"He's....He's having Soph and I attend this year. He believes now is an ideal time to introduce us to the customs and begin the transition of trusting the next Kenningston generation."
The information isn't surprising nor is it comforting.
"Perhaps for the summer-"
"Don't bother," I mumble at the same time Swiss pulls out into traffic.
"Kellan-"
"I actually do need to go." My eyes travel out the window to the various mixture of people strolling by. I spot a couple at the corner coffee shop outside bundled together. The winter wind kicks up and he tugs her in closer. The simple action actually causes me to smile.
My father used to do that to my mother all the time when I was little. All he ever wanted was to protect her. Kris used to tell me stories of how horrible he was when she was pregnant with me. The way he had to be the one to tend to her needs. How all that mattered to him was her happiness. Not the crown. Not his social expectations. Not even the disapproval of his father for putting mom's health needs above his own. Eventually the overwhelming need to care for her, transferred to us. At least until she died. Then he managed to return to the Kenningston tradition of being a shitty parent.
After a long stretch of silence, Kristopher quietly says, "You never mentioned who you were going out with tonight."
"An art student."
There's an odd shuffling noise before he snaps, "What?!"
His surprise returns my smirk.
At least I know I'll always matter to Kris. Better than nothing.
"Did you...Did you make a bet on this woman?"
"Why do people keep assuming that?"
"Because why else would you go with an art student? You literally had a Hollywood starlet in your bed a week ago."
"Had her on her knees too, but I don't hear you mentioning that."
There's a low groan from the other end of the phone.
I chuckle just as the sight of her apartment complex comes into view. "Sleep well, big brother. I have a date to please."
"Stay out of the papers, Kellan."
"No promises."
I end the call and lean closer to the window in an attempt to get a better look at the figure who appears to be waiting outside of her building. With one hand still on the wheel, Swiss begins to reach for his weapon, and commands, "Sir, be prepared to-"
All of a sudden the person begins to wave frantically and I can't help but smile.
Swiss quickly arrives at the same conclusion I have, parks alongside the curb, and unlocks the doors. Before he has a chance to offer, I give him a small pat on the shoulder to let him know I can handle opening her door.
You're damn right I'm a gentleman.
The moment the door is open, I immediately drink in the face and figure I've been thinking about constantly.
But it's difficult not to. She's absolutely beautiful. Even in jeans and a sweater she's manages to enslave my attention. It doesn't matter that they're faded with paint stains and a couple of holes. Do you see how they hug her hips? Expose the curves down below? How the hell could anyone resist wanting to peel those off? Then there's the fitted tight black top. The way it's clinging to her ample chest that she doesn't want just anyone exploring with their eyes or hands. That's definitely a change of pace from the women I typically come across. Nothing beats the playful smile plastered on her face though. Looking at that.....feels like I'm home. Oh God. This is exactly why I should never talk to Kristopher directly prior to a date. He's making me soft.
I fold my arms across my chest. "I'm feeling overdressed."
Brie simply smiles. "You're on time. I'm impressed."
With a shrug, I state, "You strike me as the type of woman who would have considered one minute over, one minute too late."
"Smart man."
"A compliment? That's new."
She rolls her eyes. "I won't make a habit of it."
"Why are you waiting outside?" I wave a hand towards the vehicle for her to get in. "It's not very warm out."