Chapter Twenty-Seven - Make a day of it.

Paxton

Today, Kenna and I are going shopping to help her find a dress for the event this weekend. I wanted to take her out for breakfast and coffee first. Carter knows I am taking her to buy a dress, so we didn’t need to make any excuse of why we would be spending time together. Everything is booked for this weekend. We were flying out on Friday evening and flying back on Monday afternoon. I have a place in the city but would rather stay in a hotel. There are always people hanging around outside, the press and the media. I don’t want to deal with them. There will be enough press at the event; I don’t want them all up in my business at home. I disappeared for a reason. I don’t need to return to it.

Kenna is getting ready, and I am having a coffee with Carter before he leaves for work.

“I will give you one of my cards to take with you. I know McKenna doesn’t have much spare money. She will look for the cheapest thing she can.” He says.

“No, don’t worry about it. I will get her it.” I smile.

He shakes his head, “I can’t let you do that, Paxton.”

“Yes, you can. It is me who is dragging you both to the event.”

His response to me reminds me of how he is my only real friend. All my other “friends” wouldn’t even think twice if I offered to buy them something. They happily spend my money. Carter would never do that to me. It will also take a lot of convincing for Kenna to let me buy her dress.

“Are you sure? I feel bad letting you do it.” He sighs.

“Honestly, it is fine. I really don’t mind. You guys are letting me stay here this summer; it is the least I can do.” I smile.

It took a few minutes, but I finally convinced him to allow me to buy what Kenna needed.

“Thank you. Good luck convincing her of it.” He chuckles.

“Yes, that is not going to be easy with her stubborn ass,” I laugh, “Do you need anything while we are out?”

“If it will make it easier, tell her I gave you money for her. She will still complain about it but will give in to it quicker than if she knows it is coming from you. I don’t need anything. I will pick up what I need tomorrow.” He replies.

“Hmm, maybe a good idea if I tell her that,” I say.

“Whatever works best and doesn’t get you in trouble,” he chuckles, “Anyway. I need to go. Have fun shopping.” He adds, slapping my leg and jumping to his feet.

We say our goodbyes, and he leaves for work. I am ready. I am only waiting for Kenna; she shouldn’t be too much longer. I look forward to spending the day with her as long as I can get it done privately. I have found a dress shop willing to close for me for a couple of hours. I will pay them for the loss of business hours. I have asked there only be two staff members. I have not done it to be a dick, but so we can have privacy. I don’t want Kenna getting bombarded by the media. I want her to be able to find a dress in peace.

I hear her coming downstairs and enter the living room, “I am ready to go.”

I turn to look at her and smile. She looks cute with her denim shorts and oversized tee. I jump to my feet, and the second I am close to her, I reach for her hip and pull her against me. She moans as our bodies clash. I dip my head down and take her lips in mine, kissing her softly. She smiles and kisses back. I hold her tighter to me, but after a minute, I force myself to pull away, or we will not get out of the house any time soon.

I rest my hand on the small of her back as we leave and climb into her car.

“I have booked us an appointment at a dress drop from eleven to one,” I say.

“Booked us an appointment?” she asks confused.

“Yes, I have asked them to close to the public for two hours.”

She flings herself around to face me, “What? Paxton, it better not be somewhere expensive. I can’t afford to pay a fortune on a dress.” She sighs.

“No, the price ranges. I didn’t want anyone to bother us or the media to find us. Anyway, you are not buying your dress. Carter sent me money to buy it for you.”

I hate lying to her, but I know she will refuse point-blank to allow me to do it.

“What? Why would he do that? I have some money. I can buy my dress.” She huffs.

“Because he is your brother and loves you. It was either him or me.” I shrug.

Kenna groans, “Fine, I will let Carter pay for it. I will pay him back when I find a better job.”

She can offer to pay him back, but he will not take it. I wouldn’t either. She should continue to think Carter is buying it.

“Great. Shall we get on the road? Where would you like to eat?”

“We can go to Julie and Shaun’s place? I am sure if we ask for a table out of everyone’s way, they would be okay with it.” She suggests and starts the car.

I smile, “Sure, let’s do that.”

At least there, I will be treated like a normal person. Kenna put some music on at a low volume as we drove. I stare out of the window and get lost in my thoughts. I am dreading this weekend. I have enjoyed not having cameras in my face or reading stories about me every day because I fucked up again. I know it won’t last forever, but I hoped I could have it for the entire summer, but that won’t happen with this event. I need to make sure Kenna stays out of the way of it all since that is what she wants.

Kenna’s hand lands on my thigh, “Paxton, are you okay?” she asks softly.

“Yeah, I am fine, just thinking is all.” I sigh.

“This weekend getting to you since you came here to get a break?”

“Yes. I would rather not go, but having you and Carter there will make it easier.” I reply honestly.

“I am sorry you have to attend.” She says and squeezes my thigh.

“It is fine. I am sure the three of us together will have fun.”

“Yes, we will.” She agrees.

Carter and I always have fun together. I am sure Kenna joining us will be a bonus. I will make it through one night with those two by my sides. We can do other stuff while there since we are making a weekend of it. The only thing worrying me is the media who will be inside. If they see Kenna and I standing a little too close or laughing, they may use it to make a story. Most of the time, the press invited in are more respectful than the ones outside, but at the end of the day, they still need to make a living. Hopefully, I am worrying about nothing.