Page 13 of Saving Brad
Faye leaves the smoothie bar before me. I’ve arranged to meet Keven outside to ask him my favor, and I don’t want her around to overhear our conversation, so I told her he’s running late and shooed her out the door. I’m standing at the corner of the building, waiting for Kev to show his face, when a conversation drifts my way.
“I’m telling you, there’s something going on there. Something Brad doesn’t want me to discover. He basically threatened me, and no one does that unless they have something to hide,” a female voice says. I inch closer to the wall and take a quick peek around the corner. A blonde is standing with her back to me, talking to two dark-haired girls.
“Why do you even care? So what if he’s hiding something,” the taller brunette asks.
“Because I can’t stand cheaters,” she hisses.
“Or you want to dig your claws into Kyler Kennedy?” The shorter brunette smirks.
Blondie tosses her long hair over her shoulder. “I’d be doing Kyler a favor. I’ll bet he wouldn’t be pleased to know his best friend calls out Faye’s name when he’s in the middle of sex with another girl.”
What the ever-loving fuck?
A hand lands on my shoulder, and I jump about ten feet in the air.
“Sheesh, Rachel. It’s only me,” Kev says, as I struggle to recalibrate my breathing.
I slap his massive arm. “You scared the hell out of me, Kev. Didn’t your mum ever tell you not to sneak up on unsuspecting girls?”
“Sure. Same way I figure your mom told you never to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations.”
“How much of that did you hear?” I level him with a somber look.
“Enough to know Brad is more fucked in the head than I realized.” He reclines against the wall, folding his arms across his very impressive chest. A chest I’ve been up close and personal with.
“I know, but you can’t say anything. Let me talk to him.”
“I didn’t realize you two were close.”
“We’re not. He hates me, but I’ll make him listen.”
Kev’s eyes drill into me. “I’m sure he doesn’t hate you, Rach. That’s a virtual impossibility. You’re far too pretty and sweet.”
My insides turn to mush. “That is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.”
He quirks a brow. “That’s sad, if it’s true. You’re a gorgeous girl, Rachel, and you should’ve been told that a thousand times.”
My cheeks turn red, amazing myself. I cannot remember the last time I blushed. Probably before I turned thirteen, when I was still innocent.
Kev grins. “Aw, you’re so cute when you’re blushing.”
“Shut the fuck up. And don’t tell anyone.” I grin back at him. “I’ve a rep to maintain.”
“These lips are sealed.”
Talk of his lips brings memories of our time together to the forefront of my mind. We spent a lot of time making out the summer before last when he visited Ireland with Faye, Ky, and the rest of the Kennedys. Those were some fun times.
His expression turns more serious, and I’m guessing he’s worked out where my mind just went. “Look, Rachel.” He smooths a hand across the top of his cropped hair.
I hold up a hand. “No need to say it, Kev. I’m not looking to pick up where we left off in Ireland. I’m not in the market for a boyfriend or a hookup, so stop looking so worried.”
His shoulders visibly relax. “We were good together, but it was a one-time thing. I don’t do relationships either.”
“We’re cool, Kev. Honestly. Don’t sweat it.” I swat his arm. “It’s like I told you that time we talked. I need a do-over, and you helped, you know.”
He looks surprised. “I did?”
I nod. “Yeah. You ultimately led me on a path to this point, so I guess I owe you.”
