Page 6 of Unraveled

Shit, I’d drained half my beer. But I had too much self-respect to go back to someone who hadn’t appreciated the young man who’d been nothing but good to her. I might have been only twenty-two at the time, but I’d been completely devoted to her. I’d learned the hard way that it had been one-sided. Now she dangled my big job in front of me as though I’d play the pawn in her game again. It hardly seemed fair to be screwed over by the same person twice.

“It’s still not going to happen.”

“Glad to hear it. But I’m bringing in reinforcements anyhow.”

My brow quirked up. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t worry. I believe you when you say you’re done with your ex. But I don’t mind pissing her off for showing up uninvited and messing with you tonight.” Russ’s phone buzzed. He turned toward the front entrance and back with a grin, definitely up to something.

“What?” I turned to see what he’d been looking at and completely froze. Walking in the door was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen. Ebony hair hanging past her shoulders, big eyes I wished to learn the color of, and a body that made me stare. She stood about five foot nine in her heels. Dark-wash skinny jeans outlined every bit of her toned legs. The red top accented her trim waist and perfect, round-shaped breasts. I’d never consider myself a man who gawked at a woman’s body, but she was a sexy temptation I couldn’t resist.

She appeared to be making a beeline straight for me. What the hell?

Chapter Two

Kellan

Russ leaned over to whisper, “Guess this would be a good time to tell you that’s my sister, Layla, walking in. She was going stir-crazy at my parents’ place tonight and needed a reason to get dressed up and out of the house. Now act as if she’s your girlfriend.”

I had no time to react as the gorgeous girl gave a wink to her brother and proceeded to sit on my lap, her arms entwining around my neck as if she did it every day.

“Hi, handsome,” she greeted breathlessly, amusement dancing in her emerald-green eyes.

“Hi.” I was happy I wasn’t expected to say much more because my thoughts were fried. My brain knew nothing but the beauty on my lap.

She leaned in, whispering in my ear, “Russ recruited me to stage a rescue.”

“For you, I’ll pretend I need it.”

Her smile came easily, and she moved her face to mere inches from mine. Her skin was flawless. Her face was the perfect heart shape, her nose like a button. Her makeup had been applied to enhance her green eyes without taking away from her natural beauty. We were in a crowded bar, and yet I could no longer hear the music playing in the background nor the noise from the conversations around us. Although she was here as a favor, it suddenly didn’t feel that way. Instead, it felt as if I’d found someone I hadn’t realized I’d been searching for.

I didn’t believe in love at first sight, at least not until this moment when my entire world tipped on its axis.

“If my brother had mentioned he had such a handsome friend, I would’ve insisted upon getting out of the house sooner.” She paused, peeking over my shoulder. “I take it the blonde at the end of the table staring daggers at me is the ex?”

I brushed the hair away from her face as if I’d practiced the gesture a hundred times. My voice was husky. “Indeed.”

“Not that you two would notice, but I’m heading to the men’s room,” Russ said with a grin causing both of ours. “I’m glad you came out, sis. Feel free to take my chair.”

Now it was my turn to whisper in her ear. “I like your name, Layla. I’m Kellan.”

“I’m a fan of your name, too, Kellan.”

Just hearing my name on her lips sent a shiver through me.

“I suppose I should take the chair unless there’s something else you want to do with this fake greeting. Maybe something to guarantee your ex gets the message loud and clear that you’re off-limits?”

I pretended to contemplate. “Hm. Something that would leave no doubt we’re together. What could possibly do that?”

She laughed, the lyrical sound managing to further my attraction to her. Then she framed my face with her hands and murmured, “I think I have an idea.”

My breath caught. And once her lips touched mine, I was a goner. It was as if I was thirsty, and she represented the last drop of water. Every fiber of my being craved her in that moment. Shifting her on my lap in order to angle her head better, I raised my own hands. One caressed her face while the other tangled in her hair. The sensation of her tongue sweeping into my mouth caused a small growl to emit from my throat. I had to have her. Naked and writhing under me. But for now, I needed to remember I was in a crowded bar. Kissing my best friend’s sister.

We pulled apart and stared at one another. I think we both were surprised by the power of our fake kiss.

She was the one who broke the trance. “I believe your ex got the message. She’s stomping out the door.”

“I’d forgotten she was here,” I blurted out. It didn’t occur to me to worry that Carly’s disappointment might have consequences for the new job I was starting on Monday.