9

Arlyn

“So, what do you think of your new brother, and cousin?’ Mom asked me in my room the next day as I unpacked my things.

I hadn't been able to unpack yesterday what with the shock I had gotten.

I stiffened at her question.

I wasn't exactly sure why it rubbed me off the wrong way. Reid being called my brother made me feel a little icky, but it did.

“Uh…he's an interesting personality.” I said without looking at her.

‘Interesting personality?’ Really, Arlyn? That's the best you could do?

I winced at my own description. They left way too much room for more questions, and knowing my mother she wasn't going to hesitate to ask questI bit the man in the face.

The airport incident still made my stomach twist whenever I remembered it.

“Interesting? How so?” She asked with a curious frown, her perfectly manicured hands sitting poised on her lap.

Even this early, she was already dressed, and had gotten the maids to start breakfast

“Just interesting.” I tried to play it cool, but I knew it was too late.

She was already staring at me with that shark-like gaze she always used whenever there was juicy gossip.

“Yes, you mentioned. Tell me what you find interesting!”

Well, he makes my heart beat really fast, and I want him in a way a step sister should not want her brother.

“He doesn't seem to like me very much or you for that matter.”

She stood and picked one of my winter jackets and grabbed a hanger.

“He said that?” She asked.

“No. I can just pick up on signals, mom.”

She let out a sigh.

“Yes. He doesn't like me, but I don't think that's true for you, dear. What's not to like about you?” she asked a little too casually

I bit the man in the face.

I didn't dare say that out loud though.

I shrugged, trying to get her to stop talking. Even the mention of his name made my chest palpitate like someone was playing with the strings.

“Goodness, sweetheart, just tell me something!” She finally broke, and I chuckled.

“There is absolutely nothing to tell. I have no business with a guy that thinks my mother is a gold digger and thinks I'm a little gold digger too.”

Truth be told, I hadn't even thought about how insulting it was for him to think of us that way. I had been too busy trying to get my heart to calm down whenever I was in the same room as him.

“Ah. I see. He told you.”

“Ella did.”

Mom sighed again.

“Ella. Of course she did.

She can't keep her mouth shut for a second.” She chuckled.

I glanced at her, her soft features countered into a frown

“You're not upset that he thinks you're a good digger?”

“Of course I am. But at the same time, I don't blame him for it.”

I looked away, shaking my head.

I picked one more dress, and folded it.

“Anyway, I want you both to get along, okay? You're both our kids, and it means the world to Brad and me if you do.”

“That's up to him, Mom. Not me. You know me. I have no issues with anyone.”

“Well, I think you should try?”

I didn't want to do that, but because I wanted to get my mother off my back, I nodded

“I'll try.”

“Good. I'd love that.” She smiled. “Brad and I will be going out too for a fundraiser for homeless children. It's part of his campaign for his senator chair. Do you maybe want to come?”

“Is your step son going to be there?”

“I think so.”

“Well, I don't think I can come. Maybe the next one.” I said. Not because I didn't eang to see Reid, but because I didn't want to make a fool of myself again in front of him.

Okay, it was because I didn't want to see him too.

“Why not?”

“Because I am jetlagged, Mom. I need to rest.”

“Fine, but you're coming for the Christmas eve fund raiser, right?”

“Sure, mom.”

She sighed with relief and suddenly hugged me.

“Mom!” I laughed, struggling to get out of her hold

“What? You're still my baby?!”

She kissed my cheeks, and I rolled my eyes.

Finally, she let go of me, and continued to help me hang my clothes in the mini walk-in closet.

“So, Liam left.”

She finally said.

My spine immediately went rigid.

I should have known she stuck around for a reason.

“Yes. And I don't want to talk about it.’

“Fine. I won't talk about it today.” she said.

“Thank you.”

Her smile told me she was planning something else.

The last thing I wanted to do was talk about the guy that betrayed my trust. I was just glad Reid had gotten rid of him for me…I wasn't sure why he did. But that at least alluded to the fact that he had forgiven me, and he had some kind of moral code.

By the time my mom finally left, I was left by myself to finish arranging the rest of my clothes.

When I was done, I left for lunch.

As soon as I stepped out, I froze.

Reid was stepping out of his door shirtless and holding what appeared to be a kitten.

He paused when he looked up and saw me.

His eyes raked over my body, and then back to my eyes before he walked past me without a word.

I watched him walk away without a word, his perfume hypnotizing me.

The kitten meowed as he passed me, and I couldn't help but giggle.

My chest tightened.

What had I gotten myself into with him?

And was I making a horrible mistake staying here?

I was pretty sure I was, but I couldn't leave now.