Page 1 of Brodie

Prologue

Reese

I don’t know exactly what wakes me up, but when my cell onthe nightstand beeps, I reach over and pick up my glasses, putting them onbefore grabbing my phone and bringing it close to my face so I can read thescreen. Frowning at the notification informing me that Kirk finished a workout,I realize that I picked up his phone attached to his watch, whichkeeps track of his steps and how many calories he’s burned in a day. I glancebehind me and find him gone. The two of us were up late studying for a test lastnight, so he stayed over rather than drive back to his apartment near ourcampus. It’s something he does on occasion when Richard and my mom are out oftown like they are now.

Richard, my mom’s fiancé, travels a lot for work and likesMom to go with him, leaving me alone in the house for days at a time—unlessRichard’s daughter, Melissa, decides to stay here rather than on campus withher sorority. Which rarely happens.

I look at the time in the corner of the phone. It’s a littleafter two in the morning—an odd time to work out—but Kirk has been stressedabout the test he has coming up. Maybe he needed to burn off some energy.

Sitting up, I toss back the covers and get out of bed tocheck on him. After I drag a hoodie over my sleep tank and shove my feet intomy slippers, I leave my bedroom on the second floor, Kirk’s phone in hand. Thehouse is dark and quiet, and, if I’m honest…a little creepy, which is why Ioften ask Kirk to stay over. I hate being here alone.

Hearing a bump as I start down the stairs, a sense of uneaseslithers through my insides.

I’m about to turn, head up the stairs, and go back to myroom, but I freeze in the stairway when I hear a door open and then a familiargiggle. My heart pounding, I peek around the corner and watch Melissa, wrappedin the robe I got her for Christmas, kiss Kirk in a way I never have.

Pressing my hand against my stomach, I slowly back up onestep and freeze again when the stair creeks under my weight.

“What was that?” I hear Melissa whisper, my heart poundingin panic.

I turn to rush up the stairs, but my slippers slide on theshiny wood, causing me to fall as I fumble for the railing. My glasses slideoff my face as I skid down the steps, my footwear doing nothing to keep me onmy feet. I land on my ass.

“Reese?” Melissa says in disbelief. I squint, unable toreally see her.

“Shit, Reese, are you okay?” Kirk gasps, rushing up thesteps to my side.

“I’m fine.” I shake him off when he grabs my arm to help meup.

“What are you doing out here?” My fingers make contact withmy glasses, and I put them on. What am I doing out here? Gritting myteeth, I stand. My bottom is so sore I know I’ll have more than just the bruiseto my ego tomorrow.

“How long?” I look between the two of them while desperatelytrying to ignore the pain in my throat.

“Reese.” Kirk takes a step toward me, guilt written all overhis handsome face. I look at Melissa. She doesn’t look guilty; she appearsalmost…victorious? I shouldn’t be surprised; she hates me, and I’m sure shefeels like she just won some battle I didn’t even know I was in.

“How long?” I repeat.

“It just happened,” Kirk says quietly.

“So, tonight?” I look between them again, knowing in oneglance that it’s happened before.

“Reese.” Kirk takes another step toward me.

Holding up my hand, I back up and then toss him the phone Isomehow never dropped, turning on my slippers to head up the stairs—thankfully,staying on my feet.

“Reese,” Kirk calls, following me. “I’m sorry.” Sorry?Yeah, right. I’m sure he’s only sorry he got caught. “Please, just talk to me,”he pleads.

“No.” I shake my head.

“It just happened; I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“So, what? You just accidentally slept with her?” When Ireach my door, I turn to glare at him.

“I just…” He drags his fingers through his long hair. “Ijust...”

“Come on, Kirk. Leave her alone,” Melissa calls. I look overat her. I don’t know why she hates me. I’ve never understood what I did todeserve it. I’m not competition. My mom loves her, maybe even more than sheloves me. She’s the kind of daughter Mom always wanted, and they get along likebest friends. I’m the outsider, the awkward one.

“It doesn’t matter.” I grab the door handle with a shakinghand.

“I know it does matter,” Kirk whispers, and I turnmy head to look at him.

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