“Can we go inside and get warm, then you can try to fatten me up?” Kazlyn asked.
Luke put an arm around her shoulders. He reminded her so much of her dad with his height, dark hair, blue eyes, and the kind of skin that had been in the sun too long, but looked good that way. “Let’s not fatten her up. No one wants to dance with a girl with skinny legs.”
Her diminutive, blonde mother shoved at his arm. “Your father never minded it.”
They all smiled wistfully. Kazlyn pictured all the times her parents would dance around the house together.
“So, Squirt,” Porter closed the door behind them and moved to Kazlyn’s other side. “Any boys trying to dance with you at that college that I need to come take care of?”
Kazlyn couldn’t hide the grin on her face. Ty dancing with her in the park was just too wonderful to forget. “Maybe one.”
She glanced up at the brother closest to her in age. They could’ve been twins with their blond hair and green eyes, except he was above average height and covered with muscle from working the ranch. She felt the familiar twinge of guilt. Both her brothers had insisted she go to school when Porter had to cut his schooling short and Luke had given up his dream job, so they could run the ranch after their father died in a tractor accident.
Only one person a year was awarded the privately funded, Jane Miller Scholarship, and she’d been the lucky one. Her brothers, not so lucky. But at least Porter seemed content and happy. Luke—not so much.
“Which one?” Luke growled. “You’re too young to be dating, you know that.”
Kazlyn laughed. “When you finally decide I’m old enough to date I’ll be gray.”
“Maybe then they’ll be able to keep their hands off of you.” He winked.
Kazlyn hadn’t dated much in high school. Mostly because her brothers threatened anyone who got too close. She didn’t mind now as most of those boys weren’t what she was interested in, but in high school she’d felt like a leper. No wonder she’d spent most of her time studying, reading, and dancing. If only she had time to dance now. Every semester she found herself drooling over the dance classes offered at the university. She promised herself for the hundredth time that she’d start ballet again when she graduated and could afford lessons. Or maybe she’d try out ballroom dance, Irish dance, or go crazy and teach hip hop.
“Aw, come on, big brother, you’re no fun.” She was glad he didn’t know about the football player forcing himself on her last night. If she had her way, he wouldn’t know about Ty until things were a lot more serious.
“When the right man comes along, these two will be supportive of you.” Her mom smiled at all of them, but the look in her eyes demanded her brother’s agreement.
“Aw, Mom.”
“No way.”
Mom rarely got her sons to agree, but she tried. She sighed. “Come on, dinner is coming out of the oven.”
Kazlyn walked into their open kitchen area with a brother on each side and a grin on her face. Thank heavens it would be a while before they met Ty. Even their love of basketball and Ty’s charm wouldn’t soften them enough to think any man could date their little sister.
Chapter Nine
Thursday was spent tagging along with her brothers out on the ranch and helping her mom in the house. It was relaxing to be on her gentle horse, Malia, be with her family, and forget about all the stress of school. She got a few texts from Ty. He’d gotten to his friend’s house safely and was enjoying the family. It was crazy that she could miss him so much when they really hadn’t known each other for long.
After working all day Friday, she was half-frozen and just wanted to soak in the tub and drink hot cocoa, but her brothers talked her into going to town for the caroling/sing along. She showered and bundled up, thinking it was odd they would be so excited about a sing along, until she noticed Luke and Porter eyeing a couple of beautiful girls in the choir. As soon as the singing was done, Luke disappeared with a hurried, “I’ll be right back.”
Porter turned to her. “Do you want to do some shopping?”
“With you or by myself?”
He shifted uncomfortably and cast a longing gaze at the back of one of the girls.
“Are those two friends or sisters?” Kazlyn asked.
He grinned. “Friends. They both moved here this year to teach at the grade school.”
“And you and Luke are on the welcoming committee?”
“Trying to be.”
“I’ll go look through the Gingerbread Boutique. Text me when you’re ready to go home.”
“Do you want to come meet them?”
She smiled. “Maybe next time.”
He gave her arm a squeeze and rushed off to join Luke, already talking animatedly with the girls.
Kazlyn saw Jamie, a friend from high school, across the brightly lit square and waved. She’d heard Jamie was still dancing ballet. She wanted to rush over and beg her friend to let her come dance with her again. She smiled wistfully, turned, and almost ran into a huge man. She looked up and screamed, “Ty!”
He grinned. “Kazzy, what are you doing here?”
She impulsively hugged him. He held her close for a minute. It felt wonderful but she forced herself to pull back. If her brothers saw them together it would not be good. She crossed her arms over her chest to control herself. “Hey! You followed me home?”
Ty stared at her like he hadn’t seen her in a month. “I’d follow you anywhere, but you never told me what town you were from. Do you think I waited outside your apartment, then tracked you?”
She laughed. “I wish you would’ve.”
“Man, why didn’t I think of it sooner?” He trailed a hand down her cheek.
She leaned into his palm. “Who are you here with?”
“My friend, Jamison. He plays ball with me.” He ran his fingers down along her arm, then wrapped them around her hand. “Can I buy you a cup of cocoa?”
She glanced at her brothers who were practically drooling over their school teachers. “Let me just text my brothers. Do you mind taking me home after?”
“Love to, if you don’t mind riding in the little beast again.”
“Sure.” She’d ride in a manure truck if it meant spending time with him.
She texted her brothers while he texted Jamison. Ran into a friend, I’ll catch a ride home. No reason to tell them it was a male friend.
They turned toward Tina’s Place and walked quickly along the cleared sidewalk. Ty’s strong arm brushing against her brought butterflies to her stomach. “I should’ve asked if you’d be coming home with Jamison.”
“I didn’t know you knew him.”
“I don’t very well, he’s the same age as my brother.”
“His family’s been great,” Ty said. “His mom understands why I’m such a wimp about not going home and she’s been spoiling me.”
“I’d kind of like to see you being wimpy.”
“It’s an attractive look for me.”
“Anything would be.” Kazlyn blushed and looked away, but not before she caught his grin.
He held the door for her and asked Tina for a corner booth. The darling brunette, who ran the café with her husband, hugged Kazlyn and welcomed her home before looking Ty up and down a few times. She smiled coquettishly. “Sure, handsome, whatever you want.”
Kazlyn bristled, even though she knew Tina was overly friendly with everyone and completely committed to her husband. Ty placed his hand on Kazlyn’s back and escorted her to the table after responding kindly to Tina. He must be so used to getting hit on, he didn’t even bat an eye.
Kazlyn scooted into the booth and Ty slid in next to her. They both took off their coats. She smiled up at him.
“I’ve missed you.” He took her hand.
“I missed me, too! I mean, I missed you not I missed me. Well, you know what I mean.” She shook her head. It had only been two days, but she didn’t know if she could stand to be parted from his grin and warmth again.
&n
bsp; “I do.” He laughed and squeezed her fingers.
The waitress came and they ordered hot cocoas.
“How is it being home?” Ty asked.
“I love it,” she gushed. “My brothers are so fun and my mom is just baking up a storm. Plus there’s no school stress.” She looked at their hands. “Sorry. That was insensitive of me when you can’t be home.”
“No. I’m glad you love it.” Ty studied her. “You didn’t mention your dad. Blake, wasn’t it?”
The waitress brought their hot cocoas. Kazlyn pulled her hand from Ty’s and wrapped them both around the mug. “My dad passed away three years ago.”
There was silence. She finally glanced up. Ty’s empathetic look had her lip quivering. “Oh, Kazzy.” He slid closer to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Kazlyn leaned into his strength and didn’t even care that a few tears slid down her cheeks. “I know how hard it is.” He rubbed his large palm up and down her arm.
“You do know.” She brushed the wetness from her cheeks.
He nodded. His gaze didn’t leave hers. Kazlyn felt awful for wishing he would kiss her, but maybe that was an appropriate way to alleviate grief. She hadn’t tried it before, but at the moment it sounded like a wonderful idea. She arched up to meet him. His lips connected with hers, sending thrills of pleasure throughout her body.
“Kazlyn!” Luke’s growl cut into the moment.
Kazlyn jerked away. Ty gave her shoulder a squeeze and then released her to stand and face her angry brothers. Ty held his hand out. “Hi, I’m Ty. Luke and Porter?”
Luke blinked at him and folded his arms across his broad chest.
Porter’s eyebrows rose. “We’ve got a brave one on our hands, eh?”
Kazlyn slid quickly out of the booth and squeezed in front of him, forming a shield from her overprotective brothers. “This is my friend, Ty, and I expect you to treat him nicely.”
Luke glanced over at Porter. “How many friends do you snuggle in a booth with and kiss in public places?”
The entire café stared at the scene. Kazlyn blushed and pivoted to face Ty. “I’m sorry. My brothers obviously have no manners.” She cast a glare over her shoulder.
Ty tilted her chin up. “I understand. I have two sisters, remember? I’d act the same way if I saw one of them with a boy I didn’t know.”
Luke guffawed. “And now he’s playing on our sympathies. Not gonna work, buddy. Don’t come near her again. Kazlyn, we’re leaving. Now.” He reached for her elbow.
Kazlyn pulled away from him and stood next to Ty.
“I’ll take Kazlyn home,” Ty said.
Luke’s eyes narrowed. Kazlyn expected him to say something awful but instead he threw a punch at Ty’s jaw. Ty dodged to the side as Porter grabbed Luke and Kazlyn screamed.
“Luke! You red-necked idiot!” She reached for her and Ty’s coats, securing her fingers around Ty’s hand. “Don’t you touch him.”
She tugged on Ty. He paused to pull some money out of his wallet and toss it on the table, then walked with her passed her brothers. He nodded to Porter, but wisely said nothing. They hurried out of the awkwardly silent restaurant and a few blocks through the cold to his truck.
“I am so sorry,” Kazlyn muttered. She leaned against the truck, unable to meet his gaze.
He tilted her chin up, dipped his head, and kissed her. The movement of his lips drove every thought of her brothers from her mind.
Ty pulled away and smiled gently. “It’s okay. He missed.”
Kazlyn couldn’t help but laugh. Ty settled her inside the truck and she proceeded to give him directions on which way to drive. The drive home should’ve been uncomfortable, but Ty made her laugh with stories about Jamison’s little brothers saying things about his black skin, then getting scolded by their mother. “I guess there isn’t a lot of racial diversity up here,” Ty said.
“Not really,” Kazlyn admitted, “You are definitely a welcome addition.”
He smiled and ran his thumb along the back of her hand.
They were in her driveway and she had to say it again, “I’m so sorry about my brothers. They’ve always been overprotective, but it’s been worse since my dad died.”
Ty nodded. “I really do understand. It’s hard being an older brother, especially without a dad around. You feel like you have to protect your family more than ever.”
“Thanks for understanding. Luke’s obviously the worst. Probably because he’s the oldest and thinks he has to be dad. Plus, he’s been grumpy since he gave up his career to save the ranch.”
“What was his career?”
“He has a master’s in mechanical engineering. He started working for Boeing in L.A. after graduation. Then, Dad died and he came home because Porter couldn’t manage the ranch alone.” She sighed. “Porter went to college, but his heart was always here. Luke needs more and it makes him a bigger pain in the butt than he usually would be.”
Ty tilted his head to study her. “It’d be hard to let your dreams go.”
“True.” Kazlyn felt a surge of guilt for complaining so much about school. At least, she could pursue her dreams. “I’d better get inside before they get home.”
Ty rushed around to help her out of the truck and walked her to the door, holding her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. Kazlyn loved it, but really hoped her brothers wouldn’t appear anytime soon.
“I’d invite you in, but maybe not the best idea tonight.”
“Maybe tomorrow night,” Ty said.
Kazlyn squinted up at him. Porter was right, he was a brave one. “You want to see me tomorrow night?”
“Of course, I do.”
Happiness encompassed her. Luke throwing a punch hadn’t scared Ty away.
“Is there any place to go to dinner, besides the café? Not sure I want to appear there anytime soon.”
“Me, neither! Tomorrow is the carnival. It’s kind of fun and their fried pickles are better than the Bull’s Head.”
“Really? Then I can’t miss it.” He grinned and gave her a brief hug. “What time should I come pick you up?”
“As early as possible.”
That broadened his grin. “Jamison and I have to practice with his brother for the three-on-three tournament on Monday, but I could come about five.”
Oh, fabulous. The tournament was a tradition every year and her brothers and their obnoxious friend, Shawn, always won. She remembered them playing against Jamison’s little brother, but Jamison must’ve been in that Gossner Classic tournament that Ty had said they used to play in. Luke and Porter wouldn’t stand a chance against Ty and Jamison. Her brothers were about to become even more irritable.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said.
He gave her a tender kiss before opening the door for her.
Kazlyn hated to have him go, but it was probably for the best tonight. She slipped inside the door and changed into some yoga pants before cuddling up with a blanket in front of the Christmas tree to wait for her brothers. She didn’t have to wait long. Porter’s loud truck roared up the driveway a few minutes later. Kazlyn was grateful her mom was at the church. Every Friday night some of the women gathered to make quilts for different humanitarian projects.
They slammed into the house. “You meet some joker after the sing-a-long and think you can just start making out with him?” Luke demanded.
“First of all, stop acting like a couple of jerks and never try to hit one of my friends again. I know you’re better men than that.”
Porter ducked his head, but Luke’s blue eyes seared into hers. She almost felt like a little girl again in trouble with her daddy. Sometimes, she hated how much Luke looked like him.
“Friend,” Luke snorted. “Some friend.”
“You’re such a bigoted jerk!”
“Skin color has nothing to do with this, and I am going to watch out for you no matter what names you call me,” Luke said.
“Ty is my friend. I met him at Utah State a few
weeks ago. He’s here with Jamison and not a stranger. In fact, he protected me from some guy who attacked me Tuesday night.”
They exploded at that. Kazlyn had to reassure them and give them explicit details about the attack. Then, she had to promise to start carrying her bear spray with her at all times. Pepper spray just wasn’t good enough for these two.
“Now, can you both calm down and trust that I’m not just going to go after some guy I don’t know. Ty is an amazing person. Can you give him a chance?”
Porter’s green eyes had softened a bit. “We’ll try.”
Luke glared at him. “Speak for yourself. You can count on me getting to know him, and he’d better watch his back if he thinks he’s going to be macking with my little sister.”
“There has been no macking!” Kazlyn blushed, remembering Ty’s kiss. But that wasn’t macking—it was innocent and wonderful. “And I am old enough to decide who and when I mack.”
“You’re still my little sister. I’ll be watching him.” Luke stalked off, smacking into the mistletoe hanging in the doorway. He shoved it aside.
Kazlyn laughed.
Luke turned back for one more glare before striding away.
Porter chuckled with her and slung his arm around her shoulder. “If he’s as great a guy as you say, Luke will soften up. Maybe you should invite Ty over, so we can get to know him. Does he play ball?”
Kazlyn giggled. “A bit.”
“Great. Nothing better than roughing a guy up on the court to get to know him.”
Kazlyn’s smile broadened. Introducing Ty to her brothers could be a lot more fun than she originally thought.
Chapter Ten
Ty knocked on her door right at five the next night. Kazlyn waited in the front entry, so she could beat her brothers to the door. She swung it open to a whiff of Ty’s clean scent and cold air and couldn’t resist hugging him. She backed up and gestured him into the house.
Full Court Devotion Page 5