McKenzie Cousins Box Set 4

“Good. I think it’s going to be fun.”

I frown, wondering what he meant by fun and move through Kenza to the street outside. The Uber I ordered is waiting, so I jump inside. After confirming my destination, I settle back for the short five-minute journey. I would have walked, however, at two o’clock in the morning, I grab a ride.

The 21c Museum Hotel is central, modern, and welcoming. I tip the Uber driver and have the door opened by the hotel doorman, who has a warm smile.

“Did you have a good evening?” he enquires while I retrieve the keycard I have to use if I want the elevator to move upwards—it doubles as a room key.

“I did. Thank you.”

In minutes, I’m locked behind my bedroom door and I let out a deep sigh.

I did it.

I went on my own to a nightclub. Not only did I do that with my knees trembling, but I stayed for hours watching Ryan.

He probably thinks I’m a stalker or something, which is, um, maybe a little bit accurate. I’m not crazy or anything, though.

Kicking my shoes off, I flex my aching toes after they’ve been squished in the high heels all evening.

The soft pile carpet feels good as I move into the bathroom, stripping my clothing as I go. The cold air conditioning pebbles my nipples, making them ache. I turn the shower on and while I’m waiting for it to warm up, I look at myself in the mirror over the sink. I spread my fingers over my hips and move them to my flat belly.

32

Ryan

“She’s here again,” Rob says.

I glance at him with a brow raised when he indicates with his head toward the dark corner closest to the bar.

My heart lurches in my chest as I move away from my annoying friend and assistant manager. It takes control not to stare in the direction Rob indicated. Instead, I continue placing cleaned glasses back on the shelves and slowly cast my eyes around the room. I try not to be too obvious about it…and then there she is.

The moment my eyes focus on the girl, she quickly averts her gaze. I smile, knowing she’s watching me as closely as I’m going to be watching her. I’m under no illusion that the sexy girl knows exactly who I am. Just like I know exactly who she is—the girl I’ve been unable to forget. On nights alone, I remember the feel of her lips on mine. I remember the way she’d clung to me—her soft curves against my harder shape. My cock had been so hard from the moment our lips had met that an hour later, I’d been in the shower with my hand for pleasure.

Giving my back to the growing crowd, I quickly slip my hand into my jeans and straighten my throbbing dick. I get some relief now that it’s not squashed. Knowing she’s so close yet so far is a cause of frustration.

Rob laughs as he moves past my loitering figure to reach for a new bottle of vodka. “What’s gotten into you?” he asks on his way back to finish making the cocktail.

“Nothing.”

“That’s what women say when they mean everything is wrong.”

“Shut up,” I hiss. “Don’t I pay you to serve the customers?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be charging you extra for the advice.”

“I should hope not considering you haven’t given me any.”

Rob pauses. “Go and talk to her.” He grins. “That’s your advice!”

“Idiot,” I mumble. “I have paperwork to do.”

Rob grins and shakes his head.

A guy is allowed to go and work—hide—in his office.

Without one more glance in Gretchen’s direction, I forcibly shove my sleeves up. I come to a surprising stop when I recognize my cousin blocking the way through to the office.

My grin widens as we hug tight. Levi is a second cousin. He’s the son of my father’s cousin, Dante De La Fuente and his wife, Emelia. Growing up, we’d see a lot of Levi and his sister, Emma, because they lived in Essex, Vermont, while the rest of their family lived in Montana.