Keeping the Beat: An Adrenaline Novel (12 page)

              “Good job, babe,” she giggled when he lifted her off her feet and kissed her hard. I gave her a small smile when she winked at me over Declan’s shoulder. “Is everything okay now?” She asked running a soothing hand up and down his back.

              “It will be as long as Jace keeps Kenzie happy.” Releasing her Declan looked over at Kenzie with a silent question in his eyes. When she smiled at him, the remaining tension in his body drained.

              “Babe, you’re so sweet.” Reece kissed his cheek making his stern expression lighten. Turning his head he caught her lips and kissed her immediately getting carried away.

              “Gross. Knock it off,” Kenzie complained before looking over at me. “Let's go put some ice on that eye.” She pivoted to go back in the house but stopped at her brother’s side. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, leaning up to whisper something in his ear. Whatever she said made him smile as he kissed her forehead. She hugged Reece just as tight before starting towards the door. “Come on, Jace before they start back up again.”

              I moved to follow her, nodding at Declan as I passed him. Stopping me with a hand on my chest, he offered his free one for me to shake. Relieved, I grabbed his hand in mine and chanced a grin at him. Immediately my lip sang in protest. “That’s right, bitch,” Declan smirked catching my wince.

              “Fuck you,” I chuckled following Kenzie’s inside. I gratefully accepted the ice pack she handed me pressing it to my eye with a groan. “Thank God that’s over.”

              “He didn’t have to hit you.” She pressed her lips to the corner of my mouth making me smile. She used to do the same to our bumps and bruises when we were younger.

              “I would have been mad at him if he didn’t,” I explained just as Declan and Reece reentered the kitchen.

              “Now who needs to know it off?” Declan glared at his little sister grabbing a piece of bacon from the kitchen table. Reece slid into the seat Kenzie had been occupying and began helping herself to her discarded plate.

              “Is there a reason you came over other than to steal my breakfast?” Kenzie asked moving away from me to sit next to Reece.

              “I had a doctor appointment this morning. We thought we would stop by to see how your date went.” She laughed loudly and looked over at me. Her gaze drifted over my shoulder and I turned to see what had caught her attention. On the counter sat a pretty vase of flowers, one’s I knew Kenzie was allergic to. I moved towards the counter and grabbed the roses from the vase, shoving them into the trash can beneath the kitchen sink.

              “That wasn't necessary,” Kenzie scowled at me. “Those were beautiful flowers.”

              “You’re allergic to roses,” I stared at her crossing my arms over my chest. “Why would you want to keep them?”

              “You could have given them to Reece,” she reasoned gesturing towards the other woman.

              “I can buy my woman her own flowers,” Declan grumbled as he kissed Reece’s temple. “We came over here for another reason too. We want to have everyone over for a barbecue tonight to celebrate.”  His expression transformed to one of pure joy as he linked hands with Reece’s. “We also have an announcement we want to make.”

              Reece smiled and popped a piece of bacon in her mouth giving me a knowing look. “I have a feeling your news might trump ours.” I felt my face beginning to throb and put the ice back to it trying not to smile.

              I had a feeling that Reece was right.

Chapter 11

Kenzie

             
I wasn't exactly nervous to show up at my brother’s house holding Jace’s hand, but I wasn't really excited about it either. Declan’s reaction had surprised me but I was still scared about what the twins were going to do. There were times where Wyatt’s protective instincts outshined Declan’s. Out of all of them I think he was the one who still thought of me as a scared girl who needed to be looked after.

              “Maybe we shouldn't hold hands right away,” I said feeling my palm grow sweaty. “It might be better to ease them into it.” Jace was driving us towards the ranch in his truck after we had spent the morning lounging around my house. When Declan and Reece left, Jace had tugged me into the living room to watch a movie. I had tried to distract him away from the screen by pressing teasing kisses to his jawline. It wasn't long before I had gotten my way and he had rolled me beneath him on the couch giving me another taste of the passionate side of Jason Craw.

              When I had tried to take things a step further by reaching for the snap on his jeans he had pulled away. He’d pushed my arms over my head and buried his face in my neck. His lips teased my skin as he proceeded to tell me that he had already fucked up too much where I was concerned. That he wanted to do this right. Apparently to Jace doing things right meant taking me out on a proper date before we went any further. My heart had turned to mush at the sincerity in his voice and I had reluctantly given up my pursuit to make him change his mind.

              As we turned onto the ranch’s property, Jace’s hazel eyes ran over me even as his fingers tightened around my hand. “They’re going to have to get over it.”

              The decision was made for me as Jace turned down the road towards Declan’s house. The twins were already outside hovering around the grill with Jared and Jon. That meant Lane must be inside the house with Reece. My thoughts were confirmed as Jace parked the truck and the woman stepped out of Declan and Reece’s two story with two young boys close behind her.

              “Ready?” Jace asked giving my hand a light squeeze. I nodded my head and hopped out of the truck. Before I could take a step, Jace was at my side taking my hand in his once more. Leading us forward I gave a smile to Lane and her kids as they came to greet us. It never failed to amuse me that Lane had named her youngest after my brother, even though she continued to lie through her teeth about it.

              “Hi boys.” I went to go hug them but had to do so awkwardly as Jace clearly wasn't planning on letting my hand go anytime soon. “How’s it going?”

              “Good,” Lake answered staring at Jace with curiosity. If the kid had already noticed something was different between us it wouldn't be long before the twins did either. “We didn't have hockey today. Simon has baseball practice and then he was eating at a friend’s house so mom said we needed to entertain ourselves.”

              “That’s very true,” Lane responded standing beside her sons. Her eyes immediately locked onto our hands and she didn't bother trying to hide her smile. “Can I just say that when Reece told me the news I was beside myself. Kenzie I was all for you getting some independence but you know how I feel about Adrenaline.” She gave a wink to Jace who smiled at her despite his busted lip.

              It wasn't a secret Lane was a huge fan of the band’s music. Even after seeing the sold out arenas it was still hard for me to think of them as famous rockstars. I had known them far too long and far too well. I couldn't think of them as anything other than my loving, occasionally smothering family.

     The reason Reece and Declan had met was because Jared had given Lane a heads up that he and Jace were hanging out at JJ’s before a show. She still had the tendency to fangirl over them from time to time though she was as much apart of our family now as I was.

              “Did Reece tell anyone else?” I asked gazing over her shoulder. Jared, Jon, and Garret still seemed distracted by the grill but the twins eyes had shifted to me. I had texted Garret earlier to give him a heads up so there was no doubt in my mind that Jared now knew. As for everyone else, I was still unsure.

              “What the fuck is this?” Wyatt’s voice boomed across the yard catching everyone’s attention. Lane put a hand on her kids shoulders and turned to usher them back into the house. Wyatt strode over to us, his blue eyes simmering even from a distance. Lucas matched his pace though he didn't look quite as angry as his twin. We could usually count on Lucas to keep Wyatt from going off the deep end.

              The screen door opened as my brother and Reece appeared. Declan crossed his arms over his chest and tried to frown but I saw his lips twitch as he watched Wyatt stalk across the yard. No doubt he was looking forward to whatever punishment that was coming Jace’s way.

              Before Wyatt could say another word I pulled my hand out Jace’s grasp and moved so that I was standing in front of him. Wyatt’s eyes widened on me as he looked between us, disbelief etched onto his face. “Kenzie, please do not tell me this is what I think it is!”

              I felt Jace tense behind me and reached back to grab his hand again. At my touch some of the tension left his body. “What do you think it is Wyatt?”

              “Don’t pull that shit with me Kenzie Nicole Kane. You give me a straight answer when I ask you a question.”

              “Fuck you, Wyatt.” Glancing around to make sure the kids were inside, I reared back and punched his arm. “I don’t have to answer any of your questions. Especially when you shout them at me like I’ve done something wrong!”

              “You’re right.” His eyes turned to slits as he looked over my head. “It’s you who needs to start talking. Are you going to use Kenzie as a shield all night?”

              I felt Jace’s hands lightly settle on my shoulders as he pushed me a few feet from his side. Rolling my eyes at all of them I frowned and crossed my arms over my chest. “God, Wyatt don’t you think you could be overreacting a little? Declan didn't even react this poorly.”

              Both Lucas and Wyatt’s heads turned searching the yard for my brother. When they found him he simply shrugged in response. “Who do you think roughened up the ugly fucker?”

              “What’s going on with you two?” Wyatt’s face turned speculative and I fought the urge to hit him again. I noticed Jared and Garret grinning widely at us as they sat down to watch the show. They weren't going to be of any use and I knew Jon would rather eat hot wax then get into a physical altercation with anyone let alone two big testosterone filled men.

              “For God’s sake! We’re together, Wyatt”   

              I was unprepared for what happened next. Lucas stepped forward, his fist connecting with Jace’s nose. He soon followed it up with a sharp jab to his ribs. Lucas’ arms were unrelenting as he pumped his fists into Jace’s face and body. Finally Wyatt picked his jaw up off of the floor and moved forward to pull his brother off of Jace who had fallen to the ground.

              Pushing his brother off of him, Lucas’ chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. Falling to my knees next to Jace I tried to assess the damage while he batted my hands away. His nose had started to bleed and he was going to be sore as hell but I didn't think anything was broken.

              “What the hell, Lucas?” It was Wyatt who broke the stunned silence, his voice tinged with disappointment. I think everyone in the yard had been expecting Lucas to have to pull Wyatt back, not the other way around.

              Lucas’ face looked as angry as I’d ever seen it. Normally Lucas was an even tempered man who mostly kept to himself, even within the family. Having Simon had brought him out of his shell a little, but Lucas’ personality had always been quiet and pensive.

              Jumping to my feet I reached down and helped Jace get on his as I warily watched Lucas struggle to gain control. There was no doubt in my mind that Jace could take Lucas in a fight. The fact that he hadn't even tried to defend himself said a lot. It was almost as if he wanted Lucas to hit him.

              “How are you okay with this?” Lucas turned to Declan with blood in his eye. “You’ve seen the way Jace treats women. This whole past year you’ve seen how he’s acted and yet you’re standing there smiling.”

              “I’m smiling because you knocked him on his ass, Lucas.” Declan shook his head with a laugh infuriating me. “I know better than anyone what Jace has been up to this past year, but look at his face.” The whole yard turned to do just that. “He didn't fight back, Lucas. He just stood there and let you beat on him. He did the same with me this afternoon. I’d expect if Wyatt wanted to get a shot in Jace would let him.”

              Wyatt’s expression brightened before I smacked his arm again. “No more hitting. God you're all such cavemen. It’s nauseating.”

              I wished my family would butt out for once but knew it would never happen. If only Mrs. Cooper were here she’d make them knock it off. She was another person Jace and I were going to have to talk to. I was relieved she was going to be coming back from her vacation in time for Sunday dinner.

              Clearly intent on ignoring me, Lucas stared at my brother. “What’s your point, Declan?”

              “My point is he’s making Kenzie happy now and that’s what matters most. Right?” The twins reluctantly nodded their heads in agreement. “Good,” Declan nodded with a satisfied grin. “Reece, can you go get Jace some ice? He’s going to need more than one pack.” Coming down the steps Declan reached out to shake Lucas’ hand. “I admire your work.”

Jace

              Declan had been right when he said I’d need more than one ice pack. Lucas had done some damage. I was doing my best to put on a brave face for Kenzie’s sake but my body was one big throbbing mess by the time dinner was ready.

Wyatt hadn't stopped glaring at me and I knew he was pissed that he hadn't been able to get to me before his brother did. He could have a free shot at me another day if he wanted. I was going to be a wuss for the rest of the night and use Kenzie as a shield. My ribs and face couldn't handle another hit. I was glad Garret had decided to get on board because I really couldn't handle a beating from him.

              Once everyone had calmed down so had Kenzie. When we had arrived she had been a ball of nervous energy but after the guys had worked out their frustration she had finally been able to relax. The only other person I needed to speak with was my aunt. That was a conversation I needed to have in person.

              When we had all sat down to eat at the extra long picnic table another car pulled up the driveway. Emma’s familiar red head popped out of the driver’s seat as she greeted us all with a dimpled smile.

              “Sorry I’m late.” She reached back into her car to grab a bag before walking over to where we were sitting. Catching sight of me she did a double take and gave an audible wince. “Geez, what happened to you?” Glancing down she took note of my hand wrapped in Kenzie’s and her eyes widened. “Oh, I see.” Tongue in cheek her gaze swept across the yard taking in the varied amused and angry expressions. Emma met Kenzie’s eye and gave her a little pout. “Does this mean you don’t need me to be your pimp anymore?”

              My lips tugged down in a frown as I tried to relax. Kenzie laughed and shook her head, the look on her face soothing my anxiety. “That’s not going to be necessary, Emma.”

              Damn right that wasn't going to be necessary. I threw my arm around Kenzie’s shoulders and pressed a kiss to her lips.

              “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” Lucas spoke in an even tone watching us carefully. I was going to have to pull my cousin aside and ask why he was so upset. Even though he looked calm, I could tell he was still furious with me.

              “Damn. I had a double date set up for us too,” Emma sounded genuinely disappointed before giving a small shrug. “More for me. You’re not going to quit working for us though, right?” She gave Jared a panicked look. “You’re seriously the best bartender we have.”

              “No, I’m not quitting,” Kenzie frowned. “I like working for you guys.”

              Emma’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “Good. Then you deserve the treats I brought.” Reaching into her bag she pulled out an oversized Tupperware container. “Peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chips.”

              “Oh my gosh,” Kenzie exclaimed practically climbing over me to get to the cookies. “I haven't had these in forever.”

              “I think I’ve perfected the recipe since last time,” Emma said with smug look on her face.

              "Yeah, you did," Reece groaned in appreciation when Kenzie passed her a cookie from the container. “God, Emma. You could seriously make a fortune off of these.” Emma had always been amazing in the kitchen. I remembered skulking around one afternoon as Emma taught Wyatt how to make her famous double chocolate fudge brownies. Needless to say hers had turned out way better than his.

              Emma grabbed another smaller tin from her bag and tossed it at Wyatt who jerked to attention to catch it. He stared at the package for a moment before looking at Emma with his mouth hanging open.              

              As she met Wyatt’s gaping stare Emma blushed looking uncomfortable. “I remember you’re allergic to peanut butter,” she explained, shrugging like it was no big deal.