“What about the kids?” Becky asked.
“I'll watch them,” Jenny said.
“You sure?” Becky asked. “Maybe you want to go back to the bar and meet up with someone tonight.”
“Bullshit,” Gavin barked out.
“I'm staying in tonight,” Jenny said, as she glared at Becky. “I'm not going to the bar.”
Jenny turned to Gavin.
“What was that about?” she asked, as she stood up and looked at him sternly.
“Tell John we'll go. Did you know Jenny runs?” Becky asked Kyle.
“Really?” he asked.
“She does,” Becky answered. “Why don't you go for a run with Kyle? He can show you great places to run here. He knows his way around.”
“That's okay,” Jenny answered. “I don't want to hold him back.”
“You won't,” Becky said with a smile. “I've seen you run. He might have a hard time keeping up.”
Gavin grumbled something.
“I don't think that's the case, Becky,” Kyle said. “Are you questioning my running skills?”
“Not at all,” she said. “I'm just saying my girl has skills. I can't help it if they're better than yours, Kyle.”
Kyle looked down at Becky and went to open his mouth.
“I take that back,” Jenny said, as she looked at Becky. “You are crazy. I'm going to take a shower.”
Jenny turned and walked out of the room and up the stairs. She thought about Gavin's comment, grumble, and what Kyle had said the night before as he was walking away. There was definitely going to be another conversation about that at some point. She was going to figure out what was behind his comment and apology for the best kiss she'd ever had in her life.
Chapter 9
Kyle
Gavin turned and looked at Becky.
“I'm going to relax on the beach now that you made plans for us to leave the house later,” he said in a grouchy tone.
“You'll be fine,” she said. “You know I won't pass up going there. We won't be out long. Go out and free yourself from that stress that has that stick up your ass.”
“Woman,” Gavin said sternly.
“I love you too, babe,” she joked.
Gavin turned around and walked out the back door letting it close hard behind him. Becky looked up at Kyle and laughed.
“What a tough guy,” she said. “How was your night last night?”
“It was okay,” Kyle answered.
“Were you at the bar down the beach?” she asked.
Kyle felt his body shift a bit.
“Only for a short time. I was there while you were all eating dinner,” he answered.
“Did you happen to see Jenny there?” she asked.
“I have to get my run in,” he said. “I better go, so I can get back before John wonders if I got lost. I wouldn't want anyone to worry about my running skills.”
“You can't avoid me, Kyle,” she said. “Ask Gavin?”
Kyle burst into laughter.
“I don't know how he does it,” Kyle said.
“I love that man more than you can imagine. My giving him shit and keeping him on his toes has nothing to do with it,” she said with a smile.
“I did see her there. Some guy was buying her a drink,” Kyle said.
The water on floor above them had started as soon as Gavin walked back outside with his attitude.
“Really?” Becky asked. “That's interesting. She was super happy this morning. I haven't seen her like that in a long time.”
“Since she got married?” he asked.
“Before that,” she said. “That marriage was never going to last. I think everyone knew it but her. She was never excited about him. It was almost as if she settled. I think she felt that too.”
“What happened to her house?” he asked.
“She gave it to him so he'd let the divorce go through without a fight. I think she was just done and wanted out quickly,” Becky said. “We asked her to move in with us when she told us what she had done. She has no family around here. The only family she has lives over two hours away. Both of those stories are hers to tell though.”
Kyle nodded.
“So, did you let her leave that bar with a strange man?” Becky asked.
She was staring straight into Kyle's eyes.
“No, Becky,” he said. “I'm not an asshole. I walked her back here. She didn't want me to, but I couldn't just let her go alone in the dark.”
“Interesting,” Becky said.
“Why is that?” he asked defensively. “You think I would just do that?”
“No,” she answered. “If that guy wasn't the one that kissed her, I wonder who was.”
Just as she finished her comment, Kyle heard the water turn off above them.
“I need to get going,” he said. “I'm sure whoever did knows it was a huge mistake and won't do it again.”
He walked toward the front door and turned the handle to open it.
“Why's that?” Becky asked.
“Because he's not stupid enough to think she likes him. She had no problem marrying someone else even though he was right there. Not to mention, your brute of a husband wouldn't let it happen. It was a mistake, Becky.”
Kyle walked out and pulled the door shut behind him. He walked down toward the road as he put his earbuds in and cranked the music loud. Then his feet hit the road. She needed to get out of his head.
His mind kept going back to her. All he could think about were her soft, full lips and the fruity taste mixed with alcohol that was on her tongue when he'd kissed her. She had the most beautiful, dark eyes. Kyle felt such a connection when they kissed. She didn't push him away, not at all. She actually pulled him closer.
His feet hit the pavement harder with each thought that passed through his mind. Hours passed before he walked into the house with sweat dripping down his face and chest.
“You were supposed to let me know they were going to dinner,” he heard John say as he turned off the music.
“Sorry,” he said. “I didn't mean to be out there for so long.”
He walked into the kitchen, grabbed a cold water from the fridge, and drank the entire bottle in one long drink.
“Everything okay?” John asked. “You seem stressed way more than usual.”
“I'm fine,” he answered. “I need to get some work done. I'll be in my room.”
Kyle turned and walked out of the room.
“Kyle,” John called out, but he didn't stop.
Chapter 10
Jenny
Jenny threw on some comfortable clothes after her shower. She listened closely to make sure Kyle was gone as she walked down the stairs. The kids were watching cartoons, and Gavin was still out back.
“You met a guy at the bar?” Becky asked, as soon as she stepped into the kitchen.
“Yep,” Jenny answered.
“You kissed him in the bar?”
“No, on my way back here.”
Becky was definitely up to something, and Jenny knew it.
“He walked you back here?”
Jenny let out a huff.
“Did you happen to see Kyle at the bar?” Becky asked.
“Did he tell you?” Jenny asked with an attitude.
“It doesn't take a genius to figure it out, Jenny. He was at that bar last night. I didn't think you let some strange guy walk you back here. When Kyle walked in a bit ago, you got all weird and nervous.”
“It was just one moment. Some guy was trying to get me to have a drink with him, and I really didn't want to. Kyle walked up to help me. I didn't even know he was there. We were talking on the way back and both got sucked into the moment. That was it. He pulled away and walked off quickly. It was nothing.”
“Sure,” Becky said.
“What?” Jenny asked.
“Nothing.”
“I'm going to read. I don't want to talk about. Don't say anything to Gavin about it. It was a mistake and shouldn't have hap
pened,” Jenny said, as she walked out the back door to the beach.
Jenny got comfortable and started her book. She kept looking down the beach, but Kyle never came out. She looked the other way to see Julie out with the kids, so she ran down to talk to her. The two of them had gotten pretty close because of Becky. They hung out with the group and spent time together often. Jenny was glad Julie had never held the comment she made about Ethan being hot against her. It was before Jenny knew about the Julie and Ethan's relationship. She thought they were an adorable couple and loved the way Julie messed with him. Julie would joke around and tell Jenny she could have him. They both knew Julie would never give him up. She loved her man, and Jenny wanted to find that same love for herself one day.
“You feeling better?” Jenny asked, as she walked up.
“Not really,” Julie answered. “I've been nauseous for two days now. I must have eaten something bad.”
“Where's Ethan?” Jenny asked.
“He went down to work with Kyle for a bit. You'd think he'd leave the guy alone. I know he wants to make sure everything's good, but he needs to trust him. Kyle's amazing at what he does. I've played some of his games. I would never tell Ethan, but they're better than some of his. They suck me in for hours.”
“You've played Kyle's games?” Jenny asked.
“Of course,” Julie answered. “Those guys give them to me as soon as they're done with them. I know Ethan trusts Kyle, he just has control issues. That company is very important to Ethan. He's getting better though, but I know it drives Kyle crazy to have Ethan checking up on him.”
“Makes sense,” Jenny mumbled.
“What?” Julie asked.
“Nothing,” she answered.
Maybe that was why Kyle got upset when she'd asked about him being there. She knew he was great at his job. Gavin had grumbled about him picking Ethan to work for several times. Gavin wasn't a gamer at all, so Ethan was definitely the right choice.
“I'll play with the kids,” Jenny said. “Sit back and relax a bit. You need anything?”
“No,” Julie answered. “I'm good. Thank you for checking on me. You're such a sweet person.”
Jenny sat in the sand and played with the kids. There were only three since the littlest was down for a nap.
“I don't know how you take care of four little ones,” Jenny said. “You're a great mom.”
“They drive me crazy,” Julie said with her eyes closed and head back. “I wouldn't trade them for anything. Ethan is really good with them. He spoils them all.”
Jenny couldn't help but be envious of Julie and her family. She really had a great man.
Chapter 11
Kyle
John and Sandy left to get Gavin and Becky for dinner. They weren't gone ten minutes when John called Kelly to see if little John wanted to play with little Gavin. She was already in her pajamas and didn't feel like walking him down the beach. Her husband Eric was in bed watching a game on television. Little John wanted to go so badly, so Kyle said he would walk him down.
The two couples left by the time Kyle got there. He dropped off his nephew and turned to leave.
“You want to stay and watch a movie with us?” Jenny asked.
Kyle wasn't sure he wanted to watch a cartoon, but he also didn't want to pass on seeing her.
“We're making popcorn,” she added. “You can't pass up popcorn.”
He shook his head and laughed, as he kicked off his shoes and turned to face her. She had a smile on her face, and he knew he wanted to see that beautiful smile as often as he could.
Kyle pulled some blankets and pillows onto the floor and set them out for the kids. Each of the kids had their spots picked and was ready when Jenny came back with popcorn in tiny bowls. They turned the movie on and the kids fell silent. Kyle watched Jenny as she watched the movie. She was completely sucked into it. He laughed when tears slid from her eyes at the sad part. She turned and glared at him, which only made him laugh harder. Little John and little Gavin made their way to the couch and both fell asleep. The movie wasn't even over when Jenny had dozed off as well. Kyle found himself watching the end of the movie alone. There were two kids asleep on the floor, two asleep on the couch, and Jenny right along with them.
He thought about how good she was with all of the kids and wondered if she wanted some of her own one day. Then his mind went to her and her ex, and he couldn't help but wonder what went on between them that split them apart.
Kyle carried each of the twins up to bed. Then he carried little Gavin up. He grabbed one of the pillows from the kids and put it under Jenny's head carefully. There was a blanket on the back of the couch that he covered her with. She looked so damn cute. He picked his nephew up and made sure to lock the doors on his way out.
The night had actually turned out to be fun.
Chapter 12
Jenny
Jenny slowly opened her eyes to see Becky looking around at the pile of blankets and pillows on the floor.
“Looks like they had fun,” Becky said. “You put them to bed?”
Gavin walked in and laughed.
“The movie and popcorn must have been a hit,” he said, as he picked up all of the bowls.
“Kyle must have carried them up to bed. I fell asleep with little Gavin on my lap. That's the last thing I remember.”
“Kyle stayed?” Gavin asked.
“Yes,” she answered. “We all watched the movie together. He must have taken little John home with him.”
Gavin grumbled something on his way out of the room.
Jenny stood up and waited for him to come back into the room.
“What is your deal?” she asked.
“What?” he said.
“Your attitude about him watching a movie with us. It's not the first time you've grumbled about me being anywhere near a guy. Kyle mentioned something about you on the beach the other night when we came back from the bar.”
“You were at the bar with him?” Gavin asked sternly.
“I was there alone until some guy hit on me. Kyle walked up to help me. He walked me home. What is your beef with him? Did you say something to him about me?” she asked.
Becky looked over at him and narrowed her eyes.
“Shit,” he mumbled. “I didn't do anything.”
“I don't believe you,” she said. “Why him? Why anyone?”
“I don't want you to get hurt,” he said. “You're like family to me.”
“You didn't say a damn thing about Jim, and he ended up being a total ass.”
“That won't happen again,” he said. “You're not getting hurt again.”
“Kyle doesn't even like me,” she said. “I've known him for five years. He's never tried to hit on me once.”
“Damn right he hasn't,” Gavin whispered.
“What did you do, Gavin?” Becky asked.
“Nothing,” he said.
“You've never said a single thing to that boy,” she said.
He closed his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair.
“I'm going to bed,” Jenny said.
She heard Becky's voice rise as she walked up the stairs and shut her door behind her. Did Kyle like her, she wondered? Did Gavin say something to keep him from talking to her? She fell onto her bed and looked up at the ceiling for what felt like forever before her eyes finally closed.
Chapter 13
Kyle
John came into Kyle's room while he was working the next morning.
“All the guys are going golfing. Come with us. I want to spend some time with you,” John said.
“I don't feel like it. I have work to do,” Kyle said.
“Come on,” John said. “We only have a couple of days left, Kyle. Enjoy the time. You're going to go back home and work every waking moment. I understand that. I'm so damn proud of what you've done. You deserve a little time to relax. Come with us. It's more about fun than it is golf. You'll have a great time.”
“Fine,” Kyle said, as
he shut his laptop off and stood up.
Kyle thought about hanging out with a bunch of old guys and laughed. Then he thought about going back to the bar later that night to find people his own age.
Kyle and the guys golfed, ate, drank, and laughed more than he had laughed in a long time. They all went to the clubhouse after they were done.
“Did you have a good time?” John asked Kyle.
“Not bad for a bunch of old guys,” Kyle said.
“Hey,” Gavin snapped.
“You better watch your tongue, boy,” Ethan said sternly. “This old man will kick his nephew's ass.”
“I'll be right behind him,” Josh said. “I keep this shit in shape.”
“Me too,” Heath added. “We'd all whip your ass.”
They all burst out laughing. Kyle shook his head and thought about how much better his life was with them all in it. They joked around about kicking his ass, but he knew every single one of them would have his back if he needed them.
“I'm glad I came,” Kyle said. “You guys are alright.”
Chapter 14
Jenny
All of the ladies met at Julie's house since she still wasn't feeling well. The kids had all taken over the basement while the ladies stayed upstairs. The younger ones stayed up with the moms and watched cartoons. That way they were close by. Julie's little girl played on the floor surrounded by women.
They did their nails and other girlie stuff while they made fruity mixed drinks and talked. They were deep in conversation about some hot romance book Tara had written when Julie got up and bolted for the bathroom. When she came back out and sat down, Becky looked over at her.
“Are you sure you ate something bad? It should be gone already. You don't feel horrible all day. It seems to come and go,” Becky said.
“I don't know,” Julie said.
“It has to be something else,” Becky said.
“Maybe you're pregnant again,” Jenny said with a laugh.
“You better close your mouth,” Julie blurted out. “That is not funny. If I wasn't on the pill, I might agree with you. I feel the same way I did the last time I was pregnant.”
The Future of Love (Bachelor Billionaire #6) Page 5
