Page 83 of Chaos at Westbrook High

When we get inside, Kai sticks to me like a shadow, staring at Wyatt over my head as if he’s daring him to say something about it. Wyatt wisely keeps his opinions to himself while he gets to work.

The others sit at their usual table in the corner, all half asleep, lounging across the couches like they own the place. I smile a little at the way they’re all laying on each other, and Kai notices, wrapping his arms around me from behind with his chin perched on my shoulder.

“It’s okay if you like them a little bit,” he says in my ear. “I won’t tell anyone.”

I don’t respond to that.

After making us all a coffee, I carry the loaded tray with one hand and grab Kai with the other, dragging him over to his siblings by the scruff of his hoodie. I sit him down next to Callie, who yawns, sticking her grabby hands out as I pass her a mocha latte. Wren and Levi smile up at me when I reach into the pocket of my apron and dump a handful of sugar packets on the table between their coffees. Damon grunts, then laughs under his breath when I drop a bottle of water on his lap, just missing his dick.

“Ballsy little thing,” he murmurs, his fingers moving through Callie’s hair.

Kai looks at me with hearts in his eyes.

An hour later, I’m talking to one of my early morning regulars, Eric, a cute, black haired guy who’s wearing more eyeliner than Callie is, when Kai walks up to the counter, getting way too close to my customer as he props his elbows on the surface in front of me. “Baby.”

I grit my teeth at him in warning.

“Baby?” Eric mouths to me, raising a brow before he cranes his neck to get a good look at Kai’s form. “Well, shit. Hi.”

“Hi,” Kai says back. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Kai,” I growl.

“Kingston.” Eric nods his approval. “Good for you, Hailey. Is he your boyfriend?”

“No.”

“Yes,” Kai says at the same time.

I drop my jaw in outrage.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Kai.” Eric holds out his hand. “I’m Eric.”

Kai shakes it. “You’re standing too close to my girl, Eric.”

“Kai.”

“I’m gonna need you to back your ass up a few steps before I beat it.”

Kill me now.

Eric grins at Kai, then me. “I like him.”

“By all means.” I wave a hand. “Shoot your shot.”

“Nah.” Eric takes the coffee I pass him. “Deny it all you want, Hailey. Your boy’s taken. I don’t go for guys who are obsessed with my favorite barista.”

“He’s not obsessed with me.”

“I am,” Kai says.

“He is,” the rest of the Kingstons call out.

I pinch the bridge of my nose.

When Eric leaves, I lean over the counter, getting in Kai’s face to whisper, “I hate you.”

He smiles at me like I’m adorable, brushing his nose against mine. “You ready to go?”

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