Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“Just a feeling.”
“You scared?” Declan taunts him.
“No.” Sterling’s voice is firm. “Just not sure why out of all of us that are single, I’m the one she thinks is next.”
“If it helps matters, I agree with her,” Palmer tells him.
“Me too,” Jade and Kennedy reply at the same time.
Sterling is quiet for a minute before he nods. “I kind of hope you’re right,” he tells them.
My heart stalls in my chest at his confession.
“If this”—he waves his hand around the room, at his brothers and Ramsey, who are happily married or about to be—“is what that will get me, then I’ll take it.”
“Pussy,” Maverick coughs.
“The same one,” Merrick reminds him. “For the rest of your life.”
Sterling’s gaze lands on me. “Yeah,” he says softly. “I could get behind that.” He quickly looks away and takes my breath with him.
Without a word, I stand and slip down the hall into our room. I don't stop until I’m in the bathroom with the door locked behind me for the second time today. This time I brace my hands on the counter, focusing on my breathing. A slow, deep breath in and a slow exhale. I repeat this process a few times until I feel like I’m breathing normally. Just in time for a knock on the door.
“Tink?” Sterling’s voice is cautious. “Are you all right?”
“Fine,” I call back.
“Open the door.”
“I’ll be right out.” He doesn’t argue, and I take the time I need to steel my resolve and face him. When I open the door, I shriek when I see him standing there with his arms braced above the frame. His head hung low.
He lifts his head, and his eyes find me. There’s something there. Something I can’t name. It’s not a look I’ve ever seen from him, at least not when he’s got his eyes on me. I shift my stance, not because I’m uncomfortable but because the urge to reach out and touch him is strong. Stronger than it’s ever been. I inwardly curse myself and my friends for lighting this… fire inside me.
When Sterling drops his hands, one of them moves to cradle my cheek. On instinct, I lean into him. He’s always been my safe place, my comfort. “What’s wrong?” he asks. His voice is thick and husky. It’s sexy, and my lady bits take notice.
“Nothing.” I stay leaning into his touch, unable to help myself.
“Tink.” He tilts his head to the side. “What’s wrong?” he asks again. His eyes bore into mine as if, he looks deep enough, he can actually read my mind.
“Just tired, I guess.” I shrug.
“You slept peacefully wrapped in my arms all night, Lys.”
“Yeah,” I reply, because what can I say? I can’t tell him that his sisters-in-law and cousin planted ideas in my head that I had long since stuffed in a “do not open” box in the back of my mind and even further in my heart. I can’t tell him that the huskiness of his voice has my panties ruined, and me wishing I was his someone. Not just his best friend.
Needing him to believe me, I try to act like I always have with him. Openly, platonically affectionate. I mimic his move and reach up, placing my hand on his cheek. He, too, leans into my touch. The soft stubble of his thin beard feels familiar beneath my palm.
“I’m fine, Tank,” I assure him. “I was just using the restroom. Now shoo. I need to get my suit on. We have a day in the sun that’s waiting for us.”
He studies me a little longer. It’s mere seconds but feels like hours before he drops his hand and pulls me into a hug. Something you should know about the Kincaid brothers; they give the best hugs. All nine of them. They’re an affectionate family, and I’ve been on the receiving end of my fair share from all of them. However, none of them are as good at it as Sterling.
He puts all of him into every single embrace, just like now. Both of his muscled arms are wrapped around me, and his head is buried in my neck. He breathes in deeply, something he’s always done, before pulling back, pressing his lips to my forehead, and releasing me. It’s been the same since we were kids, and the act is another form of comfort for me. One that only Sterling can provide.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he tells me as I step around him and dig around in the dresser to find my bikini.
I stop and turn to look at him. “Thanks for inviting me. Hanging with you and your brothers is always a good time.”
He nods. “Do you know what Palmer’s plans are?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
I force myself not to look at his powerful limbs or think about the way he often lifts me with ease. I don’t think about him lifting me and tossing me on the cloudlike bed and having his way with me. Nope, I don’t do that. Instead, I keep my eyes trained on him and ignore how damn sexy he is. I’ve been doing it for years. I should be able to do it now.