McKenzie Cousins Box Set 2

“I like the idea too. The only friends I’ve ever really had, have been my cousins or my brother, so it will be nice having a friend who isn’t part of that.” I then tease, “Someone who can give me advice about men and what they want.”

He roars with laughter. “I’m sure you’ve already figured out that most men just want to get their dick’s wet. In other words, sex. They’re not too fussy either.”

I fight not to blush at his words, and add, “You’re not like that, I don’t think so anyway, and neither is Derek.”

“I’m not going to lie, if you’d have accepted my many invitations to dinner, I would have given you my all to get into your little panties … there’s not that many women around here who look as hot as you.”

I snap my mouth closed and narrow my gaze. “I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to be insulted or delighted about that.”

“Delighted. I wasn’t insulting you. You’re a beautiful woman, Madison, and I’ve seen the way Derek looks at you. He’s noticed too. If age wasn’t an issue, then you’d already be his. That’s one thing I’m sure of.” Geary offers a small smile. “He’s a lucky bastard to have a woman like you in love with him. I just hope he realizes that before you settle and give your heart to someone else.”

I stare at him for a few moments and then tell him, “I’m so glad you’re my friend Geary, and before you leave this porch, we’re going to exchange cell numbers. Friends need to be able to call each other when they want to talk or need help with something. Friends also have weekly coffee dates.” I grin, and grabbing his hand, kiss his knuckles. “You’re not alone anymore.”

He clears his throat and looking off into the distance, he squeezes my hand. “Thank you, Maddie.”

I’m not sure how we went from flirting to friends, but I’m not going to complain because I think I’ve really needed a friend here. I’ve seen him around a few times and he always looked so lonely. Perhaps I’ll work out a way to introduce him to Olivia. They’re both lonely and I know my cousin, she won’t be able to take her eyes from Geary. Once she gets to know him, she won’t be able to walk away either. He may be God like on the outside, but he has a big heart on the inside.

34

Derek

My jealousy rises as I listen to Madison talk to Geary out on the back porch, neither of them aware I’m home. I’m also not in the habit of spying, but when I heard my name I couldn’t help but stop and listen. My initial impulse had been to interrupt but curiosity had gotten the better of me, which was why I now stood in my kitchen wondering what the hell to do, and whether or not I should make myself known.

The jealousy that rips through me at the thought of Madison with Geary being in bed together is ridiculous considering I refuse to go after the woman myself. I can’t expect her to stay single forever, and until I’d overheard Geary mention invitations to dinner, I’d had no idea that anyone else was interested in her. Silly really, since she’s so beautiful. But Maddie has slipped into my heart, and it hurts because I can’t do anything about it, I won’t let myself. I want her but can’t have her.

With a heavy heart, I decide to ignore the two out back and go about making some sandwiches for lunch. Dee had wanted to have lunch with me, but I’d come up with an excuse for having to head home, alone. I have a headache forming and her constant chatter wasn’t helping.

As I pull things out of the fridge, I realize that after having no woman around for years, I now have two. One I’m in love with, and the other I’m using to keep me away from the first.

I’m an asshole.

I shouldn’t be using anyone, and it really isn’t like me, but I’m under no illusion about Dee’s feelings for me. I know all about her lack of money, which is the sole reason she’s latched on to me so quickly. I only wish I’d been thinking when I’d first asked her out. It had been a spare of the moment decision, a diversion when I’d nearly caved and followed Madison up to the room I’ve given her to paint in.

Sighing heavily, I pull bread out of the basket and start to make cheese and ham sandwiches to go with the soup I’ll heat.

Glancing at the door, I walk out onto the porch and find Madison alone. “Geary gone back to work?”

She raises a brow and answers. “He said he had lunch waiting for him.”

“I have lunch waiting for you.” I grin.

She smiles, and grabs hold of my outstretched hand. “I could definitely eat.”

“Hmm, I love the sketch.” I nod toward her art pad lying on the table.

The light sketches are amazing and I’m seriously thinking of having them framed for my home office. “Don’t throw them away, please.”

Her eyes follow mine and she softly smiles. “I have no plans to. I’m fond of the sketches, there’s beauty in the unfinished.”

“You’ve captured everything.”

“I don’t think I’d ever get tired of this view,” she comments as I pull her inside with me.

I gently push her towards a chair at the table and serve up the sandwiches and tomato soup. I do have a housekeeper who comes in every few days, which is usually around the time I’m getting fed up of my own cooking. She’s due in this afternoon and my mouth waters at the thought of her homemade lasagna that I happen to know is on tonight’s menu.

“Talking about view. I’ve noticed how much you like it out there. Even the hottest parts of the day, you don’t really move.”

Her eyes sparkle as she smiles at my observation. “It’s so clean and fresh, and quiet. I can hear myself think. Until I’d arrived, I had no idea how much I would fall in love with the place.