Page 63 of Keeping Kyler
“You didn’t have to go to so much trouble, Faye,” James says, taking a seat at the top of the table.
I shrug. “I don’t mind. I love to cook, and I thought we could start a regular Tuesday tradition.” He quirks a brow. “Each week one of us gets to pick the theme and I’ll cook it. I know Mexican food is one of Brad’s favorites, so I thought we’d start with that.”
I risk a look at him, and the expression on his face is priceless. “You didn’t have to do that,” he says, his voice a little strangled, “but thank you.”
He seems pleased, and if it’s helped him to thaw out, then mission accomplished. “Should we wait for Alex?” I ask James, but he shakes his head.
“She’s in another meeting.”
“I’ll save her some. Everyone tuck in.”
My cousins waste little time demolishing the meal, and it gives me an inordinate thrill to watch them enjoy it so much. If it wasn’t for the crappy hours and the foul-mouthed head chefs, I might actually consider a career in the restaurant business. Conversation is casual around the table, and for once the atmosphere is lighthearted. Ky squeezes my knee under the table, smiling at me.
Brad helps me clear the table while the others stay chatting. In the kitchen, he pulls me aside. “Thank you so much for that, and for my room. I’m sorry for how I reacted yesterday.”
I gulp. “It’s okay. I should’ve asked your permission first.”
He shakes his head vigorously. “It was a lovely gesture, and I acted like a jerk. It’s just …”
Tentatively, I reach out and take his arm. “What? You can tell me.”
His chest heaves as he stares into my eyes. “Planting new roots is scary. Becoming attached to others is far too dangerous.” He averts his gaze, and I step closer.
I tilt his head frontward. “Why? It’s only us. We’re your friends, your family.”
“That’s the thing, Faye. Friends drift apart and family leaves. It’s happened with Ky once already, and, well, you know the score with my fam. I’m not sure my heart could withstand it a second time.”
“Oh, Brad.” I don’t hesitate, moving in for a hug. His arms hang loose at his sides at first, but slowly he circles them around me, hugging me back. “Relationships don’t come with guarantees.” I look up at him. “That’s where trust and respect and loyalty come into play. Things you have here with us. I understand where you’re coming from, but you can’t live the rest of your life in fear, because you’ll miss out on too much of the good stuff.”
“You make it sound so simple when the reality is way more complicated.” He smooths a hand over my hair, gazing adoringly at me. I take a step back as sirens blare in my head. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Ky hanging back by the door, a noticeable frown on his face. “And you’ve just proven my point.” Brads sighs, leaning against the counter.
“I’m sorry. I’m trying to help, but I keep making things worse.” I shuffle awkwardly on my feet, shoving my hands into my pockets.
“Please stop apologizing. You haven’t done anything wrong, and none of this is on you. I really do appreciate what you’ve done the last couple of days, but you have to stop trying so hard.”
I tense up. “I can’t do nice things for a friend?”
He puts his head down on the counter, groaning. “God, this is so fucked up.” Ky makes a move to step into the room, but I stall him with a shake of my head. Brad straightens up, piercing me with an honest look. “Youshouldbe able to do things for a friend, but that’s the issue. I don’t want you asjustmy friend, and the more you do stuff like that, the more I fall in love with you, and then I hate myself because I know you don’t feel the same way, and I despise myself for betraying Ky with my thoughts. Honestly, I don’t know if I can continue to live here with you both. It’s killing me.”
My mouth hangs open. I haven’t a clue how to respond to that. I knew he had some feelings for me but not like that.
“Get away from her,” Ky growls, approaching from behind.
“Shit.” Brad swings around to face him. “You heard that?”
Ky’s face tenses up. “Yeah. What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He shoves him, and butterflies erupt in my chest.
Brad holds up his hands. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
Ky rolls his sleeves up to his elbows. “Maybe you should’ve thought about that before you told my girlfriend you love her.”
Brad squares up to him. “Look, man, you’re angry. I get that and you’ve every right to be, but would you rather I lied? I can’t help how I feel even if I know it’s wrong.” He looks Ky directly in the eye. “She loves you, everyone can see that, and you’re perfect together. I have no chance. I know that and I would never ever make any move on her. I meant what I said before. I won’t do that to you again, and I’m trying so damn hard.” He sighs, looking down at his feet. “It’s a shitty situation, and I don’t know what to do about it.”
“Find someone else,” Ky grits out, but the murderous look is fading from his face.
“It’s hardly fair to bring someone else into this,” Brad argues.
“Maybe not but I can’t have you looking at her the way you do. Seriously, dude, I can’t handle this shit right now.” He locks eyes with me. “She’s mine, and I’m not ever letting her go.”
