“She mainly keeps to herself, and that’s the way Mother likes it. She doesn’t want us associating with the staff.” He loops his arm through mine and pulls me forward.
“Your mum didn’t strike me as a snob.”
Keaton tips back his head and roars laughing. “Are you kidding? My mom is the Queen Bee of Snobs. You’ll see. Come on, we don’t want to miss all the action.”
We walk deeper into the woods, and faint sounds of music reach my ears. After a mile or so, my feet start protesting, and I whip off my heels, content to walk barefoot the rest of the way. The music gets louder and louder, mingling with the chatter of several voices as we approach.
Rounding the next bend, we arrive in front of a split-level log-cabin-style house with a massive, wide wraparound deck. Copious deck chairs and love seats are occupied with girls dressed in a variety of skimpy clothing and guys dressed more casually but nonetheless stylishly. Large buckets filled with ice and beer rest on a makeshift counter that’s been set up on the opposite side of the deck. Bowls of chips and dips are half-eaten. I slip on my heels. “How the hell do your parents not cop on to all this?”
“Mom’s traveling most of the time, and Dad’s out late most nights. Everyone sneaks in through an old, unused gate at the back of the woods so there’s little evidence of what we’re up to. It’s the perfect foil.” Beats pump out, merging with flashing strobe lights as Keaton escorts me up the steps and into the large open-plan room. Several hands go up as we pass, and Keaton high-fives a few guys. I catch more than my fair share of inquisitive looks, but he doesn’t waste long on introductions, guiding me swiftly through the house. We maneuver our way past the crowd dancing in the main living area. A few couples are making out in the shadows under the stairs, and sounds of heavy panting accost my ears.
A bunch of boys and girls are lining up shots in the kitchen. “What’d you want to drink?” Keaton asks, waving his hand at the counter where every type of alcoholic beverage imaginable is stacked. My cousins sure know how to throw a party. Rachel would be in her element here. “There are wine coolers in the refrigerator.”
James’ comment about the cause of my parent’s demise has been weighing on my mind. I don’t know if I’ll ever look at alcohol in the same way again. If I’ll ever have the stomach for it, or if I’ll always associate it with the drunk driver who killed them. “I’ll have a water, thanks.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “You don’t drink?”
“Sure she does,” Kent says, coming into the room from outside. “Didn’t you notice how hungover she was the day she arrived?”
I narrow my eyes at him. My parents just died, asshole. I think it, but I don’t say it. The words still hurt too much to speak them out loud. And I get that he’s pissed at the world and lashing out. He doesn’t mean it.
“That’s when you did this too? Right?” Kent runs his hand through my hair.
“What?” Keaton looks perplexed.
“She was brunette in those pictures Dad showed us.” He swigs from a bottle of beer.
“What’s it to you?”
“Nothing. It was only an observation.” He pushes past me into the heaving crowd out front.
“How are you the only one with normal social skills in this family?” I ask Keaton, accepting the bottle of water he offers me.
A hand snakes around my waist and I’m hauled back against a solid male chest. “I’ll try not to take that as an insult.”
Chapter Ten
“Where have you been all week?” I ask, attempting to wriggle out of Kalvin’s arms.
He snickers. “Ah, did you miss me?”
“Like a hole in the head.”
Burying his nose in my neck, he sniffs appreciatively. “You smell gorgeous. Want to finish what we started the other day?”
“What’s he talking about?” Keaton asks, frowning.
Removing Kalvin’s arm, I turn around to face him. Damn, he looks good. He’s wearing jeans and a light blue shirt that brings out the color in his eyes. His shirt is unbuttoned and rolled up to the elbows, highlighting his strong arms and impressive six-pack. His hair is falling in lazy waves over his forehead, giving off an air of calculated indifference.
He smirks as he notices my approving gaze, and I stick my tongue out at him. “I believe I won that round.” I unscrew the cap off my water and lift it to my lips.
“I’ll allow it.” He yanks the bottle out of my hands and takes a quick glug. “But you still owe me.”
“In your dreams, cuz.” I push the bottle back at him when he tries to return it. “I’m not drinking that now. God knows what I’ll catch.”
Keaton laughs as he tosses another bottle of water my way. “She catches on quick.” He winks at me.
Kalvin smiles. “You’re all right, Faye.”
I send him a derogatory look. “High praise indeed,” I mutter.
He laughs. “Don’t push it.”
“Does that mean you’ll lay off all the pretend sleazy stuff?”
“Not a chance in hell.” He playfully tweaks my nose, and I swat his hand away. “And who says I’m pretending?” He leans down, pinning me with mischievous eyes. “It’s too much fun, and I’m only warming up.” He winks, as two small hands creep under his shirt, wrapping around his bare chest.
“I was looking everywhere for you.” I hear the phony pout in the girl’s voice.
Kalvin slaps his arm around the petite brunette, hauling her into his side. “I came to say hi to my cuz, but I’m all yours now, babe.” The girl eyes me suspiciously, as she runs her hand dangerously low over Kalvin’s abs. He bends down and sets a searing kiss on her lips. The girl curls into him, all but crawling up his body. His fingers dip into the band of her skirt, and she moans her approval. Reaching down, she cups the front of his trousers and starts fondling his crotch.
Okay then.
“Don’t mind us,” I murmur.
Kalvin emits a low, primitive growl, and without breaking the kiss, he maneuvers them out of the room.
“Damn,” I say, fanning myself. “I think I got pregnant just watching.”
Keaton snickers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if that was part of his repertoire.”
An intoxicating haze sweeps over me, causing all the tiny hairs on my arms to stand firmly to attention.
Instinctively, I scan the room for him.
Kyler is watching, through the window, from his place on the deck. Leaning back against the railing, he stares at me through dark, clouded eyes. My heart starts pounding in my chest as I level him with a similar stare. He inserts a finger in his mouth, sucking suggestively as he moves it slowly in and out. Saliva pools in my mouth, and that one tiny gesture sends warmth flooding to my core. His lips curve into a cocky grin, and I’m pretty sure he’s well aware of the effect he has on girls.
On this girl.
Even though he’s outside, electricity sizzles in the air. I’ve never felt such an instant, heady attraction to a guy before. With Luke, it was a steady, innocent build-up over time and more of a sweet-butterfly-type feeling in the pit of my stomach.
This is the complete opposite of that.
Kyler emits dangerous, seductive vibes that speak directly to that secret chamber inside me. It’s like he possesses a silent calling card that resurrects a hidden wild part of me. One heated look from him, and my body ignites with lust.
I still can’t decide whether I want to run toward it or from it.
His mixed signals aren’t helping either. It’s almost as if he’s punishing me for this attraction between us.
And is it right to have these kinds of feelings and thoughts about my cousin? It’s kind of weird to refer to him as that, because he’s still a complete stranger to me, and the way I react to him is the same way I’d react to any boy I’m attracted to. Does it really matter if, technically, we’re related? I
n Ireland, there’s no legal impediment to being with your cousin, but I’m sure it’s forbidden in plenty of places. Considering I grew up thinking I had no cousins, this isn’t something I’ve ever given much thought to. I’m not sure whether it matters either way.
I probably shouldn’t be having these thoughts about Kyler, but I’m powerless to resist the insistent pull between us.
He hasn’t looked away this whole time. His eyes sear me, spear me, and I’m seconds away from storming outside—to do what, I’m not sure—when a familiar blonde surfaces at his side, tugging on his arm and smiling sweetly up at him. Addison spots the look in his eye and the focus of his attention. Her eyes narrow to slits as she sizes me up.
Someone steps in front of me, blocking my view and snapping me out of my hormonally charged trance. “Hey, it’s Faye, right?” the girl with the pink hair from the diner asks.
“Yeah. Hi, Rose.” I give her a grateful smile.
She moves beside me, taking a sip from her wine cooler. Kyler has his back to me now, and Addison is draped around him, running the tip of her finger up and down his arm.
“You want to watch yourself with that one. She has claws and she ain’t afraid to use them.”
“You intervened on purpose?”
“I was trying to do you a favor.” She sounds a tad prickly.
“I’m grateful,” I rush to assure her, in case I’ve inadvertently offended her. “Thanks.”
Her shoulders relax. “Addison is a complete bitch, and she scares every girl away from Kyler. You don’t want to get mixed up in that shit.”
I frown. “What happened between them?”
“You don’t know?”
“My cousin has thrown out a few random comments, but I’m not aware of their exact history.”
She cocks her head. “Not here, follow me.”
We head across the house, plowing our way through the boisterous crowd writhing on the dance floor. I spot a few of the guys from that day in the diner scanning my every move. Jeremy taps his finger off his forehead in a form of salute, but I ignore him and the gesture.
Rose takes my hand firmly and leads me outside, away from the party. We sit down against the trunk of a wide tree. I kick off my shoes and curl my feet up underneath me.
“Even the walls have ears in there. What I’m about to tell you, you can’t repeat to your cousins. They don’t like idle gossip.”
“I won’t breathe a word. Promise.”
She reviews me with intelligent eyes. “I’m only telling you this because I saw the way you two were looking at each other, and if you decide to go there, you should know what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I don’t know what you think you saw, but Kyler can barely tolerate me, and he has hardly spoken to me since I arrived.”
Liar, a taunting inner voice throws out. I wipe my sweaty palms down the front of my jeans. “Besides, he’s my cousin.”
She picks at the label on her beer bottle. “True, and if you decide to get with him, you can expect a ton of hostility. Personally speaking, I don’t think it makes any difference. You can’t help who you fall for, and love comes in many different guises, but most don’t share my view.”
“I’m not in love with him.” The words fly out of my mouth with urgency. Let’s not get carried away here.
“Not yet,” she teases. “But I know a horny look when I see one. You two are definitely hot for each other.” I open my mouth to protest, but she waves me away. “Stay in denial, if you like. That’s totally your business. I’ll tell you what you need to know so at least you aren’t walking into anything blind. Addison doesn’t miss a thing, and you can bet she’s already picking up on the attraction between you two.”
“Why are you looking out for me?”
She sighs. “Anyone would swear you didn’t want my help.” She pins me with a slightly irritated look.
“That’s not it. I …” I pull my knees into my chest. “I guess I’m just a naturally suspicious person.”
“That skill will stand to you around here.”
“So, what is the score with the two of them?”
“I don’t know the specifics, but Kyler and Addison were going steady for a couple of years. Ky was really into her, or at least that’s the way it always seemed to me. But she started hooking up behind his back, and it was months before he found out. I heard he was devastated, though he didn’t hesitate to dump her cheating ass the minute he found out. He’s always been a moody son-of-a-bitch, but he turned even moodier and more reclusive. He’s hooked up with a few random girls, here and there, but I haven’t seen him show interest in anyone.” She fixes me with a straight-up look. “Until now.”
A tiny sliver of excitement blasts through me.
“Lately, Addison has been all up in his face, like a nasty dose of the clap. She’s trying to sink her teeth into him again.”
“So he’s a man-whore, too? Is that like the new American pastime?”
She sniggers. “Nothing new about it, and no, Kyler isn’t on Kalvin’s level if that’s what you’re asking.” She shakes her head. “Addison messed him up bad.”
“I knew there was a reason I didn’t like her the minute I met her,” I admit.
“I presume you’re going to Old Colonial too?”
“That’s the plan, apparently. Do you go there?”
That incites a laugh. “Me?” Her eyes grow wide as she gestures toward herself. “Nuh-uh. I’m from the wrong side of town, and my parents don’t have that kind of money. I go to Wellesley Memorial High School. We’ve got our fair share of dicks there too, but at least they don’t try and hide what they are. You’ll need to keep your wits about you in O.C. They’ll eat you for breakfast otherwise.”
“Noted, thanks. I’ve seen enough American TV shows to have a fairly accurate idea of what to expect.”
“Girl, if that’s what you’re basing it on, you’re in for a shock. Imagine the very worst and multiple it a hundredfold, no, a thousandfold, and then maybe you’ll have some idea of what’s lying in wait. They devour regular ole newcomers but they’ll be out to annihilate you.”
“Why?”
She twists around so she’s facing me, hugging her bottle between her legs. “So many reasons. One, you’re totally hot. Two, you’re from Ireland, and you have that whole cute accent thing down pat. Three, Addison commands the girls in that school like a commander in chief, and given what I’ve witnessed, you are now top of her hit list. Plus, you’re living with the Kennedy boys, and the girls will want to rip you from limb to limb for that fact alone. I could keep going, but I think you get the gist.”
“Great. Something else to look forward to.” I massage my temples.
“Expect the unexpected, and don’t let them bully you, and they’ll eventually go away.” She doesn’t sound too reassuring or look too hopeful.
“Pity you don’t go there. It’d be nice to have at least one friend.”
“I know. I moved here three years ago from Colorado, so I understand how hard it can be to fit in, but I think you’ll be fine.” She climbs to her feet. “I’m going to call it a night. Early start tomorrow.”
I slip my shoes back on. “I’d better go find Keaton. I’ll see you at work?”
“Definitely.” She waves as she makes her exit.
I’m walking back toward the house when the sound of voices reaches me. “Come on, Ky. You know I’m sorry. If you let me, I’ll show you just how sorry I am.” The girl’s tone is husky and suggestive.
“You don’t deserve a second chance, Addison. You blew it with me.”
Kyler’s deep cadence sends chills all over me. I lean against the nearest tree and cautiously peek around it. Kyler and Addison are on a deserted part of the deck, by themselves. He’s leaning against the wall with his arms folded in a protective stance across his body.
What a conceited stuck-up bitch! And I despise girls who refer to themselves in third person. What an idiot. A disgusted snort escapes my mouth before I can apply a filter. I clamp a hand over my lips as I flatten my back to the tree. My blood pressure skyrockets. Crap! They can’t find me spying on them! But I’m stuck here, because if I try to flee, they’ll see me. My pulse picks up, and I swallow the panicked lump in my throat.
“What was that?” Addison asks.
“Nothing, babe.” Kyler’s attitude isn’t as cold as before. “Maybe you’re right.”
“I knew you would come around to my way of thinking eventually,” she purrs.
There is silence for a minute, and all I can hear is the panicked beating of my heart. A nasty taste floods my mouth.
“Oh, that feels so good.” She’s breathless as she emits a little whimper.
I feel a sudden, compelling urge to puke. I risk another quick look. My eyes spring wide, and I stumble slightly when Kyler’s shrewd eyes lock instantly on mine. I gulp. He knew someone was watching!
“I know what you need too, baby. Let me take care of you.” He presses his mouth to a spot below her ear and starts trailing a line of kisses up and down her neck. He pulls her body in flush to his, and his hands roam along her spine. Dramatically throwing back her head, she offers him more access, and he takes it. His mouth moves lower, his eyes never once straying from mine. We’re caged in that silent place again. His hand inches down to cup her ass, and he squeezes. She moans again, and my cheeks flare up.
Holy shitballs for dinner, how did I get myself into this mess? I should look away. I want to, because the sight of them together makes me want to hurl. But I can’t tear my eyes away. Not when he has me locked under that enchanting glare of his.
Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys #1) Page 8