Killian (Hope City #8) - Kris Michaels Page 0,52

water stream through the pipes to her old bathroom upstairs as she sipped her coffee. Her parents would be rousing soon, but not yet, which was good because she wanted a moment to gather her happiness and hold it tight. Killian could be the one. She smiled to herself and held the steaming cup of coffee under her nose, inhaling the rich, familiar aroma. Sensations of peace in the big old house, the sun peeking through the kitchen windows, and the singing of birds outside in the massive backyard they shared with the McBrides filled her mind, but in her heart was where Killian had taken up residence. Not just because of the exceptional sex. Well, that did play into the equation to a degree, but the fact that he stood his ground when her father tried to lay down the law—and did it in a respectful way—had been her turning point. That was the point when she’d decided if Killian wanted more with her, she’d be willing to work with him.

Work? Were relationships supposed to be work? She sighed, walked over to the back door, and stepped outside onto her mom’s favorite place, the back porch. A warm breeze and the smell of the rosebushes her mother and Sharon doted over greeted her. She sat down in one of the canvas slingback chairs and took another sip of her coffee. Her mom and dad and the McBrides had strong relationships, and yes, their affection seemed natural and automatic, but she could remember disagreements between her parents. Perhaps it wasn’t work, but she did notice an effort. Her father still surprised her mother with flowers for no reason. Her mom still made sure her makeup was fixed, and she always waited near the door when her dad came home. Did her parents have an antiquated attitude toward relationships? Perhaps, but it worked for them.

The side yard gate slammed, and a familiar whistle put a smile on her face. Brock sauntered around the side of the house. His shock at seeing her was almost comical. “You spent the night?”

“I did. You know Dad, always overreacting.” Bekki made a face and Brock chuckled.

“I don’t think he overreacted in this instance. Is that coffee?”

“Yep, I just made a pot.” She nodded toward the kitchen.

“Awesome. I’ll be right back.” He disappeared inside. She could hear the fridge open and then close and the tinkle of a spoon stirring the mountains of sugar and buckets of cream Brock used in his coffee. She’d sometimes splurge on cream and sugar in her coffee, but only when she was exercising, which she wasn’t, and only on Saturdays, which today wasn’t, so it was double negative on the treat in her coffee.

She heard her mother’s voice and then laughter. No doubt Brock picked her up and spun her around. A few moments later, they both came out to the porch with coffee in hand. Brock sat on the top of the picnic table and put his feet up on the bench seat while his mother sat next to her.

“Have you heard anything more about last night?” Bekki knew that both of her brothers would have feelers out to their colleagues.

He shook his head and took a long swig of his steaming hot coffee before he sighed, “God, that’s good.”

“Mom, you realize he has an abnormal relationship with coffee, right?”

Her mother chuckled and took a sip of her own brew. “I would say that’s Kallie’s problem now, but I think she is just as hooked on coffee as he is.”

“Damn straight. I know how to pick them… unlike others in this family.” He tipped his head in Bekki’s direction and lifted his eyebrows a couple times.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Oh, no, he wasn’t. “Meaning?” She threw the dare out there, knowing her mom and dad already knew about Killian. She’d seen this play before with Brie and the McBride girls. Her big brother was actually going to tattle to his mom that she was dating Killian. The big dufus.

“Mom, did you know Bekki was dating someone?” Brock smiled from ear to ear.

Her mother chuckled. “I’m sure if Bekki was dating someone, she’d tell me.”

“You’d think so, wouldn’t you, but nope. Makes you wonder if she doesn’t think the guy would measure up.” Brock took another drink of his coffee, still teasing and unaware that Killian was leaning against the door frame of the kitchen.

Bekki’s eyes traveled over him. Freshly showered and with a day of bristling scruff,