When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(60)
“How can you say something like that? If those two aren’t meant for each other, then how can we be?” The worry in Kennedy’s eyes throws a hundred nails into my heart.
“Okay, listen. For one,” I smile, “you and I are meant for each other. Whether or not they stay together doesn’t lessen or give value to our relationship.”
“And two?”
“Let her make her own decisions, but be there for her when she makes them.”
“You’re right.”
“Kennedy, she’s going to fall. Just make sure she doesn’t fall in a hole so deep she can’t get out of it.”
“When did you become so smart, Mr. Black?” She grins and shakes her head.
“Somewhere between graduating high school and the first week of college.” I lean against my headboard.
Her wide smile reassures me I don’t have to explain. “Smart and sweet. How did I get so lucky?”
An incoming text pings. The top of my screen shows a photo attachment symbol next to Ashlee’s name. Forgetting I’m on video chat with Kennedy, I groan and roll my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she questions.
Unsure how to broach this specific topic with her, I’ve put it off. From my end, it doesn’t matter, but from hers, this could cause a great deal of hurt and discomfort.
“Graham, who texted you?” she asks again.
“Ashlee.”
“Ashlee, like Sandy’s slutty friend, Ashlee?”
“Yes.”
“What does she want?”
“Honestly?”
“No, please lie to me.” Kennedy rolls her eyes. “What does she want?”
“Me.”
“Of course she does.” Kennedy props her phone on her dresser, unplugging the headphones. She prances around her room, looking through her drawers. She dips down and her face pops back onto the screen. “Babe, she’d be crazy not to want you.”
“So, you’re not mad?” I question, surprised.
A sinister laugh makes me lean further from the phone.
“Oh, I’m furious, because I can only imagine what the little slut sent in that text.”
My eyes widen in discomfort. I was hoping we could avoid discussing details, but it wouldn’t be Kennedy without digging a little deeper.
“You better delete it if it involves nipples or what I can only imagine is her blown-out nether regions.”
An uncontrollable rip of laughter breaks through my lips. “Did you just say blown-out nether regions?”
“It’s not funny, Graham. Some skank is sending you grotesque, obscene photos.”
“Maybe you should send me one of your own.”
“I don’t do grotesque, so if that’s what you’re looking for, then you’ve swooped up the wrong girl.” A wide smile spreads across her face as she backs away from the dresser. She pulls her shirt over her head and drops it to the floor. “I can do one better.”
With a held breath, I devour Kennedy with my eyes. Her slow precision when she pops the button on her jeans and loops her thumbs into the waist band makes me want to jump through the phone and be in her room. The denim makes a slow descent down her trim, strong legs. She bites her lip as she steps out, kicking it to the side. The muscles in her arms strain as she reaches behind her to unclasp her bra. The silk material slides down and hooks on the end of her fingers. I let out a deep breath when she finally allows it to fall.
“Fuck.” I know she hears me because her eyes flash back to the dresser. “I don’t deserve you.”
Her hips sway from side to side. “I think that’s up to me.” Her middle fingers swoop through the strings holding her panties on her body. Her eyes drop to the floor, as if she’s shy, but she has no reason to be. It’s just me and her.
A loud thud startles both of us. Kennedy’s eyes widen and she dives beside her mattress, hidden from her bedroom door. She screams.
“What are you doing in here?” Kennedy jerks the blanket off the bed. “Get out. Now.”
Will comes into view, and his eyes dart to the dresser when she glances in my direction.
“You’ve got to be shitting me.” He jabs the phone, where I’m thankful I’m hundreds of miles away, and not there for him to kick my ass.
“Will, you wanna do me a favor, and leave the room for a second? Your sister would probably like to get dressed,” I ask, earnestly, indicating Kennedy who cowers behind her comforter.
After threatening my life, Will leaves us alone. I smile and wave before turning my attention to Kennedy. Her eyes are still wide when her door slams behind him. She clutches the blanket, to my utter disappointment, and promises to call me back later after she deals with the wrath of her brother. I wish her luck through my laughter and press the end button.
Will’s tomato-colored face is funny enough, but Kennedy’s bewildered stare from under the blanket was totally hilarious.
When I hit the bottom step, Rico’s in the living room with textbooks spread all over the tables and chairs. He lifts his chin in my direction. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s nothing. What’s going on down here?” I wave at the mess.
“I’m cramming because I’m a fucking idiot,” he answers, but never looks up from the book in his hand. “Why didn’t you all tell me I’ve been partying too hard?”