That’s all it is.
Right?
Chapter 5
Rip
I can’t stop touching her. If she’s close to me, I have to have my hands on her. I can’t seem to stop myself. I’ve wanted her for so long, and when she walked into my parents’ place two days ago, something inside me shifted. That something craves her with an intensity I’ve never experienced before. I’ve always wanted her; she’s gorgeous. What’s surprising to me is the need that I have for her and the depth of my feelings that I never realized were there. The reality that she’s home for good, and that I could finally have everything I’ve ever wanted, is a lot to take in.
I want her to be mine.
“So, what are we doing today?” Corbin asks from his seat next to me. He’s resting his arm on the island, his chin propped up on his hand. It’s easy to see he’s hungover from last night.
All of our plates are empty, even McKenna’s, which makes me smile. I don’t know why, but something about the fact that I cooked for her, that I’m taking care of her, has my heart swelling in my chest. It’s a new feeling, one I’ve never felt before, but it’s one I could quickly get used to. I knew I cared about her. Hell, she’s been in my life since we were kids. But this intensity, this need to be with her all the time, the yearning to feel her in my arms, it’s new and unexpected.
I shrug and turn to look at McKenna. “You said you wanted to relax. Anything specific you have in mind?” Whatever she wants to do, I hope it involves me. I want all of her time.
“Oh, you don’t have to entertain me.” She’s quick to reply.
I lean in close, getting a whiff of my body wash, and my cock stirs, knowing she smells like me. “We talked about this,” I remind her. “I want to spend time with you.” You need to relax, and I need you. “Tell me what you want to do today.”
“I’m up for anything.”
I look past McKenna to my sister. “Lara?”
She places her hand on McKenna’s shoulder. “Don’t you have to study?”
“Yeah, but uh… Rip talked me into taking the day off.”
My sister winks at McKenna, then looks past her to me. “The lake. Today is the perfect day to soak up some sun.”
“Kenna?”
“Sure, I’m good with that.”
“You sure?” I only want to do what will make her happy. She deserves the break.
“I’m sure,” she says, leaning toward me just a little. “I need to check in with Grams and Gramps, just out of courtesy.”
“I’ll drive you over. You text me when you’re ready to head to the lake.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I can walk. And you don’t have to wait for me. I can meet you there.”
“I’ll drive you,” I counter. I don’t even address that she can meet us there. The others can do what they want. I’m going to wait for her.
“Rip,” she sighs, and my cock twitches. I love the sound of my name falling from her lips.
“Kenna, I’ll drive you over. It’s not a big deal. I’ll head into town and grab some ice for the cooler and some stuff for the lake. It’s on the way.” I know she lives just across the field, but it’s at least a fifteen-minute walk, if not more, and it’s hot as hell out today. It’s supposed to be pushing the high nineties. Besides, that’s all the more time I have to spend with her.
“You know he’s stubborn,” Laramie chimes in.
“Fine. Thank you.”
“I’m ready when you are.” I stand and grab her plate and mine and place them in the dishwasher.
“What about my plate?” Corbin asks, smirking.
“Are your legs broken?”
“Nope,” he says, popping the p. Then he turns his gaze to McKenna with her long legs in those short-ass shorts. “Mac’s aren’t either,” he says. I can’t see his face because he’s looking at her, but I know he’s kidding. At least I think he is. As one of my best friends, he knows I’ve had a thing for McKenna since before she left for college. He would never try to swoop in and claim her as his. I know that, but it doesn’t stop the growl in my voice.
“James,” I say, calling him by his last name. It’s a warning, and everyone here knows it.
“Watch out, bro,” Colby tells him. “You’re about to wake the beast.”
Corbin throws his head back and laughs. “Stop, my head can’t take it,” he says, pressing his fingertips against his temple.
It serves him right. “That’s what you get,” I tell him. Walking back around the island, I place my hand on McKenna’s back as she stands. I want to slide my hand under her tank top to feel her soft skin. “Ready?” I leave my hand above her clothing.