McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

“You’re distracting me.”

He grins. “Good…you were saying.”

My breath catches as I hold his gaze. “Mmm.”

He fidgets as his eyes darken. “Stop moaning,” he hisses.

My eyes widen in surprise and I feel the flush on my cheeks. I need to get the subject off of us so we can focus on our date. “I haven’t been back to eat here because I find it embarrassing to eat alone, and my parents prefer their own chef.” I don’t mention my sister because there’s no way I’d go out to eat with her…a few years ago I would have.

“Then I’ll have to make it a point to bring you here to eat whenever we can.” Michael smiles and I know he means what he says.

“I’d love that.” As we talk, the waiter pours our wine and I take an appreciative sip. After I do, I ask Michael, “Will you tell me about your life in Lexington? I’ve never been there.”

“That’s right, you live in New York.”

“Out of the city though. It’s too busy for me… So, Lexington,” I urge.

He smiles, softly. “My favorite place is my home at Harbor Point, at the side of the Lake. It’s known as a reservoir, but lake sounds much better.” He grins. “My mom and dad still live in the home where I grew up. Charlotte is my twin and works at McKenzie’s with our cousin, Alexander, and I. We make a good team. Our cousins, Olivia and Madison also work at McKenzies.”

“Twins! I bet you’re parents had their hands full.”

He tips his head back and laughs. “You could say that.” He shakes his head, amusement on his handsome face. “It wasn’t long before Sirena arrived, followed a few years later with Joshua.”

We sit back in our chairs as our Shrimp Risotto arrives, a momentary break in our conversation, but then he continues, “I have a large family with my grandparents being in their late eighties, then there’s uncles and aunts, and lots of cousins. I can’t imagine my life without any of them.”

“You all get along?”

“For the most part, yes. We’ve had our disagreements, but, at the end of the day, we’re family.” He winces and offers me a sympathetic look.

I cover his hand on his fork and squeeze before picking my own up. “It’s okay, Michael. I want to hear about your family. Mine for the most part are amazing. My parents are down to earth and listen if I need to talk. Both of them have always been there for me.” I wince. “I just don’t know what went wrong with Carrie.” I shrug. “Please tell me about your brother and sisters.”

“You’ll meet Sirena tomorrow.” He smiles. “She’s bringing my nephew to visit.” He sighs. “How I miss him. He’s eight weeks old, and, according to Sirena, the best baby to have ever been born.” He shakes his head. “Garrett, her husband, agrees. I told him that he has to agree because he’s married to her.” Michael chuckles and a soft look comes into his eyes, but he stays silent.

“I can’t wait to meet them. Are they staying with you?”

“No. They have a suite booked at the Pegasus. They’re still newlyweds so they want their own space. I’m relieved really.” He smirks. “Can’t sweet talk you into my bed if I have guests.”

I laugh and am about to tell him that all he has to do is open his bedroom door and I’ll follow, but I decide to tease, “I’m not immune to you sweet talking me out of my clothes.”

“Good to know.”

“What does Joshua do? You didn’t mention working with him.”

“I don’t.” He frowns. “Joshua worries us all. He’s in law enforcement and recently joined the FBI,” he admits. “He’s the youngest, but he knows what he’s doing. He wouldn’t have gotten as far as he has if he didn’t. I just don’t like him being out there.”

“I get that.” I push my empty dinner plate away and reach for Michael’s hand.

Our fingers intertwine and after a moment, Michael says, “Tonight, with you, is the first time I’ve truly felt relaxed in weeks. I’m always working or worrying over my cousin and siblings. But tonight, with you, I’m relaxed.”

I frown at his choice of words. “I know why you’re worried about Joshua, but why the others?”

“Alexander has been acting strangely whenever our cousin, Rachel, is mentioned. Charlotte has been distracted for weeks now, and she’s the one who bothers me the most. She’s my twin and won’t talk to me. So yeah, she’s on my mind a lot.”

“I guess that’s what happens when you have a large family.”

“Hmm.” Michael sighs and gently tugs me to my feet. “I want to go somewhere I can hold you close while dancing.”

Reaching up, I kiss him leisurely on the lips. “I know just the place.”