How could he do it so easily? Rip down my defenses and tear my heart open with words.
“So, you and Bruno are walking buddies now?” I asked, when speaking became manageable. My voice was thick with emotion, betraying the lightness of my question.
Kyle smiled crookedly, his eyes twinkling as he stood up and stretched. “Yeah, he’s kinda growing on me.”
The dimple in his cheek deepened, softening his masculine features, making him look more his twenty-two years.
Jesus, he was so attractive. I hoped the baby inherited those dimples.
Turning around, Kyle slid the patio open the door open and nudged Bruno inside, while I averted my eyes from checking out his tight little butt in those sweats.
Oh, I was so doomed.
Closing the door on Bruno, he strode toward me, not stopping until his sneakers brushed against mine.
I tried to take a step back, but I couldn’t move a muscle. All I could do, was stare up at the man my heart and soul were screaming out for, but my brain distrusted so vehemently.
His gaze swept over me lazily, and it took every piece of my self-control to stand there and let him. His searing appraisal of my body affected me no end.
“You’re back,” he stated, looking me over once more, his eyes lingering on my midsection for a moment, before returning to my face.
I let out a breath and nodded. “I’m back.”
“You look good, Lee.”
I hovered awkwardly. So we were going to make small talk? I could make small talk.
“Thanks,” I said, twiddling my fingers nervously. “But we both know that’s not true.”
The pregnancy glow that everyone talked about had skipped me. I was pale and washed out and swollen.
Maybe, if I was as tall as Cam, I could take the extra pounds more gracefully, but my five-two full figure already had enough cushioning. Adding baby weight to the mix, made me look more like a small sausage than a glowing first time mom to be.
And Kyle, he looked…perfect.
He stretched a hand out and brushed one of my wayward curls behind my ear. His touch burned me.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, cupping my cheek.
I briefly allowed myself to lean into his touch. I missed this. I missed him. I hated myself for my weakness, but it was there, prominent and urging me toward him.
He let out a sigh. “I’m so fucking glad you’re home, princess. I’ve missed you like crazy. I didn’t know you were getting out today, I would’ve…”
“Lee, I put your bags in the second room on the right, that’s yours right…Oh, hey, sorry, I didn’t realize he was here.”
Kyle’s entire body stiffened at the sound of Mike’s voice and I jerked away from him, moving towards where Mike was standing at the door.
“What the fuck is he doing here Lee?” Kyle demanded.
He moved quickly, planting himself firmly between me and my escape route.
And so it begins.
“Kyle, calm down,” Mike warned.
I stepped around Kyle, only to find myself sandwiched between the brothers, one cool and quiet, the other vibrating with angry energy.
“Is your name Lee, asshole?” Kyle shot back before focusing his attention on me. “Why is he in my house, Lee?”
I took a steadying breath. I was not getting into this macho crap. “He is my friend, Kyle. He gave me a ride from the hospital, that’s all. Don’t make a big deal out of this.”
Kyle’s nostrils flared and hurt flickered in his eyes. “Why didn’t you ask me to pick you up? Or ask Cam? You never said…Told Cam, you were being discharged.”
I shrugged and stepped sideways, dodging both men. I went inside. If they wanted to freeze their butts off outside, well, good for them.
I caught Bruno’s paws with my hands just as he jumped at my stomach. I staggered back slightly, the weight of Bruno knocking me off kilter.
“I just didn’t, okay,” I muttered. “I thought it would be better if Mike dropped me home.”
“Better for whom? Goddammit, Bruno, get off of her,” Kyle cursed as he rushed towards me, pulling Bruno away.
“I’m fine, Kyle, I won’t break.”
The look on Kyle’s face said he wanted to argue that statement, but he wisely kept his mouth shut.
I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of the pained look in his eyes.
“Well,” Mike said brightly, closing the patio door. “The family reunion has been fun, but I gotta hit the road. I’ve got a shift at the hotel in an hour.”
He wedged between us -I can only assume on purpose-as he walked out of the kitchen. “Call me later, Lee, if you need anything.”
I muttered a thank you and Kyle strung out an impressive array of f-bombs.
Kyle glared at me. “You are not calling him.”