I step back, needing space to unclog my brain. In a matter of seconds, he has me pinned flat to the wall, his arms forming a loose cage around me. His lower body presses against mine, and I bite my lip to confine my needy whimper. Flippin’ hell. Why am I so attracted to this tool? Even the mere thought of any of my other cousins getting this close to me makes me feel ill, so why do I feel completely differently around Kyler? Why does this turn me on when it should gross me out?
He grazes his nose along the length of my neck, and a tiny moan escapes my lips. His tongue darts out, tasting my flesh, and I clench my fists tight at my side to curb the inane urge to touch him. My body is shuddering all over. “Brad is only trying to get close to you to get back at me,” he murmurs, running the tip of one finger across my collarbone. His gaze latches on to the swell of my breasts under my swimsuit, and his dark stare turns even darker.
Pressing into me again, he licks his lips, as the bulge in his shorts grows harder. My chest swells and deflates in demonstrative fashion, and my nipples are tight to the point of soreness. “Although I’m sure he’s happy to take it there. You’re definitely his type.” His fingers brush the side of my breast in a barely-there caress, but I still feel the pleasurable sensation all the way to the tips of my toes.
A bead of water runs down my face and over my neck, heading for the gap between my breasts. His tongue darts out and laps it up, all the while his eyes stay locked on mine.
It’s the singular most erotic moment of my life.
My core pulses with painful need as his hand sweeps over my hip and he moves his face over mine. His warm breath is intoxicating as he kisses the very edge of my mouth. I turn my head toward him, desperately craving his taste, when he jerks back with urgency. His fingers dig into my hips, and I cry out. “Stay away from Brad. This is your final warning.”
Stepping back, he treats me to one of his trademark smug smiles before blowing me a mocking kiss. Then he exits the room without a second glance.
I press a hand to my stomach, rooted to the spot, watching the door swinging in and out after him. Conflicting emotions are running riot inside me as I snatch up my towel and stagger from the room like a drunk after a rowdy all-nighter.
Chapter Fifteen
After showering and dressing, and trying my best to shake all thoughts of Kyler from my head and my heart, I walk to the kitchen for breakfast. It’s empty. Guess everyone sleeps in on the weekend. I make a healthy fruit salad and eat it with some yogurt, before deciding to take a walk on the grounds.
As I step outside, Kyler shoots past me on a mountain bike, almost taking the knees out from under me. His feet cycle unbelievably fast. His focus and dedication is clearly keeping him in tiptop shape, I begrudgingly acknowledge. Still doesn’t excuse his behavior.
Less than an hour ago, he was all up in my personal space, and now he doesn’t care if he runs me over?
Jerk-face.
I flip my finger up at his retreating form even though he can’t see me—makes me feel heaps better, though.
Strips of buttery sunshine heat my bones as I stride across the lawn toward the woods. My book is tucked in the back pocket of my shorts, and I intend to find a comfy spot to read. Fresh, minty scents invade my nostrils as I make my way through the forest.
A sorrowful pang assaults me as memories of family walks in Djouce Woods soar to the front of my mind. Heartfelt misery twists my stomach into knots, and I bend over, clutching my torso as if I’m winded. Unimaginable pain rips through me, shredding vital organs in its wake. I sink to my knees, hugging my arms around my torso, desperately trying to hold myself together.
“Are you okay?” a soft lilting voice asks, and I stiffen. Glancing over my shoulder, I spy Lana looking at me with obvious concern etched across her face.
“You ran off on me,” I say, climbing to my feet. “At the party.”
Her cheeks flush red. “Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to be rude. I was a little upset over something.”
“Anything I can help with?”
She shakes her head. “I’m over it now, but thanks.”
I walk toward her and extend my hand, super grateful for her distraction. I was starting to fall into a hole that wouldn’t have been easy to get out of. “I’m Faye.”
“I know. My mom told me about you.” She looks down at the ground as her cheeks stain darker.
“Greta’s nice, although I don’t think she’s happy that I want to actually use the kitchen.”
“You figured that out already, huh?”
“It’s no biggie.” I shrug. “I’ll work on her.”
She shifts awkwardly from foot to foot. “Do you have plans right now, or would you like to hang out? My parents are both working, so the house is empty.”
“I’ve no plans. That sounds great.”
I follow Lana as she guides us through the forest. “Mom is quite set in her ways, but she’s a big softie. She’s worked for the Kennedys for years, and the job means a lot to her. She likes to feel indispensable.”
“I can understand that, and it’s admirable that she’s so dedicated to her job. Trust me, she’s nothing to fear from me. I like to let off steam in the kitchen, that’s all. My mum was a fantastic cook, and I was essentially raised in front of a cooker.”
“You must miss her.”
“I do. So much.”
Lana steers me along the side of the bungalow and out around the back to a small well-worn decked area. Tasteful wicker furniture sits atop the raised area, facing out onto an impressive garden. Even though it’s not the biggest lawn—certainly not by Kennedy standards—it’s beautifully designed with flowers and shrubbery of every size and color. A large apple tree occupies prime position in the center of the garden, holding court like a majestic overlord.
“Wow, your garden is fab.”
Lana walks into the house via a side door as I plonk my ass into one of the comfy seats. She returns brandishing a jug with pink liquid and two glasses. “Would you like some lemonade?”
“Cool, thanks.”
She sets the lemonade down on the table resting between us and pours me a glass. “Dad maintains all the gardens for the Kennedys, but it’s more than a job to him. He’s the original green fingers.” She smiles and her whole face transforms. A fleck of amber glistens in her hazel eyes, and the smattering of freckles dotting her nose and cheeks sparkle like tiny little stars are embedded in her skin.
She rests back in her chair, taking a sip of her drink.
“How long have you lived here?” I ask as I lift the glass to my lips. The sweet liquid fizzes in my mouth. “Gosh, this is sooo good. Did your mum make it?”
She bobs her head. “We have pink lemonade on tap.” She grins. “And I’ve lived here my whole life.”
Now that’s an interesting nugget of information. “So you must know the Kennedys well?”
She looks off into space. “I suppose so, though I don’t hang around with them anymore.”
I take a big slurp of my drink. “How come?”
“It wouldn’t be appropriate for them to be seen associating with the help.”
I detect no bitterness; she’s merely stating the facts. “Is that coming from the boys or their parents?”
“Their mom, mainly. I don’t think James is too hung up on social norms, but appearance is the only thing that matters to Alexandra. Especially with their links to the infamous Kennedy dynasty. One mustn’t do anything to disgrace the Kennedy name.”
I lean forward in my chair, my hair hanging loosely around my shoulders. “What the what?”
She pins me with a disbelieving look. “No one has said anything to you? You don’t know about your own heritage?”
Of course, I knew Mum’s maiden name was Kennedy, but Kennedy is a popular surname in Ireland, so I would never have assumed any links to those Kennedys. And s
he never mentioned any connection. I shake my head in frustration. “Are you saying they—I—am related to JFK?”
Her brow puckers. “I don’t think you’re directly related to that side of the family. The connection is further back, and more distant. You should ask your uncle. He’ll fill you in.”
“Don’t worry, I intend to. Hhmph.” If what Lana is saying is true, it’s further evidence of my mum’s dishonesty. I don’t understand why she didn’t want me to know this stuff. I’m left feeling confused and hurt all over again.
We sit in comfortable silence for a bit.
“Keaton says you attend the public school. What’s it like?”
“It’s okay, I guess.” She pushes her bangs back off her forehead. “The teachers are decent.”
“What year are you in?”
“I’m a junior, same as Kal.”
“Kal? Huh? Someone sounds on friendly terms.” She stiffens in her chair, and her cheeks turn strawberry red. I think I may have offended her. “I’m only messing, don’t mind me.”
A nostalgic look spreads across her face. “He used to be my best friend. When we were kids, I hung out with them most summers. I even went to Nantucket a few times. Kal and I used to build sandcastles together.” Her look is wistful.
“What’s Nantucket?”
Her eyes ping with curiosity. “They haven’t told you about Nantucket either?”
“Nope.” I try not to feel insulted.
“Nantucket is an island off The Cape, and it’s where a lot of the wealthy Bostonians and New Yorkers have vacation homes. Alex and James purchased their house about ten years ago, and they spend a lot of weekends there. I think Alexandra would prefer a vacation estate in the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, but properties rarely come on the market. Taylor Swift outbid her a few years ago, and I thought Alex was going to blow a gasket.”
She snickers, and her face lights up again. As she turns her head, sunlight glints off her hair, highlighting all the fiery red undertones. My smile falters as another reminder of Mum threatens to floor me. Blinking away the memory, I take another glug of my lemonade, hoping the almost sickly sweet liquid will overpower the sour taste in my mouth.
“I’m surprised they haven’t mentioned it. I’m sure they’ll take you there. It’s an awesome place. You’ll love it.”
“Lana? Where are you?” a man’s voice rings out from somewhere in the bungalow.
“It’s my dad.”
“Will he mind that I’m here?”
Her eyes crinkle at the corners as she thinks about it. “I’m not sure, actually.”
“Then I’ll go.” I drain the rest of my lemonade and hop up. “I don’t want to get you into any trouble. I’ll see you around?”
“Absolutely.”
At the sound of approaching footsteps, I hightail it out of there and jog back to the house.
No one is around when I return although I hear Greta humming gently to herself as she runs the hoover around the living area. I take the stairs to the mezzanine level on the off chance that James is here. I want to probe him about Lana’s claims. She was a minefield of information, as well as being a genuinely nice person. I can’t help thinking that the only girls I will meet—if I socialize in the Kennedy circle—are bitchy, spiteful types like Addison. It serves to further cement the view that I don’t belong in their world.
The sound of an argument greets me when I reach James’ study. The door is slightly ajar, and I hesitate outside, wondering if I should knock or go back downstairs and wait it out.
“Come in, Faye,” James calls out, removing the decision from my hands.
Smoothing my hair off my face, I step into the room. James is standing in front of the fireplace with his back to the hearth. Kyler faces him, standing rigidly tall, his shoulders knotted into solid, tense blocks of muscle. He’s wearing shorts and a sleeveless sports top, both of which are soaked in sweat and plastered to his body. His body odor wafts through the air, stirring my loins.
Again, I should be grossed out instead of turned on.
I’m genuinely starting to worry about myself.
“I need to reflect on it. Let’s pick this up later,” James tells his son.
“Dad, please. I need to tell them this week. Otherwise, it’ll fold. They don’t have the funds to stay open much longer. And it’s not solely for my benefit, think of all the other kids wh—”
James holds up one hand. “I’ve taken onboard everything you’ve said, and I’ll discuss it with your mother tonight. I don’t need you to repeat yourself.”
“Maybe I should have a chat with Mom myself.” Kyler lowers his voice, and there’s a definite edge to it.
James’ shoulders tense. “Are you threatening me?”
“If that’s what it takes, then yeah.” Kyler squares up to his dad, but his back is to me so I can’t make out his expression.
James looks like he’s ready to take a swing at his son. Curling his hands into fists, he stretches the skin so tight it blanches white. “Get out before I do something I’ll regret.”
Ky thumps the top of the desk in fury before stomping past me with a ferocious look on his face.
I start retracing my steps. “This is a bad time. I’ll come back.”
James sighs. “Don’t leave. My frustration isn’t directed at you. Come”—he taps the arm of the chair—“sit.”
I flop into the chair, crossing my legs. “Is there anything I can help with?”
He pours himself a glass of water and sits down across from me. “Don’t suppose you have access to the Tardis? It’d be handy if I could rewrite my own history.”
I peer into his eyes, wondering if he’s on something.
He chuckles when he spots my confusion. “Your mum never mentioned Dr. Who to you? We used to watch it as kids.”
“Nope. Guess it’s something else I’ll add to the list.” A flare of anger sparks to life inside me.
James arches a brow. “The list?”
“Of all the things she kept hidden from me.”
“We can watch it together sometime. If you like?”
“I’ve seen episodes of Dr. Who! It’s not about the damn show!” I snap. Pulling my legs into my chest, I bury my head in my knees.
James perches on the edge of the chair, tentatively circling his arm around my shoulders. “I know, sweetheart.”
I lean into him, and it’s nice to feel like someone cares.
“Dad?” I jerk my chin up as Kent comes barreling into the study. He takes one look at the two of us and scowls. Before James can even acknowledge him, he legs it out of there without another word.
James squeezes my shoulder before retaking his seat. Deep creases furrow his brow as he stares numbly at the empty door. There’s a world-weary defeatist aura around him, and it makes me want to shower him with love. Clearly, he’s concerned about Kent. “I still remember the years when my boys thought I was Superman, Batman, and Spiderman, all rolled into one.” He runs a hand through his hair, and I notice it’s lighter than usual. I try not to gawp as I take in his newly acquired blond highlights.
“When all they wanted was to play ball with me. Or try and drown me in the pool,” he continues. A huge grin splays across his face. “Those were good years. Great years. When I lived for them and they lived for me.”
The grin fades away, replaced by a look of utter despair. He looks so sad and my heart aches for him. One doesn’t have to be a genius to see he adores his sons. Or that it’s breaking his heart that their relationship is on the skids.
“It’ll come full circle. Teenage boys are the worst kind of beast to tame.” And don’t I know it.
James smiles. “You sound like you’re speaking from experience.”
“I am. I’ve been living in the jungle for over a week now.”
Chapter Sixteen
> A little while later, Alex informs me that she’s booked a restaurant near Boston Harbor for a family dinner. I’m not blowing off my shift after only officially getting the job, so I inform her that I’ll have to pass. She refuses to have dinner without me, so she leaves to reschedule the meal to Monday night instead.
I hang with Keaton by the pool all afternoon before getting ready for work. He’s such easy company, and I could get used to relying on him, but I can’t ride his coattails forever. Besides, I suspect he’s ditching his friends to hang out with me, and I don’t want that either.
When James shows up, beseeching us to play Xbox with him, I use the work excuse to bow out, allowing them some father and son time.
Rose is pulling up to the diner as Max drops me off. She slides off the pillion of a motorbike and waves as a helmeted mystery boy puts his foot on the gas and weaves into the traffic.
“Hey, girlfriend.” Rose greets me with a generous smile, fluffing out her hair with her fingers.
“Who was that?”
She pushes the door open. “That was my boyfriend, Theo. He gave me a lift from the pool.”
My eyes flit to her damp pink hair. “You swim?”
“Yeah, I’m on the school team. During summer break, I train with a private coach.” She ducks her head under the counter, and I follow her into the back. “It’s why I need this job. I used to work at the ice cream parlor, but they closed a few months back. I was lucky to find this job pretty much straightaway. I wouldn’t be able to afford the swim lessons otherwise.”
I’m surprised that she’s only worked here a couple of months. It seems as if she’s worked here her whole life.
“I’ve put my name down for the swim team at Old Colonial,” I admit, yanking off my jeans and tee. “I’m waiting for my tryout.”
Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys #1) Page 12