a full-on throb, just waiting to explode. This is bad. Very fucking bad.
āFuckā¦ā He runs his lips against my cheek, stopping close to my mouth. My heartrate speeds up when I feel his thumb trace my bottom lip. On reflex I run my tongue over it, not expecting the taste of his release on it. Itās almost enough to make me come without even being touched. āDoes it feel good to know youāre the first person to get a taste of me?ā He grips my throat with his free hand and speaks close to my mouth. āThink about that later when youāre fucking yourself to thoughts of me. Not my brother.ā
Just like that, he backs away and Iām left standing here, fighting to catch my breath. Swallowing, I open my eyes in just enough time to see him zip his jeans up and toss one of his shirts across the room. āI told you to let me out, Colson. That was fucked up and you know it.ā
āFrom what I could tell you enjoyed it just as much as I did.ā He calmly nods to his dresser as if nothing inappropriate just happened. āThereās the tape and marker you came in here for. Need any help?ā
āFuck no, Colson! Not from you. Just stay away from me for the rest of the night. I mean it.ā Angry at myself, I snatch what I came for from his dresser and step out of his room, slamming the door shut behind me.
Then I go straight to the bathroom and wash his taste off my lips, hating myself for letting him get to me just now. I just listened to Daxās younger brother touch himself. I couldāve yelled until he let me out, but I didnāt. And because of that, I now know what he tastes like. I know what he sounds like when he comes and itās the hottest thing Iāve ever experienced.
And now, Iāll be fucking myself to thoughts of him, and not just tonight like he said, but probably for a long time to come, and he knows it. He made sure of that, and I hate him for it.
Iām supposed to be trying to figure things out with Dax, and in all the years weāve dated, heās never once made me as hot as I am this very moment. All Colson did was confuse me more. I love his brother. Just because Iām not as sexually attracted to him doesnāt mean shit. Right?
Minutes later, Iām still standing in the bathroom trying to gather my thoughts when the doorbell rings. Blaireās dad is gone ā heās always gone ā so Iāll let Colson answer it. Iām in no condition to face anyone at the moment. Iām too ashamed to even look at myself in the mirror.
Turning off the water, I stand here in my messed-up thoughts for a few minutes before I exit the bathroom. Iām just about to head to Blaireās room when I hear Daxās voice come from downstairs, yelling about how the door was locked. āShit. What is he doing here?ā
Since Colson and Dax donāt get alongāhavenāt in yearsāDax only comes here when he has to. Dax is just asking for trouble by coming here right now. He knows not to come here when Colson is around. And usually he stays away when Iām hanging with Blaire. Itās just my luck that heād choose now to show up. As if this night isnāt already messed up enough.
Wiping my hands over my face, I take a second to compose myself before rushing down the steps in hopes of stopping something between them before anything can start. I need to get Dax away as quickly as possible, because if he finds out what his brother just did, theyāll kill each other.
Daxās eyes widen the moment they land on me as I enter the living room. āI thought you said she wasnāt here, asshole. Is that why the door was locked?ā
Colson runs a hand through his hair, a cocky grin on his face. āI lied.ā
āFuck you, Colson.ā Dax turns to me, hurt evident on his face. āWhy are you alone with my brother? I know Blaire isnāt here, because I saw her with some guy a few minutes ago.ā
āBlaire left to go on a date. Iāve been packing up her things. Besides, itās not like Iāve heard from you in two weeks. Donāt give me a hard time.ā He moves in close enough to wrap an arm around my waist, but I push him back a little, feeling guilty about what I just witnessed his brother do. How can I touch him after that? āYou wanted this break, remember? You need to calm down.ā
āNot anymore I donāt. Fuck that.ā He yanks me closer to him, not giving me a choice but to touch him. āBreak is over,ā he says, mostly to his brother.
āYou heard her. Youāve got five seconds to release her and walk the fuck out of here before I throw you out.ā When I look over, Colson is leaning against the island, pulling out a match. Heās calm and collected as he strikes it and lights up the cigarette between his lips. āYour five seconds starts now, Brother.ā
āShut the fuck up and let me talk to my girl. Iām here for her and Iām not leaving without talking to her. You stay out of it.ā
Colson takes a long drag off his cigarette before exhaling the smoke and putting it out on the island behind him. āTime is up.ā
Before I can make out whatās happening, Colson grabs Dax by the back of his neck and yanks him away from me, before swinging out and punching him across the face.
They both get in a few swings, before Blaire and her date walk in and he manages to separate the two.
āYouāre lucky youāre leaving again, you piece of shit!ā Dax spits blood into his hand. āHopefully you stay gone for good this time. Iām not an idiot. I know youāve always wanted whatās mine. And as long as youāre around, Iām going to want to hurt you.ā
āDammit, Dax! Just go!ā Blaire shoves him toward the door, so I help her get him outside before anything worse can happen. Once heās outside, I join him and slam the door shut behind us.
āDammit, Dax! Why did you come here? Weāre on a break. Why start shit with your family? You know what happens every time you and Colson end up in the same room together.ā
āBecause I fucking miss you. Thatās why. Itās been two weeks. I was sitting alone, thinking about you. About us. The fight we had was stupid. I shouldāve never asked for a break.ā
āI canāt do this with you right now. I have too much shit on my plate with the bar and helping Blaire move. This is bad timing. You canāt just show up here, start shit, and then expect us to work things out on the spot. Iām tired.ā
āStop it, babe. Come here.ā He grabs my face, but I back away, unable to handle his touch right now. Not when Colsonās taste was just on my tongue. Itās incredibly messed up and I know it. And I should probably tell him, but I know whatāll happen if I do. Colson has always been hot-tempered. Itāll be Dax who ends up with a broken nose. Besides, itās not like Dax didnāt do worse on our last break.
āDonāt babe me, Dax. And donāt come looking for me until youāre ready to commit to us.ā I shake my head and take a step back, needing to be strong. Iāve given in too many times and itās time I put my foot down. āNo more fucking around. If we get back together this time, there will be no more goddamn breaks. I mean it. This is the last one. Iām so sick and tired of not knowing where we stand. It plays with my emotions too much.ā
He flexes his jaw. āIf we get back together? What are you saying? That you donāt want to? Did my brother get to you?ā
āNo. And Iām not saying that. But Iām tired of this same shit. There will be no getting back together unless weāre both all in. This shit ends now. Make a choice, Dax. Either commit or walk away for good.ā
After a few seconds, he throws his arms up in defeat. āFine. No more breaks. Itās you and me for good this time. I promise.ā He moves forward and grabs my face, kissing me before I can stop him.
My heart hammers out of my chest from guilt of what happened in Colsonās room just less than ten minutes ago. I mightāve washed away his taste, but I canāt erase it from my mind. Truth is, Iām not sure if Iāll be able to for a long time.
āI want us back, Kennedy,ā he says the moment our lips part. āTell me I have that and Iāll leave. I wonāt cause a scene. Iāll let you and Blaire finish packing so you can get far away from my brother. You have my word. Iām in no mood to fight with him tonight. I have an early morning at the bank.ā
āFine. You have that,ā I force out, unsure Iām making the right decision. āYou have me. I promise.ā
He smiles and kisses me on the forehead. āThen Iāll see you tomorrow night after work. Iāll be at your place waiting.ā He backs down the steps but stops, his jaw hardening. āBut if Colson touches you⦠Iāll kill him. I wonāt be able to stop myself and you know it. Donāt let him get to you. Promise me that.ā
āI promise.ā I swallow and watch as he turns and walks away. Itās not until he jumps into his car and drives off that I feel like I can breathe again. I take a few minutes to compose myself before walking inside, straight past Colson, avoiding eye contact.
I donāt know if Iāll ever be able to face him again. Especially since Dax and I just made a deal. Itās what I always wanted. No more breaks. Iāll be damned if Iām going to be the one to fuck that up and ruin it. Colson is about to leave town again, and possibly for good, so it couldnāt have come at a better time. āLetās finish getting you packed.ā
CHAPTER ONE
Kennedy
I look around the bar. Itās hard to believe that Iāll be managing it in two weeks. Itās small ā not even big enough for a kitchen ā but to me, itās perfect. Ten stools around the bar. Six round tables for chilling with friends and one pool table for the regulars that like to hang out and play all night. This place is like a second home to me.
My grandmother opened Dixieās Alibi when I was seven, and I can still remember the day she brought me here and sat me on this old mahogany bar top, telling me that one day Iād manage this place when I was older. It shouldāve been my mother to take over, but I guess Dixie knew way before the day came that she wouldnāt be sticking around long enough to run the place for her. She was right because on my fifteenth birthday my mother left to buy me a birthday gift and never returned. That was nine years ago.
So the day I turned twenty-one ā Dixie as she likes to be called ā waltzed into GiGiās, the tanning salon Iād been working at with Blaire and told me to grab my shit, because I had a bar to run, and that would take time to learn. To say Iām anxious about taking over is an understatement. Iāve been working hard to prove to her that Iām ready.
āEverything good, child? Youāre thinking too hard over there. Itās scaring me.ā Dixie looks me over and brushes her graying hair out of her face.
I close the lid on the fruit and move on to stock the straws that sit at both ends of the bar. āStop worrying. Iām just thinking about the huge changes coming soon. Itās all Iāve been thinking about for months now. Iām ready. I promise.ā
āGood.ā She motions for me to stand up straight, before grabbing my shoulders and looking me in the eyes. āYou should be thinking about them. I wonāt be around much once you take over. Iāll only be here once a week to check in on things. You sure you can handle that? Itās a lot of responsibility. We have other options if not. Sally can take over for a couple of years if needed. Just say the word and Iāll make the arrangements.ā
āNo, Iām more than ready. Iāve been working my butt off to make sure of it. Itās not that. Itās just going to be hard replacing Roger with someone who can run the food truck. Heās been cooking for this bar since you opened it. I donāt even know where to start looking. Iāve checked online, in newspapers, and looked through applications, and I havenāt liked anyone Iāve interviewed. Theyāre all wrong for the job and Iām running out of time.ā
My grandmotherās smile widens as she gives my left cheek a light tap. āDonāt you worry about that, child. Iāve already found the perfect replacement. Heās out front training with Roger right now. That was about to be our next conversation.ā
āReally?ā I question, relieved. āHe has experience on a food truck?ā
āNo.ā She walks away to pour herself a glass of Jose Cuervo. I know this before she even grabs the glass from the shelf. Itās something she does often before leaving for the evening. āBut heās a hell of a cook.ā
āHow do you know this? Youāve tasted his cooking before?ā
āOh yeah.ā She laughs and sets her glass down in front of her. āYou have too. Itās just been a while.ā
I narrow my eyes at her, my stomach twisting into knots at the first person that comes to mind. Heās the last person I would want working here. Outside in the food truck or not, itās still here. āHeās back?ā I swallow nervously.
āYou havenāt heard?ā She finishes off her tequila and cracks her knuckles. āHe got back the other night. Do you have a problem with him working here?ā
The way sheās studying me as if she knows something has me uneasy, so I lie, pushing that night from two years ago out of my head. āNope. I just didnāt know he moved back. Apparently, Blaire forgot to mention that little detail to me.ā
āMaybe it was a last-minute decision. Either way, Iām glad heās back. That kid has always been good in the kitchen. Bad everywhere else, albeit, but I know you can handle him. Youāll prove me right.ā She winks and snatches her keyring off the hook above the register. āPlus, that one is a looker. Itāll bring in business, which we need. We all know Rogerās old butt wasnāt luring the ladies in. This place needs a change. A younger crowd is what will keep it going. Iām counting on you to make that happen.ā
Perfect, even my sixty-five-year-old grandmother finds Colson Bennett attractive. āNot if he chases them away with his attitude. You know heās a smartass and always has been. Heās short tempered and uncontrollable.ā
āI think we both know that wonāt be a problem with you keeping an eye on him,ā she says, mostly to herself, already making her way for the exit door. āCall Libby if you need backup. She called earlier asking for extra hours, so I put her on call.ā
āIāll be fine. Itās a Tuesday night. Iāll be lucky to get a handful of customers.ā I donāt know what sheās thinking. As if Colson just being here is going to magically bring in the entire town.
āIf you say so,ā she says, seeming to know something I donāt. Sheās clearly delusional. āHave a good night and⦠good luck.ā
āNot that Iāll need it, but thanks anyway. Iāll see you tomorrow.ā
The moment my grandmother exits the bar, I get an urge to go out to the food truck for a glimpse of the new Colson. Iāve gone two years avoiding him at all costs. Iāve even gone as far as to block him on social media accounts, so I wouldnāt have to see the man heās grown into. Just last week he turned twenty-one, and based on the talk of the town, apparently into a God as well.
Iāve heard the rumors. Supposedly, heās sexier than he was when he left town and thatās just by going off his social media posts. If thatās true, then seeing him will be bad; very fucking bad, and I was hoping I wouldnāt have to ever again. Things have been rocky between Dax and me again and if heās anything like he was before he left, it could be bad news.
Colson Bennett is back it couldnāt be any shittier timing.
Pushing that thought from my mind before it tempts me to go outside, I jump right into taking inventory, hoping that between it and deep cleaning, I wonāt think about him so much. Heās outside training with Roger thankfully, so I wonāt have to deal with him right away. Maybe I can avoid seeing him for a bit too.
I wonāt think about his mouth and how sexy it was that night when he was touching himself. Or what he tastes like, and how I was the first girl to experience it. Iāll admit, on my bad days, Iāve wondered just how many girls have gotten a taste since me. I hate the fact that thought even crosses my mind.
āUgh, stop thinking about that asshole.ā
āWhat asshole?ā Harry, one of the regulars, takes a seat at the bar and sets a container of food down in front of him. Heās an older gentleman in his fifties and hasnāt missed a night of coming here since before I even started working for Dixie.
āNo one, Harry. Just someone from my past that Iād like to avoid.ā I grab a clean glass and pour his usual, sliding it in front of him. āWhatād you order?ā
āNo clue,ā he says, uncovering his food. āThe kid in the food truck took one look at me and said he knew what to cook, so I took a chance and let him decide. He was pretty convincing.ā He nods in approval while examining his food. āLooks like some kind of steak taco. The guyās a genius, because you know I love steak. Itās my only weakness.ā He holds up his beer. āOther than this, that is.ā
āLucky guess it seems, but I wouldnāt call him a genius.ā I grab the notebook from beside the register and open it to the first blank page. āIāll be doing inventory if you need me.ā
He nods and shoves one of the tacos into his mouth, practically dying before me. āThisā¦ā he points to his half-eaten taco before taking another quick bite, āis the best goddamn taco Iāve ever tasted. Definitely a genius, Kennedy. Please tell me heās Rogerās replacement. I could get used to this.ā
āFor now,ā I mutter.
āWell I vote to keep the guy permanently and I might just have all my meals here.ā
āSounds expensive. You already spend enough of your money here.ā I laugh and walk to the first cooler, taking a seat on the floor to start inventory. āMaybe thatās a good reason not to keep him. Someoneās got to look out for you.ā
Not even ten minutes into inventory, the bell on the door dings, letting me know that I have another customer, so I set my notebook aside and stand up, expecting it to be Benny coming in sooner than usual, but am surprised when I see two girls I recognize from high school instead.
Theyāre going on about something I canāt make out, and theyāre both smiling and acting all giddy as they pull up a couple of stools and sit down with their food. Looks like the Colson trance is starting again.
āHey, girls.ā I smile and place two coasters in front of them. āWhat will it be tonight?ā
āHey, sweetie.ā The brunette I recognize as Amber turns away from Rochelle long enough to offer me a smile. āColson suggested Vodka and Cranberry with our meals. Weāll take two.ā
āSure thing, ladies.ā I work on making their drinks, surprisingly anxious to get back and see what Mr. Genius decided was the perfect meal for them.
āWowā¦ā Rochelle says on a sigh. āThis is delicious. Itās soooooooo good.ā
āWhat kind did you get?ā her friend asks, while already jumping in for a second bite of hers, clearly just as impressed as Harry was with his food.
āPork. You?ā
āChicken.ā Amber smiles at me when I set their drinks down in front of them. āIf Colson is going to be working the food truck from now on, expect to see us more often. Wow, just wow. I could eat his food and look at him all night. You might need to add a third picnic table out back, Kennedy. Some might decide they want to eat outside from now on. I just might.ā
āSame,ā her friend adds. āMy boyfriend wonāt appreciate it, but whatās the harm in looking?ā
Yeah, I used to ask the same thing. Then I found out.
āAnd drooling and fantasizing,ā her friend adds. āBut at least youāre not touching. I hope to change that someday for myself, because holy hell heās fine. I didnāt think that man could get any hotter than before he left. I was dead wrong.ā
The bell on the door dings again and just like before, itās another person I wasnāt expecting. Tuesdays are usually for regulars. Itās very rare to get a random person stopping in for drinks.
After serving another girl I recognize from high school, I check on everyone to see if theyāre good before picking up my notebook and pen and making my way around to the second cooler. I barely get done counting it when a small group of people walk in. This time two girls and a guy.
āSee what I mean?ā Harry says. āThe kidās got skills. His looks donāt hurt business either.ā
āApparently,ā I mumble to myself, walking off to help my new customers. I donāt know why Iām so angry. My bar is filling up with paying customers and all I can think about is how much of an ass Colson is. I donāt know what it is that heās doing to get these customers in, but I can bet heās going to be extra cocky about it later.
Within thirty minutes, seven of my ten bar stools are occupied and there are a few girls sitting at one of the tables talking about how sexy Colson is, as if itās news.
If this is any indication of how the rest of the night is going to go, looks like Iāll need that backup after all. My other regulars havenāt even made it in yet, and things have been fast moving since the food truck opened tonight.
As soon as I get caught up on everyoneās drinks, I reach into my back pocket and pull out my phone to call Libby. But before I can hit āsendā the door opens to her rushing inside.
āIām here!ā she says, rushing behind the bar to get to me. āI got here as fast as I could.ā
āHow did youā¦ā I shove my phone back into my pocket. āDid my grandmother call you?ā
She shakes her head and laughs. āUh no. Havenāt you seen the barās Instagram page?ā
āNo. Iāve been too busy trying to keep up on drinks.ā
āWell, this was posted less than an hour ago. The same thing is posted on Colsonās page too.ā She holds her phone out and unlocks the screen. Itās on Dixieās Alibiās page already and on it is a picture of the food truck along with the caption: Come to Dixieās Alibi for a mystery meal thatāll knock your panties right off. -Colson Bennett
āAre you fucking serious!? How did he even get access to our social media account? Heās been here for less than two hours.ā
āDixie, Iām guessing.ā She shrugs. āIt definitely was not me, so donāt be mad. I didnāt even know he was back. But it looks like everyone will know now. Dude has like twenty thousand followers. Just saying.ā
āLet me see that.ā I grab the phone from her long enough to see that the post has eighty-three likes and ten comments. Panic sets in as I scroll through the comments.
Iād let you knock my panties right off any day.
Be there in ten!
Are you the mystery meal, Colson? That would for sure knock my panties right offā¦
Wish I lived closer. #Roadtrip
Before I can get any more pissed than I already am by his unprofessional post, I delete it and hand the phone back to Libby. Iāve worked too hard to show my grandmother I can handle this place to have him come in and screw it all up. āIāll be right back. Keep an eye on things.ā
āSure thing. Iāll be fine.ā
My heart pounds against my ribcage with anger as I make my way through the bar and to the back door, leading to our small patio. Just like before he left, he doesnāt think before he acts or speaks. Iām not sure why I expected any differently from him just because almost two years have passed.
I shove the door open, my eyes widening when I take in the line at the food truck. Just off the top of my head, Iām assuming there are at least eight people, plus a few sitting at one of the picnic tables. As I walk past them to get to the back of the food truck, Iām not surprised to see that a majority of them are women. And theyāre probably all as equally desperate to get his attention. Just like the summer before he left.
Once I make my way around the food truck, I yank the door open, stepping inside. Colsonās back is toward me as he works the grill, and like an idiot, I take the opportunity to check out his firm ass, enjoying the way his faded jeans hug it.
I donāt remember it being this firm. My eyes trail up to get away from his ass, and when they do, I take notice of the way his back muscles flex beneath his white long-sleeved shirt as he chops up whateverās on the grill.
āDid you come in here to check me out or are you going to welcome me back home?ā
āNeither,ā I say to his back. āWhereās Roger?ā I ask, finally taking my eyes off him long enough to realize heās alone.
āSent him home.ā
āYou did what?ā I swallow in anger. āYouāre supposed to be training, Colson. Youāre not in any position to send anyone home.ā
He does a few more chops, before setting his spatula aside and turns to face me. My insides heat up the moment my eyes trail up his firm chest and land on his perfectly sculpted face that Iāve spent years wondering what would look like now that heās a little older and more mature.
It doesnāt disappoint; in fact, it does the complete opposite. His full lips are now surrounded by stubble and his perfect jawline is sexy enough to knock any girlās panties off. He definitely didnāt look like this before he left. The way his dark strands hang messily around his face only tops it off, giving him the bad boy vibe that most girls dream about.
āI have it under control. He wasnāt needed, so I sent him home. Iām sure Dixie wonāt mind.ā
āThatās bullshit. Youāve been here for less than two hours. You canāt just show up and start throwing out orders. You donāt run this place. You donāt even have any experience.ā
āYouāre rightā¦ā His intense amber eyes lock on mine, peeking at me through his messy hair, and I almost lose my shit at how hot it is. āBecause youāre about to run this place. When I heard you needed help, I came to the rescue.ā He takes a step forward, leaning in close to my lips. āYou should be thanking me,ā he breathes. āI have many ways you can do that. But itās best to wait until weāre alone before I name them.ā
āFuck off, Colson.ā I place my hand on his firm chest to put some space between us. His closeness has my entire body igniting into flames. āI wonāt be thanking you for shit. No one asked for your help. I know I certainly didnāt. In fact, I had no idea you were even back in town. Your sister failed to mention that little disappointing tidbit to me.ā
āI doubt itās that much of a disappointment. From what I remember, babe, I left you with a little something to remember me by and we both know you enjoyed it. Letās not pretend.ā His eyes lower to the natural bulge in his jeans, and following his trap, mine do as well. āI bet you still fantasize about my taste, donāt you? Does my brother know?ā
āYouāre disgusting.ā I say, my pulse racing with need when he grips his dick through his jeans and bites his bottom lip. āIf you must know, I havenāt thought about you in months. In fact, I almost forgot you existed until you showed up here.ā
āWe both know thatās a lieā¦ā He smirks, before flipping over the piles of pork and steak covering the grill. And just like that, his attention is back on me, his wandering eyes making my legs shaky. āPretend to hate me all you want, but we both know you need me, Kennedy. And not just to bring the bar business, but to finish the job I shouldāve before I left and let you get back with Dax.ā He rolls his sleeves up, revealing his firm forearms, before crossing his arms across his chest. āNow, if youāll excuse me, I have a job to do. Womenās panties to drop and all. No one likes false advertising, now do they?ā
āYou may be twenty-one now, but youāre just as immature as the nineteen-year-old boy who left.ā I spit out, losing my cool. āAnd donāt ever post unprofessional shit like that on the barās social media again or youāll be fired. Iām not going to have you fucking things up for me.ā
Heās in the middle of dishing out his food and accepting a tip, but quickly turns back around. āIn two weeks, maybeā¦ā
āWhat is that supposed to mean?ā
āDixie promised me a position here for as long as sheās still managing the place.ā He slaps some more meat down on the grill and begins chopping it up. āTonight was Rogerās last day.ā He faces me again and moves in uncomfortably close, until his mouth brushes my ear. āSo, unless you know someone else who can take his place, get used to seeing a lot of me. Iāll show you every inch of me if youād like.ā
āFuck off,ā I spit out, angry at my grandmother now, on top of Colson. She shouldāve told me about her arrangement with Colson, but then again, I never told her we stopped being friends. Looks like that was my mistake. āJust do your job and stay the hell off social media. The comments on that post are disgusting.ā
The confident grin he flashes before I walk away has me needing a few moments to myself before going back into the bar.
As if the pressure of showing my grandmother Iām ready to manage the bar wasnāt hard enough, now I have Colson Bennett to deal with.
If Iām not careful, heās going to fuck everything up for me, because he sucks just as much as before. Heās still the same, rude, tempting asshole that screws everything up, and I refuse to let him do that for me.
CHAPTER TWO
Colson
I tense my jaw and watch as Kennedy makes her way through the parking lot to her car instead of inside like she should, where customers are waiting. Iāve been back in town for a day and have already managed to piss her off. Itās what I do best when it comes to her. At least lately.
Itās the only way to get a reaction out of her, and like the asshole I am, I use that to get under her skin because it turns me on to push her. The way she reacts to me gets my dick hard. She pretends she doesnāt want me inside of her when we both know she does. Fuck, it gets me heated unlike anything else.
I knew she wouldnāt let me touch her before I left because of Dax. But I wasnāt about to leave without giving her something to remember me by. I had hoped by the time I came back that Kennedy would realize staying with my brother is a mistake and leave him for good, but it looks like she needs another push from me. Iām prepared to do what it takes now. She might hate me at first, but thatāll change. Iāll make sure of it.
āThis smells⦠delicious.ā The cute blonde in front of me has me turning away from Kennedyās car to look at her. Sheās giving me the same eyes every girl thatās been to this window tonight has. āIāll be counting on my panties coming off later, Colson. Hereās my number.ā
Giving her false hope ā my asshole way to bring business in ā I wink and grab Kaceyās number, not giving her any indication that she doesnāt have a shot in hell with me. The moment she walks away, I toss her number into the same basket as the other eight Iāve gotten tonight and get right back to work.
It takes a good two hours before the line dies down enough for me to take a break. The second Iām freed up, I connect my playlist to my portable speaker after sending a quick text to my buddy Travis. Then I step outside to light up a much needed smoke. Seeing Kennedy has always wound me up tight. Sheās the reason I tried my first cigarette freshman year.
There are still a few girls lingering around eating their tacos. To avoid talking to them, I grab my board to give them a show instead. The longer they stick around, the thirstier theyāll get; hopefully for drinks and not my body. Kennedy may be pissed at the little stunt I pulled today on the barās social media page, but it showed her that it worked. It was inappropriate ā I donāt deny that shit ā and had girls flocking to the place within minutes, but it increased business.
Itās been a while since Iāve been home, but I havenāt forgotten the way all the girls looked at me my senior year. Hell, women twice my age were noticing me by that point; all of them wanting a taste of the bad boy Colson Bennett, Kennedy included. Sheāll never admit that about Blaireās asshole little brother. To her, Iām just the punk kid who got in trouble practically every day for fighting and skateboarding in places I wasnāt supposed to. As my sisterās best friend and my brotherās girlfriend, I donāt blame her for keeping her crush on me a secret.
I saw the way she looked at me that summer before I left. She could hardly keep her eyes off me. The same way she did tonight when she saw me again for the first time. I didnāt miss the look of need in her eyes when I grabbed my dick for show.
āā¦Colson. Think you can show us a few tricks for old timeās sake?ā
I knew I recognized those girls. They were seniors when I was a sophomore. They used to hang out at the skatepark, always checking me out. One of them gave me her number the week before I moved away. Just canāt remember which one.
I nod and take a long drag off my smoke, before handing it to the brunette when she reaches out for it.
She grins and places it between her lips. āGive us a good show and we might buy some tacos to take home.ā
Smiling, I yank my shirt over my head and shove the corner of it into my back pocket. The girls look me over with satisfaction. They arenāt interested in skateboarding. It doesnāt matter what tricks I do. They just want to fantasize about my body and the things it could do to them.
āThatās a good start.ā
āA real good start,ā another one adds.
Within minutes, Travis shows up on his board and joins me. I knew heād be close by at the skatepark today, and I also knew some of the people hanging out there would follow him here, which means more business for the bar. With the music playing and my old buddy here, we get lost in Underground by MISSIO and skate, giving the girls something to video for social media. Itās getting dark out, which is making it hard to see, but they donāt seem to care. No one appears to be leaving anytime soon.
A few songs play through before I look up to see Kennedy standing against the building, watching me. The second she notices me looking her way, she turns away and walks back into the bar. Just like in the past, sheās pretending she doesnāt enjoy watching me skate.
āAll right, man.ā Travis stops beside me and jumps off his board. āIāma let you get back to work. I brought you a few customers and spread the word at the park.ā He grins when he notices my attention is still on the spot Kennedy was watching me from. āSheās sexy as shit, but you know you donāt have a chance with her. Sheās with your brother, man. You know those two wonāt be breaking up anytime soon. Theyāre the couple around here.ā
āWeāll see about that.ā He clearly has no idea what I have planned. āThanks for swinging by with some people. Appreciate it.ā
āAnytime, brother.ā He drops his board and jumps on, before riding off. I slip back into my shirt and get back to work, talking those girls from earlier into buying a dozen tacos to go.
Itās quiet once the new crowd has been served and leaves, just a few random customers here and there. Three hours have passed, so I pull out my phone and check the barās Instagram page. My post is gone, as expected, which explains why business died down after a couple of hours. It was probably the few posts that the bar was tagged in with me and Travis tonight that kept it going after Kennedy deleted it. I knew I shouldāve left it up on my page. I just didnāt want to overwhelm the girls inside, so I only left it up for an hour. I know how some of these girls on social media work. Iāve had girls drive for hours to get to places Iāve posted on my page in hopes of catching me and getting a chance with me. Thatās why I have to be careful what I post there.
Running a hand through my hair in frustration, I shove my phone into my back pocket and grab some steak from the cooler, tossing some onto the grill. Kennedy sent Libby home over an hour ago, and there are only a few cars left in the parking lot.
As far as I can tell ā unless she brings her food ā she hasnāt eaten tonight. I make six tacos, fixing three of them up with her favorite toppings, before shutting off the grill.
When I walk into the bar, Kennedy is scrubbing down the stools, lost in her head. I take a moment to check out her perfectly round ass in the jeans sheās wearing. She looks up seconds later, disappointment taking over once she sees itās only me. āYour shift doesnāt end for another hour.ā
āI know. Eat up. We both know youāve been dying for a taste all night.ā I flex my jaw and slide the container forward. āYou can thank me later. Iāll let you decide how.ā
Before she can argue, I turn my back and walk away, making my way outside to the food truck. Enjoying the silence, I kick back and eat the other three tacos I made, before cleaning up for the night.
After locking up, I grab my board and toss it into my truck, before grabbing the joint from the center console and leaning against the front of my pickup truck to light it up.
Iāve been craving this since I laid eyes on Kennedy earlier. I wasnāt expecting her to be even sexier than she was before I left. Iāve always loved her big green eyes and plump lips, but top that shit off with her now fire-red hair and half-sleeve tattoo and itās enough to bring any man to his knees, me included.
Iām halfway through my joint when a white truck I recognize pulls into the back parking lot. Taking another hit, my body races with adrenaline as my brother steps out of it. The fucker still drives that thing?
Dax āGolden Boyā Bennett. Iāve hated my prick of a brother for years. Ever since him and Kennedy hooked up. Every time I saw him drive by the skatepark when I was outside, I had the urge to swing my board through his driverās side window. Now I wish I had.
He doesnāt notice me standing here or heās ignoring me by refusing to look my way. Gives me a chance to see what the dick has grown into since Iāve been gone. He looks the same as when I left: boring as fuck. Slicked back dark hair and a clean-shaven face. Thereās no mystery to the poor prick. Never has been.
The thought that he might be here to touch or kiss Kennedy has me putting out my joint and debating whether or not I should go inside and show him Iām back. The dick doesnāt use social media, so I doubt he knows yet.
In fact, if I see him with his hands on her, Iāll likely fuck him up, so I jump into my truck and drive off instead. Itās too early to get fired. As much as Dixie loves my cooking ā always has even though I was a fuck-up ā beating the shit out of someone inside her bar would be enough for her to fire me. Itās too early for that. I need all fourteen days if Iām going get to Kennedy the way I want to.
The dick can try his best to keep her, but it wonāt last long. Iām going to steal her awayā¦
CHAPTER THREE
Kennedy
When I wake up, the instant reminder that Colson is back in town and working in the food truck has me groaning and throwing the blankets off.
I canāt remember what I was dreaming about, but from the unusual amount of sweat on my chest and the frustration I feel, Iāll take a wild guess and assume it was him. Only he would find a way to haunt my dreams and get under my skin without even being around. Which reminds meā¦
Hopping out of bed, I throw my hair up and head toward the living room, hoping that Blaire is already awake so we can talk. She was asleep by the time I got home last night, taking away my opportunity to bitch at her for not cluing me in to the fact that her brother was moving back home.
When I make it to the living room, Blaire holds her hand up as she takes a huge drink of her coffee. āWait⦠give me a second to wake up before giving me an earful.ā
āThis canāt wait. I found out your brother was back last night, but instead of hearing it from you I showed up at the bar to see my grandmother gave him a job in the food truck. A heads up to talk some sense into Dixie wouldāve been nice.ā
āWait, what?ā She sits up straight, eyes wide. āColson moved back home? When the hell did this happen?ā
āYou mean he didnāt tell you?ā
She shakes her head while downing the rest of her coffee. āUh, no, the little shit didnāt tell me! I thought you were going to get on my case for⦠oh, never mind, itās not important. My baby brother is back and the little jerk didnāt even tell me.ā She sets her mug down and rubs the sleep out of her eyes. āDid you say last night? Apparently, my dad doesnāt know either, because I was just there yesterday and he didnāt say shit about him being home. Whereās he staying?ā
āNo clue. But he sucks just as much as before, by the way.ā I shake my head. āI thought heād mature while he was gone, but nope. Heās just as good at working my last nerve.ā
āAnd now he works for you?ā She laughs and stands up. āHave fun with that. Didnāt see that coming.ā
āNot cool, Blaire. Yesterday was anything but fun.ā I stand and follow her to the kitchen. āHe posted about dropping girlsā panties on the barās Instagram page. You shouldāve seen the comments.ā
She takes a drink of her coffee and spits it out with laughter. āUh, not funny. Itās a professional business page and Dixie wouldāve killed me had she seen it. You know how my grandmother is about us having a clean image on social media and being as professional as possible.ā
āIt sort of is funny considering itās a bar. Admit it.ā
A small smile forms as I shake my head, trying to convince myself that Iām not the slightest bit amused by his antics. If I was anyone else, I mightāve seen the humor in it. āIt wasnāt yesterday. A bunch of desperate women showed up out of nowhere and I had to call Libby in for backup. I was totally unprepared. It makes me look bad, and I wonāt look bad in front Dixie. Sheās still hesitant that I can manage the bar at such a young age.ā
āOh, youāll be fine. Colson may be a huge pain in the ass, but maybe itāll be good for business to have him around the bar.ā She shrugs when I narrow my eyes at her. āLook at how slow itās been for the past few months. Youāve tried social media giveaways and drink specials to get people in, but letās face it, none of it has worked. The bar needs a change. Maybe my brother is the key to getting Dixieās back on peopleās radar. Heās young, fun, and attractiveā¦ā she stops to make a gagging sound āā¦and girls love him. Always have for some reason.ā
āI hate you sometimesā¦ā
She smiles and hands me a muffin. āI know, but itās true. How many customers did he bring into the bar last night?ā
I bite into my muffin, hating that she might just be right about her brother being around; at least for now. āI donāt know. Thirty-plus.ā
āWow. Thatās insane for a Tuesday night. Did the bar make good money?ā
āMore than it has in a while. But that doesnāt change the fact that he is going to be a huge pain in my ass. He does what he wants, when he wants.ā
āTrue, but it may be worth it if he keeps them coming in, though.ā
āWeāll see if he does. But your brother just got back home, and people were probably eager to see him again. I doubt tonight will be as busy. I threw Libby on the schedule for later, just in case.ā
āI guess weāll see tonight! Iāll stop by later to talk to my brother, but as for right nowā¦ā She rinses out her mug and heads for the hallway. āIāve gotta get ready for work. Good luck with my brother tonight.ā She laughs. āMy other brother is going to hate this, by the way.ā
āI know, and Iām dreading having that conversation tonight.ā
āI would too. Good luck with both of my brothers.ā
After she disappears to take a shower, I crawl back in bed and grab my phone to pull up Dixieās social media page. According to notifications, itās gotten fifty new followers, give or take, and apparently the page was tagged in a few photos last night; all of them with a shirtless Colson on his skateboard.
When I went outside last night to get some fresh air, I got caught up in watching him just like before he left that summer, and just like back then, the moment he noticed me watching I pretended I wasnāt out of shame. What sucks this time around is that his body is impossible to turn away from. Iām going to have to be even more aware of my actions than before to make sure Iām not losing myself in him too much.
Setting my phone down, I squeeze my eyes shut and mumble under my breath. Whether I like it or not, I have to face that heās back. Iāll be seeing his face all over the place whether I like it or not. Apparently, Iāll be seeing a lot of his sculpted body too, because he likes to show it off and itāll be right outside the bar, and most likely all over our social media page.
The worst part is⦠Iāll probably enjoy watching it more than I did before he left. Iām sure Dax will love that.
***
After cleaning up around the house to keep me busy and my mind off of Colson ā which was a lot harder than I expected ā I head to Dixieās early in hopes of avoiding him in the parking lot.
My shift doesnāt start for another hour, but I figured coming in early would mean missing Colson and not having to communicate with him on my way inside.
As I pull into the back parking lot to find him standing against the door, resting his skateboard above his shoulders, I realize I was wrong. Heās talking to two girls and Travis, but his attention is focused on me parking my car.
Heās cool, calm, and collected, just smoking his cigarette, eyes still on me as I step out of my car and shut the door behind me. Swallowing, my gaze wanders down the plain black T-shirt and ripped-up jeans heās wearing. No one pulls that look off better than he does. Iāve always found the way he dresses to be sexy.
The tan blonde standing a bit too close in his personal space says something that catches his attention, and thatās when I notice the ass hanging out of those cutoff shorts belongs to Emery Wilson. No one could mistake it for anyone elseās.
Shouldāve known sheād still be on the hunt for his dick. Sheās a year younger than Colson and has had a thing for him since she was twelve. She learned how to skate just so she could spend most of her time at the park stalking him.
Keeping his attention on me, he says something to his friends before putting out his smoke and disappearing inside. What the hell is he doing?
I hurry inside myself, my attention immediately landing on Colson behind the bar with a towel now over his shoulder.
āWhat are you doing behind the bar?ā
He smirks and slaps a coaster down in front of me. āMaybe Iām just getting a soda. Want one?ā
I place the coaster back on the pile, annoyed. āWhereās my grandmother?ā
āSaid she had to take off a little early. I was here, so she asked me to keep an eye on things until you arrived.ā
āSo, youāre here alone?ā
āNot anymore.ā He looks me over, jaw flexing as if heās holding himself back. āBut I would definitely enjoy it if we were.ā
āI can take it from here.ā I snatch the towel from his shoulder and make my way behind the bar, ready to get him back outside where he belongs. āYou can go out back and skate around for a while or something. Anything but hang around in here.ā
āWhy was Dax here last night? Did he fuck you on the bar?ā he asks, his question catching me off guard. I thought heād left by the time Dax arrived.
āThatās none of your business.ā
āMaybe I want to make it my business.ā
Exhaling, I toss the rag into the bucket of bleach water and turn to face him. Instead of making his way outside like I asked, heās making himself comfortable on a stool. The way heās looking at me is making me the opposite. I canāt deal with his eyes on me right now, so I think of what is necessary to get him outside quicker. āHe doesnāt know youāre back yet, but Iām sure he will when he stops in later.ā
āAny particular reason you didnāt tell him?ā he pushes, grabbing a toothpick and sticking it between his lips. āGuilty conscience?ā
āThereās nothing to feel guilty about.ā
āYou wanting me wouldnāt bother him?ā
āYouāre delusional if you think I want you.ā
āYou expect me to believe youāre not thinking about what itād be like for me to fuck you on this bar right now?ā He smirks. I swallow. āWe both know my brother isnāt man enough to.ā
āWhy are you really back, Colson? And why work here when you can work at Underground Pit with Travis?ā
āMaybe I missed you and decided itās time I take you from my brother.ā
His confession makes my heart skip a beat. I donāt know how true it is, but doesnāt change the fact it got a reaction out of me when it shouldnāt have.
āHey guys!ā Libby comes rushing through the door, her blonde hair flying all around her. āI came early to help prep just in case itās anything like it was last night.ā She smiles and high fives Colson. āNice work, man. My tips were better last night than what I usually make on a Friday night. I might just buy you a drink later.ā
āAt least someone appreciates my hard work.ā Colson grabs the toothpick from his mouth and tosses it into the trash. āBut I think itās the boss who owes me a drink. Maybe Iāll swing by her house later to collect. Itās been a while since Iāve seen my sister.ā
āSheāll be swinging by to see you tonight. No need to pop in and expect a drink.ā I grab an empty glass, fill it with ice, and pour some soda into it. āThereās one right here for ya.ā
He smiles down at the glass of root beer when I slide it in front of him. āYou still remember my favorite soda.ā He picks it up and begins backing away, looking extra cocky. āAnd you said you forgot I existed before yesterday. Turns out that was a lie.ā
I narrow my eyes at him, refusing to say anything else thatāll cause him to stay inside longer. My nerves are shot from yesterday and dealing with Daxās attitude when he stopped in last night didnāt help.
Iāve been stalking the barās social media page since this morning to make sure Colson hasnāt posted anything that will get me into trouble. I donāt need him inside distracting me any more than him working here already has.
Once he exits the bar, I turn to Libby, whose eyes are on me. The way sheās smiling at me has me jumping right into cleaning. āStop smiling at me like that. Itās weird.ā
āColson Bennett has a thing for you,ā she singsongs. āAnd heās incredibly hot now. I mean⦠not that he wasnāt already hot before he left, but holy shit heās on fire now.ā
āColson Bennett likes to play with every girl.ā
āNo, he doesnāt,ā she points out. āHeās had two girlfriends. I know this, because I follow him on every social media account he has.ā Itās true. Colson Bennett has only dated two girls that we know of. āWomen throw themselves at him every single day, yet he gives none of them the time of day. The female population in this town is becoming desperate for a taste of him, and thereās only one he seems to want to give it to.ā
He already hasā¦
My pulse races, my palms becoming sweaty from the memory. āWell, I donāt want a taste, and Iām sure his brother wouldnāt want that either.ā I scrub the spot in front of me harder, my nerves getting the best of me. āI have some bottles of cranberry juice in the car since we ran out last night. Mind grabbing them while I make sure the Vodka is properly stocked?ā
āSure, hun.ā
When I realized Colson was here it completely slipped my mind to grab the juice, and thereās no way in hell Iām going outside where heās at. Not if itās avoidable. Iām going to make sure the whole night is just that.
Once Libby joins me back inside, I focus on doing extra prep work for the night just in case by some miracle Colson gets as big of a crowd in as last night. Iām not counting on it, though. Unless the jerk is offering up orgasms on our IG this time. I wouldnāt put it past him.
āHey, babe!ā I look up to find Libby watching me from over the bar. āWhat ya doing down there?ā
āItās a little sticky down here. Iām guessing someone spilt a drink and Sally ignored it instead of cleaning it up.ā
āAnd she wants your jobā¦pft.ā She walks around to join me behind the bar. āI wouldnāt worry too much about your grandmother letting her run it. Youāre far more qualified than she is. Just because sheās been here longer doesnāt mean she knows shit about running this place.ā
āMy thoughts exactly. But I guess weāll see soon.ā I walk to the back and toss the dirty towel into the towel basket. When I spin back around, I bump into Colson, practically busting my mouth on his hard chest. āDammit, Colson. What do you need? Iām a little busy right now.ā
He smiles down at me, amused as I touch my bottom lip. āYou should try harder not to bump into solid things, Kennedy. They could be dangerous for your body.ā He reaches out to touch my lip, but I slap his hand away. āJust trying to help.ā
āWhat do you need?ā I ask again.
āStop getting angry. Iām just grabbing some napkins for the truck. Didnāt mean to distract you.ā
āYouāre not. Youāre in my way.ā I point toward the storage room. āTheyāre in there. Iām sure you can find them yourself.ā
āWhat if Iād rather you show me?ā he questions, moving in close until thereās no space between our bodies. The way he hovers his mouth above mine, just out of reach, has heat rising to my core.
āThen Iād say youāre shit out of luck.ā I swallow and take a step back, my pulse racing from his close proximity. āFind them yourself. Iāve got things to do.ā
āAfraid to be alone with me? Scared youāll finally give in and let me inside of you?ā
āAbsolutely not. I just donāt want to be alone with you. The thought nauseates me.ā
āOuch.ā He places his hand over his heart. āThat hurt. All lies.ā
āNot a lie,ā I spit out to his back when he walks away. āNow stop with your flirting. Iāll be your boss soon. Itās unprofessional.ā Dating his brother has never stopped him in the past, so I donāt know why I thought being his boss would.
He exits the storage room moments later, pausing to speak in my ear. āAnd fucking exciting. You know it.ā I suck in a breath when his hand grips my waist and squeezes. āSee what I mean? But I donāt have time for distractions right now. Iāve got some business to bring in. Again.ā
With that, he walks away, leaving me standing here annoyed and pissed off. Nothing new there. āYou donāt need any distractions?ā I say to his retreating back. āYouāre such a jerk.ā
āEverything okay back here? Need some help?ā
I force a smile when Libby comes into view. āNope. Everything is good. Just going to grab that box of glasses for backup.ā
āOkay, good. Iāll take a quick look to make sure none of the soda syrup needs changing out. Iāll be right out.ā
The first couple of hours goes by smoothly without Colson wandering back into the bar to work me up. Iām thankful for that, because If Iām honest with myself, itās working. Heās getting to me more than Iād like to admit, and heās only been back for two days.
Since tonight is slow, I pick up my phone and debate on whether or not I should text Dax and let him know that his brother is working here now. I know I should ā heād want to know ā but if I do, thereās a chance heāll show up and start a fight out at the food truck, and thatās the last thing I need while trying to prove to my grandmother Iām responsible enough to manage the bar. So, I toss my phone aside and make the decision to wait until I get off tonight. Heāll probably be pissed I didnāt tell him sooner, but Iāll have to deal with the repercussions later.
āLooks like we did all that extra work for nothing,ā Libby says on a bored yawn. āI was hoping last night wasnāt just a one-time thing, but itās looking like maybe it was. Last night was awesome. I really needed the money too.ā
āIām sorry. You want to go ahead and take off for the night? Thereās no need for both of us to be here when itās this slow.ā
She shakes her head and wipes down the bar from the few customers weāve had. āIād rather stay and get some hours in if thatās okay. Maybe you can put the inventory into the computer since you didnāt get the chance to last night? I can handle the guys at the pool table for you.ā
āAll right. You sure you donāt mind being here? You probably wonāt make much tonight.ā
āYeah, Iām good. Maybe Colson will figure out how to draw some people in with his good looks again. Maybe you should let him post on social media,ā she adds cautiously. āIt got a hell of a lot of people in last night. What harm could it do if you delete it before Dixie sees it? Itās just Colson being Colson.ā
I exhale and look around the bar, taking in the mostly empty space. Weāll be lucky to bring in five or six more customers on a night like this. As much as I hate the idea of letting Colson post on our social media, I also know that we need something to happen. Libby is right.
āIāll be back,ā I mutter, making my way toward the rear exit door. I step outside and am surprised to see itās just as dead outside as it is inside the bar. āIām going to hate myself after this.ā
I make my way to the food truck anyway, stopping in my tracks when I find Colson leaning against the truck, his arms crossed over his chest as if heās amused. āNeed my help with something? Iād be happy to post my dick online for you.ā
āDammit, Colson. No one wants to see that.ā I purse my lips, fighting to keep it together. āPost something. Just no damn dick pics, all right? Be an adult.ā
I go to walk away, but he grabs my wrist, stopping me. With his gaze locked on mine, he steps in close and tilts his head until his lips are above mine, his breaths hitting my mouth. āClearly, you have no idea how many women would kill to see my dick.ā He moves around to speak into my ear. āVery few have seen it, but everyone is desperate to get a glance. Itās the mystery. Last chance before I change my mind.ā
My heart beats fast against my ribcage, thinking back to how badly I wanted to see his dick the night he touched himself for me. All I had to do was open my eyes and look down and I have no doubt I wouldāve gotten a good view of him stroking it. Iād die of embarrassment if he ever discovered how long I fantasized about him after that night.
āKeep it in your pants, Colson, and stop crowding me.ā I push him out of my space so I can breathe. āJust post something simple like saying youāre working tonight. Thatās all that needs to be said. Keep it clean.ā
Before he can say anything else to get my blood boiling, I walk away. After letting Libby know Iām back inside, I close myself in the office and pull out my sheet from last night, prepared to enter it. But I only get a third of the way through the list before my curiosity of what Colson posted on social media gets the best of me.
With my heart racing, I pull up our IG page to see a selfie of Colson in front of the food truck with the headline:
Come to Dixieās for a taste⦠Youāll never taste anything better. Ask Kennedy š
Ā
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā āHe didnātā¦ā My skin ignites as I reread the post multiple times trying to figure out if it sounds as dirty as I think it does. Apparently, it does, because Iāve sat here for at least twenty minutes reading the comments that started coming in, dying of embarrassment with each one.
Iām jealous she got a taste first, Colson. Iāve been trying since the eighth grade. What does a girl have to do? ā¹
Ā
Does Dax know she got a taste? Scandalous but hot.
Ā
I bet youāre delicious⦠š
Ā
Oh, Iām coming for a taste. See you soon!
Iām lost in our social media, regretting my decision when a knock sounds at the door, causing me to jump and set my phone down. āCome in, Libby.ā
The door opens to Libby smiling from ear to ear. āWhatever he did worked, babe! Weāre starting to pick up out here and thereās a line forming outside at the food truck. People must be coming from the skatepark. Want me to knock twice when I need you?ā
I nod and push my hair out of my face, hoping she doesnāt notice how red I am. āThis can wait. Give me a few minutes and Iāll be out.ā
She gives me a thumbs up before rushing away when the bell on the door dings. I sit here for a moment, trying to decide whether or not to delete the post, before finally just going in and editing it to take out the part about me. Without my name added it sounds far more PG-13. I doubt Dixie would even take it as anything else.
When I step out to join Libby, there are a few people waiting by the bar to be served, so I jump right in and take care of them. Itās a good mixture of guys and girls this time, a lot of them coming from Underground like Libby assumed.
Weāve been steady for the last hour. It finally died down enough for Libby to take a quick smoke break. Everyone in the bar has full drinks, and most of them went out to the patio to most likely be closer to Colson and hang out.
I pull out my phone again and check on Colsonās post. My stomach drops when I see that itās edited to include the part about me again. āYou little assholeā¦ā I mutter under my breath, before deleting it this time.
āIs it true?ā the girl sitting in front of me suddenly asks.
I shove my phone into my back pocket and give her a questioning look. āIs what true?ā
She smiles as if I should know what sheās asking. āThat you got a taste of Colson Bennett?ā
Iām sure my face gives me away, but I play it off anyway, hoping she wonāt see right through me. I literally got a taste of Colson. āNo, and I donāt want to either. Heās just trying to get under my skin. Want another drink?ā
When she just smiles and nods, Iām grateful she doesnāt take the questioning any further. But Colson is going to be less than grateful when I kick his ass later for the little stunt he pulled tonight.
CHAPTER FOUR
Colson
I knew the moment Kennedy realized what I posted on the barās social media page that sheād either delete it or edit it, so I was prepared and waiting to jump back in and fix it. Sheād be pissed to know that I told most of my customers yesterday not to come tonight until I posted on the barās IG page tonight. I wanted her to see that she needs me here and Iām going to do what it takes to get people in because I plan to keep this job a lot longer than the two weeks Dixie promised me. Iāve been planning this job for years. Kennedy just has no idea.
If she only knew how many women asked about her tonight ā wanting to know if me and her had a thing at one point ā sheād probably rip my balls off with her bare hands or strangle me right here in this truck.
Iāll admit, I loved the idea of all those women being jealous over Kennedy tonight. Her getting what theyāve so desperately wanted for who knows how long. Not only did she get a literal taste, but sheās the only one who has. Iāve only been with two women, and wore a condom with both of them.
Anyone who knows me knows that I donāt just let any woman into my goddamn bed. Itās a big reason the girls around here are so desperate to have me inside them. Very few have had me, but theyāve heard what itās like.
Truth is⦠thereās only one girl Iāve ever desperately wanted to be inside of, and thatās Kennedy Ward. But since I was a few years behind her, my asshole brother got to her first. Heās had plenty of chances and has blown all of them over the years.
What he doesnāt know is that I heard what she said that night before I left town. She said it was his last chance. Iām counting on it. Itās time for his little brother to take over.
āHey, cutie.ā
I turn away from cleaning the grill to Libbyās head of blonde hair poking through the truckās window, her bright blue eyes on me. āYou here to get a taste too?ā I tease.
āSeems the whole town was. Iām impressed, Colson. Iām not surprised, though. The ladies have always loved you.ā She laughs and reaches for a few napkins. āSince things have died down Kennedy sent me home for the night. Iāll take whatās on special. Make it extra good.ā
I cross my arms and lean into the window of the truck. āHow did it go in there tonight? Busier than last night?ā
āNot quite but close. Mightāve been about the same.ā She flashes a smile before I turn away to cook her one of my special stuffed burgers. āI think you being here is going to be a good thing, though. Dixieās has been slow for a while now, and as much as Kennedy hates to admit it, nothing has worked quite like you coming in. Just give it some time and sheāll be grateful.ā
āIs that so? My sisterās voice joining us has me looking up from the grill long enough to wink at her. āNice to know youāre back, asshole. Why didnāt you tell me?ā
Libby points toward the closest picnic table. āIāll just be over here waiting. Remember, extra good. So big would be nice. Iām starving!ā
āGood to see you too, Sis.ā I flip the burger and step away to put a potato through the French fry cutter. āGlad to see you missed me.ā
āYou know I missed you, jerk.ā She breaks a smile when I look over my shoulder at her. āIām coming in to strangle and then hug you.ā
āNothing Iām not used to,ā I tease as she steps into the truck.
āGross. I donāt want to hear that shit.ā She gives me a light shove before throwing her arms around me and squeezing. āWhere have you been staying? Dad said he didnāt even know you were back until today. You surprised us all. Kennedy most of all.ā
āTravisās,ā I say once she pulls away from the hug. āBut I have a feeling I wonāt be so welcome tonight.ā
āWhyās that?ā she asks on a laugh. āWhatād you do?ā
āHis new girl was checking me out this morning when I was walking around the kitchen in my boxers. The girl was a hot mess. It took Travis calling her name three times before she realized he was trying to get her attention. Itās just not going to work out.ā
āWell, why the hell were you walking around in your boxers? Thatās a bit rude. I can see why he kicked your ass to the curb.ā
I turn to flip the burger. āBecause I slept on the couch. Heās lucky I wore underwear. I prefer sleeping naked.ā
She puts her hand up. āStop. Just stop. I donāt appreciate your oversharing.ā
I laugh while putting together Libbyās dish. āThen donāt ask.ā I place the burger and fries in the window and wink at Libby when she jumps to her feet and claps. āEnjoy.ā
āIt smells delicious, so I have no doubt I will. See ya tomorrow.ā She takes another whiff of her food before walking toward her car.
āSo where are you going to stay tonight? With dad?ā
āIs that even a question? You know heās always gotten along better with Dax.ā Grabbing the grill brush, I do a quick clean before walking over to put together a few burgers. āProbably a hotel until I can get into Travisās apartment building in a week.ā Itās a damn lie. Travis kicked his girl out this morning and told me Iām more than welcome to stay for as long as I want. But she doesnāt need to know that.
āSeriously? No. Youāre not staying at a hotel. Iām sure Kennedy wonāt mind having you crash on our couch until then.ā She pauses to give me a look of disgust. āAs long as you wear clothes, of course. Your naked ass is not touching our couch or any other surface in our house. Got it?ā
āSure,ā I say unconvincingly. āIāll do my best to keep my ass covered. No promises.ā
āYou better or Iāll have no problem letting you stay in a hotel or with dad.ā She reaches into her pocket for her phone when it vibrates. āThatās Kennedy. Are those for us? I can run Kennedyās inside to her, because I plan to stay for a drink or two now that youāll be sleeping on our couch.ā
āIāll bring them to you guys. Itās going to be about five or six minutes.ā
āOkay cool. Itāll give me a few minutes to talk to Kennedy about you crashing with us for a while.ā She exhales, walking toward the door. āWish me luck.ā
Sheās going to need it, but knowing Kennedy, she wonāt say no. Saying no to my sister is something sheās never been able to do. Best friend status and all.
Ten minutes later, Iām walking into the bar with two burgers in hand. I can tell by the redness of Kennedyās face the moment her eyes land on me that sheās not too thrilled about my post earlier today. Either that or sheās not too thrilled about me crashing on her couch. Iām going to assume both.
āFor how long?ā Kennedyās question is aimed at me, but my sister responds instead.
āOne week max. After that, heās his own problem.ā Blaire turns to face me. āRight, Colson?ā
āOne week,ā I say, my eyes locked on Kennedyās as I set the burgers down on the bar. āThatās all I need.ā
āOkay good. Then itās settled. The couch for one week and you will sleep in clothes. If I find you in your boxers or briefs or whatever bright and early in the morning, ruining my eyesight, I will hurt you. Brother or not. Iāll break a limb and not feel bad about it.ā
āI think maybe we need a sleeping pants rule,ā Kennedy adds stiffly. āIf you donāt own a pair, then I suggest you pick a pair up tonight before you come to our house.ā She grabs the burger in front of her. āThanks for dinner. You owe me after the shit you pulled today.ā
āWhat shit?ā my sister asks in between chewing her burger.
āNothing.ā Kennedy shoots me an evil glare. āHe just sucks at social media. Thatās all.ā
āIād love to see what you suck at, Kennedy.ā I say loud enough just for her to hear. āMaybe Iāll find out over the next week.ā
Before she can cuss me out or bring attention to us, I grin and back away, loving her eyes on me the entire way to the door.
That wonāt be the only thing on me before longā¦
CHAPTER FIVE
Kennedy
By the end of the night, Iām dreading going home, knowing that not only do I need to let Dax know his brother is back in town, but also that heāll be sleeping on mine and his sisterās couch for the next week.
Itās been months since theyāve seen or spoken to each other, but not much has changed since then. Dax still hates his younger brother just as much as before he left. I know this because he likes to bring him up every now and again. When he has nothing else to bitch about, he brings up all the times Colson pissed him off in the past and how heās glad his brother is gone. I think a small part of that hatred has always been out of jealousy. People have always flocked to Colson, fast to jump into a friendship with him, while Dax has always struggled with being seen.
I park outside my house and kill the engine, glad to see Colsonās truck is nowhere in sight yet. Dax should be here any minute, and I need some time to talk to him first. I wanted to tell him this in person. Plus, with our schedules, we havenāt really seen each other in two days. Heās either sleeping when Iām awake or vice versa and when we are together, weāve been fighting over pointless shit. Telling him over the phone will only make things more tense between us.
āWhereās your brother?ā Blaire is in the kitchen putting the dishes away when I walk inside, so I join her and pour a glass of water. āDid he find somewhere else to stay?ā
Please say yes.
āNo. He went to Travisās to grab his stuff. He left about an hour ago, so he should be here soon.ā
āOnly for one week, right? Not a day longer?ā
āNot a day longer. Heās supposedly getting an apartment in the same building as Travis.ā Blaire gives me an awkward smile once she notices my grip on the island. āAre you worried about him staying here or something? Anything I should know about?ā
āNo,ā I say rather too quickly. āHe just works my last nerve. You know how annoying his mouth can be. Not to mention that Dax hates him. Did you forget about your other brother? The one whoās been fighting with him for the last twenty-one years.ā
āOh, right. I honestly wasnāt thinking about Dax when I offered to let him crash with us. I just felt bad that he planned to stay at a hotel. He shouldnāt have to do that. Iām sorry, but Dax will just have to deal with it. Itās not like heās going to offer to let Colson crash at his place. Itās time they learn to get along. Dax is twenty-five. He should act like it.ā
I donāt see that happening anytime soon. In fact, heāll probably hate him even more after this week is up. āWhy didnāt he just stay at Travisās or at another friendās place? He knows everyone. He couldāve stayed anywhere he wanted, yet he chose our couch?ā
āI donāt know. Something about Travisās girl not being able to keep her eyes off my brother. I didnāt really question him much. Heās family. Itād have been rude not to offer. Heās my little brother.ā
āI get it,ā I force out, wishing that I didnāt. Sheās always been closer with Colson than Dax. āI just wish heād chosen to stay somewhere else.ā
āA week isnāt very long. Itāll be over before you know it. Just ignore him. Thatās what I do when he gets on my last nerve. He eventually gets the hint and backs off.ā
Really? Because I canāt tell.
I nod and force a smile. āI guess one week wonāt hurt.ā
āExactly. Iām sure itāll be fine. What damage could he cause in that amount of time?ā She yawns and heads toward the hallway. āIām going to bed. I told Colson to be quiet when he gets in, so he shouldnāt disturb you once you retire to your room.ā
āSounds good. Thanks.ā
āNo problem. If he doesnāt listen, you know the drill. Just kick his ass. I wonāt judge. Night, babe.ā
Once Iām alone, I stare at the couch, stupidly imagining Colson lying there in his underwear, his sculpted chest and abs on display, making my body hot with need. The image in my head has me quickly pouring another glass of cold water to cool off.
Iām so lost in my inappropriate thoughts that I donāt even hear Dax come in until his arms are wrapped around me from behind, his body pressing me against the sink. āMiss me today?ā
I smile and kiss his arm, setting my glass down. āMaybeā¦ā
āAre you going to give me a maybe every time? Itās getting a little old.ā
I spin around in his arms to look up at him. His brown eyes lock on mine, growing worried. āSorry. I donāt want to fight tonight. Itās just been a long day and Iām exhausted. Thatās all. How was work?ā
āThe same as usual. It was boring and I couldnāt stop thinking about getting here to you.ā His hand tangles into the back of my hair as his lips move in to meet mine. āI really hate your job sometimes. I donāt get why you want to run a bar. Let Sally do it. You could always come work with me at the bank so you could have decent hours.ā
āWeāve already talked about this,ā I say against his lips. āIāve worked hard for this opportunity. Please donāt start on that again.ā I exhale, frustration setting in. āI need to tell you someāā
āHey.ā Blaire pokes her head out her bedroom door, stopping to make a gagging sound at her brotherās lips on mine. āDidnāt mean to interrupt this disturbing moment. Just wanted to let you know heās on his way now. Told him to lock the door behind him so you can go get comfortable and not have to worry.ā
āWhoās on his way?ā
Blaireās eyes widen once she realizes I havenāt told Dax about their brother yet. āIāll let Kennedy explain. Off to bed. Itās way past my bedtime.ā
She slams her door shut and Daxās eyes turn to me. āIs someone staying here with you guys that I donāt know about? He?ā
I swallow nervously. Thanks, Blaire. āColson is back in town and needed somewhere to crash for a few days. I wouldāve told you sooner, butāā
āWait, what?ā He releases me and takes a step back, his muscles bulging from the tenseness thatās kicked in at hearing his brother is back. I expected this reaction. āHeās back in town? Since when?ā
āYeah. For a couple days now. I just found out yesterday when he showed up at the bar to work the food truck. No one knew he was coming back. He just showed up. Not even your dad knew.ā
āHold up. Not only is my Colson going to be crashing here on the couch under the same roof as you, but you hired him to work the food truck?ā He takes another step back and runs his hand through his dark hair in frustration. āI need a drink.ā
I stand back and watch as he walks over to the cabinet to pull down the bottle of Vodka he keeps stashed here. He doesnāt even bother with a glass. He just tilts the bottle back, taking a huge swig. āI didnāt hire him. Like I said, I didnāt even know he was back until he showed up for work. Dixie did, though, apparently. Iām not sure when they communicated, but they did. Thereās nothing I can do about it now, except learn to deal with it.ā
He shakes his head in aggravation. āYeah, well, Dixie always did have a soft spot for that asshole. I still donāt understand why.ā He stops to take another huge swig. āSo, what about when you take over the bar? Then what? You gonna let him work there still?ā
I shrug and pour myself a weak drink. Just a little something to take the edge off. āItās not like I can just fire him without cause. So, yeah. Thereās a huge chance heāll be working the food truck for a while. At least until I find someone more qualified.ā
āWell, shit!ā His face hardens as he grabs my waist and yanks me to him. āI donāt like the idea of him working for you, and I sure as fuck donāt like the idea of him sleeping on your couch.ā
āWell, he wonāt be sleeping on the couch for long. Heās already been told one week and not a day longer. Your sister says he has an apartment lined up already. I donāt get what the big deal is. Just ignore him until heās gone. Itās not like youāre here every day anyway.ā
āYou wonāt be either. Youāre staying with me for a week. Grab some things and weāll head out before the asshole gets here. The less time with him the better. I donāt want you under the same roof as him. Not if I can help it.ā
āFuck no. Thatās not happening.ā I pull away from his grip, not wanting him to touch me right now. Not with him thinking he can give me orders. āIf thereās anyone I hate in life, itās your roommate. Steve has caused way too much trouble between us in the past. I get that you donāt like your brother, but honestly, Iād rather put up with him than see Steveās smug face every day while youāre at work. Thatās why I never spend the night there as it is. What makes you think Iāll pack up my shit and stay a whole week?ā
āCome on, babe. Just forget about Steve for now. I know heās a huge dick, but Iāll make sure he doesnāt bother you. We both know my brother is nothing but trouble. I donāt trust him around you. I never have.ā He grips my waist again, moving in until his lips are brushing mine. Theyāre the only lips Iāve ever kissed, and I know he wants to keep it that way. I do too. His brother being here isnāt going to change that. āHeās had a thing for you as long as I can remember. Heāll probably do everything in his power to be where you are just to piss me off.ā
āThere are plenty of women throwing themselves at him. Trust me. Heās not going to follow me around like some lost puppy.ā I place my hands against his chest to give me some space. Heās holding me so tight I can hardly breathe. My nerves are already wrecked enough tonight, I donāt need this shit. āIf he does anything inappropriate, Iāll kick his ass. Simple as that. Iām not helpless. I can handle Colson Bennett. So stop trying to control me. It wonāt work.ā
āFine.ā He exhales in defeat before grabbing the back of my head and pressing his lips against mine, kissing me long and hard, before pulling away. āIāll kill him if he touches you. Just know that.ā
āHeās not going to touch me. I wouldnāt let him even if he tried.ā
āYou sure about that?ā I stand up straight, my heart pounding at the sound of Colsonās voice. I look around Dax to see Colson standing beside the couch with a cocky grin. āHello, Brother. Miss me?ā
āYouāve been back for less than five minutes and I already want to strangle you, so no.ā Dax grumbles, his eyes landing on the duffle bag Colson drops beside the couch. āThe couch will be the only place youāre sleeping, so get comfortable, little brother, but not too comfortable, because youāll be gone in a week. Got it?ā
āThe couch will do just fine,ā he says, his dark eyes on me, making me nervous.
āAll right.ā My voice breaks a little, and Iām hoping neither of them notice. But this is too intense for me right now. I need to ignore Colsonās sexual innuendo and get far away from him. āWell, now that you boys are reacquainted, Iām going to bed. Dax, Iāll see you in a few. Colson, enjoy the couch while itās yours. No fighting while your sister is sleeping or youāre both out.ā
I disappear into my bedroom and throw on something to sleep in. Iād usually sleep in my underwear and a T-shirt, but since Colson will be in the path of the bathroom, I throw on some shorts too not wanting to give him the wrong idea.
I barely crawl into the bed and turn on the TV when my bedroom door opens to Dax stepping inside. He hardly sleeps over on the weekdays due to him having to be up early for work, but I have a feeling heāll be making an exception tonight. I sort of hope he does since Colson will be right outside this door. āIām staying tonight.ā
āGood, but no more fighting. Got it?ā
He nods.
I smile and pat the bed, wanting him to see I want him here. I donāt want his brother here, and I need Colson to see that so he keeps his distance. āOne week will be over before we know it.ā
āI doubt it.ā With his face hard, he strips down to his briefs and crawls on top of me. The way he spreads my legs with force causes me to let out a surprised gasp. Itās not very often heās rough with me, but Iām guessing having his brother here is going to bring out his aggressive side.
āYou like that?ā he breathes into my ear. āIāve been wanting a taste of my girl for days now. Iām going mad.ā His lips move along my neck, his strong fingers working along my body to undress me, and as turned on as I am, I canāt stop thinking about his brother being right outside on the couch. Knowing him, heās probably listening at the door just to piss me off.
I fight to push him out of my mind as Dax slips a finger between my legs and digs his teeth into my neck. āYouāre wet, babe; so damn wet.āĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā He slips another finger inside and I moan out a little too loudly, causing embarrassment to creep in. āDoes that feel good? Go ahead. Let my brother know youāre mine.ā
āReally?ā I shove his hand away and slam my legs closed.
āWhatās wrong, baby?ā
āDo you really think I want to give your brother a show? Is that why youāre still here? Because if so, then you can leave. I wonāt play your game.ā
āOh, come on, Kennedy,ā he grunts in frustration, adjusting his thick erection. āThe fucker needs to know to stay away from this bedroom while heās here. Iām just trying to ensure that happens.ā
āI donāt have any plans for him to come anywhere near my bedroom, but Iām not going to moan and put on a show for him just to prove a point. Did you forget that your sister is right next door? She doesnāt want to hear that shit and I definitely donāt want her too either.ā
He exhales and runs a hand through his hair. āYouāre right. I was being an asshole and not thinking.ā He moves in and kisses the top of my head. āItās late and I have to be up in a few hours. Maybe we should just get some sleep and continue this tomorrow night.ā
I nod and lay back when he pats the spot beside him. āProbably a good idea. Everyoneās tired and stressed out tonight. Letās just forget your brother is here and get some sleep.ā
āGood fucking idea.ā He wraps his arms around me, his scent surrounding me as he trails kisses over my neck. His lips are soft and smooth. Iāve always loved that about him. āGoodnight, babe.ā
I close my eyes and lay here for what feels like forever, but Iām unable to fall asleep as expected. Dax, of course, was out like a light within two minutes of me crawling into his arms.
Moments like this make me wish sleeping came easily for me. I canāt shut my mind off, knowing that Colson is right outside on the couch. It doesnāt help that I have to pee. Iām holding off, hoping that heāll fall asleep first. I donāt want to be alone with him tonight. Not even for a second.
Twenty ā maybe thirty ā minutes pass before I wriggle my way out of Daxās arms and quietly open my bedroom door, doing my best not to wake anyone. The living room is dark, so Iām hoping I gave Colson enough time to fall asleep.
The silence leads me to believe that I did, until I exit the bathroom to find Colson standing right outside, half-naked. His boxer briefs ride up high on his thick, muscular thighs, exposing ink that reads ā we live with the scars we choose. As my eyes trail higher itās not hard to see that heās semi-hard. I hate myself for wondering just how big heād be fully aroused. Youād think by now Iād train my eyes not to go there. My thoughts too.
āI thought we already established youād be sleeping in pajamas while staying here,ā I say as firmly as possible, trying to hide the fact that my eyes are trailing along the birds tattooed down the right side of his V that leads down into his waistband.
He smiles as if noticing and moves in close to my ear, his breath soft and warm against my skin. āI donāt own any. Besides, touching myself to thoughts of you is a hell of a lot easier with less clothes.ā He grips the back of my head, holding me in place as his lips brush over my neck. āBut Iām sure you know that with all the times youāve touched yourself to thoughts of me. We should just do each other a favor and touch each other.ā
āNoā¦ā I place my hand on his chest and push him back until he releases his grip on my neck. āā¦we shouldnāt. And I hope youāre lying about masturbating on our couch. Thatāll get you kicked to the curb a lot sooner than a week.ā
āReally?ā He licks his bottom lip, the sight sending heat straight to my core. āIn case you havenāt noticed, Iām not out fucking any girls right now, so you can just assume Iāll be fucking myself quite often.ā With his eyes on mine, he backs me up until my back is pressed against my bedroom door. I fight the urge to moan out when he suddenly spins me around and pins me to the door with his body. āUnless you want to let me fuck you right here with my brother on the other side of this door. Iād be happy to make you scream for him.ā
I swallow, hardly able to think straight with his hard body pressed against mine. How can any girl think in this situation? āTouch me again and Iāll let your brother rip your throat out like heās been threatening for years. Now. Move.ā I throw my shoulders back, giving me space to open the bedroom door and slip inside in a hurry.
I almost slam it behind me but stop myself before I can make that mistake and let everyone in the place know that Colson has already gotten to me. I figured he would at some point, but not on the first night.
Once back in bed, I fight with the blankets to get comfortable, but nothing seems to work. I can still feel Colsonās hand on my neck and his hard body pressed against mine, and itās driving me insane with need. A need I know I shouldnāt be feeling. Especially after what he said earlier about why heās back.
Thereās an ache between my legs waiting to be taken care of, and it wasnāt my boyfriend who put it there. But itās an ache that wonāt be going away anytime soon and I know it. Colson made sure of it. Heās more than aware of what his body does to women and heās using it as a weapon; one that will destroy me if I let it.
Feeling ashamed, I slide my hand under the blanket and into my panties, hating how wet Colson left me. Iām not sure I can ever think about him touching himself and not remember the night he did it right in front of me. He did that on purpose tonight. Probably waited for me to come out of my room just to make that lie up. Or⦠maybe it wasnāt a lie. Maybe he was stroking himself right outside this room on the couch.
Whatever it was, it has me orgasming within minutes, moaning softly into my arm so that I donāt wake Dax beside me.
Yup. Definitely going to Hell for this oneā¦
CHAPTER SIX
Colson
Iām shocked awake by ice-cold water splashing against my face; the water so cold it almost fucking burns. At least, thatās what my mind registers from being woken up from a deep sleep.
I donāt even need to open my eyes first to know that my brother is standing right above me with an empty pitcher in his hand, most likely wearing his murderous expression. This isnāt the first time heās done this shit when pissed at me.
āYou might want to put some fucking clothes on to keep warm before you catch a cold or a fist to the face, little brother. Itās been a while since we played that game.ā With his jaw flexed, he tosses the pitcher at my stomach and walks away. āDonāt let me catch you in your underwear again while youāre sleeping here. Enjoy the wet couch, asshole.ā
I smirk as he walks to the door, waiting until he opens it to speak just to piss him off more. He hates for me to get the last word in when he doesnāt have time to stay and fight. It makes him murderous, and I get joy out of that; a whole fucking lot. āIād be more than happy to lose the underwear too. Let Kennedy see what sheās been missing out on by being with you. Who do you think will be sleeping on the couch when this week is over?ā
āIāll fucking kill you.ā He pauses in the door, just about to turn back around when his phone goes off in his pocket. āDammit, Colson. This shit isnāt over. Donāt go near her. I mean it.ā With that, he answers his phone, steps outside, and slams the door shut behind him.
Just pissing him off makes losing sleep worth it. Iāll take a whole pitcher of ice-water to my dick next time if it means I get to piss my brother off in the process.
Standing up, I shake my wet hair out and strip out of my wet boxer briefs, before grabbing a pair of dry ones out of my bag and slipping them on. My brotherās mistaken if he thinks Iām going to get back on the wet couch and struggle to fall back to sleep. He should know me better than that. But apparently, heās ready to play a game heās sure to lose in the end.
Without overthinking it, I quietly slip into Kennedyās bedroom and into her bed. The blankets are kicked halfway off the edge, giving me a perfect view of her ass in her little sleep shorts. I growl and grip my hard dick, considering jerking off to her right here in her bed, but Iād rather her watch the next time I touch myself to her. I want her eyes on my hard body when she gets wet for me this time.
I release my dick and place my hands behind my head to get comfortable. Itās nearly impossible to relax when all I can think about are the ways I could pleasure Kennedy right now. Iām too sexually frustrated. Iāve wanted to make her scream since I was old enough to know what sex was. Iāve pictured me inside of her in many different ways; each of them hotter than the last. I plan to play out every single fantasy, just not tonight. But soon.
I donāt know how much time has passed before my eyes finally get heavy. Iām just about to fall asleep when the bed moving beside me to Kennedy turning over to her back has me opening my eyes to look at her.
I hold my breath, my eyes trailing over her sexy body as her chest rises and falls with each breath. I could easily lift the T-shirt sheās wearing and run my tongue all along her body right now if I thought she was ready to cave, but sheās not. I have a week to get her there, but Iām hoping it wonāt take that long.
Sheās always been a heavy sleeper ā I know this from all the sleepovers with my sister growing up ā so sheād probably just think I was my brother. That might be good enough for some, but not for me. I want her to know itās me when I make her come.
I close my eyes, imagining what sheād taste like on my tongueāher breasts, her pussy and her ass. I want to taste it all. Every inch of what my brother thinks is hisāI want to make it mine. She will be mine.
Fuck, Iām losing it right now.
I should just give her another showāright here and nowāand force her to watch me as I touch myself for her. I bet my brother never lets her watch him.
āHoly fuckā¦ā My heart skips a beat when Kennedy suddenly turns over, her arm landing across my hard dick as she swings it over, unaware of what sheās doing.
I consider moving it in case she wakes up embarrassed, but Iām not that nice of a guy; not when it comes to getting what I want, and what I want is for her to want me.
No matter the cost.
If anything, I want to lose these boxer briefs to give her easy access to what shouldāve been hers all along. My body. Every inch of it. Every dip. Every hard muscle. Every scar. Itās hers for the taking.
I just have to wait for her to crave it.
***
Kennedy
I feel something hard beneath my arm, realizing that Dax hasnāt left for work yet. It feels much later than it must actually be.
After what happened last night with Colson, Iām just happy to wake up beside his brother. I need to feel him right now to erase Colson from my mind. Heās been on it too much since his arrival and I need to change that and fast.
Not wanting to open my eyes, nor ready to wake up just yet, I slide my hand across Daxās briefs until his thick erection is under my palm. I lightly run my palm over it a few times, barely touching it, before gripping it with a moan.
Itās so thick and hard, seeming extra big under my palm this morning. It must be my tired mind, but it feels bigger than usual. Thicker. It turns me on even more, my body ready for him to sink between my thighs and take me. I donāt even care that Iām still mad at him from last night. Smiling, I trail my hand higher to trace my fingers along his abs, and thatās when I realize something is off. Itās not Daxās body that Iām touching. Itās his brotherās. Only Colson has a body this hard and defined.
My eyes shoot open to find Colsonās gaze on me, a crooked smile taking over as I yank my hand back and practically jump off the bed. āColson! What the hell are you doing in my bed?ā
His abs flex as he sits up and runs both of his hands through his hair. Itās impossible to miss how hot he looks right now with his messy hair and scruff. Heās too sexy for his own good.
āYou can thank my brother for getting the couch all wet this morning. I wasnāt about to crawl into bed with my fucking sister.ā He stands up, closing the distance between us. āIāll be sure to thank him later myself. I didnāt expect the handy, but I appreciate the bonus.ā
āI didnāt know it was⦠no, just no. Get out of my room. Now.ā I shake my head and take a step back, putting some space between us. I canāt handle him so close. Not after just touching his very hard dick. āAnd what are you talking about? What happened this morning?ā
āYou can ask my brother when you tell him I crawled into bed with you.ā He smirks and steps around me, gripping his dick to adjust it. āNow if youāll excuse me, I have to go finish what you started.ā
The moment he steps outside my door, I slam it shut behind him and lock it. Iām not sure if I should be more pissed at Colson for crawling into my bed or Dax for instigating it by dumping water on Colson this morning; what Iām assuming happened anyway. It wouldnāt be the first time heās done it. If it werenāt for Dax, Colson never wouldāve crawled into my bed, needing somewhere dry to sleep.
Exhaling my frustration, I fall onto my bed and reach for my phone on the bedside table. Itās just past eleven, which means thereās a possibility that Colson was in my bed for two, maybe even three hours. Who knows what he did in my bed while I was sleeping. He probably masturbated right beside me. I donāt know why, but that oddly turns me on and pisses me off at the same time.
Grunting, I toss my phone aside and cover my face, overwhelmed with frustration; sexual frustration to top it off. What the hell am I supposed to tell Dax? Oh, by the way, your brother crawled into bed with me and I felt him upā¦
I just need to make it through six more nights. As long as I can keep him on the couch and away from my bed, it shouldnāt be a problem. But I have a feeling it will be.
Maybe he wasnāt lying about coming back to steal me away from Dax. Or at least do enough damage to break us apart for good. That part scares me.
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