Page 56 of Wild Promises

"Yeah, she's great." I was pleased that she and Eli had connected. She was good for him. I just wished I could have the same kind of relationship they did. I just wasn't sure I deserved it or that Tori wanted me.

"What should we do now?" Tori asked as she looked around the room.

"I believe we're supposed to mingle."

Tori curved her hand around my upper arm, standing so close to me; I could feel the swell of her breasts pressed against my elbow.

I wanted more, but it would have to wait. We had an evening of entertaining ahead of us.

"There's your sister, Kylie. Let's go say hello," Tori said.

I didn't protest when she led the way to the bar where Kylie stood with her husband, Tyler. Growing up, he hung around with us.

"I can't believe Kylie married Tyler. That must have shocked your older brothers."

"They weren't happy about it when they learned of it, but they were happy to have her home and working with us. She found her love in fundraising and doesn't do as much around the resort."

We stopped in front of them.

Kylie clasped her hands together. "You came."

"Why is everyone always surprised when I appear at these things?" I asked Kylie as she hugged me.

Kylie drew back, a smile on her face. "Because you rarely come, and when you do, you disappear after a few minutes."

I didn't respond because that was accurate.

Tori was in the process of telling Tyler her plans to come home and work with her dad. She didn't mention the sale. I assumed she didn't want anyone else to know about it. Or that it hurt too much to talk about.

Tonight, we were supposed to be proving to everyone that we were the real deal. I wouldn't do or say anything to mess up Tori's plans.

"I'm so happy that you two finally got together," Kylie said softly to me.

That surprised me because, as the youngest, she wasn't as involved in our relationships. As soon as she was old enough, shewent to college and then onto Paris for work. "We'll see if I can hold onto her."

Kylie's startled gaze darted to mine. "Are you worried?"

"Petrified." The no-filter thing was still in full effect with my sister.

"All you can do is be honest about your feelings."

I almost scoffed at that, giving away everything. To Kylie, this was real. She didn't know it was a ruse to garner respect from our families. I'd gotten myself into this ridiculous situation and didn't know how to navigate it. How do you tell your fake girlfriend that your feelings for her were real?

You didn't if you wanted everything to work out. I promised her I'd help her get her father's practice. I couldn't change the rules now.

"It's so sweet to watch my brothers fall, one by one. First it was Eli and now you."

"Har har. I'm so glad it's entertaining for you." I wanted to throw an arm around her neck and give her a noogie, but I was fairly positive Tyler would have something to say about that. Kylie wasn't just my little sister who I could torment anymore. She was a functioning adult, who didn't deserve my roughhousing. Besides, I was supposed to be more mature now.

Kylie rested a hand on my arm. "I don't find it funny. I'm just happy for you."

"Thanks," I said before Tyler asked me, "How're the ski lessons going?"

"Busy as usual." For the first time, I felt a little odd talking about my job. "Ski instructor" didn't quite measure up to Tyler's business ownership. He ran a construction company with his brothers. If I wanted the same respect, I needed to be more involved in the business, like Oliver and Eli had been saying all along. Why hadn't I seen it before?

"I heard you built a holiday trail," Tyler said, respect in his voice.

"I hung some lights," I said, a little uncomfortable with the attention.

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