I nudge him in the ribs. “Aw, she wasn’t that bad.” I slouch against the side of his truck. “That was interesting, huh?”
“Very. I thought our family was hiding some skeletons, but that makes us sound like freaking angels. No wonder Addison is such a conniving cow. It runs in her blood.”
“It still doesn’t explain why Addison is going all gung-ho for our family. What about this other baby Wendy gave up for adoption when she was young—could you dig around?”
Keven opens the truck door, as Rose drives into the car park. “You think it’s connected?”
“I don’t know, but we should check every lead, right?”
He chuckles. “We might make a detective of you yet. You played it perfectly back there, by the way. I didn’t have to say a word.”
“I barely had to either.” I snort. “Motor mouth didn’t need much encouragement.”
“Who needs enemies when you’ve got friends like that.”
“I know.”
“I feel ill at the thought of her hands and her eyes on me.” He shudders, and I laugh harder.
“What’s so funny?” Rose asks, swinging her legs out the side of her mum’s car.
“Keven was being hit on by this cougar. She was only short of hitching up her skirt and straddling him right then and there.”
“Now you’re being unnecessarily cruel. I’ll have nightmares for weeks.” Keven’s face contorts bitterly.
“Did you learn anything?” Rose asks.
I loop my arm in hers. “Let’s hit the road and I’ll fill you in.”
Keven insists on waiting until we’ve driven off before he heads away in the opposite direction. I update Rose as she drives. When I’ve finished speaking, she throws back her head and laughs hysterically.
“You okay?” I ask when she eventually composes herself.
“Hells yeah. Better than ever. That has cheered me up no end.” I look inquisitively at her. “When I first moved here, Addison looked down her nose at me. She was always outwardly pleasant, but I could tell she thought I was beneath her. It gives me immense pleasure to know she’s beneath me. Can you imagine what it would do to her rep if it got out that she’s actually trailer trash? She’d be ruined. No wonder she didn’t want that secret getting out.”
“Is it enough to threaten her with, though?” I ask, a bit skeptical. Apart from Stacy’s word and Addison’s real birth certificate, we don’t have much else to go on.
“I think so. You tell her you’ll leak her birth cert and tell everyone what you know unless she admits she framed Ky.”
I twist in my seat. “Do you think she did it? Killed that man?”
Rose drags her lip between her teeth. “Honestly, I think that girl is capable of pretty much anything, but murder, and to do it for a boy … it seems a bit farfetched.”
I exhale noisily. “That’s what I think, too.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. Keep digging, I suppose, and see what happens next week. If the cops move to charge Ky, then I’ll have no choice but to confront Addison and try to force her hand, but I want to plan my approach carefully. I want to find more dirt and only confront her when I have all my ducks in a row. This is my boyfriend’s future at stake. I don’t want to mess up the only chance I might have of making her go away.”
“That sounds like a solid plan.” She drums her fingers off the steering wheel. “Hey, I’ve got some good news to share.”
I prop my sneakered feet up on the dash. “Please do. I could sorely use some of that.”
“The diner is reopening under new ownership and new management.”
I sit bolt upright, dropping my feet on the ground. “For real?” A wide smile spreads across my mouth.
“Yup. My dad knows someone on the town committee, and he said they just transferred the license and the new owner confirmed all the jobs are safe. Apparently, we’re going to get contacted this weekend.”
“That is brilliant news. I’m so happy.”
My phone rings, and Adam’s face appears on the screen. I hesitate for a fraction before answering.
“Hi, Faye.”
“Hey, Adam.” I cringe at my slightly hesitant tone, sure he’s picked up on it.
“I’m just ringing to see that everything’s okay?”
“Everything’s great. I just heard that the diner is being reopened and that my job is safe.”
“That’s fantastic news.”
“I know. I’ve really missed work.”
He chuckles.
“What?”
“Can you try and brainwash my kids, please?”
“They don’t work?”
“The twins are too young, and Whitney is far too spoiled and lazy to work. I am constantly at odds with her mother over the subject. She could learn a thing or two from you.”
Hell. No. “Do me a favor, Adam, and don’t say anything of the sort to Whitney this weekend. I want to try and get off on the right footing, and that would so not help.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not an idiot. Are you sure this weekend is still okay? I’ve been watching the news and—”
“He didn’t do it,” I blurt out, interrupting him mid-flow. “Kyler isn’t that kind of guy. He’s being framed.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
I can tell he’s dubious. “Our original deal still stands. I’m not leaving the Kennedys, especially not when Ky needs me so much. I know him. He’s a good person. He didn’t murder anyone.”
There’s an exaggerated pause before he replies. “Okay. I trust you, and, look, it’s fine if we need to reschedule Sunday. Just let me know as soon as you can.”
“I already asked my aunt and uncle, and they said they are happy to go ahead as planned. Our house at two on Sunday, if that suits?”
“Great. We’ll be there.”
“There will be reporters at the gate, but James has hired a security detail, and they’ll ensure you are guided safely onto the grounds.”
“Thanks for the heads-up, Faye. I’ll see you Sunday. Take care.”
I say goodbye and hang up.
“How are things going with Adam?” Rose asks. I finally came clean and told her everything.
“Good, actually. He’s not putting me under any pressure, and we’re taking our time to get to know one another. It isn’t as difficult as I thought it’d be.”
“That’s good.”
“I still feel guilty though.”
“That’s natural. What about meeting your new brothers and sister. How are you feeling about that?”
“Quite nervous to be honest. What if they don’t like me? Or they resent me? Think I’m going to take their dad away from them or something?” I chew on the corner of a nail.
“I bet they’re every bit as nervous as you are, and they are bound to be a little suspicious at first.” She reaches out and pats my knee. “Don’t worry. They’ll love you.”
I hope she’s right, because my quota for heartache and grief is pretty much maxed out, and my tolerance level is at an all-time low.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Faye
I wake up late the next morning, surprised to find Ky still draped around me, fast asleep. Usually, he’s up and out to the track early on Saturday morning. Maneuvering position, I curl into him, planting tiny little kisses all over his naked chest. I can’t believe James and Alex haven’t put a stop to this yet. Ky doesn’t disguise the fact that he’s sleeping in my room every night, but so far neither one of his parents has made any move to separate us. Not that I’m complaining. You’ll never hear me complaining about that.
Ky’s arms snake around my waist, and he kisses the top of my head. “Morning, gorgeous,” he murmurs sleepily, and I melt on in the inside.
I want a lifetime of this.
Waking up in his arms, listening to endearments roll off his tongue, inhaling the masculine scent that is all him, feeling his skin against mine. I snuggle in closer. “Morning, babe. You sleep it out?”
He runs his fingers down my spine, curving his hands around my ass. “Nope. Don’t feel like going to the track today.”
Ignoring his wandering hands—with great difficulty I might add—I lift my head up. “Is everything okay?” I brush strands of his hair back off his forehead.
He shrugs.
I stick him with a serious look. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going through that beautiful head of yours.”
He sighs, flopping down flat on his back. “I’m just not in a good mood today. You know why.”
I lean over, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Yeah.” My tongue darts out, moistening my dry lips. “If you like, I could phone that therapist and see if she could fit us in today?”
He stares up at the ceiling, and I watch his chest heave up and down. “Okay,” he whispers.
“Yeah?” My eyes search his face.
He angles his head so he’s looking me straight in the eyes. “Yeah.”
Three hours later, we are sitting in the therapist’s swanky office on the fifth floor of a modern building occupying prime position in Beacon Hill. Boston Common is visible in the distance through the floor-to-ceiling window. Ky’s knee jerks anxiously as we wait on the plush leather couch in the reception area. We are only here thanks to a last-minute cancellation.
The door to the room next door opens, and a small, well-dressed lady with a warm smile steps out to greet us. We both rise. “You must be Faye?” She shakes my hand, and I nod.
“Hello, Kyler.” She extends her hand in his direction. “Would you like to come this way?” She steps aside, motioning him forward.
I give him a quick hug, hating how his body trembles underneath me. “I’m proud of you.” I peck him briefly on the lips. “I’ll be right here, waiting.”
He gulps, making no attempt to mask his absolute terror. I squeeze his hand. “You can do this.”
“We can take this at your own speed, Kyler. I can assure you this is a safe environment, and you can talk to me about anything or nothing.” She smiles again, and his shoulders relax a little.
My heart is in my mouth as he steps into her room, and she shuts the door behind them.
I’m a bundle of nerves the entire time he’s in there. Because it’s Saturday, and we secured the last appointment, there’s no one here. After pacing back and forth across the room, I drop to the carpeted floor beside the window, pulling my knees into my chest. I idly watch pedestrians on the street outside as I blow on the window, clouding the glass, and drawing a love heart with our initials inside. I snicker to myself, remembering how I used to doodle similarly when Luke and I first got together. But I was only fourteen then. I’m almost eighteen now. Too old for this juvenile carry on. Yet I can’t bring myself to rub it away. As I stare at my jagged, hastily drawn love heart and our initials contained inside, I think of how accurate a representation it is. Ky’s name is carved in my heart, as I hope mine is in his. The longer I stare at the crude drawing, the more my heart swells.
Growing up, the only measure of romantic love I had was my parents; however, I couldn’t have had a better example. Their love story may not have been conventional, but it was true love, a real partnership, a genuine meeting of minds. They didn’t always agree on things, but they respected one another. Respected their differences. Appreciated them. I never doubted how profoundly they loved one another, and I can remember wishing that I’d find a great love like that one day.
Now, I hover on the cusp of something great, and it’s equally wonderful and terrifying. Is it foolish at almost eighteen to believe that I’ve met my soul mate? The one person who is destined for me? To feel so much for a boy I’ve only known a few months?
Memories flood my mind, and I lean my head back and close my eyes. I confided in Mum when I first struggled to deal with my changing feelings for Luke. He was my first steady boyfriend. The guy I’d given my virginity to. The one I’d thought I’d love forever.
Hence, all the love heart doodling.
I felt guilty when everything he did started to irk me. When I’d snap at him for no reason whatsoever. When I started making excuses to not want to spend time with him. I knew deep down what it meant, but I was afraid to confront that reality, so I asked Mum how she knew Dad was the only one for her.
I can still picture her in my mind’s eye. She was wearing her favorite mauve knitted dress, and her hair was in a messy bun on top of her head. She had taken my hands in hers and stared earnestly into my eyes. “There are many reasons why I love your father so completely,” she had said. “Far too many to mention, but if you want to know if he’s the one, just imagine your life without him. What if he died? How would you feel? If you can answer that question, you will know what’s truly in your heart.”
Honesty and simplicity.
That’s how you know.
How I knew I had to let Luke go.
How I know I can never let Ky go.
Because even the thought of him not being in this world sends my body into shock. A sharp, twisty pain pummels my heart; a physical pain so intense it causes my chest to throb excruciatingly. I rub a hand over the sore spot. My throat locks up, and my mouth is suddenly dry. Tears prick my eyes, overflowing, rolling down my face. I feverishly rub the aching spot over my heart, reminding myself that it’s not real.
He’s here. He’s alive. He’s mine.
He’s all I’ll ever want.
All I’ll ever need.
My heart and my mind are in no doubt.
The door opens, and I quickly wipe away my tears. Ky steps into the room, and I scramble to my feet. I operate as if on auto-pilot, racing to his side and throwing my arms around him. As his scent invades my senses and I feel his solidity against me, my panic subsides. He envelops me in his arms, and we cling to one another. Burying his head in my shoulder, he emits a shuddering breath, and my protective instincts kick in. I hug him tighter, and if I could mold myself to his form, I would. He means everything. Everything. God, I would do anything for this boy.
The therapist clears her throat, and we reluctantly break apart. She smiles expansively. “Same time next week, Kyler.”
“Thank you.” His voice is raw, and his emotions are undoubtedly veering all over the place. I know how that feels.
Silently, we walk back to his car, holding hands.
“You want to hang around?” he asks.
“Sure. I’ve nothing planned.” I received a text this morning confirming the diner is reopening in two weeks after a makeover so I’m free as a bird until then.
Ky drives us downtown, and once we’ve deposited the car in the biggest car park I’ve ever seen, we set out to explore the city on foot. We wander casually in and out of shops, and Ky is always touching me. Either his hand is on my lower back or his arm is around my shoulder or my waist, his lips kissing the top of my head, or our hands are entwined as we navigate the busy weekend crowd. But we are always touching, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt this happy before. Which says a lot given everything we’ve got going on.
Ky brings me to that little Chinese place he spoke about before and orders about a million things from the menu.
“My feet ache so bad,” I moan, leaning into his side in the booth. “We must’ve walked for hours.”
He rubs his hands up and down my arms, pressing a tender kiss to my cheek. “I know, and I needed that. Needed to lose myself in the crowd. Thank you. For coming with me. For letting me drag you all over the city.”
“You can thank me properly later,” I say with a cheeky grin.
His chest shakes with laughter. “I think I’ve created a monster.”
“I think so too.” No point den
ying it. I have sex, and Ky, on the brain pretty much twenty-four-seven. I actually think I’m worse than a guy. My grin expands as my hand coasts up his impressive chest. “But I’m your monster.”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “You’ll only ever be my monster.”
My heart thrills at his words. “Do you mean that? Like, really mean it?”
“I forever you,” he whispers, kissing the tip of my nose, and I think my heart might fly out of my chest.
“I forever you, too.” I tip my head up and give him a searing kiss. I don’t care if it’s inappropriate.
“I love you so much, Ky. Don’t ever leave me.”
He circles his arms around me, pulling me flush to his chest. “I’ll never leave you. Never.”
“Is it messed up that I’m deliriously happy right now?”
“That’s the only thing that isn’t messed up, Faye. You make me unbelievably happy. I’ve traded in my man card and I couldn’t give two shits. I am yours to do with as you please.”
“Now he tells me,” I gripe, pretending to be upset. “When we’re in public and I can’t do all the wicked, naughty things running through my head right now.”
Throwing back his head, he laughs. “You are like my own personal angel on Earth.”
He looks adoringly at me, and my heart rejoices. I’ll never tire of the way he looks at me. When the mask is down and he’s just my guy. My Ky.
“Seriously, I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these last couple of weeks. You’re my hero, Faye.”
“And you’re mine. I know that things haven’t been easy, but you haven’t shied away from them. That takes balls.”
“Well,” he grins smugly, “we both know I’m not lacking in that department.” He lobs a prawn cracker in his mouth as he pins me with a suggestive look. I snort, just as the waiter arrives at the table, and we’re forced to behave.
“I think I just ate a baby,” I groan, a half hour later, palming my swollen stomach. “I feel sick.”
Keeping Kyler (The Kennedy Boys Book 3) Page 25
