It’s always the same. I fuck up and then my mind won't stop reminding me what a loser I am.
I stoodat the door for the last half an hour, my forehead placed lightly to it. I can do this. Why did I feel so anxious? My breath caught in my throat and my chest tight. I just have to touch the doorbell. It's been a week since our fight, a week of me refusing to take this step. She never asks for me at the pizza shop anymore, and I found myself asking them if she called. I earned myself a couple of glares for my pushiness.
I know where she lives. I should have just come over the next day or the day after, but I was afraid she'd reject me. I don't want to be denied, not by her, which is why I’m about to demand she come to my brother's engagement party with me. I will not take no for an answer.
I know for a fact Tiffany will line up single women by the dozen to win me over, and all I want to do is see Kenzie. Claim her lips again, look into those pretty blue eyes. I raise my hand and knock when I am brave enough. I tried the doorbell, but there was no answer. I slam my fist on the door and am about to walk away when she appears in the doorway, clad in only a white fluffy towel. A frown creases her forehead, and she stares daggers at me.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
"I thought no one was home," I growl, running my hands through my hair. "Why didn't you answer?"
"I was in the goddamn shower," she yells. "What do you want, Kace?"
“I want to take you somewhere, this thing I need to go to.”
Her eyes rake over me, and I want to smirk at the appreciation evident in her eyes.
"Who knew what dress pants and a shirt could achieve?"
“What? Come out with me. Please.”
Her shoulders drop, and I know she's caving. "I can't." She lets out a breath. "I have plans."
"Undo them." I take a step forward, and she swallows, stepping back. "Please."
“I cannot just cancel plans I made weeks in advance because you decide to show up herea week after you left me with no explanation.”
I stand above her, catching her floral scent, and closing my eyes for a second. I reach out and grip her waist, pulling her to me. She gasps and gapes at me. Her silver hair dripping down her shoulders.
“You’re exquisite, Kenzie. Unlike any woman I have ever met.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Kace.”
I lean in and brush my lips against her shoulder, instantly hardening. She rests her head on my chest. I know she feels my reaction to her, and I don't care. "It got me here, inside this apartment, holding you in nothing but a towel, and I bet if I wanted to, I could let it slip, and you'd let me." Her breathing quickens as I trail a few kisses till I reach her neck. "Come with me."
She slips her hands under my arms and tickles me, causing me to let her go. When she stops her assault, she places a hand on my cheek. "I really can't, but I can see you later. I promised someone, and I can't just go back on that."
I pretend to be stabbed in the heart, causing her to giggle. I pull her close again.
“I’ll let you off this time.” I place a soft kiss on her lips and let her go. “I should go.”
I turn around and place my hand on the door handle.
“And Kace.”
“Yeah?” I respond, turning toward her.
“Don’t you dare leave me the way you did the other night.”
I nod. I can’t promise her I won’t be an asshole, but I sure will try.
* * *
I hatethese stiff parties my brother and Tiffany put together. What happened to the old Jax, the metal head and party animal? Now he's in a penguin suit laughing through the side of his mouth. Pretentious prick. Love makes you a turd. When I eventually do fall in love, I will be sure to kick my own ass if I behave like that. But man, do I love my brother. He's always been my best friend. It's why I'm here, about to be pulled into awkward conversations and Tiffany's matchmaking endeavors. I see her wiggling an eyebrow towards a blonde in the corner of the room, and I shake my head. She proceeds to tilt her head conspiratorially to a busty brunette, and I flip her off. She flushes and whispers to Jax who gives me a warning glare.
Now if my little silver-haired minx were in this room, it'd be a whole other story. My reaction to her earlier was just the beginning. I can’t get her off my mind. The things I want to do to her. I see Tiffany approaching, and on instinct, I back away, but she catches up to me.
“Kace, my darling brother-in-law, I’d like you to meet my very good friend, Kenzie.”
