Ronan wasn’t fazed one bit by her smart retort. He simply sniggered and shrugged a shoulder.
“Don’t worry, wildflower, Ronan is an ass with everyone. The only one that can make him sing a lower tune is Fianna.” Kayla glanced at Duncan questioningly, then looked over his shoulder as Ronan slammed the front door after himself while grumbling, “Fuck you,” over his shoulder.
“Dunc, you know how he gets when you even mention her name,” Declan said, sticking up for his twin.
“Ugh, he needs to get over himself. Our sister sure did.” Bree shrugged.
“He needs to know that he can’t disrespect Kayla. I’m not having it. Now, tell me what’s going on,” Duncan said, closing the discussion.
Suddenly Bree stood from her chair next to the fireplace and said, “And that’s my cue. See you later, Dec?”
“I’ll take a ride back with Cait, but thanks,” Declan said.
Kayla thought she saw Bree wince at the mention of “Cait,” but Bree slapped on a smile and nodded. “Okay. Later, Caitlin. Kayla, nice meeting you.”
Caitlin put her hand on Bree’s shoulder. “Text me when you get there, and call me if you need anything, okay?”
Bree smiled softly and nodded.
“What’s up?” Declan said, stalking across the room and planting himself in front of Bree. “Where are you going?”
Bree’s smile fell from her face at Declan’s questions and she bristled. “I’m going out on a lunch date.”
Caitlin silently moved to the side to let Declan and Bree talk.
“A date? Who’s the guy?”
Bree sighed at his words and rolled her eyes. “You know, Dec, for someone who says he’s not interested, you sure sound interested in my date.” She pushed Declan aside as she strode toward the front door.
Declan’s eyes went over Bree’s back and down to her perky butt when she passed him by. He didn’t take them off her until she’d closed the door behind her. Kayla knew there had to be a story there, as the attraction was off the charts between them, but Bree was going on a date with someone else? Huh.
“Did you tell her that you’re not interested? Really, Dec? What the hell is wrong with you?” Duncan growled at his younger brother, and Kayla was proud of him.
She had just met them, and even she could feel the push and pull between Declan and Bree. They couldn’t take their eyes off each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking. How could he say he wasn’t interested?
“Never mind. We have other things to discuss.” Declan wasn’t having it. He was not open for this talk, and he sat down on the sofa again.
“Dec, you know she’s only going out on a date because she’s hurting right now.” Caitlin sat next to him, speaking softly, but the whole room was listening in.
Hanging his head, Declan sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it. You’re her sister, Cait. Please, let it go.”
The doorbell rang, and Duncan walked across the room to answer the door. “Calum, good to see you. Come in.”
Kayla saw her friend Caitlin instantly sitting up straight, her piercing light blue eyes drawn to Calum. Kayla’s brother walked into the room in his black T-shirt and dark blue jeans. Calum gave Kayla a big bear hug and a kiss on her forehead, then shook Donovan’s and Declan’s hands.
“You owe me twenty bucks, Declan.”
Declan smiled at Calum, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes as he said, “Yeah, that’s right. Umm, rain check tonight?” Calum must have been enjoying himself playing pool with Duncan’s brothers at Lucky last night.
As he answered Declan, Calum looked over at Caitlin. “Yeah....”
Caitlin extended her hand to Calum, but he didn’t take it at first. He just stood staring at her.
Declan cleared his throat. “Calum, this is Caitlin. She’s my partner.”
That seemed to take Calum out of his daze, and he swiftly shook her hand.
“In crime,” Caitlin said, smiling at Calum, who seemed puzzled.