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Chapter Four - I don't think I could handle it.

Paxton

I wake after the best night’s sleep I have had in a long time. I think it has a lot to do with where I am. I know I am safe here. The press has no idea where I have vanished, too. No one does. I didn’t even tell my manager. I told him I needed to escape and would return after the summer. The only ones who know I am here are Carter and McKenna. I won’t be going out much; if I do, I will ensure I am hidden. I don’t want anyone to find me or for the press to end up here. I don’t want to bring them any problems.

I pull my ass out of bed. I was late in bed last night, after three, because I was up with McKenna just talking and laughing. If I am being frank, I can’t get the image of her in a bikini out of my head. I feel guilty for it, but I can’t help it. It is her curves; they are enough to drive any man crazy. I need to pull it together. I slide on a pair of joggers and a tee since I sleep only in boxers before I leave the bedroom.

I need coffee. I head down to the kitchen; there doesn’t seem to be anyone around. I am not sure if anyone has plans for the day, or they may still be sleeping. It is only nine. I start a fresh pot, pour myself a cup and stare out the back window. Something soon grabs my attention, or should I say someone?

Kenna is outside doing what looks like yoga. She is in yoga pants and a sports bra. I find my eyes staying on her as she does her workout. I take a sip of my coffee. I lick my lips. Fuck, I need to stop. She is my best friend’s little sister. I groan and pull away, taking a seat at the breakfast bar. I sigh and run my fingers through my messy hair.

“Good morning. Are you okay? You seem stressed.” Carter says from behind.

I turn to face him and smile, “Good morning. Yes, I am all good. There is fresh coffee in the pot if you want some.”

“Thanks. Is McKenna up?” he asks.

“Yes, she is outside doing yoga or something.”

“I should have known. She is out there doing it every morning. She says it helps calm her and centre her.” He replies.

“Whatever works for her. I tried it once, but it didn’t work for me.”

“You must not have been doing it right.” I hear a giggle from behind me.

I glance over my shoulder and smile, “Obviously not.”

I try not to let my gaze on her stomach linger, her beautiful, toned, tanned stomach.

“You should do it with me one morning and see if we can get you into the right headspace.” She smiles.

I divert my eyes from her stomach to her face, “Sure, why not.”

Though, I don’t know how I would manage to focus with her in front of me. I have not been here for twenty-four hours, and I am already distracted by her more often than I should be.

She got herself a coffee and joined us.

“What do you both have planned for the day?” I ask.

“I need to go into the office. You could come with me if you want?” Carter suggests.

“No, I plan on hiding away for now. I will just hang out here if that is alright?” I ask.

He nods, “Of course it is.”

“I don’t have any plans. Looking for a new or second job, but nothing more.”

At least I won’t be alone. I don’t mind being alone, but having Kenna around will be better.

“Do you plan on hiding for the entire summer?” Carter asks me.

“Not the entire summer. I need to watch where I am going. I don’t want anyone finding out where I am or for the press to show up here.” I sigh.

“We will work something out because you can’t stay cooked up in the house the entire time you are here. That isn’t healthy.” He says.

I nod, “I know. I will work something out.”

Carter finished his coffee and disappeared to get ready for his day, leaving me with McKenna.

“What do you think? Could you do what you were watching me do outside?” she asks softly.

Fuck! How did she know I was watching her? I lift my head to stare at her.

“Sorry if I made you uncomfortable watching. I was curious.” I reply.

It may be a lie, but she doesn’t need to know I was perving on her.

“No, it didn’t.” she smiles.

“When did you start doing yoga and meditation? I don’t remember you doing that when you were younger?”

McKenna ran track back then. She was an incredible runner.

“About three years ago. I still run sometimes, but not as much as I used to. Yoga and meditation are better for me, not only my body but my mental health too. You should really try it again; it would do you good.”

“I don’t know if I have the mindset for it.” I shrug.

“We can find out. You can join me tomorrow morning if you like?” she smiles.

“I will think about it.”

I am not sure how I would do, especially with her in front of me and the strange feelings that seem to be rising within.

“Okay. I am going to make breakfast. Would you like some? I am going to make feta cheese and red pepper omelette.”

“Sure, sounds nice. Can I help?”

She shakes her head, “No, I got it.”

McKenna starts on breakfast, and I stay where I am, taking a second cup of coffee and watching her. She hums away to herself as she preps and cooks. I smile as I listen to her. It is a habit she has had for as long as I can remember.

“Do you want anything to go with it? Toast? Bacon?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder at me.

“No, the omelette is fine.”

“I am going to eat outside since it is a nice day.” She smiles, plating up our food.

“Can I join?”

“Sure, can you bring the last of the coffee out with you?”

I grabbed the pot; there was enough for another cup for the two of us, along with the mugs and headed out. McKenna followed a moment later, and we sat at the table on the patio.

She sets one of the plates in front of me, “Tuck in. I hope you like it.”

I do, taking a bite and groan, “Damn, that is good.”

“Good, I am glad you like it.” She says brightly.

I smile and continue. It is so good. It was nice to relax and not worry about anything else. No media is around, and no so-called friends or anyone from my team randomly showing up. It is perfect, really. It makes me wish my life was always like this. I love what I do. I love performing, making music and the relationship I have with my fans, but the other parts of the life, I could do without. I wish I could just have all the good without the bad, but I know it isn’t possible.

“Paxton, are you okay? You seem to have disappeared somewhere else?”

The sound of McKenna’s soft voice pulls me from the thoughts I hadn’t realised I had gotten lost in.

“Hmm, yeah, I am fine. I was just thinking about some things is all.”

“Okay, if you insist.” She sighs.

I don’t say another word because I don’t want to get into it with her. Silence comes between us as we finish up breakfast. The second McKenna is done, she heads inside. I sigh to myself and stay put. We used to talk so easily, but it doesn’t seem to be like that any longer. Maybe it is something I can try to work on while I am here. McKenna has always meant a lot to me. It may not have seemed like these last six years, but she did.

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