McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

“Ugh!” Carrie moans. “I can’t sit here and listen to this.”

“You’ll sit at my table until I say otherwise,” Dad states. “We have some accounts to look at, which we will do once I’ve eaten.”

Carrie turns white and takes a few minutes to recover before she looks at me. A twinge of regret hits me, especially when I realize she’s scared.

I frown and tip my head to the side, but she quickly glances at the food in front of her. She doesn’t eat and just plays with it. It’s so unlike my cocky, aggressive sister. I’m not the only one to notice either as I glance at my parents. Mom bites her lip and Dad frowns at Carrie’s bent head before his concentration returns to his food.

It doesn’t take long before I’ve finished eating, so kissing my parents on the cheek, and with a hesitant smile for Carrie, I run up to my room and throw myself on the bed.

I’m feeling excited, terrified, and everything else, but the butterflies in my stomach are the good kind.

Reaching for my cell, I jump a mile, and clench a hand to my chest. “You scared me.”

“You’re so damn beautiful that I don’t know how I got so lucky.” Michael leans against the doorjamb to the bathroom. I had no clue he was even in my room.

“How long have you been there?”

“I came straight back, but wanted to avoid your father after having spent the night in his daughters bedroom doing naughty things with her.”

I grin and rolling from the bed, I throw myself into his arms. “Are you really going to take me with you?”

“Yes. You’ve lost all chance of escape.”

“I don’t want to escape.”

“Good, because we leave tomorrow.” He smiles and caresses my face. “Garrett is having the plane refueled and all the checks done first thing and the control tower has given us eleven-twenty-three as our departure time.”

“I’m excited.”

“I may have to do some work during the flight, and I am going to be busy at the office, especially as Alex has asked me to cover for him while he takes two days.” He frowns. “I hope you won’t regret coming home with me.”

“Michael, I want to be with you even if that means you’re going to be distracted with your work. I honestly don’t expect you to drop everything for me. I have a job outside of New York, but I can work remotely. I have my laptop with me so I’ll manage while you work.” I reach up and kiss his lips. “I promise.” Taking his hand, I add, “I need help,” as I pull him into my closet.

He groans, but his eyes light up when I shut us inside and turn the light off.

48

Michael

The view from my office always takes my breath away and it’s something that I look forward to every time I come back after being away. It only ever changes with the seasons.

“You’re back?” Alex mumbles. “I’m surprised you’re in the office today though.”

Turning, I unbutton my jacket and take my seat behind the desk. Looking at Alex, I’m surprised by his appearance. He usually never has a hair out of place, and only wears expensive business suits with the shoes to match. Today, he looks pale and wears an old sweatshirt and jeans, with boots on his feet.

He offers a wry smile when he sees me looking him over, and because he’s like a brother and the best friend I’ve ever had, I say, “Sit down before you fall down and tell me what’s going on with you. I don’t want bullshit that you tell everyone else. I want the truth Alex.”

He sits, but stays silent while a storm of emotions cross his face. The main one being anguish.

“I honestly don’t know what to say…where to start…or even if I can get the words out,” he admits. He looks damn tired as he sits sprawled in the chair as though he doesn’t care about anything.

“Answer me this, are you sick?”

He looks surprise. “God, no! And neither is anyone else we’re related to.”

I watch him and it’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him about Rachel when Charlotte comes bursting into the office. Her face is alight with happiness and I only just make it to my feet to catch her as she flings herself at me.

“I’m taking off. I’ll be on the cell if any emergencies come up.” He pauses in the doorway. “Only emergencies.”