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.The place wasn t usually crowded on weeknights but Thursdays were busier than Monday throughWednesday.She watched several people come and go, was contemplating stopping there for a drink,when her cell phone rang.It was Kyle.She almost didn t answer.They had nothing to say to each other.But if he was at herhouse, her mother, father or sister had likely asked him to pass on a message.She had to stop thinkingof him as her ex and start thinking of him as her brother-in-law. Ick, she muttered but, with a sigh, hit the talk button. What can I do for you? You can answer one question, he replied.This didn t sound like he was planning to pass on a message. Does Noelle know you re callingme?He didn t answer. Are you already with Brandon? No. Are you really seeing him?She curled her fingernails into her palms.Making up a relationship that didn t exist was pathetic.She should never have done it.Look what had happened with Brandon as a result! Just the thought ofhim lying in his bed, waiting for her, made her yearn for more than the memory of that one kiss allthose years ago. No! she said, as much to herself as him.He seemed surprised by the energy of her answer, but he was probably too relieved to comment onthe intensity behind it. Thank God. Not that it should matter to you, she added, feeling more sane. I know, it s just& I believed you.After the doubt Brandon had shown that anyone would be convinced they were seeing each other,she knew she should feel vindicated.But he obviously understood who she was better than Kyle did.Which was odd. Even though I ve been living in Sacramento for the past four months? she said. He d be willing to make the drive.He has a thing for you.I could sense his interest the whole timeyou and I were together.Strange though it seemed, given their limited contact over the years, she d always had a thing forhim, too.She d just never allowed herself to entertain the possibility of letting it go anywhere. Jealousy s making you blind. I m not blind to anything! He likes tall blondes. Doesn t mean he likes all tall blondes. I m telling you we almost got into a fight at Thanksgiving because of the way he kept looking atyou.Olivia hadn t noticed anything amiss, nothing beyond the usual push-pull she felt wheneverBrandon was around.He d shown up for dinner, but he d stayed only long enough to eat.As far as shewas concerned he d done nothing wrong. He didn t even speak to me, she said. He might try now. So you re& what? Giving me fair warning? I m letting you know that getting involved with him wouldn t be a smart move.You rememberhow he treated your sister  I like that better than how you ve treated my sister! Ouch, he said but she ignored him. Besides, that was years ago, when he was home from college for the summer.And she wasstalking him, Kyle.She spied on him with another woman.That would make anyone angry. That s not the way she tells the story.She says he was pursuing her, leading several women on atthe same time.Because she didn t want to admit the truth.He d discover that was a common occurrence. Ibelieve Brandon. Over your own sister? Yes.Absolutely.Look, I appreciate all the brotherly love, but  Brotherly love? he broke in. Would you just& stop? Please? Do you think this is any easier forme?The desperation in his voice surprised her. I screwed up, he went on. And now I m paying the price.But I don t want you to suffer anymore than you already have because of my stupidity.Somehow his words made her even angrier than if he d said he adored her sister and always had. If you re having second thoughts, I m not the one to talk to.There was a long silence.Then he said,  I realize that. What is it you hold against Brandon, anyway? she asked. It can t have anything to do with himmistreating Noelle, because you didn t like him before he threatened her with a restraining order. You know how he is.He s stubborn and egotistical and& and difficult to get along with.She wrapped her arms around herself and stared out at the town she loved so much.Kyle had costher even this.She d planned to come back but now& she felt as if she d been cast adrift, as ifWhiskey Creek was no longer her anchor. How does that affect me? He can t commit, and as much as you re trying to pretend you re not looking for love, I know youtoo well.He s not the kind of man you need.As if Kyle was any better! He d set himself up with that statement.But this time she let it go. Haveyou talked to him recently? I don t need to. Maybe you re going by dated information.Maybe he s matured and you re missing out on having agreat brother. I m not missing out on anything. You could cut him a little slack, you know.He s in your wedding party. For the sake of my parents.She understood how familial obligation played a role this weekend [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]