Page 30 of Finding Kyler
Kyler curses. “I won’t let that happen. Thanks for the heads-up.”
Kalvin scrutinizes his face. “You like her, Faye, don’t you?”
My breath hitches in my throat as I wait for his reply.
He shrugs. “Not in the way you’re insinuating. She’s part of this family now, or at least that’s the perception we need to portray. To the outside world, she’s one of us.”
That’s hardly a ringing endorsement.Well, don’t go doing me any favors, buddy.
Kalvin leans against the side of a deck chair. “Uh-huh.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Kyler growls.
“I’ve seen you. You’re hot for her. Admit your weakness.” A smug grin settles on his face.
Kyler runs his hands through his hair, and my breath snakes out in noisy, cloudy puffs. “You’re an ass. She’s our cousin.”
It’s not exactly a denial.
“What the fuck has that got to do with anything?” Kalvin is incredulous.
“We’re family, butthead. That’s what.”
“There’s no law against it, and it’s not like we all grew up together. If you met in a club and you were attracted to her, you wouldn’t think twice about going for it. Why should this be any different?”
“Not everyone would share your liberal view,” Ky says, rubbing the side of his face.
“Hey, if you’re worried what others would think, you could always keep her as your dirty little secret. Man, that’d be superhot!”
“Go for it then.” Kyler’s gaze gravitates to my window, and his eyes narrow slightly. I duck down, silently cursing. Please let himnothave seen me spying on him for a second time tonight. The earlier incident was bad enough. My heart is thundering in my chest, growing in intensity the longer the silence outside extends.
“What?” Kalvin asks.
Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit!I slam my palm into my forehead as I slump to the ground.
“Nothing,” Kyler mumbles before adding, “Are you interested in her?”
“I’m not.”
“So that wasn’t you playing footsie with her under the table the other day?”
“Ha!” Kalvin straightens up. “I knew it! You’re jealous!”
“Don’t be stupid. Of course, I’m not. I told you, I’m not interested in Faye or any girl for that matter. Girls fuck with your head. I’m done with relationships and all that shit.”
“Sure. That’s why you’re sharing all those hot and heavy looks with her. Because you’renotinterested.” Kalvin’s mocking attitude is obvious in the extreme.
So, it wasn’t my imagination, or one-sided, from the sounds of it. That shouldn’t cause my heart to spike into coronary-inducing territory, but it does. A quiver of excitement races through me, and I shudder.
“Shut the fuck up.” Annoyance slips into Kyler’s tone.
I hear a loud slap. “She’s hot, smart, snarky,andfunny. She’s perfect for you. You should totally tap that.”
“Cut it out, Kal,” Kyler growls. “You’re making something out of nothing, and you heard what Dad said. Faye’s off limits, so don’t go getting any ideas.”
James has warned them to stay away from me? Was that really necessary?
“All the more reason to go there,” he retorts.
