Page 113 of Rhet

We stay quiet both watching the water in the pool ripple.

“How do you feel about it?”

He bites his lips and squint like he is trying to find the right words “Angry, excited, happy it’s all mixed up.”

I stay silent looking at his beautiful side profile, the way his nose slopes and flairs at the end. His eyelashes are long and dark. His bottom lip is pink, just a bit fuller than his top. Rhet’s arms are heavy cords of lean muscle. Now I understand, he has a swimmer’s body.

Rhet Banner is hot.

“For a second, I felt like Dad was trying to replace Trent and that pissed me off.” He swallowed making his Adam apple move.

He pulls his hair at the root and lets it go. He rests his arms on his knees “I know it’s not his fault. He didn’t ask for all of this,”

“Do you want a relationship with him?” I ask.

He exhales “I don’t know. I’m still figuring that out.”

I grip the side of the lawn chair, “You still didn’t answer my question. What do you need?”

He turns to me and looks me dead in my eyes “Peace. My plate is full of responsibilities and all I want is a moment of peace.”

I shake my head. Making up my mind that I can fix this problem on my own. I’m not going to add more to his plate.

“Anyway, what is it you wanted?” He stands up and stretches.

“Um, why do I need to be there Saturday?” I reply.

He frowns and looks down at me. “That’s what you wanted to ask?”

“Yes, that it.” I place my hands under my butt.

“Because I said you need to be there. And please try to look sexy.” He looks like he’s confused by my question.

“Okay.” I stand up and get ready to walk back in the house.

“What’s really bothering you?” he asks again.

He stays silent.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle and figure out. You care Rhet?” I bat my eyes playfully at him

“Are you hearing that? Listen closely.” He looks around.

I can only hear crickets chirping in the background.

“No.”

“It’s me not giving a fuck. I’m asking because I don’t want you to fuck up my award night. We clear?”

I nod. “Crystal.”

“Do you want to have breakfast with me? I can order in,” he asks.

“No, thanks. I’m going back to bed.” I stand ready to leave.

He looks at me like he’s shocked from my rejection. I’ve learned he’s not used to the words no. People bend over backwards to give him what he wants.

“Okay. Fine. Did you call Diana to be my date for the night?”

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