Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(33)
“I’m not.” Even as the words come out I know they’re bullshit, but I say them anyway.
Truth is, I’m not ready to let this be more than it is. Kimber’s a phase. For whatever reason, I need her right now. Right now, not forever. I’ll bore of her soon enough and then finally be able to shake the hold she seems to have on me.
“Say whatever makes you sleep better at night, dude, but I f*cking know you. Whether you want to admit it or not, that girl is changing you. And for the record—” He cuts me off when I start to interject, “—I think that’s a good thing.”
I open my mouth to respond but then immediately close it when Rosie’s voice filters through the house.
“Dinner’s ready.” She hollers down the hall before yelling up the stairs as well.
Pushing into a stand, I throw one more warning glare at Gavin, making sure he knows that if he tries any bullshit tonight I won’t hesitate to take his ass out, before heading towards the dining room.
****
Kimber
It’s so refreshing to see Decklan like this, relaxed and more at ease than I’ve seen him before. It’s clear by the interactions happening around the Porter dinner table, Decklan is very much a part of this family, and I get the impression that is something that means a great deal to him.
I hide my smile behind my napkin when I look up to see Tracy, Gavin’s teenage cousin, sitting across from Decklan, her elbow resting on the table, her cheek propped up on her fist as she gazes dreamily in his direction.
He clearly notices, throwing me a playful side glance when he sees I notice as well. It’s innocent, and honestly, I can’t say I blame her. I would probably be doing the same thing if I were her. Decklan is beyond gorgeous. Any girl would have to be blind not to be physically drawn to him.
“So, Kimber, what is it that you do, hon?” Rosie cuts into my thoughts, pulling my attention to her.
“I’m actually a freshman at the University of Oregon.” I smile politely, trying not to show just how much I hate being put on the spot.
It’s bad enough that Decklan’s eyes are on me, but to have Gavin, his mother, two cousins, two uncles, sister and brother-in-law all staring at me makes me feel squeamish. I have to consciously make sure I don’t fidget under their gazes.
“My niece Cecelia studies there, something to do with the brain.” Rosie laughs when she clearly blanks on what it’s called.
“Psychology, Mom.” Gavin shakes his head on a laugh.
“That’s it, Psychology. What do you study there, dear?”
“Art,” I answer, waiting for the familiar looks of disapproval I am used to seeing when I tell someone I am majoring in something so impractical.
To my surprise, not one person looks at me like that.
“That’s wonderful. Mr. Porter always loved the Arts. God bless his soul. He took me to this old ratty gallery for our first date. I didn’t know anything about art at the time. Listening to him talk about it was like listening to someone speak a foreign language, but oh how I loved to watch the excitement on his face as he tried to explain it to me. I think I fell in love with him that very first night.” She smiles fondly at the memory. “Do you know what you want to do after you graduate?”
“I’d actually like to own an Art Gallery,” I admit. “As much as I love to paint, I appreciate others work far beyond my own. I can’t imagine doing anything more rewarding than helping launch careers of new artists and making sure the world has the opportunity to view their work.”
“I think that sounds incredible. Mr. Porter would have really liked you.” She turns her attention to Decklan. “She’s a special one. Don’t you go mucking it up.” I can’t help the smile that takes over my face when Decklan laughs and nods at Rosie.
The conversation continues to flow throughout dinner but thankfully stays off of me for the most part; besides the occasional question about West Virginia or my parents’, which I manage to brush over seamlessly.
By the time Rosie excuses herself to the kitchen to get dessert, I feel more comfortable than I ever remember feeling at my parents’ dinner table. It’s clear how loving and supportive this family is, and I can’t help but feel envious of Gavin in that regard. He’s extremely lucky.
“Thank you for inviting me.” I turn my attention to Decklan for the first time in a while.
He gives me a stiff nod but doesn’t speak. I can immediately tell something’s off. Beads of sweat have formed across his forehead, and his skin is extremely flushed. He takes a deep inhale and lets it out slowly, a small tremor running through him.
“Decklan, are you okay?” I ask, resting my hand on his shoulder which he immediately shakes off.
“I’m fine.” He abruptly pushes away from the table, his unexpected action causing me to jump slightly.
Crossing through the dining room, he disappears down the hall before I can really even process what’s happening. Just moments later I hear the front door open and close. Not sure if I should follow him or just stay put, I sit conflicted for several long seconds before finally deciding to check on him.
Just as I push my chair back to stand, Gavin halts my movements.
“Don’t,” he says, pulling my gaze to him. “He’ll be fine.” His voice is hushed and barely audible over the other various conversations floating around the room. “He just needs a minute.”