Heart on Fire by Brandy L Rivers Page B

could anyone not like the way her lips curved into a smile, or the way her eyes filled with light?
    Gavin chuckled. “You with me, man?”
    What was the question? Oh yeah.
    Kyle groaned. “Yeah, Rene was being her usual self. She tried to bait Mila, who didn’t let it bother her. That seemed to get a rise out of Rene. I’m sure it won’t be the last I hear of it.”
    “My sister is a spoiled bitch. I swear I don’t know why you ever put up with her in the first place,” Gavin quipped.
    “Fuck if I know.” Sitting up, Kyle scrubbed a hand over his face, but a smile spread. “Mila gracefully let Rene’s shitty attitude roll off.”
    “So why did your pretty little teacher friend go home? When I drove by five minutes ago, she was headed up to her door. Alone.”
    “She has papers to grade, and I make her nervous.” He took a long breath and let it out. “Besides, she was working when I went over there earlier. She’s super organized and efficient, had her laptop set up, plugging in scores, filing the papers in a box of folders. Funny thing, she was listening to ‘Porn Star Dancing.’ It was real low, so until I got close I didn’t recognize the song, but she was tapping her foot, and mouthing the words while she worked.”
    Gavin laughed out loud. “You know, it’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. They’re wild in the sack. Always. You know how quiet Cadence seems when you first meet her.”
    “Yeah, let’s not go there. Cadence is like my sister.”
    “Let’s keep it that way,” he joked.
    Kyle dropped his head into his hand. “I don’t get it though. You’ve seen Mila. She’s a knock out, but she gets so nervous whenever I mention anything to do with her appearance.”
    “She’s a mom. Her first thought is of her kid. I have a feeling she’s very protective, which means she stopped thinking of herself as an attractive woman.”
    “She has to own a mirror. How can she not at least realize it’s the truth?”
    “Probably some asshole in her past. You’ll have to show her what you feel, what you think, what you want. Don’t leave out her little girl, because I have a feeling Cherish is the way to Mila’s heart.”
    He grinned. Gavin knew him so well. His oldest friend didn’t beat around the bush, and always told him the truth. “I’ve never been so drawn to a woman. Damn, it’s frustrating when she tries to push me away.”
    Gavin laughed out loud. “No shit. But you got to admit you show up everywhere she is. I know your intentions are good, but it’s starting to look like you’re stalking her, in the least creepy way possible.”
    “I can’t help it. The need to be near her is like an addiction I can’t shake—I’m drawn like a bee to pollen. I want to thread my fingers through those dark chocolate curls and taste her rose petal lips.”
    “Holy hell, you’ve got it bad. Since when are you Shakespeare and shit?” Gavin laughed.
    In the background, he heard, “Who does Kyle have it bad for?”
    “His neighbor. Jenny’s new best friend’s mother. Wait until you meet her.”
    “Hey, if you two are going to carry on a conversation, I’m going to get off the phone,” Kyle warned.
    “Fine.” Gavin chuckled.
    “Hi, Kyle.” Cadence must have swiped the phone. “Rumor is she’s great with the kids, really pretty, and super smart. That true?”
    “Yes, all of it, at least from what I’ve seen. I’m hoping you two hit it off tomorrow. And yes, I may have a thing for her, but she’s not ready, yet.”
    “I suggest you get to know her, and if you want her, woo her, but remember that little girl. You break the mom’s heart, you’ll end up breaking the daughter’s heart too.”
    “Cherish is adorable, and I’m almost as drawn to her as I am Mila. I don’t know what it is about her.”
    “Which one?” Cadence giggled.
    He smiled, and answered honestly. “Both. Mila is interesting, easy to talk to, and beautiful. Cherish is a darling mini-Mila