Page 4 of Puck Sweet Puck
I watch the shock appear on Kendall’s face as she realizes the three of us are old enough to be her father. I knew the fantasy of claiming her as our own wouldn’t last.
Who the hell am I kidding? Jefferson, Benton, and I haven’t even discussed sharing Kendall. The poor girl just got out of a tough relationship--she doesn’t need our old asses sniffing around her.
“Kendall, these are my boyfriends, Ledger, Bryer, and Colsen," the older version of Kendall introduces. “Guys, this is my younger sister, Kendall.”
“Three boyfriends, uh.” Kendall’s eyes shift to me, Benton, Jefferson, and then back to her sister. “I knew you were going to hook up with them. I didn’t know they’re now your boyfriends.”
The woman’s cheeks turn a pink tint before saying, “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your guys?”
“I’m not sure I really know them. Seems like they’re related your guys.”
“Only one of her guys,” Ledger speaks up. “That’s my dad.” He points at Benton. “That’s my Uncle Jefferson.” He points to Jefferson. “And that’s my Uncle Mitchell.” Finally, he points at me. “This is our girlfriend, Kameron.” He pulls the woman against his side and kisses her temple.
“Wait, what?” Kameron looks confused at this turn of events. “How do your father and uncles know my sister?” She looks at Ledger, and he seems just as confused.
“I have no idea. You want to explain this one, Dad?”
“It’s a long story. She was having car problems, and we stopped to offer her a ride.” Short and to the point—classic Benton.
Ledger was always a good kid. He was the center of our world as we raised him. Truth be told, he still is—or was—until an angel in a wedding gown entered our lives.
“That’s very fortunate that you ran into the three of them when you needed help. But that still doesn’t explain why you didn’t call me when you needed help or why you’re here wearing a wedding dress.” Unconsciously, the three of us form a half circle around Kendall. Jefferson is to her right, I’m on her left, and Benton is directly behind her. Kameron takes in our new stance with a raised eyebrow. “It seems like you have a lot of explaining to do.”
five
Kendall
The guys have beenincredibly kind to me, buying me a breakfast burrito and a pumpkin spice latte when they heard my stomach growl, listening to my messed-up life without judging me for ending an engagement by text. But now, as I think about seeing Kameron and having to explain why I drove seven hours in the middle of the night to see her in a weddingdress, my stomach tightens. Even their comforting presence isn’t easing my nerves.
I clear my throat, “Like I said, it’s a long story. Maybe we can go back to your place and talk about it.”
“That’s a good idea. My apartment is only a one-bedroom, but we can share the bed like we used to.”
A smile crosses my face as I remember all those times when Kameron still lived at home, and it would thunder and lightning outside. I would crawl into her bed in the middle of the night, and she would hold me. She was more of a mother to me than our real mother.
Before I can agree to the idea of staying with Kameron, Benton answers for me. “She’ll stay with us.”
I don’t even know these guys—why would I stay with them?
Everyone appears puzzled by Benton’s declaration—everyone except Jefferson and Mitchell. They seem almost relieved by it.
“What Benton is trying to say is that it only makes sense for her to stay with us at the hotel. We booked a four-bedroom suite, and she’ll have her own room," Jefferson says. “The hotel also has a private dining room. We can all meet there at eight tonight and hash this out.”
A thrill of excitement rushes through me at the thought of staying in the same suite as the three of them. “That sounds likea good idea.” I give my sister my most sincere smile as I wait for her to either agree or disagree with this plan.
“It’s my dad and my uncles. They aren’t going to do anything to your sister. The three of them raised me to be a gentleman.” Ledger holds Kameron tighter.
“They raised you?” I ask before I can stop myself.
“Yup. After my mom left me on my dad’s doorstep when I was ten years old.” Ledger’s smile is one of pride, not sadness. “The three of them moved in together and took turns taking me to practice and games. All the single and not-so-single moms would hit on them all the time.” I’m sure they did, who wouldn’t? They’re all gorgeous, I think to myself as Ledger continues talking. “But they never went out with any of them.”
“I don’t know.” Kameron shifts her gaze, making eye contact with each of my guys. I fight a giggle, thinking about them as my guys.
Come on. It'll be fine. Besides, we had plans for you later tonight.” Ledger nuzzles her neck as Colsen and Bryer lean in to kiss her lips one after the other, raising the temperature in here about a million degrees.
“Fine, but call me if they cause you any trouble. What am I saying, you don’t even have a phone?”
“We’ll take care of that.” Mitchell jumps into the conversation.
