Hammered (Blue Bay Crew #3)- Cathryn Fox Page 0,61
into her brother to fill him in on what’s going on. Not with me sleeping with her, but that someone, maybe even one of his enemies, could be after her. Again, that would be breaking trust, and I can’t do that.
I check the clock on the wall. “I have to go,” I tell my cousin, and we both head back outside. In less than half an hour, Haven is going to get the surprise of a lifetime. Before that happens, I have to make a quick trip to Benny’s to pick up the one thing that will make tonight extra special for her. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees her big surprise.
15
Haven
While I’m having a great time chatting with Summer, Kylee and Gram, my gaze keeps roaming to the hallway leading to the front door, not that I can see who’s coming and going from my seat on the sofa. But I’m anxious, having no idea what Tyler is up to or where he’s gone, and while he was trying to play it cool earlier when he kissed me goodbye, he looked a little edgy, like he was itching for a fight. The others might not have noticed it—or maybe they did. They are, after all, family. For me, while I’m only pretending to be his girlfriend, after spending so much time with him, I’ve learned a few things about Tyler and have come to understand his body language a little bit better.
Honestly, I’ve never considered myself a good judge of character. I usually just err on the side of caution and assume everyone has their own best interests at heart. Tyler, however, is proving to be so much more, a man of character and integrity. Solid and dependable. I’ve let my guard down with him more than any other man. Which is probably why I have a string of bad relationships behind me, and no, they weren’t all with my leading man. That’s just a stupid rumor.
The front door opens and closes with a thud, and my heart slams right along with it, hoping, praying it’s Tyler, and he’s okay—that nothing bad happened to him. I mean, he’s a big guy, a dangerous looking man who could frighten anyone, but a stalker? They’re unpredictable. Irrational.
I listen for the sound of his boots on the floor and when I hear his heavy, assured footsteps—easily able to pick them out now—relief rolls through me. Tyler constantly says I don’t know him, and he was right, at first. The more time we’re together, the more I realize he really is one of the good guys. I wish my brother could have seen this side of the man he hates. Not that it matters, really. They don’t need to be friends. Not for my sake anyway. I’ll probably never set eyes on Tyler once we’re done filming. God, I wish that thought didn’t leave me with a sour taste in my mouth.
“Looks like the guys are back,” Gram says, pulling my thoughts back as her all-knowing eyes stray to me. I force a smile as she pushes to her feet and smooths her hands over her dress. I have a feeling nothing gets by her, but I’m not about to drag her into my troubles. I shouldn’t have involved Tyler, but was vulnerable when he asked me what was wrong. He was just so open and honest, so easy to talk to, I ended up spilling my secrets.
Gram snickers. “That boy is probably hungry again.” She shuffles off to the kitchen, and muffled voices reach my ears as she speaks to Tyler.
“I guess I should get going.” I lean in to give Devon, and a sleeping Jesse, a kiss goodnight.
Kylee smiles up at me when I stand. “Don’t forget, Friday night, my place.”
“I won’t, and I’m bringing a homemade dessert.” I pull a face and consider my talent in the kitchen. Not that there is anything to consider. But I want to bring something nice to the barbecue. I love the way they’ve all brought me into their circle, the way they’re treating me like family. It’s insane how much I want to be a part of this loving clan, but Tyler and I aren’t a real couple. My smile falls as another thought hits. Could I be putting this family in danger? My God, if anything happened to anyone of them, I’d never forgive myself. Maybe I should just forget this movie and get out of Dodge.