Chapter 7

WHITLEY

The emotional turmoil between Kendrick and me after practice yesterday gave me a major headache, so I went to bed early and am up super early this morning. I decide to go for a run and put on some running shorts and a sports bra. It’s already hot as hades out here, and more clothes would just make me pass the hell out.

Besides, what I have on is still more than what I’ve seen on most people these last few days. I mean, really, who runs in a thong bikini? Can we say chafing? Or is that just for the curvy girls? Don’t get me wrong. I’m toned as hell, but no matter what I do, these curves aren’t going anywhere. They’re genetic, straight from my mom.

Pulling my hair up, I head out the door. I run down Kendrick’s driveway and stop by the guard. I let him know I’ll be back in a bit in case he sees me jog by. He just nods and goes back to his coffee. I go across the road to the beach and run on the sand. I hear it’s good for your legs.

The only people on the beach at this time of morning are other joggers, a few walkers, and some early morning surfers. I notice the men turning when I jog past. I can’t help but laugh. Some men are such ass men. I, myself, am an ass woman.

Now, I don’t like women, but I will enjoy the view of a nice body, regardless of the sex. I mean come on, who really doesn’t stop and take notice of a well-toned body? If it’s a woman, I think good for her. If it’s a man, I think goddamn, is he single?

Other than the obvious heat, this place is beautiful. I could get used to running on the beach every morning. Kind of makes me wonder what kind of job opportunities are out here in editing, publishing, or journalism. It probably wouldn’t hurt to put out a few feelers just to see what’s out here. There’s no real reason for me to stay in New York. I’m done with school, my parents live in Alabama, Devyn lives in Florida, and Kendrick lives here. I can technically go anywhere I choose.

I’m so caught up in my own mind that I don’t realize how far I’ve gone. I decide to turn around and head back. I need to call my mom and dad this morning. Check in and let them know I’m still alive, and Kendrick hasn’t killed me yet.

Also, it probably wouldn’t hurt to find a small job while I’m here, so I can have a little bit of money. I have what’s in my savings, but I really don’t want to touch it. Our grandparents left us that money when they died. I already used some of it to finish school so my parents wouldn’t have to help out.

I run back up the drive and into the house. The guys are awake and in the kitchen. I take off my shoes and walk into the kitchen. I’m a sweaty mess and still catching my breath as I head to the fridge for a bottle of water.

“Umm…sis?” Kendrick says behind me.

I’m drinking my water, so I answer without turning.

“Hmm?”

“Did you forget the rest of your clothes this morning?”

That’s when I turn around and arch an eyebrow.

“No. Actually, I was one of the more dressed ones out there.”

“Out where?” Kendrick asks.

“Woke up early, so I went for a run on the beach. Got a lot of thinking done in the process.”

“Really? Like what? I need to go home and put more clothes on?”

I glare at my brother. It’s the kind of look that says he’s close to crossing the line and pissing me off.

“Back off, Kendrick. I’m starting to think I understand Devyn just a little bit more.”

“Hard blow, Whit.”

“You’re not my father, Kendrick.”

He stomps out of the room, and I hear a door slam. I look over at Gabriel. He’s sitting in a chair and leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. He looks up at me.

“He’s protective to a fault, Whit.”

“I know.”

“Do you? Do you really? Because from where I’m sitting, all I see is a woman who has no idea just how beautiful she really is, and it scares him. If it scares me, I know it scares him.”

He stands up and kisses me on the cheek before heading upstairs.

I stand frozen to the spot. Gabriel has never spoken to me like that before. He’s joked around with me, but he’s never been serious before. I hear Kendrick come back out, changed and ready for another day of football practice. He lays a black card on the counter.

“This is for you, sis.”

“What’s it for?”

He walks over and hugs me.

“I’m sorry. It’s taking me a while to realize you’re okay just being who you are, which is a smart, beautiful woman, who is also my sister. You’re no longer a child who needs my protection. You’re a grown-ass woman who just wants to spend time with her big brother.”

“I’ll always need your protection, Kendrick. Just maybe back off a little. How can I figure life out if you won’t let me?”

“Point taken. Now, the card is yours. I meant to give it to you yesterday. There’s going to be many days when we’ll have practice and I won’t be with you, so I got you your own card to use. Don’t worry about what you spend. I already have more money than I need in a lifetime. Just go out and have fun. See the city and go buy a really nice dress.”

I laugh.

“A dress?”

He chuckles.

“Yeah. Buy a nice dinner dress or whatever you women call it. I’m pretty sure you’re going to need one soon.”

“Why’s that?”

“Do you trust your big brother?”

“Always.”

“Then go shopping.”

Gabriel stomps down the steps and hollers at Kendrick.

“Ready to go, man? You know they make us run till we puke if we are one minute late.”

“Yeah, let’s go. Love you, sis!”

“You, too!”

I look up to see Gabriel looking at me.

“See you soon, Whit,” he says.

“Okay.”

As the guys head out the door, the first thing on my mind is where the hell do I go for a nice cocktail dress?