45

“You! We need to have words.” I stalk into Dane's room, startling the evasive Tyler with my snappy words, who is lounging on Dane's bed with a magazine. Eyeing him up with my fierce on and glad my beloved stepbrother is still downstairs doing whatever. He is probably raiding the kitchen for snacks, so he won’t be long. I have to make this fast. I don’t want him catching me here to corner me for his heart-to-heart.

“Ummm…. Hey, Kayles.” Tyler seems sheepish, sliding his magazine off his lap and onto the bed before swinging his feet off the edge and sitting up. Not trying to get out of this. I guess he knew it was coming one way or another. He rubs his hand on his jean-clad thigh, making it obvious he has instant sweats at seeing me and avoids eye contact. His whole posture goes into submissive mode as he curls his shoulders and avoids looking at me directly. I have never seen Tyler nervous, but this is surely that.

I close the door behind me and march towards him, hands on hips until I