“This is a cool car, man.”
“If you learn your calculus you might get one,” Miles tells him, making me smile.
“I’d totally do my calculus for a car like this one day.” They fall into an easy conversation about cars. Ryan sits up straighter and becomes more animated with excitement. It’s then I realize he doesn't have a male role model in his life. I can only do so much.
Hell, I’m not even doing the things I should be doing. But I know the life I’m giving him is much better than what would be provided by our father. It always makes me feel better to think of it that way.
Miles pulls up to a gate and hits a button, causing the doors to swing open. “That’s cool,” Ryan says, leaning forward to get a better look.
“Why the gate? Are we in a bad part of town?” I tease him. I wasn't really surprised when he pulled into Briarcliff Hills. It’s where all the wealthy people live.
“It makes my sister feel better.”
I smile, liking that he does things to make her feel safe.
“Does she nag you all the time like mine?” Ryan nudges me with his elbow from behind me. I roll my eyes, knowing he’s teasing me. I haven’t seen him this happy in a while. It’s nice to see him let loose a bit.
“From the start. She’s still pissed I came out first so I get to claim I’m older than her.”
“Twins?” I ask.
“Yep. We’re a close bunch. Don’t be surprised if my mom pops up at some point too.”
“Really?” Why does that suddenly make me nervous?
“How quickly depends on if Violet told her I was bringing a girl home or not.” For some reason the thought of him bringing women back to his place doesn’t sit well with me.
“You do that often? Bring girls home.” I turn my head to look at Ryan. His tone is almost accusatory.
“Never.” Miles smiles over at me as he continues to make his way up the long driveway.
“Good.” Ryan, seemingly satisfied with his answer, leans back in his seat.
“Wow,” I whisper when I see the house. Actually, calling it a house is an understatement. This is what they call an estate. It’s massive.
“Is that a fountain in your driveway?”
“Yes. Mom insisted on it. I’ve learned to pick my battles.” He opens his door, stepping out. I do the same, my head dropping back to try and get a better look at this place. It has a historic feel to it. “It’s been in the family for years.” He puts his hand on my back to guide me toward the front door. He opens one of the double doors, gesturing for me to go in.
“Wish we had shit like this in our family,” Ryan mumbles. Wouldn't that be nice.
The inside looks as breathtaking as the rest of the house. Ryan starts to wander off. “Where are you going?”
“He’s fine. There is a gym and a movie room. If you can find it.”
“Bad ass.”
“Be back in twenty for dinner and schoolwork,” I remind him.
“Got it.”
“We’ll be in the kitchen.” He points down the hallway before he leads me down it.
“Thanks for being so good with him.”
Miles stops walking and turns to face me. I drop my head back to look up at him. I know he’s a big guy, but when we’re this close he feels bigger. But I don’t feel intimidated. In fact, I feel something different altogether. Desire.
“He’s a good kid.” I say knowing I must have done something right along the way.
His eyes drop to my mouth, making me lick my suddenly dry lips. He’s so damn handsome. I’m still trying to understand why he’s so interested in me. He has heartbreak written all over him. Even if he is a good man, which I’m pretty sure he is. We just wouldn't end up being compatible at the end of the day. We come from two very different worlds.
“He is.” Miles agrees. “I’m going to kiss you, Eden.” He lowers his mouth slowly to mine, giving me time to say no or pull away. I don’t. I want this. My eyes fall closed when his mouth meets mine. His arm wraps around me, pulling me into him.
The kiss starts off slow and sweet. My lips part for him, and his tongue slides into my mouth as he deepens the kiss. I let out a small moan, unable to control myself, and push my chest into him. His other hand tangles in my hair, and he pulls my head back to deepen the kiss even more.
It quickly goes from soft and sweet to passion-filled and needy. We can’t get close enough to each other. My body screams that I want more. I rub against him, my fingers digging into his shirt to hold on to him. My body is starved for affection and yearning to be close to someone.
“Oh sorry.” I jump back at the sound of a woman. She stands there for a moment, and I know from her dark hair and eyes that she’s his twin sister. “Don’t mind me. I’ll be in the kitchen.” She turns, leaving us alone.
“We shouldn't have done that.” I say it, but I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again. I reach up and touch my lips. Miles bends down to pick up the folder. I hadn't realized he’d brought it in. He must have dropped it when we were kissing. He grabs a few of the papers that had fallen out. He slowly stands looking at them before tucking everything back inside.
“That kiss will definitely be happening again.” He takes my hand, leading me down the hallway in a daze.
I don’t even bother telling him he’s wrong.
Chapter Nine Miles
“Is your recipe for scones a secret or can I get a personal cooking lesson?” Violet asks
