“They suck.” She casts her eyes over me. “You have a swimmer’s body.” Her gaze latches on my ample chest. “Well, except for those baby girls. No wonder the guys are all talking about you.”
I pull my uniform on and turn to stare at her. “They are?”
She zips up her dress. “Oh, yeah. Fresh meat always attracts attention, but you’re not the average newbie. Theo says they’re already taking bets on who’ll hook up with you first.”
My jaw hangs open. “Please tell me you’re joking.”
She scrapes her hair back off her face, securing it with a hair tie. “No, straight up.”
I lean back against my locker and groan. “Who’s currently in the lead?”
She snickers. “Jeremy, but that’s only because he got in there first. I heard Ky went crazy when he called for you the other day.”
That’s news to me. “I didn’t know that.”
“Figures. Expect more of the same.” She slams her locker shut as she sits down, bending over to tie her laces. “I’m figuring those cousins of yours will want to pass all potential dates through their rigorous selection process.”
I sit on the bench beside her as I attend to my own shoes. “Do I even want to know?”
She snickers. “Look, I think they’re decent guys underneath all the arrogance, bravado, and the wealth. But they have a certain rep to uphold. This town treats the whole family like Grecian gods, and the Kennedy boys rule supreme at Old Colonial. Nothing happens without their approval. And even though they don’t go to my school, they are still idolized. I really don’t get it.” She scratches her head. “But that’s because I’m a blow-in. Anyone that has grown up around here hero-worships the ground they walk on. All the guys want to be them, or at least be in their crowd, and most girls would saw off a limb to date them.” She shoots me a sympathetic look.
“Meaning, I’m a perfect target.”
“Exactly. The guys all want to date you, and the girls hate your guts.”
“Don’t sugarcoat it or anything,” I murmur.
She stands up. “If you want to be babied, go cozy up to Lana.”
I brush my hair and pin it into a casual bun on top of my head. “You know Lana?”
“She goes to my school. And living on the grounds of the Kennedy mansion brings its own form of notoriety.”
“She seems sweet.”
“She is sweet but completely naïve too. If you knew the amount of times girls befriended her in the hope that she’d introduce them to the Kennedy boys.” She shakes her head. “Once word got out that they have nothing much to do with her anymore, the vultures dispersed. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t hit for gossip from time to time.”
“I don’t get it,” I jump up and cross my arms. “Why don’t they hate on her? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they don’t because she doesn’t deserve it, but neither do I.”
Rose stands up beside me. “She isn’t any competition. You”—she prods me gently in the chest—“are major competition.”
“That’s utter crap,” I huff, feeling pissed off on Lana’s behalf. Lana is pretty and super nice, but she isn’t viewed as competition because she’s not a Kennedy and she doesn’t come from money? It’s total baloney.
“I know, but that’s the way it is.” She shakes her head. “You could lean on your cousins if you need to defuse some of the heat?”
“I shouldn’t have to, and I don’t want to.” I sigh dramatically. “I knew, coming here, that it would require adjustment, but I’d no idea how much. Or that so many things would be out of my control. I don’t want this attention. I’d much rather be left alone.”
The shift passes by in a blur. We are crazy out-the-door busy, and I’m grateful, but it doesn’t stop my mind from replaying everything Rose has said. I didn’t have much choice in coming to this country, and while I don’t want to rock the boat, and it would be disrespectful to deliberately challenge my aunt and uncle, it doesn’t mean that I have to change into someone I’m not. I need to find a way of retaining who I am as a person while fitting into this new society. A fizz of excitement wells inside me as ideas start turning over in my head.
Sunday comes and goes without incident. On Monday, Rose attends my appointment with me, squealing afterward when I tell her everything is in place. No one questions my absence during the greater part of the day, and I’m grateful. I’d prefer to deliver my news in a carefully controlled manner to avoid unnecessary drama. Although I’m beginning to suspect there’s no such avoidance in this household.
“Oh my goodness,” Alex exclaims, the minute she walks into my bedroom that night, carrying a sheathed dress bag in her hand.
“You don’t like it?” I say, lifting my hand self-consciously to my newly dyed hair.
“I love it!” She beams at me. “It’s much more sophisticated than the red.”
I smooth my hand over my brunette locks, glad I returned to my natural roots. Between that and the other decision I made today, I’m already feeling more comfortable in my own skin. “This is who I am, and if I’m going to fit in around here, then people need to see the real me.”
A slightly nervous look washes over her face. “I brought you something to wear. I hope you don’t mind.” Her eyes plead for understanding. “It’s a dress from our new collection, and from the moment I saw you, I knew this would look perfect on you.”
My aunt looks so glamorous in her green and black fitted dress and matching heels. Glistening diamonds sparkle on her wrist, ears, and neck; I realize that I’m significantly underdressed in my jeans and silk shirt combo. “I’m not really a dress person.”
“I’m beginning to understand that, but it would mean a lot to me if you would wear this tonight. The restaurant has a strict dress code, and they won’t let you in like that.”
I draw a long breath. I suppose it’s only fair to compromise considering I am living in their home and expected to abide by their rules. If I’m going to demand I do certain things my way, then it’s only fair that I bend where I can. Choose your battles. Mom’s silent coaching echoes in my ear, and I can picture her in my mind’s eye with her hands on her hips and a cheeky glint in her eye.
Even though I’ll probably feel like a right idiot in some fancy-pants dress, it can’t hurt to try to butter Alex up. “I can do that. No problem.”
Her shoulders visibly relax as she unzips the bag, removing a delicate black, silken dress. I pull my jeans and shirt off and stand in front of her in my black lace undies.
“It’s such a shame you won’t model for me.”
“I’m too heavy to model, and don’t you have to be, like, super tall for the catwalk?” I extend my hands for the dress.
“You’re not tall enough for the catwalk, but you’d be perfect for catalogue work.” Her eyes skim my body. “You have a toned, curvy figure which is the perfect look for one of our new trial ranges. Are you sure I can’t entice you?” Her eyes look hopeful. “One shoot?”
That’s one compromise I definitely can’t stoop to. “I’d make the worst model, honestly. I’d be all gangly and self-conscious, and I’m sure that’s not the type of look you’re going for.”
She motions for me to hold up my arms as she lifts the dress over my head. “It’s fine, Faye. Don’t pay me any heed. I know I’m too pushy at times. The boys are always teasing me about it.”
“You’re passionate about your work. That’s a good thing.”
Silky-smooth material shimmies over my body like a lover’s feather-light touch. Alex fixes the dress in place, securing a black and gold cummerbund around my waist. The dress is structured in wispy, floaty layers with the hem resting above my knee. She pushes the top of the dress down a little so it rests on the edge of my shoulders. She darts into my wardrobe while I stare at my reflection in the mirror. She was right about one thing—this dress could’ve been custom
made for me. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and it’s elegant and classy with the right hint of sexiness. My dark hair falls in bouncy waves, lightly brushing my shoulders.
Alex smiles as she returns with the black and gold shoes that I wore the other night and a gold clutch. I slip my feet into the shoes and marvel at how grownup I look.
“You look beautiful.” Alex beams at me, and a look of … pride swims in her eyes. “I love my sons to death, but I always wanted a girl. To have the kind of business I have and not be able to share that with my own daughter …” A sad look develops on her face.
I’m rooted to the spot, slightly perturbed. I can’t be her substitute daughter or a replacement for some long-held yearning.
“I’m not trying to replace your mother.” She looks at me sincerely. “No one can ever do that, but I would like to be your friend.” She offers me a hopeful smile. “Sometimes all the testosterone around here becomes a little overpowering. I’m in need of some female companionship.” She offers me a bigger smile, but there’s a litany of sadness behind it that I don’t properly understand.
My previous anxiety starts to disappear. I’m getting the sense that Alex genuinely needs a friend, and it’s not as if I have friends breaking down the door right now. Of all the potential scenarios for our relationship, that one appeals to me the most. “That would be nice. I’d like that.”
Her smile is even wider this time. “I’m glad. You’re a sweet girl. Don’t let anyone or anything change you.”
Alex has gone to round up the others while I put the finishing touches to my outfit. Her parting words have helped to quell my nervousness. I’m hoping she’ll still mean it when I share my news.
A loud rap on my door snaps me out of my reverie. “Knock, knock, cuz. Can I come in?” Kalvin asks.
I open the door and usher him in. “You’re learning.” I send him a cheeky wink. “Can you fasten this for me?” Sweeping my hair to one side, I show him my back. I clutch my gold and emerald Claddagh necklace around my neck as Kalvin fastens the catch.
Letting my hair fall back down, I turn and face him. “Thanks.”
He darts in and kisses my cheek. “You look totally fuckable, and I love the hair.”
“Gee, great. Because that was definitely the look I was shooting for,” I deadpan.
“That’s the best compliment a girl can receive.” He holds out his arm for me.
“Your morals are seriously skewed. I can see I have much work to do.” I grin as I loop my arm in his, letting him escort me from the room. He’s wearing smart black pants and a fitted blue dress shirt. “Your mu—mom wasn’t joking about the dress code.”
“Nope. This place is as pretentious as they come, but the food and the view is to die for. You’ll love it.”
The others are congregated in the lobby when we arrive. All the guys are formally dressed, and it’s amazing how different everyone looks. No wonder these Kennedys make waves wherever they go. This is one seriously attractive family.
Keaton lets out a shrill whistle when he sees me. “Sexy.” He high-fives me, and I can’t help grinning.
James glares at his son, and Keaton steps back with his palms raised. “Faye, you look absolutely stunning.” James looks slightly shell-shocked as he leans in to kiss me on the cheek. He looks smart, and age-appropriate, for once, in his tailored suit.
Keanu winks approvingly while Kent stares at me as if he’s already bored of this conversation. Kyler looks through me, and I may as well be invisible. I hate the way my heart rate picks up at the mere sight of him. He’s wearing a fitted black shirt that clings to every defined muscle of his chest. Black trousers and shoes complete the look. His hair is slicked back off his face, and he’s sporting the usual amount of facial hair. No matter what he does, he exudes badass sexiness that I’m incapable of resisting. The usual undercurrent fizzes under the surface, and I hope no one else has picked up on the dangerous attraction between us.
As much as Kyler might wish to ignore our chemistry, he has to be feeling the same intense connection that I do. Staring out the window, blatantly ignoring me, won’t do jack to change that.
Conversation is kept to a minimum as Max drives us to the restaurant. It’s on the top floor of a posh hotel, overlooking Boston Harbor. Kaden and Keven are already seated at a table by the window, offering glorious views over the harbor and the financial district beyond.
Kalvin sits on my left, and Keaton sits on my right. Kyler is sitting on the other side of the table, which is unfortunate because it means he is directly across from me, and it’s far too easy to cast sneaky glances his way when he’s not looking. I don’t want to stare at him like some lovesick puppy, but my eyes have an agenda of their own. Each time my gaze zooms in on his, I silently plead with my body to get with the program.
“What’s going on between you and my brother?” Kalvin asks under his breath, as he butters a bread roll.
“Nothing whatsoever.” I take a small sip of my water.
“Uh-huh. That’s why you’re both staring relentlessly at one another when you think no one’s watching?” He gives me a cheeky wink.
I press my lips close to his ear. “He’s staring at me?”
His eyes spark to life. “I knew it! Admit it—you lurrvve him.”
“Shut it. I don’t even like him, and you can quit playing matchmaker, or whatever it is you’re trying to do.”
“Calling it as I see it, and you’d better be careful. You don’t want Mom and Dad figuring out this thing between you. They won’t be pleased. Especially not Dad.”
It’s not as if I don’t understand why starting something with my cousin would be frowned upon. Appearance is crucial to the Kennedys. That’s becoming more and more obvious. Maintaining a certain image feeds into the brand they’ve so carefully cultivated, and I understand that it’s more than social reputation that’s at stake. Any whiff of scandal could significantly damage their brand.
My heart splinters a little at that realization, knowing Kyler and I will never be able to act on our attraction. I wonder if that’s the underlying message behind his cruel comments.
James slips into Kalvin’s seat when he gets up to use the bathroom. “Are you enjoying your meal?”
“Yes. Thank you. It’s yummy.”
“We used to come here a lot, but we haven’t been in ages. It’s nice to have all the family together again.”
I put down my knife and fork. “James? Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“Are we really related to those Kennedys? The famous ones.”
He dabs a napkin to his mouth. “I assumed you were already aware because the Kennedy Apparel brand has been built on the foundation of that legacy. While we aren’t related to the exact same branch of the family as JFK, we can trace our ancestry back to the Kennedys from New Ross. I thought everyone was in the know. It isn’t something we try to hide, far from it.”
“I was aware of the brand, but it’s only becoming popular in Ireland now, and I don’t know the background.”
Kalvin returns to the table, but James motions for him to take his seat instead. James rests his arm across the back of my chair. “When I first met Alex, she was working in the family business alongside her father. He had built it from scratch, and when she was growing up it was hugely successful. However, the brand was dated, sales were declining, and times were tough. Her parents wouldn’t officially sign the company over until she could prove that she could turn it around.”
“We met when I was in Ireland on business,” Alex intervenes, having overheard our conversation. She leans across the table.
“And it was love at first sight,” James adds, his face softening with the memory.
All conversation halts at the table as the boys stop to listen to their parents.
“It was the best two weeks of my life. I
knew he was the one for me the minute I laid eyes on him.” Alex smiles through glistening eyes. “When it was time to return home, James came with me.”
They share a sweet loving look that reminds me so much of the way my parents used to look at one another. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice how Kaden stiffens and Kyler and Keven frown as they exchange guarded expressions.
“It took a bit of time, but I secured her parents’ seal of approval,” James continues, oblivious to the hostile looks emanating from the other side of the table, “and we were married within six months. We worked closely together in those early days to try and turn things around. When I explained my background to Alex, it felt natural to rebrand the business and use my family name to build it into the billion-dollar enterprise it is today.” A pained look flits across his eyes. “Of course, I can’t claim any of the credit for that. I was only a stay-at-home dad by that stage. Alex was the breadwinner.” An acerbic note has crept into his tone.
Alex’s smile falters, and she glances around the room nervously. “That’s not true. It was a partnership. You know I couldn’t have built the business without your support. Without your name.”
James lifts his wine glass and takes a hefty sip. “Yes. My name.” He eyeballs his wife. “How fortunate that I had distant links to the infamous Kennedys.” A muscle clenches in his jaw, and tension seeps into the air.
Alex stares directly at him, and some unspoken communication flows between them. James’ eyes never leave hers as he knocks back his wine. The boys are watching this with transparent wariness, and I can tell this isn’t the first time this particular argument has cropped up. I’m sorry I brought the subject up.
By the time he puts his glass back down, James has remembered his environment and regained his composure. “Don’t mind me. I get frustrated sometimes that my own career ambitions went unfulfilled, but I don’t regret the years I spent looking after the boys.”
Keven snorts, and Kaden shoots him some type of warning look. Pushing back his chair, Keven rises and heads for the bathroom. James ignores his sons hostility, adding, “And Alex is right. It worked because we were a team, we had set roles, and we made it work.”
Finding Kyler (The Kennedy Boys #1) Page 13
