Keeping the Beat: An Adrenaline Novel (24 page)

Thank you so much for reading Kenzie and Jace’s story,

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Feel free to leave a review, I would love to hear from you.

You can also follow my instagram page at getlostinthestory.

Stay tuned for a sneak preview of Lucas’ story,

Finding the Rhythm!

Preface

Lucas

              “Lucas, man. You got to slow down,” Jace said from next to me. I grunted and shot him the finger bringing the bottle of beer to my lips again. My cousin sighed and walked away from me. Seconds later the couch cushion dipped again.

              “You’re going to have a hell of a headache in the morning,” Declan whistled. “How many bottles have you had?” He pointed to the row I had lined up on the coffee table. “Looks like about a dozen here since,” he looked at the clock. “What two?”

              “It’s my birthday and this is quite the achievement,” I grumbled and put the next empty bottle by the others.

              “Shut the fuck up,” Wyatt growled knocking all the bottles down. “Get off your ass and get in the shower, Lucas.” My twin brother stepped in front of the TV so I was forced to look up at him. “We’re leaving in five minutes whether you smell like a dumpster or not.”

              “Don’t care,” I said.

              There was a beat of silence before I felt hands grabbing me. Wyatt and Jace had gripped me under the arms and were pulling me into the bathroom. Declan walked ahead of them and turned on the shower. He stepped back as they shoved me inside, keeping the water icy. I cursed and swung out at them but their hold only tightened. After damn near drowning me, Wyatt finally let up and pulled me out from underneath the spray.

              “Put some dry clothes on,” he snarled and turned from the room. “I’m going to make a phone call. When I get back, you better be ready to go.” Jace and Declan hovered at my side for a minute before trailing after him.

              I started bitching under my breath as I attempted to dry off and put on a new pair of pants and a shirt. Glancing over my shoulder I saw that my bandmates had all left the room. I reached down under my bed and found a bottle that I had stashed away before Wyatt could catch me.

              Untwisting the lid I took several deep swallows before putting it back under the bed. I needed a few drinks to get me through the next couple of hours with her. I’d been needing a drink to get me through the next couple of hours period for a while now.

              Fucking Cadence.

              “Lucas,” Wyatt called, walking into the room. He saw me hunched over and his face morphed into one of pure rage. “What the fuck, man? I leave you alone for three minutes and this is what happens?” He strode over and reached under the bed finding my hidden bottle. His blue eyes cut through me as he stood and threw the handle. The glass smashed against the opposite wall as Wyatt continued to breath heavily.

              “That was an expensive bottle,” I said stupidly.

              Wyatt’s jaw tightened. “I don’t give a fuck. This is it, Lucas. This is the moment where you have to decide what kind of person you want to be. The one you're becoming isn't you man. This drunk lazy asshole is not you.”

              I rubbed at my red rimmed eyes and tried to focus on my brother’s face. He kind of looked like he was going to cry. “Are you going to cry?” I asked after studying him for a moment.

              Wyatt swiped an arm over her eyes before resting his hands on his hips. “I fucking might, Lucas. You should be in my place right now. This isn’t good.” He gestured to where I was sitting on the floor. “You’re not good. I think it’s past time we talk about getting you some help.”

              “Bullshit,” I slurred and tried to get to my feet. I didn't get very far before I fell back on my ass again. “Don’t need help,” I groaned.

              “I beg to differ,” Wyatt shot back. He crossed the room and grabbed my arms hauling me to my feet. His hand clasped the back of my neck forcing me to look him in the eye. “After we go do this, we’re going to have a long talk you and I. I refuse to let you to throw your life away Lucas. It’s not going to happen.”

              “Fine,” I said trying to push him off of me.

              After a second he relented. “Come on let’s go.”

              Wyatt didn't give me much of a choice as he led me to the car. I didn't have a chance to open the door because Jace did it for me. Wyatt shoved me into the seat and slammed it shut making my eyes throb inside my head.

              I didn't know how long we drove before Wyatt threw the car into park. “Get out,” he told me. When I didn't, he made me. I heard an ambulance whine behind us and placed hands over my ears to stop the noise from going in. It didn't do jack shit.

              “Fuck, shut that thing up,” I moaned.

              “Those noises tend to happen at a hospital,” Declan said dryly. “Can’t really shut up an emergency.”

              “God,” I swore a few times shuffling behind Wyatt into the building. He stopped at the desk in the lobby and exchanged a few words before tuning back to me. Grabbing my arm he started pulling me down the hallway. “I can walk, Wyatt,” I protested trying to jerk my arm free.

              “Shut up,” Wyatt bit out. “We’re here.”

              Walking over to the nursing desk he bent his head down to speak with one of the girls behind it. I saw her smile at him and would have rolled my eyes if I suspected I wouldn't throw up as a result.

              “How you doing?” Jace asked next to me. I shrugged.

              “This way,” Wyatt said and grabbed me again. He was following the nurse down the hall. We stopped in front of a glass wall and watched the nurse walk into the room. She exchanged a few words with the other nurses inside. Bending down she picked up a small little bundle and walked out to us. Wyatt pointed at me and the nurse gave me a dubious look.

              “Mr. Cooper?” she asked. I jerked my chin in acknowledgement. She gave a little smile as she looked down at what she was holding. “This is your son.”

              When she tried to hand me the small pile of blankets I almost took a step in retreat. Jace and Declan’s hands on my back prevented that from happening. I swallowed hard and outstretched my arms so she could gently place the baby into them. I looked at her a moment longer than necessary, then forced myself to look at the baby.

              I had never seen anything so tiny in my entire life. His little face was scrunched up as his fist appeared out of the blanket to run across his nose. I watched in complete fascination as his eyes started to blink open. They locked on mine and I saw they were the same bright blue as my own.

              Just like that I felt my whole world shift.

              Wyatt stepped up next to me and ran his hand over the baby’s head. “What are we going to call him?”

              I cleared my throat and shot a hesitant look at my brother before looking back at the baby. “Simon,” I whispered watching my son stare up at me.

              Then I started to cry.

Chapter 1

Maeve

              When I was a little girl I always knew I would be living in a big city. I dreamed about being a high powered career woman who would wear fancy business suits. Never had I imagined cleaning up after a bunch of animals.

              Literally.

              When I thought about it, it wasn't too different from what I had been doing in the city. There I had been planning parties and cleaning up after human animals. I had always liked it but for the past few years the constant crowds and demands had gotten to be too much. It was past time I started taking care of myself.

              When I had decided to quit my job and move out of the city, it had seemed like the perfect time to make a different dream a reality. Being with animals had always afforded me a peace I didn't find in the company of others. Having the opportunity to help animals in need gave me a sense of satisfaction I had never had before.

              Not only did the job suit me, the small town did as well. When I'd told my brother Mason I was moving to a town so small you could barely find it on a map, he had laughed in my face. We had never lived anywhere but a major city. Sometimes we lived in other countries, but always in a place where everything we could ever possibly need was within our reach. My parent's careers had taken me to a lot of fast paced places. It was time to try to slow things down for a bit.

              I liked the rhythm of the town. The fact that everyone waved to you, whether they knew you or not. I liked knowing what to expect when I turned the corner. The routine of the life I was building here felt stable. Stable was something I'd always wanted.

              A low whine sounded in my ear and I turned right into my dog Kiddo's sloppy kiss.

              ”Oh gross," I giggled pushing her big face away. She gave a sharp bark and sat, her butt wagging back and forth as she stared at me. "Did you want to go play outside?" I asked cocking my head.

              Immediately Kiddo let out a loud bark. Her head butted my shoulder as if to motivate me to move faster. We had been inside longer than I had planned. But I hadn't exactly planned to be cleaning up an accident left by my last client.

              In addition to providing a home for animals without one, I had started teaching dog obedience classes. I'd always had a weakness for animals, but dogs especially. I enjoyed working with them and I thought the feeling was mutual.

              "You're right," I informed my dog as I rid myself of the stinking mess I'd just cleaned up. "We should give ourselves a break. We deserve it." Just as we were about to walk into the fenced in area on the property, I heard my assistant Tegan call for me.

              "Maeve," her voice came a second before her head popped around the corner. "Oh good you're already on your way."

              "On my way where?" I asked as Kiddo leaned into the scratch Tegan was giving her.

              "To your next lesson," Tegan said glancing down at her phone. "I have you scheduled with Loki right now."

              The disappointment of not having a break was somewhat better knowing who the client was. Loki belonged to a nice couple who I was starting to think of as friends. I hadn't been in town that long when I'd started at the shelter. Reece Becker and her dog had been two of my first clients. I was fairly certain her endorsement of me had brought more than a few townspeople my way.

              "Thanks Tegan," I gave her a smile as I signaled for Kiddo to come to my side. "I would literally walk around in a fog of confusion without you looking out for me."

              "What can I say?" She laughed and pulled her cotton candy pink hair away from her face. "I'm the best."

              "You really are," I confirmed with a wink. Tegan was truly a godsend. She had more of a business brain which came in handy because that stuff was a bore to me. When she was out of school I was planning on offering her a partnership.

              Turning on my heel I walked out into the yard with Kiddo keeping pace by my side. My loving lab never strayed too far away. Shielding my eyes to the sun I saw Reece and her fiancé waiting for me by the small obstacle course we had outside. I raised my hand to greet them as I walked across the lawn.

              "Hey Maeve," Reece said noticing me. Her fiancé Declan turned to smile at me as I reached where they were standing. The first time I had realized who Reece was getting married too I had been taken aback. I had been mixing company with celebrities since I was born, but I had never expected to run into one in a small town almost no one had heard of. Maybe that's why Declan and the rest of his family lived here.

              "Good to see you again," Declan said in a friendly voice. He had his hand wrapped tightly around Loki's leash as the dog strained to go greet Kiddo. My dog was looking up at me with wide eyes asking permission to go say hello. Giving her the signal to relax, she trotted over to sniff at Loki.

              "It's good to see you too. How has everything been going?" I asked nodding towards their dog.

              "You're like magic, Maeve," Reece said with feeling. "Loki is like the same loving dog but with amazing manners."

              "You've really saved our new furniture," Declan added. His arm wrapped around Reece's waist, pulling her into his side. Her head dropped to his shoulder and I couldn't help but smile at the picture they made. When Reece had their baby, it was going to be a knockout.

              "I'm glad to hear it," I smiled down at the dogs. "You're gonna be happy not to have to be an outside dog when winter comes, Loki."

              "Aunt Reece," a young voice rang out across the yard. "I can't find your phone anywhere. It's not under the seats like you thought." Simon Cooper jogged across the yard flashing a smile at me as he did. "Hi Maeve! Can I pet your dog?"

              "Hey Simon," I smiled as he hedged towards Kiddo with his palm outstretched. "Go for it."

              He immediately started giving Kiddo enough attention to spoil her for life. Simon had started coming to dog training lessons with his aunt and uncle a few weeks ago. He'd said he wanted his dad to see that he was responsible enough to have a dog of his own. I had to admire the kids commitment. He'd been to almost every session that Loki had. When I'd asked if he'd be interested in doing some volunteer work here he'd jumped at the opportunity.

              Hopefully Simon's dad would stop being such a hard ass and get the boy a dog. Not that I'd mind having him around the shelter. The kid was sharp and funny. Not a pain in the ass like my brothers had been at his age.

              As I took us through the commands I had to smile seeing Simon watching me so intensely. It was like he was trying to memorize everything I did. Probably so he could prove to his dad that he knew what he was doing. When I saw Loki's attention waning I decided it was time to end the lesson.

              "Let's give the dogs a rest for today," I suggested. "Loki's doing great."

              "He really is," Declan agreed with a glimmer of pride in his eye. "He probably deserves a treat."

              "I agree," Reece said fishing into her pocket. Loki immediately sensed what was happening and looked at his owners with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. "Sit," Reece commanded in a firm voice. Immediately Loki's bottom touched the grass. "Good boy!" Reece laughed and fed the treat into the waiting pups mouth. "That's a good boy."

              "Did you learn anything useful Simon?" I asked grabbing a treat for Kiddo.

              "My Aunt Kenzie says we're always learning something useful," he answered with a shrug. "I think I know enough to get through the basics when I get my dog though."

              Declan rubbed an affectionate hand over Simon's head. "Maybe for your birthday, bud."

              "Maybe," Simon agreed. "I think dad knows that's what I want."

              "I think we all know that's what you want," Reece said with a wink. Simon gave her a shy smile and looked back at Kiddo. The longing in his eyes was one I knew well.

I had wanted a dog so bad growing up but my parents work had never allowed it. We'd always been on the move as they traveled from set to set, location to location. Film stars life were hardly ever stable enough for us to have any pets. Neither my mom or dad ever stayed still long enough to put down solid roots. That was something I had always wanted to do.

              "I hope he decides soon. My birthday is only a week away."

              "That's right," I said. "Halloween birthday."

              Simon brightened looking glad I had remembered. "Yeah! It's my dad and uncle's birthday too. They're twins."

              "That's really cool," I commented with a smile. "You get to share your birthday with them."

              "Uncle Wyatt says it's spooky we were born on the same day."

              "Wyatt wouldn't know cool if it bit him in the butt." Declan's comment made Simon break out in laughter. "I'd love for my birthday to be on Halloween. Free candy and cake? Sign me up."

              "I could get on board with that." I laughed when Declan gave me a high five.

              "Do you want to come to my party?" Simon asked with wide blue eyes. "It's during the day on Halloween do you wouldn't miss out on trick or treating later."

              "Oh," I said surprised. "I wasn't really planning on trick or treating."

              "So you can come then," Simon gazed up at me with excitement written all over his face. "You don't have to wear a costume either. It's not that kind of party."

              "I don't know Simon," I looked at Reece and Declan for help. "I wouldn't want to intrude on your party."

              "It wouldn't be an intrusion," Reece said smoothly. "You're more than welcome to come. It's just going to be the family on Halloween. Simon's party with his friends is the following weekend."

              "If it's just family I would really be intruding." I saw Simon's face start to fall and couldn't stand knowing I'd made that happen. "If it's really alright I can swing by for a little bit."

              "It's perfectly alright," Declan smiled showcasing the dimple in his chin. "You can meet the rest of the family."

              “It’ll be great,” Simon grinned. “Maybe you can tell my dad how awesome it is to have a dog?”

              I laughed and ruffled his hair. “I’ll do my best.”

Lucas

              The door banged shut and the sound of thudding feet headed up the stairs. "Dad!" Another door banged open and I heard his voice again. "Dad? Where are you?"

              "I'm in the kitchen," I called back shaking my head. The kid had ran right past me but was obviously too excited about something to notice. Seconds later I heard the sound of him clamoring down the stairs.

              "Dad," he said jumping into my eyesight. His blonde hair was a mess around his face, his cheeks slightly red from his mad dash around the house. "Hi."

              "Hi," I gave him a curious smile wondering what had him so worked up. "Did your aunt and uncle drop you off?"

              "Yeah they were gonna come inside but Uncle Declan said Aunt Reece needed to rest and I could tell she was gonna yell at him so I just hopped out of the car."

              "Smart man," I said skirting around the counter. I'd decided to make spaghetti for dinner last minute instead of ordering pizza like Simon and I usually did on Friday nights. "Did you have a good time?"

              "Uh huh," he said coming to move behind me. "Is that spaghetti?" He asked sniffing the air.

              "Uh huh," I echoed nudging him away from the stove. I'd made it knowing it was Simon's favorite. I had something to talk to him about that more than warranted his favorite meal.

              "No pizza?" He asked all wide eyed curiosity. 

              "Are you complaining?" I raised a brow.

              "No, no," he rushed to say. "I'll set the table."

              "Thank you," I said turning back to the boiling noodles. It never ceased to amaze my how awesome my kid was. Simon was always polite and helpful even when he didn't want to be. It was a miracle. Especially since he hadn't had the easiest childhood.

              I felt a flood of guilt swarm through me every time I thought of it. I'd never forgive myself for going on tour and leaving Simon with Cadence. My ex had been a horrible wife but until Simon was five I'd been blind to the fact that she was a horrible mother.

              "Dad?" Simon said cautiously making me jerk to attention. I peered at him over my shoulder and saw him watching me carefully. "You okay?"

              "Of course," I said gruffly. It was eerie sometimes how well Simon could read me. There was no way my son had guessed my thoughts but something must have queued him into my dark mood.

              "Okay," he said believing me readily. Simon was used to the brooding side of me. "So about my birthday," he started with a sly look.