The Do-Over (The Rooftop Crew #5) - Piper Rayne Page 0,18
shake my head. “But don’t allow some strange guy to move in with you.”
She giggles and shakes her head so that a few strands of dark hair fall from her ponytail. How could Dylan think she looks like Leilani? All that’s similar is the dark hair and bronze skin tone. Kamea has a soft curve where Leilani had hard edges. Her smile is warm and caring, whereas Leilani hardly smiled and barely laughed.
“Are you sure? I mean, I literally have no money. I was supposed to do this bulk order of T-shirts that I sell, and I used the money to bail out Leilani. Without her appearing in court, I’m out the money.”
“I have a few places we can try to find her. To get your money.”
Her eyes widen in amazement that I would offer my well of knowledge when it comes to Leilani. “You’d do that?”
“Sure. I mean, I can’t do it on duty, I have to be in regular clothes, but she had certain places she’d go around here. Maybe we’ll get lucky.” I’d bet all the money in my bank account that she’s long gone from Cliffton Heights by now, but I’m not telling that to Kamea because she’ll lose hope.
Her excitement dims and she looks at her hands. “That’s so nice, Knox, but this isn’t your problem.”
I shrug. She’s right. Leilani isn’t my problem anymore, but for some reason, that part of me that wants to fix her is alive and kicking inside me. I might not love Leilani anymore, but she has to stop doing this to people. “I know, but I can offer help, so I’m doing it.”
“Why?”
Where did she and Leilani grow up that no one looked out for others?
“It’s just the way I was raised.” I stand before she delves into my upbringing too much. “Let me grab some sleep, then I have tonight off. We can stop by one of her haunts this evening.”
She nods and I walk toward the door.
“Knox,” she says, and I turn to face her. She’s looking at her hands, twisting her fingers. “That party. If you need a date, I’d be happy to repay the favor and go with you.”
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out at first.
“I mean only as a fake date obviously. I wasn’t suggesting that—”
“I’d love that,” I answer because I would. But I’m not digging into the reasons why at the moment. But since all my female friends are unavailable that weekend and I can’t imagine allowing Patrice to be in charge of who attends on my arm, this works.
“Okay. Great.”
“It’s next Friday. It’s casual, but maybe wear a dress. I’ll ask Patrice.” Damn, Whelan, you’re about as smooth as a jar of nuts.
“Sounds great.”
I walk out of the bedroom to find Dylan and Jax playing Xbox. Both glance up but go back to concentrating on their game.
“I’m headed to bed,” I say. “Keep it down.”
“So?” Jax asks, his thumbs moving a million miles an hour on the controller.
“She’s staying and I’m going to help her find Leilani.”
“What?” Dylan asks.
“You’re dead,” Jax says.
Dylan doesn’t care apparently. He drops the controller. “I think that’s a shit idea.”
“Relax, it’s just finding her for Kamea. I’m cool.”
His eyes silently judge if I am actually good with it.
“And she’s going to go with me to the party, so…”
Dylan laughs and sinks farther into his chair. “Oh, I gotcha.”
“It’s a favor swap, that’s all.”
Jax looks at Dylan, then shoots me a look to say “whatever” before his attention shoots back to the television. “Boring, if you ask me. Favor swaps should only involve sexual fantasies.”
“Shit, I’m using that on Rian.” Dylan pulls out his phone and texts something to presumably Rian.
“Doesn’t work on girlfriends, dumbass.” Jax’s body leans to the side and he presses the buttons so feverishly, you’d think his life depends on whether he wins.
“You don’t know Rian.”
I open my bedroom door. “I’m going to bed now.”
“Thanks for the omelets, bro. Sleep tight. Are you sure you don’t want Kamea to tuck you in?” Jax mimics a sweet mother’s voice.
“I wasn’t the one on the couch with her this morning.”
Jax’s thumbs stop moving and his gaze moves to me. “She’s all yours. The question is, do you want her?”
I let out an exasperated sigh. She’s right in the next fucking room and can probably hear him. “I’m going to bed.”