More Than Lies (More Than #1)(27)

You don’t ruin a girl’s shoes.

No way is this funny.

Trent’s hands release me and I push away from him as my head comes back to the surface. “Trent!” I scream, as I push my hair out of my face to glare in his direction. He’s laughing, of course he is. “You’re a butthole.”

I turn away from him and swim to the ladder. Everyone is laughing—just freakin’ great. Thank goodness I did not put on makeup today.

“You love me.”

“You ruined my boots.” Yes, I’m sulking, wouldn’t you?

“Oh, what’s the big deal, sis? Just get Mom to buy you another pair.” As if it’s that easy. For him, it is, but mother and I don’t have that kind of relationship. I’m not jealous of my brother. I’m glad he doesn’t have to deal with the bitch side of the queen.

“She didn’t buy them, I did. They aren’t Katherine Evans approved.” I pull myself out of the pool and onto the pavement. Water runs down my legs and into my boots. Walking over to a chair in the shade I plop down and start to remove them.

“What’s the big deal, they’re just shoes?”

Just shoes? Oh, he didn’t say that.

Effin’ men.

“A fine ass bitch in short shorts and cowboy boots,” Shawn coos. “There is nothing sexier.” His voice goes flat. “They were a waste on your sister.” Shawn grabs a beer from one of the larger coolers as Kylie walks in his direction.

I guess he wasn’t sorry after all.

What a jerk!

“Hey jerk,” Kylie calls, “turn your dick-o-meter off. I’m not having your shit this weekend.” Kylie looks like a midget compared to Shawn. He doesn’t say anything back to her, just continues looking down at her as he takes a sip from the bottle. Kylie turns to look at me. “Come on, let’s get you into a bathing suit and us a drink.” I second that, at least on the drink end. I needed one when I walked in, and I need it even more now.

I follow, leaving my boots outside.

Spotting my weekend bag by the backdoor, I scoop it up. Mason or Shawn must have brought our bags from the truck since I left mine.

“I’m going to go change. Can I use your bedroom?” I ask Kylie as we enter the kitchen.

“Of course you can. I’ll make us margaritas. Sound good?”

“Yes, please, and with a double side shot of tequila.” My brother’s girlfriend laughs. There is nothing better than a frozen strawberry margarita and a pool. They go together like brownies and ice cream. You can have one without the other, but it’s not near as good.

“Coming right up, sweets.” Kylie’s voice fades away as I reach the hallway that leads to their bedroom, Shane’s bedroom, the computer room, and the bathroom. It’s a small house, but it is perfect for the three of them.

I quickly change into my black halter-top one-piece swimsuit and then pull on a dry pair of shorts to cover my chunky legs. Without alcohol, I’m overly self-conscious of my appearance around others. Especially when perfection clad in ink, jeans, and a loose T-shirt is around.

Why do I like him? It’s an endless question I ask myself too often. I don’t get it. Why can’t I turn it off?

My thoughts are on finding Kylie and my tequila laced margarita as I exit my brother’s bedroom, so I don’t see Shane until I run straight into him.

“Easy, killer.” His voice sounds tired.

“Sorry, Shane.” As I pull back, I see he’s only wearing a pair of boxer briefs, a sure sign that he just woke up. Seeing him almost naked does not faze me in the slightest, much unlike the way my pulse races when I see his brother in similar clothing. We’ve all grown up together, so why would it be any different? Obviously, my body and brain aren’t on the same page when it comes to seeing the Braden brothers scantily clad.

“It’s fine, precious.” He shakes his head as if telling me it isn’t a big deal. “I’m heading back to bed. See you in a few hours.”

“Back to bed?” It’s late afternoon. Who sleeps this late? His brother doesn’t even sleep this late.

“The only reason I’m up is because I heard you scream. I couldn’t go back to sleep until I took a piss. I pulled a double, so I was at the hospital for over twenty-four hours. I just got home late this morning.”

“Aw, Shane, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Damn, I feel bad now. Like my brother and Kylie, Shane is also in his second year of residency.

“Don’t sweat it, kiddo. It’s not a problem.”

“Okay, you go back to bed. Kylie was bringing out the tequila a few minutes ago so I’m going to head back.” I nod in the direction down the hall leading toward the kitchen.

“Oh, lord.” He shakes his head again.

“What?”

“You and tequila, precious.” That’s all he says before walking into his room and shutting himself in darkness. I think I understand why they all have their windows blacked out: when the lights are off, it is pitch black inside their bedrooms. I guess working long hours happens a lot when you’re in medical school.

Sure enough, when I walk back through the kitchen, there is a tall glass of deliciousness with a double shot of tequila sitting next to it. I pick up the shot glass, toss the contents toward the back of my throat and swallow. Kylie had limes laid out, but I didn’t bother.