Playful Hearts (A Rocky Harbor Novel Book 4) Read online

  Mackenzie lowered her body, removing her boob from his face—unfortunately—and smirked. “What’s the matter?”

  The witch knew what was wrong, not that it was a bad problem to have. His hands were full of a half-naked horny woman, he had a condom ready to roll on, and couldn’t access his erection.

  Slowly, Mackenzie unwrapped her legs and slid them down his body. She shimmied out of her shorts then spun Blake around so he was against the wall. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she wrapped her legs around him again. Tilting herself back, she teased him with her body and he gripped on to her hips so she wouldn’t fall.

  Working her hands down his chest, she fingered the top of the waistband of his jeans and slid her hand underneath, her cool, soft skin causing him to nearly double over in erotic pain.

  She toyed with him before biting her lip and winking mischievously. “Need some help down here, do you?” she whispered in his ear, before tugging his earlobe between her teeth.

  “I swear, Mack…” he growled and thrust his erection toward her hand.

  She pulled back and worked at the snap of his jeans before tugging down his zipper. Mackenzie took the condom from his hand and covered him. The second she finished he swore again. “Hold on. Tight.” He turned them around so her back was against the wall and rode her hard and fast.

  They clawed at each other and moaned and cursed each other’s names as they fought to get closer, closer until not even a breath of air could slip between them. It wasn’t long before she clenched him, her thighs squeezing his hips, her heels bruising his back.

  And he loved every second of it. “Mack,” he bit out between clenched teeth before following the fireworks exploding behind his eyes.

  The entry room was quiet and still, except for their heated panting. When his eyes finally focused, he leaned his forehead against the wall and tried to catch his breath. “What the hell was that?”

  “It’s called sex.”

  “I’ve had sex before. That was…” He didn’t want to say it meant something, it didn’t. How could it? His jeans were around his thighs and Mackenzie was naked, wrapped around his body as they stood in the back of the storage room to Coast & Roast at the base of the stairs to her apartment. If it meant anything more than sex they’d be in a bed or a fancy hotel or something.

  “That was hot.”

  “Yeah.” Blake massaged Mackenzie’s ass in his hands and she squirmed off him, breaking their connection.

  “Thanks for the sex. I’m gonna hit the sack. Long day.” Mackenzie was dressed before Blake could pull up his jeans.

  “Oh. Okay.” He was kinda hoping she’d ask him upstairs so they could do the sex thing again. Only this time fully naked. Maybe even horizontal. Or semi-horizontal. Mackenzie would look good draped over her kitchen table. Or couch. Or against the wall again.

  “See ya around.” Mackenzie headed up the stairs to her apartment and Blake’s gaze followed her retreating figure, zeroing in on her ass, wondering how the hell he got so lucky.

  He should have been more relaxed on his way home after his grand slam in her hallway. Instead he was tense and confused, not something he’d ever been after having sex.

  There were times he misread a woman and he’d found out too late that she was the commitment type. He would work hard to rectify the situation as quickly as possible, not wanting to hurt the woman and not wanting to come off like an ass either.

  The signs Mackenzie threw out were pretty clear. They were on the same page, and yet there were times, like at the gym, when he sensed her annoyance when he worked and flirted innocently with other women. It was part of his job, to make the women—and the men—feel comfortable and safe, but still challenge and push themselves.

  From the little he’d learned, and the little he’d asked about Mackenzie, she was the female version of him. Dedicated to her job, looking for a good time and not into relationships.

  So what was their problem? Why was it that every time he left her he felt unsatisfied, like he wanted something more, even after the most ridiculously amazing intense sex of his life?

  Blake pulled into his driveway and shoved his gearshift roughly into park. “Damn women,” he cursed. Fumbling with his keys as he stood on his front stoop, he finally found the right one and held it to the lock. “What the…”

  The front door was slightly ajar, not enough so anyone walking down the road would notice it had been left open, just enough so the lock didn’t click. Blake slowly pushed the door open and called out.

  “Hello?” He flicked the light on and scanned the entryway. He could take the four steps up and check out the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, or the four steps down and check out his storage and workout space.

  There were more places to hide downstairs so he went there first, turning on lights, opening closet doors. He didn’t have a lot of crap to look through—one of the perks of living on the go for the past decade—and shut off the lights, taking two stairs at a time to check out the upstairs.

  No boogeymen popped out of the closets or were hiding under his bed. Blake jogged up the stairs again and locked the front door, clicking the deadbolt. Then, remembering his loose screen the other week, he went back into his workout space and checked the windows. The one in the back was unlocked.

  Blake wasn’t one to scare easily—he was a guy after all and had a million gallons of testosterone running through his veins—but he got a sudden case of the willies. He checked the rest of his windows and did the same upstairs, even though they’d be harder for an intruder to get to.

  There was no need to text his family. They wouldn’t have crawled through his downstairs window and left his front door ajar and would only worry, or make fun of him for being scared.

  Taking another quick inventory of his expensive items, he felt a little better and went into the kitchen to make a sandwich. Pulling open the deli drawer in his fridge, he reached in and came out empty. The roast beef and Swiss were gone.

  Weird. He swore he still had enough left to make another sandwich. He grabbed the tinfoil package Rachael had left for him yesterday and dumped the pork chop and baked potato on a plate before tossing it in the microwave. He wouldn’t let a minor thing like an opened door and window freak him out. Could have been the wind or negligence.

  He knew, though. And while he didn’t want anything to do with them, if he called the police, it would make the possibility of this being Alyssa more real. Better to think of the intruder as a stranger. Blake was the master of playing dumb to get out of doing things.

  Or believing what he didn’t want to believe. A total head case, he was. Hell, Blake’s head hadn’t been on straight since being with Mackenzie.

  It was her fault he forgot little things like locking the front door, putting gas in his truck. Eating.

  After scarfing down his dinner, he took another shower—to wash off the willies—and fell into bed naked and still wet.

  He couldn’t help but smile and imagine Mackenzie naked and wet in his bed too.

  Soon.

  Sporadic sex with Mackenzie Pratt wasn’t enough to keep him satisfied. He’d need to step up his game.

  Chapter Ten

  Mackenzie

  "Pretty please? Everyone had to work Memorial Day weekend, so we’re getting together tomorrow. Will you come to the cookout?” Maggie begged as she sat innocently on the couch in Coast & Roast nursing Katie.

  “It’s a family thing and I’m not—”

  “You’d hurt Doreen’s feelings if she heard you say that. You’re my best friend and friends with all her daughters as well. That makes you family. Besides, she loves to take in strays.” Maggie grinned.

  “Funny. I’m not a stray. It’s just…” She didn’t want to be comfy and cozy at Blake’s family home. He’d think she was working her way into something more. Trying to latch on to him or something.

  Which she totally wasn’t. Just because she enjoyed spending time with him and he made her laugh and could bring h
er to orgasm with a snap of his fingers didn’t mean she’d fallen for him.

  Any hot guy could do the same.

  “Is it Blake?”

  “What? Oh, no. We agreed to a quick sex thing. No awkward feelings or anything there. He’s a nice guy. We’re just friends.” She shut herself off before she rambled even more. Maggie raised an all-knowing eyebrow and shifted Katie as she fixed her bra.

  “Is it your mom?” Maggie propped Katie over her shoulder and patted her back.

  Mackenzie could be a loser and use her family as a scapegoat, but running away wasn’t her thing. She preferred to face her fears, call people out on theirs. The queen of ball busting. Maggie was usually the same, but she gave Mackenzie an out.

  “Mom’s the same. Which means she’s different and you never know what you’re gonna get. Dad is hoping to get her out for the Strawberry Festival next week. It will be good for her.”

  “You know they’re more than welcome to come too. I didn’t think Renee would be up for it. To be with so many people she doesn’t know.”

  “It’s better than being with people she should know and doesn’t remember.”

  “I’m sorry, Kenzie. This is so hard for you and your family. You know I’ll help in any way I can.” Maggie gave her a one-armed hug and rested her head on Mackenzie’s shoulder. “Think she’d be up for a visit? She hasn’t met Katie yet.”

  “That’s a great idea. Just be prepared. She may scoff at you for having a baby while you’re still in high school.”

  “I’ll take it as a compliment. It’ll mean she’s seeing past the wrinkles and gray streaks.”

  “As if.” Mackenzie laughed. Maggie’s pale Irish skin was as smooth and clear as her baby’s.

  “So you’ll come to the cookout and next week Katie and I will visit Renee. Deal?”

  “Fine. I need to get back to work. Tell Doreen I’ll bring a fruit salad or something.” Mackenzie kissed the baby and peeled herself off the couch.

  “See you at four,” Maggie called after her.

  The steady stream of caffeine addicts kept Mackenzie busy right up until closing. She wiped down the machines, stacked the chairs in the eating area, and swept and mopped the floors.

  Once the other chores were done, she called Diane to make sure she could still close up tomorrow, and then went to the grocery store to buy fresh pineapple, watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries.

  The following morning she prepped the salad, covered it, and put it in the fridge and set out for another long day of keeping the people in southern Maine caffeinated and happy.

  At quarter to four, after making sure everything was stocked and the shop looked decent, Mackenzie grabbed her keys from under the counter.

  “I’m heading out. Call if you need anything.”

  “Have fun. It’s good to see you getting out more often.” Diane tucked the dishrag in her apron and shooed Mackenzie out back. “Go upstairs and change. Don’t give me or this place another thought.”

  “You’re the best. I owe you.”

  “You pay me by the hour.” Diane laughed.

  “True.”

  Mackenzie jogged up the stairs to her apartment, took a quick shower to wash the daily grind off, and changed into a pair of denim capris and a sleeveless bright blue top.

  She was a sneakers kind of girl, being on her feet all day, and hadn’t had a pedicure in ages. It was flip-flop weather, though. She slid her feet into her favorite pair and slapped a coat of bright blue polish on her toenails.

  Never one to coordinate before, she was proud of her outfit. Top and toes. Who would have guessed they’d look adorable as a matching pair?

  Mackenzie stared at herself in the mirror and cringed. “Adorable?” When had she ever used that word to describe herself? Or anyone for that matter. Maybe Katie.

  She rarely touched her makeup bag, only diving into it to sex up her eyes for a hot date or one of the Riley weddings. While a backyard barbecue didn’t call for slutty eyes, she could apply a coat or two of mascara. Just for fun. It had been too long since she last gussied herself up for a date.

  Not that she was going on a date today. Heck, Blake would probably be at the gym anyway. Mackenzie snorted. Who was she kidding? She wanted to look good for him. Wanted him to fantasize about her as much as she fantasized about him.

  Satisfied with her looks, she dried and straightened her hair. When was the last time she’d worn it down? The tips brushed the bottom of her bra. And when was the last time she had a trim? She pulled a few long locks around to her front and hunted for split ends. Yeah, a trim was definitely needed. Lately any free minute Mackenzie had was spent at her parents’ or shopping for her parents.

  And then there were those few excursions with Blake. Those were fun. She smiled to herself as she grabbed her keys and fruit salad and let herself out the back door.

  By the time Mackenzie pulled up to the Riley homestead, the dirt driveway was already filled with trucks and cars and Jake’s sexy motorcycle. She wouldn’t be surprised if Blake showed up on a bike one day. He’d look totally hot on one.

  As soon as she got out of her tiny car she could hear laughter and the clanging of horseshoes out back. Instead of rounding the house and joining the party, she went to the front door, knocking and calling out through the screen.

  “Hi, Doreen. It’s Mackenzie.”

  “Come on in, sweetheart! I’m in the kitchen.”

  Mackenzie let herself in and headed toward the back of the house. “Smells delicious in here. Not that I’d expect anything less.”

  “I’m so glad you came. Maggie made my day when she said you were joining us.” Doreen wiped her hands on the apron tied around her plump waist and pulled Mackenzie in for a hug. “How’s your mother doing?”

  Of course she’d know what was going on. The Rileys kept their own personal stories private, but were always reaching out to help others in need.

  “Dad said you stopped by with some apple bread and corn chowder last week.”

  “Just being neighborly.” Doreen took the fruit salad from Mackenzie’s hands and placed it on the counter.

  “You live twenty miles from my parents.”

  “Everything is twenty miles away when you live in Maine.”

  Mackenzie laughed. “You’re very kind to do that. My parents loved it and asked for your recipe.”

  “I’ll be sure to send you home with it. Next time bring your folks over. I’d like to get to know your mother better. She wasn’t up for socializing when I’d stopped by.”

  “She has good days and bad days. Dad said Mom was in a funk all morning, but when she dove in to your chowder she perked right up and started rattling off ingredients, trying to figure out what was in it, and made a grocery list. She talked his ear off about the chowders she used to make and asked Dad for his opinion on dinner. First time that’s ever happened.”

  “That’s good, then. I’m glad the chowder spurred good memories.”

  “Hey Kenzie.” Rachael and Lucy came in from the back door, Lucy with an empty wine glass in hand and Rachael with an empty water bottle.

  “No wine?”

  “Nope.” Rachael grinned.

  “We all know you’re knocked up. I don’t know why you won’t just come out and admit it.”

  “Lucy,” Doreen scolded.

  “Don’t deny it, Mom. I’ve seen you stare at her belly quite a bit the last few weeks.”

  “I’ve done no such thing.” Doreen took the towel out of her apron and swatted Lucy on the backside. “Rachael can tell us when she’s good and ready. I’m not going to pry.”

  Lucy burst out laughing and Rachael clamped her mouth shut, spinning on her heels and marching out the door.

  “I’ve suspected the same,” Mackenzie admitted.

  “She’s probably waiting for the right time,” Doreen said and changed the subject. “Blake said he’ll be late and not to wait to eat.”

  “Then let’s throw the chicken on the grill.” Lucy p
icked up the pan of marinating chicken and used her hip to open the door.

  “What can I bring out?” Mackenzie held the door open for them and followed behind.

  Doreen loaded her with utensils and paper towels and paper plates as the men came in to grab their share as well.

  With so many helpers, it didn’t take long to carry the pasta and potato salads, veggie platters, fruit salad, rolls, condiments, and other treats everyone had brought along to the table outside. Colton and Jake moved two picnic tables next to each other and Sage covered them with a red checkered tablecloth.

  “Grub’s ready,” Luke called from the grill. “Bring your plates over and I’ll serve you from here.”

  They made an assembly line, the kids insisting Doreen go first, then the girls, then the boys. Colton and Ellie’s ten year-old son CJ was so polite, letting Mackenzie cut in front of him when Colton gave him a look.

  “I promise not to take all the whoopee pies,” Mackenzie whispered to him when she saw him eyeing them with desire.

  “Did you make any of your brownies? My mom said yours are the best in the world.”

  “Aw, shucks, kid. That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” She ruffled his head and when Colton turned around, she nudged him in front of her so he could get his food first.

  The rest of the evening was spent in casual relaxation. They’d paired off, taking turns playing horseshoes and corn hole. Since Lucy and Mackenzie were the only two unattached, they partnered up and Doreen and CJ were a team.

  So much laughter and chatter and fun. She’d never had this with her brothers. Sure, they got along fine enough, but the age gap kept their social lives pretty separate.

  By the time the sun dipped behind the trees, Luke had made a fire in the fire pit and the men had dragged lawn chairs around in a circle.

  “What happened to the party?”

  Twelve heads swiveled toward Blake.

  “It’s about time.” Doreen jumped up and hugged him like she hadn’t seen him in ages even though he visited her every week for dinner. “I’ll go make you a plate.”