“Okay,” I whisper, trailing my hand up his chest to cup his face. “I won’t leave, and I’ll tell you everything. I won’t shut you out.”
* * *
Kent hasbreakfast waiting when we step foot in the kitchen the next morning. Keanu’s brother’s partying ways are legendary, so it’s a shock to see him wide-awake at seven a.m. on a Friday morning, whistling under his breath as he cooks at the stove. I take a stool at the counter beside Keanu, trying not to focus on how fucking gorgeous he looks with his hair still damp from the shower and his big eyes bright with love as they study me.
“I hope you like your eggs sunny-side up,” Kent says, sliding a plate with eggs, bacon and whole wheat toast across the countertop to me.
I drag my gaze away from Keanu. “You didn’t have to do this,” I reply. “But thank you. It looks delicious.”
“You’re welcome,” Kent adds, offering me a tall glass filled with orange juice.
Keanu looks at his brother like he’s grown wings or something.
“What are your plans for today?” Keanu asks him in between mouthfuls of the yummy breakfast.
“Catch a couple classes. Finish my assignment. Head to the gym, and I’m thinking of going to a frat party tonight,” Kent says, sipping a mug of coffee. “What are you two up to?”
“I’m taking Selena to an appointment, and then, we’ll probably just hang out around here,” Keanu says.
“I wouldn’t mind catching a yoga class later on,” I say, because I know the studio I go to has a drop-in class on Fridays, and I could use the stress relief.
“Cool. I’ll come with,” Keanu says, readily agreeing.
Now, it’s Kent’s turn to look at his brother like he’s grown an extra head. “You know yoga?”
“Keanu used to do yoga with me at home,” I blurt.
Kent almost chokes on his coffee while Keanu playfully messes up my hair. “Thanks. That’s just done wonders for my rep,” he jokes, grinning at me.
Kent leans his elbows on the counter, and his blue eyes sparkle with mirth. Gosh, they are so alike with the same dark hair and mesmerizing blue eyes. But Kent is bulkier than Keanu, his hair is longer and stylishly messy, there is more facial hair on his chin and cheeks, and he has way more ink too. He’s got that “diamond in the rough” look about him, and it’s no wonder he has no shortage of women lining up to share his bed.
If I’m being honest, Kent scares me a little. I’ve only met him fleetingly a few times, but he always comes across as brash and intimidating and way too cocky. But he’s been nothing but nice to me since I showed up here yesterday, so perhaps I formed the wrong impression of him. Or maybe, Keanu’s influence is having a positive effect on him.
“What other things don’t I know about my brother?” Kent asks, wiggling his brows at me.
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
Kent barks out a gruff laugh. “You’re on, sister.” He rubs his hands together. “I love a good challenge.” He smirks at Keanu. “And I love winding this idiot up.” He dumps his mug in the sink. “Bring on the fun times!”
I laugh, and it’s nothing short of miraculous. Keanu’s gaze dances between his brother and me, and a wide smile graces his lips. “It’s okay, don’t mind me,” he drawls. “Continue to poke fun at my expense.”
Kent slaps him on the back. “I think your ego can handle it.” He waggles his fingers at me. “I’ll get out of your hair. See ya later.”
“He’s not what I was expecting,” I admit, pushing my half-eaten plate away.
“He’s behaving himself with you here,” Keanu says, frowning as he looks at my plate. “You need to eat, Sel.”
“He gave me far too much. I’m full.” I pat my flat stomach.
He swivels in his chair, and our legs brush, sending a jolt of heat through me. “How are you feeling?”
I shrug, wrapping my fingers around my claddagh necklace. “I’m okay.” He searches my eyes for the truth. “I’m worried, but I’m in control. No meltdowns.”
“And the nightmares? Was it new, or you still get them?”
“I still get them, just not as often.” For years, I couldn’t open up to Denise about the specifics of the things done to me. But part of my recovery these last couple years has involved me sharing more, and she’s right. Getting it out has helped me work through the myriad of feelings associated with that very painful part of my past. And I found my nightmares reduced as a result. Go figure.
“So, things have been better since we split?” he asks, his tone and face tinged in sadness.
