CHAPTER NINETEEN
KAYLEE
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This is so awkward. I hate it.
I spend every night in that man’s bed. His cock is inside my body almost every day, yet we’re pretending we don’t know one another.
Well, aside from that weird wave.
Were his sisters-in-law watching me?
When Kyler and Drew arrive, I slink into the shadows. I once saw Drew at the movies, and he muttered fucking cheater when I walked past. I get he was being loyal, but being an asshole wasn’t necessary.
I haven’t told Levi. He doesn’t need to know.
I’m so glad my parents aren’t here. I have a feeling my father would have marched over and said something to him.
Levi is getting a lot of attention, and unsurprising, given the team is likely going to Super Bowl. With twelve wins and one loss so far in the season, it’s almost a given, but no one is tempting fate by saying it out loud.
Levi, aside from his shoulder injury, has been a standout player. Next week’s game will be vital and it’s partly why I’ve kept my mouth shut for the past few weeks.
Okay, I’m not entirely selfless. I know that once we talk, whatever this relationship is will be over. So I’m waiting until after the holidays to talk to him.
I glance over again, and Levi is chatting with his father and Bill. I watch for too long, and his eyes flash to mine. Fire slices through me, the electric chemistry of our bond sets my body alight.
Sometimes I wonder how the rest of the world isn’t aware.
A gnawing feeling slams into my chest. I want to be the woman standing beside him, to feel his arm around me and the warmth of his strong protective body.
Not his shameful secret.
Ugh.
I fucking hate this so much. I pull my phone out and look at the time. Goddamn, it’s definitely way too early to be leaving, so I toss back my drink and laugh at something Kemal is saying, then excuse myself to go to the restroom.
I wish I smoked.
Not really...but it’s always an easier escape. There are only so many times you need to pee before someone thinks you have stomach issues.
If Steph was here, it might be easier. But things are strained between us since the margarita night. I’ve apologized to her for lying, and while she said it’s fine, she’s spending a lot of time with Richard.
The dick, I say in my head.
Jackson’s wife, Gina, skips up beside me in her beautiful pink fitted dress. “Hey gorgeous.”
“Don’t even with that. You look amazing.” I give her a fake scowl. “You must spend as much time in the gym as your husband.”
She snorts. “God no. Pilates. And running.”
“Tell me you don’t eat sugar.” I plead.
“I don’t. That shit is worse than cocaine. No joke,” Gina begins to tell me the scientific explanation about how sugar behaves in the brain to make us addicted, or something, but my eyes are frozen on the woman standing outside the restrooms.
The one staring right at me.
“That’s crazy,” I say robotically to Gina as she pushes through the door. My feet remain on the spot as she disappears.
“Hi,” the staring woman says.
I know who she is. Levi’s sister-in-law. Knox Montgomery’s wife. I don’t know what’s happening right now, but I force a smile on my lips and reach out a hand.
“Hi. Payton, right?”
She extends her hand. “Yes, Payton Montgomery.”
We shake...but I swear I’m already shaking.
“Nice to meet you. Are you having fun? I hope Levi is introducing you to all the players and not stealing the limelight.”
She smiles...like one of those pity smiles.
She knows.
Fuck.
She fucking knows, I can tell. And it makes me angry, because how can the man I love not know and yet his sister-in-law does?
“Doubt it. You know Levi.” Payton shoots a glance toward the party.
Yes, I do.
Very well.
Or so I thought. Now I don’t know anything.
“Well, we work together every day.” I nod and hope to lead her off her scent.
I don’t know what she wants from me. I figure she knows we dated and what happened with Colby.
I thumb over my shoulder. “Are you going in?”
“I’m waiting for Molly. She’s carrying twins. I think she pees twice as long or something.” Payton smirks.
I let out a laugh.
She’s funny. I like this girl, even though I have no idea why we are standing here talking. I start to walk away, but she stops me with her words.
“How long?”
“Sorry?” I turn my head.
“How long have you been in love with Levi?” Payton asks.
I drop my head, and she takes a step closer. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Damn her.
I don’t know why I answer or tell her the truth, but the need to talk to someone about it is suddenly overwhelming and it all just falls out. “Yes. Please, don’t say anything. He doesn’t feel the same and what happened between us was unforgiveable.”
“First, I think he does. Second, I feel like there’s a story here. I have strong instincts, and you seem like a cool chick.”
Dumb stupid leaking eyes.
“I kissed Colby. That’s not cool,” I say to make sure she knows exactly what happened.
I cheated on her brother-in-law.
Payton glances over my shoulder. “Molly. I was right. You owe me fifty bucks.”
“It was five!” Molly replies, glancing between us then smiles at me. “Hi, Kaylee.”
What is going on here?
“Um, hi.”
“Eh.” Payton shrugs, grinning at me. “Come on. It’s time for some girl power. I swear these Montgomery men need a smack to the head before they recognize what’s right in front of them.”
Molly loops her arm through mine.
“Trust me, she’s right.”
I’m in such a state of shock that I don’t respond or say anything. I just let these two women lead me off. Then, for the first time since I told Steph, I share what happened the night of Jackson Billows's birthday party.
The two of them listen carefully, nod slowly, then stare at one another. I watch them have this silent conversation as my heart thuds.
“So you and Levi have been seeing each other for months and no one knows?” Payton asks. “Neither of your families or friends.”
I nod, biting the side of my cheek.
“That man is scared.” Molly states and rubs her hand over her swollen belly. “We need to fix this.”
I don’t think they understand. It can’t be fixed. I left off the bit about not telling my father the truth... so even if Levi was to admit his feelings, I can’t see how we could get around that. My father’s health is too delicate. Cheating is the worst thing in the world to him.
I’m not having him hate me and then die.
My god.
That would be...I couldn’t come back from that.
“If he loved me, he would’ve told me. I appreciate your help. Truly, it helps to know not all the Montgomery family hates me.” I wrap my arms around my middle.
Molly waves her hand in the air. “Please. Leave those guys to us. They are extremely loyal to one another, but they would die for us.”
Payton’s smile grows and I shiver. She’s a force to reckon with, I can tell.
“Come on. Let’s go tell them you’re our new friend. I can’t wait to see their faces.”
Molly giggles at her friend and loops her arm back through mine. “This is going to be good. And if Levi still can’t man up, then he loses you and that’s his loss.”
I shouldn’t entertain these two fireballs of danger, but I like them too much. And I am looking for a little hope. Or perhaps it’s answers I’m looking for.
Is Payton right? Does Levi actually love me?
Or will he be furious?
I don’t know if I believe in fate, but this moment feels like it as we walk through the room full of insanely successful sports people, celebrities, and industry people.
They guide me toward Knox, Atlas, Ward, and Levi, and my heart thumps. All three of them have their backs to us, except Ward, who watches us as we approach.
I keep my eyes on Levi’s broad shoulders and the feel of Payton’s and Molly’s support on either side of me.
As we get closer, Levi is speaking.
Little do I know this is going to be a defining moment in my life.
“Fine. Yes. I’m fucking her. As if I’d seriously date a woman like her.”
My blood freezes and a sharp pain slices across my chest.
“Shit.” Payton curses, and they all turn.
Levi’s eyes lock with mine as I feel myself pale. I almost vomit as my stomach curdles.
How could he say that?
“Kaylee—”
“Excuse me.” I glance at the Montgomery men, at his father, then at the girls, giving them a forced smile of appreciation. Then I pick up my skirt and push through the crowd as fast as I can.
Behind me I hear Payton say, “You fucking idiots.”
I slam my hands on a side door and find the button that opens it then push outside. Leaning onto my knees, I pant and push back the nausea.
I’m the idiot. How could I have been so goddamn stupid?
Bang.
I glance up as the door bounces off the wall and Levi steps out.
“Go away. Just go fucking away!” I yell at him and burst into tears.