Page 33 of My Best Friend's Brother
Chapter 12
Pete raked his fingers through his still-wet hair. He had applied a little gel to it to keep it out of his face, but after Keke had run her hands through it, he had reconsidered his stance on stiff hair. If girls loved the hair, he’d make it as soft and accessible as he possibly could.
He sat on the office’s back steps, staring into the night sky. Most of the kids were around the campfire singing songs and enjoying more s’mores. He’d have to go for a run early tomorrow morning, considering all the sweets he’d had in the last couple of days.
Across the way, he saw Keke exit the girls’ bunks. She waved and walked over. Pete inhaled the night air that accompanied her, almost smiling at the sweet floral and citrus scent. She smelled amazing.
“How are you?” she hesitantly asked.
Pete shrugged. “Okay. You?”
Keke chuckled and sat next to him. “I’m not the one with the issues.”
“You’re not?”
Keke remained silent. He studied the side of her face. Humor gone, he saw how she worked her tense jaw.
“You smell great,” he said quietly then raked a hand through his hair. Darn. He hadn’t meant for that to come out. When she sat down, the scent was even more intoxicating, taking over faculties he should be able to control.
She grinned. “Thanks. Would you like to try it? My twisting cream?” She pointed to the twists she had gathered and piled on top of her head.
Pete snorted. “No thanks.” He sat up straighter.
“Too manly for it?”
He smirked. “I’d rather smell it on you.”
Keke’s grin faded, and she looked away. He closed his eyes and silently cursed. It was not his night. And he was waiting to go on a walk with Lea. If he was screwing up with Keke—and she didn’t even like him like that—then he would crash and burn with Lea. Yet, Lea was always in such a good mood; maybe she wouldn’t even notice.
Keke cleared her throat. “Please don’t use that line.”
Pete sputtered a laugh. “Noted.”
“So what’s next with Lea?”
“A walk. Tonight.”
Keke’s mouth dropped, and a look of satisfaction crossed her face. “My young protégé is doing well. A moonlight stroll in the woods. Not creepy at all.”
He ignored her teasing grin. “I’m no creep.”
“No, you’re not, Petey. I’d feel safe on walk through the woods with you. And so will Lea.” She looped an arm through his and rested her head on his shoulder. “You’re a good guy,” she said softly.
He detected a note of sadness in her voice. “You never told me why you didn’t return for the funeral,” he said quietly. “It wasn’t well attended, but your absence was noted.”
And just like that, she let go of his arm and scooted a few inches away. Pete rolled his eyes. He would say nothing unpleasant with Lea. Only lighthearted subjects he couldn’t possibly get in trouble over.
Keke groaned. “I do owe you an explanation, huh?”
“Mmm-hmm. That was the bargain.”
Keke let out a bloated sigh. “I’m glad he’s gone. He was so…mean to me and my sisters.”
“Katrina and Kornelia?”
“Yup. Told us we’d never amount to anything. Outright called me a…” Keke ferociously dragged a hand down the side of her face. “I wasn’t sleeping around. Dance was the only thing on my mind,” she said defensively. “He would’ve known that if he ever took the time to know me at all.”
His heart went out to her. He wanted to wrap an arm around her, pull her in, and tell her that man couldn’t hurt her anymore, but he kept his arms to himself. His compliments didn’t work; she’d gawk at physical contact. She’d already put distance between them, and he didn’t want to encroach.
