Page 7 of Banking on Love

“Yes like soda,” I smiled.

“You two need to get back to bed,” Kensi said. “I’ll come back over in the morning and make breakfast.”

“Let’s watch a movie!” Kimberly grabbed the remote.

“It is like three in the morning, Kimberly. Now isn’t the time for movies, you crazy girl.”

“Ah. Come on, Kenz,” Kallia protested. “You and Nick can hang out with us for a bit. Right?”

Kallia laid on the puppy-dog eyes as she looked across the living room at her big sister. Kimberly batted her eyelashes. Kensi crossed her arms in front of her chest and shook her head.

“Let me drop Nick off and then I’ll come back,” Kensi sighed.

“NO!” Kallia and Kimberly shouted in unison.

“He doesn’t need to leave. You don’t have a bedtime right, Nick?” Kimberly asked.

All three of them were looking at me again. The pressure was heavy. As much as I wanted to get to know Kensi, I had a feeling she didn’t want some stranger hanging out with her and her little sisters.

“Perhaps another time,” I said, earning me two glares and a giggle.

“Then you have to promise to take our sister out on a date,” Kallia waved a finger at me. Her blunt words made my jaw damn near hit the floor.

“Kallia!” Kensi huffed. “Why would you say something like that?”

“Cause he’s hot and clearly a nice guy,” Kimberly answered. “You haven’t gone on a date in forever.”

“Kimberly!” Kensi looked mortified.

How was it possible that Kensi was still single? She was perfect. Beautiful face, nice curves, and seemed down to earth. Everything a man would want in a girlfriend. So, why hadn’t someone snatched her up yet?

“Kensi, what kind of sisters would we be, if we didn’t try to snag you a man?” Kimberly asked softly, using her head to gesture at me.

“He can hear you, Kimberly,” Kensi groaned. “Please, stop embarrassing me. Please.”

The last of Kensi’s words were hushed. Her eyes were lowered to the floor. Her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I am new to town. Maybe you can show me around some time,” I offered, hoping to ease the blow the sisters had caused her.

“What?” she whispered.

“I’m new in town. I wouldn’t mind a tour sometime; if you’re available.”

“She’s available!” Kimberly and Kallia yelled in unison as though they had rehearsed it. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“I may disown you both,” Kensi laughed, despite her previous look. “Come here, brats. Give me a hug before I leave.”

Kimberly and Kensi hopped off the couch at the speed of light. They rushed over to Kensi. Their arms wrapped around their sister.

“Oh, Jesus!” Kensi giggled, hugging her sisters back. “I love you, brats.”

“Love you too, Kenz,” they replied softly.

“We will figure everything out later on today. I promise,” Kensi whispered. The look in all three of their eyes shifted to sadness. What had life done to hurt them so badly?

“Why don’t I take the three of you out to lunch sometime?” My words came out without thought. Their eyes widened. Kallia and Kimberly looked up at Kensi, who was staring at me like I had a third eye

“What?” Kensi asked in a hushed tone.

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