Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1)

by Laura Clark

  "I'm Laila, the little sister of these two yo-yos," I flash her my friendliest smile as I introduce myself, and sit back down onto one of the lounge chairs. She returns the greeting with a warm and very genuine smile.

  "It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you," she says.

  I look at Sam curiously, wondering what he could have possibly said to her about me without spilling the beans. He just looks at me the same way I must be looking at him. He finally answers my implied question with a simple shrug.

  Kyle does not pick up on our silent exchange, but I have a feeling that Georgia may have, judging by the way her eyes shoot up curiously at Sam, and then how her eyes fall back at me again. I can feel the heat taking over my face as the panic starts to rise. What if she figures it out and tells Kyle about us before we get a chance to explain it to him?

  "Yeah. Kyle talks about you all the time." She emphasizes my brother's name, as if to satisfy my curiosity. I am surprised that Kyle had mentioned to her that he even had a little sister, let alone that fact that he supposedly has talked about me all the time.

  Sam hands me back my drink, and strategically positions himself far enough away from me on the patio, to keep further suspicions from being aroused. I take another sip, noticing how the alcohol is starting to make my head spin. I had completely forgotten about all the wine we drank earlier. I am well on my way to getting tipsy at this point. I set my drink down, fearing that I might give away even more than I already have if I continue on.

  "So, are you guys going to swim?" I ask, eyeing Georgia's rather formal dress. She is wearing a black empire-waist cocktail dress that is low cut, the hem falling just above her knees. Her black strappy stiletto heels make her short, well-toned legs look long. She is tiny standing next to Kyle, even wearing the super high heels.

  She looks down at her dress and laughs nervously, while shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Yeah. I kind of grabbed my suit, let Pepper out, and left quickly so I could get back. I guess we need to change, don't we Kyle?" She looks up at him. I'm thankful we are no longer talking about me. I just hope it's enough of a distraction to turn off her radar. She was getting dangerously close to discovering the truth.

  Kyle grabs a chair and sets it in front of Georgia before settling down in the one next to her.

  "Who's Pepper?" I ask

  "My dog," she says, as she sits down and crosses her legs.

  Her peaches and cream complexion looks flawless, making me wonder what kind of makeup she wears. I study her as she goes on to describe her three-year-old Boston terrier, and how her parents keep him while she is away at school. I can tell by the way she instantly lights up at the mere mention of him that she is very much a dog lover. I'm sure Kyle appreciates that. I listen to her and watch her intently, curious to know how this girl was able to swoop in and knock my brother off his feet.

  She is strikingly gorgeous, yet warmly beautiful at the same time, if that makes any sense. It's like she has the sweet all-American, girl-next-door thing down, but at the same time, she oozes with sexy confidence. I have no doubt she would be able to stop any hot-blooded male cold in his tracks when she walks into a room wearing that dress. I've noticed that most girls are either one or the other. I wonder what it would be like to be both. Hell, I'd settle on just figuring out the sexy part.

  I look at Sam to gauge his reaction to her, but his gaze is fixed on me. I find it funny that he has barely even given her two glances since she arrived. It's not like you can't see just how very curvy she is in that low-cut dress. I mean, saying the girl is well endowed is a bit of an understatement. He is the same way around Avery, which I used to think was because he saw her more like a sister. I smile to myself with pride, knowing that my boy doesn't seem to notice other girls when he is around me. Maybe it's all just an act out of respect for me, but I don't care. It just makes me like him that much more.

  Georgia's long blonde hair is loosely cascading down the middle of her back perfectly, as if she is about to shoot a shampoo commercial. I doubt she spent much time styling it, either. It probably just falls into perfect waves like that naturally. I think about what my wet, kinky, unpredictable curls must be doing right now after swimming, and it makes me want to shove it all under a hat.

  I glance back over at Sam and catch him staring at me, which makes my heart dance. A very subtle smile creeps onto his face, almost forcing me to smile myself. I resist the urge, trying my best to focus on Georgia, so I don't reveal any more than I already have, to this amazingly perceptive girl.

  Luckily, she is so engrossed in the conversation that she completely misses it. It turns out that her passion for animals extends far beyond dogs. She loves just about every type of breathing animal there is, and is even studying to become a veterinarian.

  Kyle jumps in every once in awhile, taking every opportunity to brag about how good she is with animals. I can tell by the way Kyle and Georgia interact that they care a great deal for each other. It's strange seeing this whole other side to Kyle. It's like I'm getting to know my real brother for the very first time.

  "Hey guys." Avery's cheerful voice draws our attention over to the bottom of the deck stairway. She and Trevor are walking towards us, hand in hand. I notice the lovesick look on her face right away. It's that flush you get only after a healthy make-out session. I know this because I have seen it in my own reflection after being with Sam. Seeing it on her, standing next to Trevor right now, makes my stomach drop.

  I find it particularly interesting how Kyle's demeanor seems to completely transform the moment Avery and Trevor arrive. Right away, he stands up, as if he is suddenly uncomfortable or anxious. Is he worried that they might know how he was gawking at them during their make-out session in the basement?

  Trevor and Avery pull up a couple more chairs from the side patio and join us. Avery is wearing a loose t-shirt dress over her swimsuit. The coral halter-top ties from her bikini are sticking out the back of the neckline of the dress. Kyle's eyes scan her body carelessly, even though Georgia is sitting right next to him. He is not nearly as considerate of her feelings as Sam is of mine. It makes me question just how serious my brother really could be about this girl.

  Avery is holding a couple of towels in one arm, and her other hand remains locked with Trevor's, resting comfortably in his lap. I catch Kyle wincing a little when his eyes fall down to their hands. Then, he just scratches his head hard, the way he does when he is annoyed, and looks away. Interesting.

  Trevor is wearing black board shorts and a grey graphic t-shirt. His shirt is mostly loose, but it pulls just enough across his broad chest to reveal some definition. I recall seeing him shirtless at my party last week, which causes my heart rate to spike.

  I try to permanently erase that picture from my memory. Unfortunately, it is not an image that is easily forgotten. Things that beautiful rarely are. I notice how even Georgia can't help but stare at Trevor, although, I can tell she is trying her best not to, out of respect for Kyle. I sigh. Sure, he is ridiculously hot. That is, until you get to know him.

  My stomach twists uncomfortably when I see Trevor squeeze Avery's hand tighter. He scoots his chair closer to hers so their legs are now touching. I can't believe he is using her like this. She deserves to be with a guy who is completely infatuated with her. He refuses to look at me, which only seems to fuel my frustration with him.

  Sam is surprisingly calm as he lies back on the lounge chair, sipping his beer. He has remained eerily quiet, which is interesting, considering how hot-tempered he was earlier in the evening. He glances over at Trevor and Avery every once in a while, but he doesn't say anything, and his facial expression is stoic.

  Kyle is now pacing around the pool, which seems to have piqued Georgia's interest. She looks at him curiously, but doesn't say anything. I even catch him glaring at Trevor a few times, even though he is trying really hard to cover it up. Could Kyle be jealous of Trevor? I keep waiting for him to turn his attention back to Georgi
a, but she might as well not even be here. Avery and Trevor have his complete and undivided attention.

  I look at Avery, wondering if she notices any of this. Would it even matter if she did? She seems so completely smitten with Trevor now, that whether or not she has Kyle's attention, isn't really a concern of hers. I'm so aggravated that I don't even think about it when I throw back the rest of my drink. I was supposed to be cutting myself off.

  "Would you like another drink, lil sis?" Sam asks casually, as I set the empty bottle down on the side table. I nod even though I know it's probably not the best idea considering how fuzzy my brain already feels. "Does anyone else need anything?" Sam asks, while collecting some of the empty bottles from the table.

  "Do you have any more of those flavored drinks?" Avery asks.

  "I'll get you one, Avery." Kyle starts walking towards the house with Sam. He stops Sam by placing his hand on his shoulder, and turns back around to ask Georgia if she wants anything to drink. It is almost as if it is an afterthought. "Do you want another beer?"

  "Sure. Thanks," Georgia says, directing her attention back to Avery, clearly missing Kyle's dismissal of her. She and Avery are too busy talking about something fashion-related.

  Trevor looks about as comfortable as Kyle is right now. He keeps shifting in his chair, folding and unfolding his legs, and repositioning his and Avery's clasped hands in his lap.

  "Do you want a beer, Trevor?" Kyle asks. I can tell he is forcing himself to be polite to Trevor, but it seems to be a bit of a struggle for him.

  "Yeah, man. That sounds great. Thanks." Trevor hasn't picked up on Kyle's snarky attitude, but I wonder if Sam has, because he has the most peculiar look on his face as his eyes dart between Kyle and Trevor.

  "Hey Trevor, why don't you help me carry the drinks back, so Sam can check the pump for us. I think I heard it making some weird noises earlier, and God knows I haven't a clue what I'm doing with that thing. Is that okay, Sam?" Sam nods, while scratching his head. It’s as if he is trying to figure out Kyle's motives, but he doesn't say anything.

  "Laila, is it okay if Georgia changes clothes in your room?" Kyle asks me.

  "Sure. I'll show you the way, Georgia," I say, curious as to why he wouldn't just show her the guest bathroom.

  Regardless, I am happy to have an excuse to follow Kyle and Trevor into the house. I want to see exactly what my brother is up to. It is so obvious that the whole pool pump thing was just his stupid way of getting Trevor away from Avery.

  I try to hurry Georgia up the stairs, but she is moving so incredibly slow. She is probably trying her best not to trip in those crazy, sky-high heels of hers. I pretty much dump her into my room and scurry off. Hopefully, she won't be too offended by my abruptness.

  I sneak half way down the stairs, making sure I can't be seen from the kitchen. I lean in and try to discreetly eavesdrop on their conversation.

  "So, when did you and Avery start dating?" I hear Kyle ask Trevor.

  "We've been kind of hanging out for a week, but I just asked her out, out tonight. So I guess, since . . . today," Trevor says in a friendly way. He hasn't yet picked up on Kyle's attitude.

  "I didn't want to say anything out there, but I kind of walked in on you guys in the basement earlier."

  I am shocked that Kyle would be willing to admit this so openly to Trevor, especially after he acted so freaked out earlier with me, when he thought that they might have seen him gawking at them. I guess he's only worried about Avery knowing that he saw the two of them.

  "Shit, I'm sorry man. I didn't think anyone was . . . . She said we were alone." Trevor's voice sounds a little nervous, which is strange because he usually sounds so cocky and sure of himself.

  "Yeah, well I don't know what your intentions are with her, but she is not the kind of girl you think she is," he says sternly.

  "I didn't think . . . I don't know what you are talking about, Kyle. I never thought that Avery is easy, if that is what you're getting at," Trevor says defensively.

  What the hell, Kyle? Even I know that Trevor isn't that kind of a guy.

  "Well, it sure didn't look that way when I saw you practically mauling her on my couch in the basement. You said yourself, it is only the first night you two are officially dating."

  I wonder again just how much making out they were doing. Could they have been doing what Sam and I were doing when Kyle interrupted us? Ugh, I really can't handle that thought right now.

  "Look, man. We just got a little carried away. I didn't expect to . . . I like her more than I thought I would, but I wasn't going to try to take advantage of her or anything, if that is what you are worried about. I'm not an asshole. I don't treat girls like that."

  I am both surprised and bothered by how genuine he sounds. Was I wrong? Did he finally come to his senses and start liking Avery? I guess it's possible when they kissed, and did whatever else they were busy doing, he realized they have more chemistry than he had originally thought. Once again, imagining them kissing and making out makes my stomach twist and turn uncomfortably. I can't remember the last time I felt this sick.

  What is wrong with me? I have Sam. There is no reason for me to be jealous. We just had the most amazing date tonight. Isn't the fact that I am standing here without my bikini top evidence enough?

  "Is everything okay?" Georgia's voice makes me jump. She is standing at the top of the staircase, staring at me like I am a lunatic. I wonder how long she's been there.

  "Yeah, I um . . . was just thinking about something that I remembered I have to do. I need to go to my room for a minute. Are you okay finding your way back?" I ask, making sure I don't make direct eye contact with her. I'm afraid she is going to see right through my lie, and call me on the fact that I was really just eavesdropping on my brother.

  "I think I've got it. Down the stairs and out through the French doors off of the kitchen?" She smiles warmly, even though I realize how stupid I must have sounded. It's not like we live in this huge, complicated mansion, where it would even be possible to get lost.

  "Okay, well. I'll see you outside, then," I say awkwardly, before turning around and passing her at the top of the staircase.

  I slip into my room and close the door. I fall back onto my bed, sending pillows flying in all different directions. My room is spinning. My body feels warm, probably because of the alcohol. I'm sure all of the drama isn't helping, either. I just want everyone to leave so Sam and I can finish our perfect date.

  Even if they did though, I'm not sure I would be able to get Trevor out of my head. I sigh. Damn him and his sexy dimples, those gorgeous emerald eyes, that ridiculously hot body, and damn me for noticing.

  Just as I calm myself down and get my breathing back to a steady rate, I am startled by the sound a soft tapping on my door.

  "It's unlocked," I call out. I don't bother moving to greet whoever is behind the door.

  "Um, Laila? Can we talk for a second?" The sound of Trevor's smooth, deep voice throws me off.

  You have got to be kidding me. Why is he bothering me right now? He opens the door carefully, unsure whether or not he should enter. I decide that he isn't worth my time enough to actually sit up and acknowledge him. Not after the way he has been treating me tonight.

  "Can I come in?" he asks. His voice is calm, without any signs of angst or animosity.

  "Fine, whatever." I wave my arm as if to motion for him to come in, but I don't budge otherwise. My other arm is still draped across my face, blocking out the light.

  "Is everything okay?" he asks hesitantly.

  "Yeah. I am feeling a little dizzy. I just need to stay still for a moment. I'll be fine."

  "That's good," he says nervously.

  "What do you want, Trevor?" I ask with frustration.

  "I'm really sorry about the way everything went down earlier. I just wanted you to know that." There doesn't seem to be any sarcasm in his voice. In fact, he sounds like he truly wants to make amends.

  "For what it's worth, I re
ally do think I like Avery now. In fact, I'm actually surprised by how much. You're right. She is incredible. You don't have to worry about her . . . with me."

  He pauses for a moment, probably expecting me to say something, but I have no response. His words feel like he just stuck an ice pick through my heart, though. In fact, I cannot believe just how not okay I am with the two of them being together. I can't let him know this, though. I am not about to ruin this for Avery.

  "Well, I just wanted you to know that, okay?" he says as a last-ditch attempt to reconcile with me.

  I sigh, and prop myself up onto my elbows. "Okay fine, but you should know that I will personally kick your ass if you hurt her. Got it?"

  He breaks out into a full smile, dimples and all. I can't help but return the sentiment, no matter how hard I try to force my lips to remain still.

  "You and Kyle both," he says. His cheeks puff up, before he lets out a big burst of air. His eyes relax, as they travel from my face down to my chest. He cocks his head to the side ever so slightly. He squints a little, before his face suddenly turns pink. He quickly turns his head away from me, as if he has seen something he shouldn't.

  When I look down at my chest, I realize that my nipples are clearly showing through the thin t-shirt that is pulled tightly over my very bare chest. I quickly sit up, and cross my arms over myself protectively. I really don't think it would be possible for me to be more embarrassed than I am right now.

  "Okay, well . . . I, uh . . . better get back . . . out there," he stammers awkwardly. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asks again, only he's not allowing himself to look directly at me.

  "I'm fine. I just need a moment. I'll see you guys in a minute." My voice is equally shaky, but he doesn't say anything about it. He simply nods and leaves my room.

  Chapter Twenty-Two: He Called Me Jailbait

  Pretty much everyone is in the pool by the time I get back down to the patio. The only person I don't see is the one person I need to see right now. Where did Sam go? Even though Kyle has his arms wrapped around Georgia, his eyes rarely leave Avery. He is watching Trevor's every move, and way too closely.