Kyle (Scandalous Boys Book 3) Read online

  “It’s a date-date place. That’s what’s wrong with it.”

  For God sakes, please someone end me now. This is why I shouldn’t have agreed to go on this damn trip. I’m going to beat my sister when we reach the beach house. “It’s not a date. We’re eating. I’ve seen you eat before, and it wasn’t exactly a turn-on. Let’s go.”

  She glares at me. “Oh, and you’re any better? Pigs have better manners than you and Madison both.”

  I shrug. “They probably do. And just for the record, if I’m so unattractive when I eat why do girls constantly hit on me while I’m stuffing my face?”

  She smacks my arm and opens the door. “Maybe they’re just amazed at how much can fit in your mouth.”

  “Or maybe they love watching my tongue lick a cone of ice cream.”

  She glares at me. “You’re disgusting. You’re not allowed to eat ice cream in front of me.”

  “I can, and I will.” I open the door for her. I can practically feel the steam rolling off her as she passes me.

  Damn it, she’s freaking hot as hell when she’s all riled up. I lean in close and whisper, “If you’re good, I’ll get you a dessert too.”

  She throws in elbow in my stomach, and I groan. “Just the two of you?” the bubbly hostess asks.

  “Yep,” I say as my eyes drop to her nice ass while she turns and snatches a few menus.

  “Follow me.”

  Chapter Eight

  Emily

  I see his eyes wandering. It irritates me because I’m right beside him. What is worse though is the dumb bimbo flips her hair back and makes her boobs extra perky while she says, “Here it is.”

  She doesn’t even glance at me. She keeps her attention all on Kyle. He’s laughing at something else she says, and I’m about to unravel this silverware and stab him with my knife. His whole behavior is like a complete slap in the face. I realize we’re nothing. This isn’t a date. Still, I do not like sitting here witnessing this display of flirting. It’s like being zapped back to high school all over again and he’s treating me as I’m a sister type. That’s worse than being in the friends zone too.

  “Where’s the restroom?” I ask.

  The giggling dip looks over at me and then smiles sweetly like she hadn’t been caught acting like a fool. I stand. I’m not towering over her. Hell, I’m barely eye level with her, but I’m so mad my clenched fists are all I need. I’m not a pansy fighter. I don’t slap like most girls. I don’t pull hair. I punch and kick and occasionally bite. Yup. I’m that fighter. And I learned how from his sister. That’s how Madison and I became friends.

  There was a group of girls picking on her, and I was about to go tell the teacher on them. But Madison got beyond red in the face. The next thing I knew she had both girls down on the ground crying in pain. When our teacher came over, I lied and said the girls on the ground attacked us so we were defending ourselves. Madison smiled at me, and we were inseparable ever since. I will always have that girl’s back, and she’ll always have mine.

  That same day I asked her where she learned all her ninja moves. She told me her brother taught her. Then she taught me, and Kyle, her, and I would have wrestling matches. Sometimes I won. Sometimes I lost.

  I’d seriously knock this twit out.

  The hostess points, and I shoot her my most menacing glare. “Thanks.”

  Once I’m past her, I hear her excuse herself. Good. Scamper off. I don’t know why this pleases me. I shouldn’t be like this. Why couldn’t I be like this when Vince was hunting me down? Why did I stay frozen and trapped in my room for days? I don’t know. I think I felt more fear with Vince. His weird manipulation made me second-guess, and well, cower like a skittish dog. I knew if he was pushed far enough, I would become shark food. But these strange feelings for Kyle is what has me in a total loop. Why did I suddenly want to put the fear of God in that stupid girl so she doesn’t come sniffing around Kyle now?

  I stare at myself in the mirror. “Pull yourself together. You’re being silly.” I am. I know I am. Kyle is and will always be a fantasy. Nothing can happen between us. Therefore I have no right to be jealous. I have no right to any part of him, otherwise I’m just as bad as Vince.

  I splash some cool water on my face and study myself. Taking a deep breath, I pull away and return to the table. Kyle’s brow raises. “You okay, Em?”

  “Fine. Did you already order your drink?”

  He shakes his head. “Was waiting for you to return.”

  This is what bothers me about Kyle. Instead of being a typical asshat and ordering for himself, he waits for my return. He gets girls to fall in love with his charms and his sweetness. Here’s where the game gets a little dicey though. Once he has a girl completely under his spell, he sleeps with them and then he never talks to them again. He’s upfront about it too. Which I guess is supposed to make it better. But I think this is why I held out and will continue to hold out. “Didn’t have to do that,” I say.

  He smiles. “I know. But I wanted to. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Gee, I don’t know, Em. You looked like you were going to go all postal on the chick who seated us. Next you return to the table all cold and distant. What’s up?”

  I stare at my menu. “Nothing is up. I shouldn’t have been shocked you’d turn into a disgusting man slut in my presence.”

  My menu lowers, and Kyle’s eyes bore into mine. “Disgusting man slut? That’s rich. Better stop while you’re ahead. I don’t want to remind you of all the things you could have had.”

  I roll my eyes. “Please. The only one begging to get in anyone’s pants is you looking to have a taste of all this.” I motion to my body.

  He smirks as his gaze trails downward. “I already had a taste of what’s between those sexy thighs of yours. And I already told you how much I liked it. But I’m not going to beg for another taste. If we ever are together again, I promise you’re going to be the one begging me.”

  I can’t look at him anymore without thinking about that night and what he did to me. Kyle is magical. Honestly, I’m surprised he doesn’t have a trail of stalkers the way he works his tongue. I shake my head from those thoughts and cast my glare at the menu.

  He’s such a flirt. Fun. That’s what I used to be. I don’t think I can do that again. Flings, that is. What if I end up with another Vince? Even if Kyle isn’t the whole I’ll-turn-into-a-crazy-stalker type and he’s super harmless, I won’t be able to look at him the same. Especially if his simple flirting with another girl sends me into a jealous frenzy.

  This trip is starting to become more of a bad idea than a good escape.

  “What’s with the look, Em? Having a hard time deciding?”

  If only my food choice was the simple problem. It’s not. I think he’s starting to notice to, which makes me squirm a bit. He lowers his menu and continues to examine me. “All right. I’ve tried. Honestly, I’ve all about bit my tongue holding this crap back, but I can’t anymore. What’s going on? You’ve been acting strange ever since I picked you up from the airport. Is it me?”

  I drop my menu. “No. Not everything is about you.”

  “Great. It’s not me. So what is it? Something happen in Florida? We’ve got seven more hours of driving. I’m going to get it out of you eventually. You’ve got to know that.”

  I swallow. “It doesn’t matter. Why are you worried about me anyway? It’s not like we’re an item or something.”

  Probably shouldn’t have said any of that, but the words we’re already out, and I couldn’t take them back. Kyle flinches as if I slapped him in the face. “Keep playing hardball, Em.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just letting you know not everything is about you. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”

  “I saw.” He leans in. “Who gave you the bruise on your shoulder?”

  I instantly wince and cover up my once bruised shoulder
. “No one who concerns you.”

  Kyle slams a fist against the table at the same time our waitress stops by. She flinches. “U-uh hi, I-I’m Jessica, do you folks know what you want to drink?”

  I smile at the girl. “I’d like a water with lemon please.”

  “And for you, sir?” She looks as if she’s about to pee her pants. Can’t say I blame her. Kyle’s little rant has me a little startled too.

  Kyle flashes her a smile that literally melts any girl straight to the center. “Same. I know what I want to eat too.”

  “Oh, okay. Are you ready as well, miss?” She seems a little less nervous.

  I nod. “I’d like the chicken fajita rollup. Thanks.”

  “I want the same,” Kyle says.

  “All right. I’ll just go put this right in.” She takes our menus and then walks away. I stare at the table not daring to look back up at Kyle. I am scared at what I might see. Disappointment. Disgust.

  “I’m going to get to the bottom of this. And when you tell me who marked you like that, I will hunt them down and bury them.”

  I glance up. “Why?”

  “Because anyone who hurts you shouldn’t be able to breathe ever again. Because believe it or not, Em, I care about you. A lot.”

  “You should stop.”

  “Not going to happen.” He leans back against the seat.

  I shake my head. “What we did on Christmas break isn’t happening again. Never again. You definitely should stop caring about me.” I’m too messed up.

  The waitress comes by our table and places our waters down for us then hurries away. I grab my straw and stick it in my cup then level my stare with Kyle. His eyes narrow. “You can run away all you want. It won’t change a thing. Not unless you confront your fears. And that’s the only reason you’re denying this.”

  I cringe. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” I rub my arms as a shudder breaks through my whole body.

  Kyle slides into my side of booth and wraps his arms around me. I feel his lips press the top of my head; then he whispers, “I’m not letting you run away. I know someone hurt you. I know you’re scared. But I won’t let anyone hurt you, Emily. Never. I got you. You just gotta let me in a little.”

  “I know,” I whisper. His tight hold on me feels amazing. I feel protected.

  He tilts my chin upward and smiles at me. “I’m always in your corner.”

  I lean into him. I know I shouldn’t but it feels right.

  Kyle remains on my side of the booth until our waitress returns with our food. Kyle kisses my forehead and then moves back to his side. I must admit I miss his arms and the warmth of his body. And can I also admit that my heart gave a little jolt each time he kissed me. Sure, it wasn’t passionate or even full of hope for things to come. It was friendly and nothing more, but I loved it. It reminds me of how tender Kyle was that night on Christmas break.

  I need to quit thinking about that night. It’s not happening again. Not now after what I told him. I don’t want Kyle to pity fuck me.

  “You really need to quit thinking over there,” he warns as he plucks a fry from his plate and places it in his mouth.

  “Who says I’m thinking about anything? Maybe I’m just bored.”

  “Yeah. You can’t fool me, Em. I know you.”

  That may be true, but I’m not about to tell him what I was thinking about. “We should probably make up some more rules, huh?” he says.

  “Probably.”

  “I think Madison said we’d have to share a bathroom. The other two rooms have their own bathroom. I assume you don’t want me just walking in on you. I mean, I wouldn’t mind it. I don’t want to make this uncomfortable though, I usually get up around nine.”

  “I don’t have a set time.”

  He sighs. “Well, I’m going to still be training, running every morning, probably getting in on some games. I’ll take my shower around ten if that’s cool with you.”

  “Ten is fine. I’ll try to get in there earlier.”

  “Awesome. Just don’t use all the hot water.” Then he makes this odd sort of face like someone suddenly stole one of his fries. “Uh … how do you feel about the whole whacking off business?”

  I choke on my water. “The what?”

  “You know. Sure, you’ve had guys stay over. Any of them beat off in the shower?”

  My eyes widen. “I hope the hell not. Why? Do you plan on doing that?”

  There are some things that I definitely shouldn’t ask. This is one of them. Kyle shrugs. “Shower’s my usual spot. Less clean up.”

  And now I’m seeing him in a whole new light. “Really? Too much info, Kyle.” I pray he’s screwing around with me.

  “I need to be real here. Want me to lie and say I spank it in my sheets? You’d think I was disgusting for not washing them every day.”

  “Use cleaner after you’re done.” I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this. I’m totally getting in the shower first. Are all guys like this?

  “Cool. Clean shower after every use.”

  I scrunch up my nose afraid to ask but kind of need to. “You don’t pee in there too, do you?”

  “Jesus, Em. I have some boundaries. No, I don’t piss in the shower.”

  “If you miss the toilet, you’re cleaning it.”

  He laughs. “All right. Cleaning toilets too. Anything else?”

  I chew on my lip. “Girls aren’t allowed to stay over. I don’t want some bitch’s makeup all over the sink. I don’t want them thinking they can borrow my things either. That even means my tampons are completely off limits.”

  “Right. Well, I’m not earning my red wings ever, so we’re good on that.”

  I don’t even want to know. “Uh … okay I think we’re good on the rules.”

  He holds up a finger. “Not yet. No dude is going to be using my stash of protection. No glove? Too bad. I’m not going to be supplying for something I can’t have.”

  I swallow hard, then nod. He seems satisfied, and we eat the rest of our meal in silence.

  Chapter Nine

  Kyle

  The rest of the drive is torturous. Her signature scent which is a mix between key lime and coconut cream fills my car. I’m going to lose it. I love this smell and didn’t realize how much I missed it until now.

  I drum my fingers along the steering wheel as I pull into a rest area. Em stirs awake, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “Where are we?”

  “We just hit Richmond, Virginia, and I gotta piss like you wouldn’t believe.” I don’t know why shit like this just comes out of my mouth when I’m around her. I think it partly has something to do with that she’s seen possibly every side of me. She’d have to being best friends with my sister. Hanging out at our house all the time. She’s seen me in all kinds of angles.

  Em doesn’t even give me a dirty look at that comment. She just says, “Hooray for potty breaks.” Then she bolts from the car and rushes into the building.

  I chuckle as I lock up and the brick structure.

  Ten minutes later, we’re back on the road. Emily still hasn’t said much, and I continue to drum my fingers along the steering wheel. “All right. We’ve got about roughly two more hours before we get there. How about we play a little game?”

  “What kind of game?”

  If she was anyone else, I’d say, “One that doesn’t involve clothes.” I can’t say that to her. For one she’d probably jump out of her seat and beat the ever-living hell out of me. Two, she’d tell me to go piss off because what we did will never happen again. Asking her to get naked won’t change anything. “Well, how about a little game of Twenty Questions?”

  “Ugh. Kyle, I don’t want to ask or hear about your sexual conquests since Christmas.”

  “I didn’t say we had to ask that kind of questions.” I laugh. “Anything you want. Stop being a perv.”

  She smacks my arm. I dart a glance at her, and she smiles. “I’m not a perv. Well, not like you. Okay, shoot. What’s your first questio
n?”

  “Ladies first.”

  “All right. But I know a lot about you.”

  “I bet you don’t.”

  “You want to make a wager on this?” she asks. I can tell from the sound of her voice she’s excited. Good. Some of the old spunky Em is shining through.

  I chuckle. “Sure.”

  “Fine. I get the room with the bigger bed if I win.”

  “Sounds like a deal. You’re on. The winner gets the bigger bed. Since we’re twisting the game a bit, here’s your first question on how well you know Kyle trivia. What’s my favorite color?”

  I sneak another peek at her, and to my surprise, her eyes are locked on me. She scrunches up her nose and asks, “Seriously? I thought you were going to make winning the bet hard. It’s black and blue.”

  I nod. “Good job. I had to give you one easy one otherwise you’d claim I wasn’t playing fair.” I wink at her. “All right. What was my favorite stuffed animal’s name?”

  “That’s a trick question. You didn’t have a favorite stuffed animal. You did give one to your sister though, and he’s name was Mr. Hippo. Your favorite animal is a wolf. And the only thing that slept with when you were a kid was your plastic basketball.”

  What the hell? The wolf thing and stuffed animal thing I expected. The plastic basketball wasn’t common knowledge unless Madison told her.

  “Well, good job, Miss Smarty-pants. Who’s the first girl I slept with and where?”

  Ha! Even Madison doesn’t know this. Emily sighs. “Nina Williams. You did it in her parents’ pool house. You were a sophomore.”

  I swerve a little as I glance over at her in shock. “How the hell did you know that?”

  “Oh my gosh—watch the freaking road! I don’t want to die before we make it there.” I right the car just as I hear her sigh. “Besides Nina’s family and mine belonging to the same country club? I overheard her talking with her friends about how sore she was and what you two did.”

  Damn it. “Fine. What colleges did I apply to and which ones rejected me?”