Page 46 of Finding Kyler
She motions for me to hold up my arms as she lifts the dress over my head. “It’s fine, Faye. Don’t pay me any heed. I know I’m too pushy at times. The boys are always teasing me about it.”
“You’re passionate about your work. That’s a good thing.”
Silky-smooth material shimmies over my body like a lover’s feather-light touch. Alex fixes the dress in place, securing a black and gold cummerbund around my waist. The dress is structured in wispy, floaty layers with the hem resting above my knee. She pushes the top of the dress down a little so it rests on the edge of my shoulders. She darts into my wardrobe while I stare at my reflection in the mirror. She was right about one thing—this dress could’ve been custom made for me. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and it’s elegant and classy with the right hint of sexiness. My dark hair falls in bouncy waves, lightly brushing my shoulders.
Alex smiles as she returns with the black and gold shoes that I wore the other night and a gold clutch. I slip my feet into the shoes and marvel at how grownup I look.
“You look beautiful.” Alex beams at me, and a look of…pride swims in her eyes. “I love my sons to death, but I always wanted a girl. To have the kind of business I have and not be able to share that with my own daughter…” A sad look develops on her face.
I’m rooted to the spot, slightly perturbed. I can’t be her substitute daughter or a replacement for some long-held yearning.
“I’m not trying to replace your mother.” She looks at me sincerely. “No one can ever do that, but I would like to be your friend.” She offers me a hopeful smile. “Sometimes all the testosterone around here becomes a little overpowering. I’m in need of some female companionship.” She offers me a bigger smile, but there’s a litany of sadness behind it that I don’t properly understand.
My previous anxiety starts to disappear. I’m getting the sense that Alex genuinely needs a friend, and it’s not as if I have friends breaking down the door right now. Of all the potential scenarios for our relationship, that one appeals to me the most. “That would be nice. I’d like that.”
Her smile is even wider this time. “I’m glad. You’re a sweet girl. Don’t let anyone or anything change you.”
Alex has gone to round up the others while I put the finishing touches to my outfit. Her parting words have helped to quell my nervousness. I’m hoping she’ll still mean it when I share my news.
A loud rap on my door snaps me out of my reverie. “Knock, knock, cuz. Can I come in?” Kalvin asks.
I open the door and usher him in. “You’re learning.” I send him a cheeky wink. “Can you fasten this for me?” Sweeping my hair to one side, I show him my back. I clutch my gold and emerald Claddagh necklace around my neck as Kalvin fastens the catch.
Letting my hair fall back down, I turn and face him. “Thanks.”
He darts in and kisses my cheek. “You look totally fuckable, and I love the hair.”
“Gee, great. Because that was definitely the look I was shooting for,” I deadpan.
“That’s the best compliment a girl can receive.” He holds out his arm for me.
“Your morals are seriously skewed. I can see I have much work to do.” I grin as I loop my arm in his, letting him escort me from the room. He’s wearing smart black pants and a fitted blue dress shirt. “Your mu—mom wasn’t joking about the dress code.”
“Nope. This place is as pretentious as they come, but the food and the view is to die for. You’ll love it.”
The others are congregated in the lobby when we arrive. All the guys are formally dressed, and it’s amazing how different everyone looks. No wonder these Kennedys make waves wherever they go. This is one seriously attractive family.
Keaton lets out a shrill whistle when he sees me. “Sexy.” He high-fives me, and I can’t help grinning.
James glares at his son, and Keaton steps back with his palms raised. “Faye, you look absolutely stunning.” James looks slightly shell-shocked as he leans in to kiss me on the cheek. He looks smart, and age-appropriate, for once, in his tailored suit.
Keanu winks approvingly while Kent stares at me as if he’s already bored of this conversation. Kyler looks through me, and I may as well be invisible. I hate the way my heart rate picks up at the mere sight of him. He’s wearing a fitted black shirt that clings to every defined muscle of his chest. Black trousers and shoes complete the look. His hair is slicked back off his face, and he’s sporting the usual amount of facial hair. No matter what he does, he exudes badass sexiness that I’m incapable of resisting. The usual undercurrent fizzes under the surface, and I hope no one else has picked up on the dangerous attraction between us.
As much as Kyler might wish to ignore our chemistry, he has to be feeling the same intense connection that I do. Staring out the window, blatantly ignoring me, won’t do jack to change that.
Conversation is kept to a minimum as Max drives us to the restaurant. It’s on the top floor of a posh hotel, overlooking Boston Harbor. Kaden and Keven are already seated at a table by the window, offering glorious views over the harbor and the financial district beyond.
Kalvin sits on my left, and Keaton sits on my right. Kyler is sitting on the other side of the table, which is unfortunate because it means he is directly across from me, and it’s far too easy to cast sneaky glances his way when he’s not looking. I don’t want to stare at him like some lovesick puppy, but my eyes have an agenda of their own. Each time my gaze zooms in on his, I silently plead with my body to get with the program.
“What’s going on between you and my brother?” Kalvin asks under his breath, as he butters a bread roll.
“Nothing whatsoever.” I take a small sip of my water.
“Uh-huh. That’s why you’re both staring relentlessly at one another when you think no one’s watching?” He gives me a cheeky wink.
I press my lips close to his ear. “He’s staring at me?”
His eyes spark to life. “I knew it! Admit it—youlurrvvehim.”
