Read Online In the Mix by Jacquelyn Ayres - Free Book Online Page A

one?” I try to divert her inquisition.
    “I didn’t want to slop up my outfit. Kyle’s mom gave it to me. I like it,” she adds.
    “Kyle’s mom? When did you meet her and why did she give that to you?” Ok, I’m a little irritated that my sister has met my boy . . . er . . . Kyle’s mom before I have. Not that I want to meet her. Lord only knows what she’ll think of me. Actually, I’m pretty sure she’ll think me not good enough for her son. I don’t blame her. In fact, I agree with her.
    “I met her last week. She invited us over for dinner. She’s really nice. You’d like her.” She smacks my arm lightly for emphasis.
    “Well, I’m sure she wouldn’t like me, so I’m in no rush,” I mutter.
    “On the contrary, we had a very nice chat about you and she’s already decided she’s a big fan of yours, although, she’s not pleased with how you’re stringing her son along.” She raises her brows. “Which brings me back to my question, the one you so nicely avoided; are you two together now?”
    “Why is she a fan of mine?”
    “The way you treat Lindsay.”
    “How do I treat Lindsay?” I knit my brows together.
    “Like a person and not a diagnosis.”
    I give her a slight smile. “I love that kid.” I hand her the glasses I had retrieved so I can turn around for the last of them.
    “Ceese, are you going to answer me about Kyle?”
    “Jesus.” I sigh. “You’re a pain in the ass!” I complain. “I don’t know. I guess I’m letting some walls down. I’m not sure about anything in my life right now.”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” She jerks her head back as I turn again.
    “It means I’m hungry and I’m not sure if you’re ever going to feed me. Now, come on.” I nudge her shoulder as I pass her, heading back out to the dining room.
    “I’ll take those,” Mitch says, grabbing the glasses from me to place on the wet bar. “Go sit down.” He nods his head in Kyle’s direction. Dutifully, I head over. Yeah, I said dutifully. I’m a little off my game tonight—so what?
    I head around the table to the chair next to Kyle and take a seat. He gives me one of those smiles that hits his eyes. It makes me feel giddy inside like a fucking moron.
    I hate it.
    I hate how good he makes me feel.
    Here’s the thing. I know that if I give this “a go,” eventually, I’m going to fuck up and then his eyes will change towards me. He’ll look at me with hatred. That’s why I hate this so much. Kyle is normal and good and Goddamn it if I’m not falling for him, but I don’t trust normal and good. I’m very scared of it.
    But with him . . .
    Just maybe.
    Kyle leans into my ear; his hand softly rubs my back, “How was work today, Ceese?”
    “It was ok. Slow.” I say truthfully before grabbing my glass of wine from Mitch.
    “I thought you guys did a killing at your charity thing. You haven’t gained any new clientele from that?” he asks.
    “No.” I answer abruptly and grab my plate to put some eggplant parm on it. I grab Kyle’s when I’m done and give him a portion. “Bread?” I glance at him quickly.
    “Yeah. Thanks,” he nods. “I don’t get it. Lindsay said so many people were happy with the service and promised to come back.”
    “I don’t get it, either. I also don’t want to talk about it.” I add.
    “Can I look into this for you? You know, business is sort of my thing.” I can see that he’s treading lightly. I sit back and stare at him for a few.
    “It’d be smart on your part to do so, Ceese. Kyle’ll figure that shit out in no time. It’s why I keep him around.” Mitch points his forkful at me before shoving it into his mouth. He then rolls his eyes back and my sister grins excitedly. Dorks—both of them!
    “I don’t run a car part business. I deal in cuddly fur balls.” I roll my eyes and take a sip.
    “Business is business, babe.” Kyle mumbles and butters his bread.
    “Well, this is my business and I’d prefer you to keep your