Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 784(@200wpm)___ 627(@250wpm)___ 523(@300wpm)
Irritated, he swept it back off his forehead and vowed right then that he was getting a haircut the first chance he got.
“Trust me. There’s nothing to be nervous about. I should be nervous. Once you meet all of them, you might decide I’m not worth the hassle.” Arik chuckled, hooking a finger under Kellus’s chin to lift his face.
“You aren’t any hassle,” Kellus replied, his gaze shooting up to Arik who stepped closer, blocking everything out but him.
“That’s a good answer.” Arik leaned in for a light kiss on the lips. Kellus automatically leaned forward, not second-guessing the action, instead taking comfort in those familiar lips. “But I’m not certain that’s true, so what else are you lying to me about?”
“I’m not lying about anything. You aren’t a hassle at all. You’re the opposite—”
Arik’s finger came to his lips, silencing him from saying anything more.
“Before you keep giving me compliments that will ultimately make me ditch this scene in order to take you home to show you how much I really enjoy hearing those nice things from you, let’s go inside and make our presence known. We’ll be quick. Let’s head out in, say, about an hour.”
“I’m really nervous,” Kellus repeated, staring Arik right in the eyes. His whole family was just past the door—Arik’s parents, Gage’s parents, or better said, everyone who had witnessed the spectacle his ex had made on opening night.
“Come on. They’re excited to see you again.” Arik tugged Kellus along, climbing the front porch steps. “Do you know the story of how Gage and Trent met?”
“No. Well, yes, he was the contractor on his studio, right?” Kellus asked as Arik knocked on the massive front door.
“Yes and no. Remind me to tell you later. It’s a good but slightly chilling story.”
Someone he hadn’t seen before opened the door, but he had that same Layne look that most of the family carried.
“Arik with an A. It’s about time you got here!”
“Gavin, you son-of-a-bitch, it’s good to see you!” Arik didn’t let go of Kellus’s hand as he extended the other to his cousin. “Meet Kellus.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Gage has talked about you for years.” Kellus tried to release Arik’s hand to shake Gavin’s, but he fought him until Gavin laughed and lifted both hands. “Arik’s always had his own way of doing things. We’ll talk later.”
“Where’s Gage?” Arik asked, shutting the front door behind them when Gavin started to turn away.
“He’s in the back. That’s the best part of living in Texas. It’s fall outside, and it’s comfortable enough to have the party overflow into the backyard,” Gavin said excitedly, waving his arm at all the people milling around.
“Wait until the summer,” Kellus added, raising his voice to be heard. Music played quietly in the background, but the sheer magnitude of conversation made it hard to hear.
“Where are my parents?” Arik asked.
“They were in the kitchen, but you can go through that side door and walk around the side of the house, so you don’t have to go through the middle of everything. Follow it around to the back,” Gavin instructed, his arm motioning to the side, pointing out the direction of the door leading outside.
“You were always my favorite cousin.” Arik patted him on the chest before turning, taking Kellus’s hand behind his back, and then guiding him across the crowded room. They were acknowledged by every small cluster of people they passed, but Arik never slowed down or introduced Kellus. Instead, he kept heading toward that outside door.
When Kellus shut the door behind him, Arik pulled him along, walking in the shadows, underneath the tree line. “I’m trying to get you comfortable before my parents and aunt and uncle know you’re here.”
“Okay. Why?” Kellus asked, staying out of the direct light that was shooting from every corner of the house—fully invested in not being seen, but having no idea why.
“Gage and I were rebels and the only holdouts in the whole bunch. All our brothers and sisters, on both sides of the family, got married young, had a boatload of kids, and went to work for the family. They’ve bought a hundred acres right outside of Westlake, and they’re building a neighborhood. A Layne neighborhood. All the streets are named after the grandkids. They’re just a real tight bunch. Now, since Gage caved and got married, it’s me left bucking the Layne system. I’ve relished that role until now. Everyone’s very interested in meeting the man who tamed my rebellious ways,” Arik said, taking a turn around the corner of the house.
“You haven’t told me that,” Kellus accused, slightly alarmed. The insecurity he’d experienced at the front door now intensified to an all-time high. What if they didn’t like him?
“I know, but you can be hard to deal with, and I didn’t want you to bail. I’ll stay close by your side.” Arik slowed to look back at him and give a reassuring grin. Kellus narrowed his eyes, wondering if that was the same look Arik would give if he ever had to face off with a firing squad.