Compromising Kessen (The Vandenbrook #1)(30)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken

It was kind of Christian to bring her here, not that she was starting to like him or anything. No, that could not happen. But then again he had been so sweet the night before, listening like he actually cared, and he didn’t even take advantage of her sleepiness; instead he sent her to bed. Without him. That was the big shock, not that she thought he was that type of man.

Honestly, it was more than shocking! He didn’t even try anything! What was this feeling she was having? Was it—oh no, she moaned out loud, throwing her face into her hands. “I cannot be in love with this man.” Her voice rang through the room.

She took a few deep breaths before bounding down the stairs.

“Well, well, well. Look who we have here.”

It was a familiar male voice, but no, that was impossible. It couldn’t be.

“Nick?” Kessen asked curiously.

“Live and in person. Wow, I thought you’d be more shocked,” he said, walking around the corner. He was in his usual style of designer jeans and Henley shirt.

Kessen ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. “I can’t believe it! How? Why? Oh my! I missed you so much! Is Sammy here?”

“Easy!” Nick hugged her back. “I came for the wedding, naturally, because I’m your best friend, and also because page six didn’t do you any justice. Have you been getting any sun at all over here? And no, Sammy is not here. She had to work, but we have a internet chat date tonight.”

Kessen sighed. “I love you. Thanks so much for being here.”

“If I wasn’t so confident in my ability to seduce young Kessen, I would almost be jealous,” Christian said, coming into the room. “Although I suppose it helps that your best friend is married to your other best friend.”

Kessen laughed. “Don’t worry. Nick and I have never had that type of relationship.”

Nick snorted. “Yeah, on account that she would kill me. I did tell you about the machete threat, Christian. And that was probably the tamest threat she’s ever given me.”

“Scary.” Christian shook his head.

“Man, you have no idea.” Nick laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “So, what’s this I hear about you not drinking tea, Kessen?”

Kessen’s eyes flashed with anger as she pointed an accusing finger at Christian. “You ratted me out!”

He backed up with hands in the air. “I did nothing of the sort. I merely explained to Nick how we met … It’s all he needs to know in order to understand the type of relationship we have.”

“Coffee and tea don’t go well together,” Nick said to himself. “Although I see your point, Christian. She is really high strung. I wonder why? It’s not typical.”

Kessen looked between the two in shock. Could they have bonded any more over the past few hours?

“Well, it could be I’ve been keeping her away from sharp objects,” Christian offered.

Nick nodded his head knowingly. “Yes, she does like to throw things.” He paused, and then turned back to Christian. “Have you tried the Wall Street Journal, or Guitar Hero?”

“Both solid options,” Christian agreed. “I’ve actually been relying on my sensuality to coerce her into doing whatever I want. But sadly, I think those days are coming to an end. She is kind of prudish, don’t you think?”

Nick nodded emphatically. “A complaint I often hear. She tends to panic when things get too hot and heavy, if you know what I mean. In fact, I actually had to teach her how to French kiss when we were sixteen.”

“How did that turn out?”

Nick shuddered. “With two black eyes and a broken tooth.”

“Sounds about right.”

“Yes, well, I hope you’re at least enjoying my tutelage.”

“Oh, immensely. Thank you.” Christian shook his hand.

Kessen was rendered mute. Who were these people? What had happened to her best friend? Without thinking, she yelled, “Pick a side, Nick!”

“I’m sorry. Are we playing capture the flag?” he asked, confused.

Christian shrugged his shoulders but did nothing to hide his smug grin.

“No, you can’t be my best friend and still be his friend. It’s not possible—not okay. He’ll get an unfair advantage in all this dating business.”

“So you’re worried about things being fair?” Christian asked.

Kessen’s eyes darted between both men. “Exactly.”

They both looked at one another and laughed. Nick said, “Perfect.”

Christian said, ”I knew it.”

It made Kessen feel dumb and furious.

“I invited Duncan as well. I hope you don’t mind, Kessen. But I thought it would be only fair to have our two best friends here.”

Stupid interfering men, she thought. “Wait. Does that mean I’m alone with three men in this giant house?”

Christian smiled wickedly. “Yes, and to protect your virtue, I believe it necessary for you to move to the room which adjoins mine.” He looked to Nick. “No offense.”

“None taken,” Nick said between coughs of laughter. “In fact, I think that’s wise, my lord Very wise.”

Kessen yelled, then cursed and ran out of the room, leaving both men shocked with her amazing ability to make swear words sound dirtier than they actually were.

Stomping towards the kitchen helped a little, Kessen thought, as she reached the breakfast table. It was filled high with pastries and at least four different kinds of drinks including coffee.

Bless him.

Interesting choice of words considering she had in fact just cursed the two men who probably thought to put coffee on the table. She shrugged and took a sip. Bliss. Now at least she could think straight. What in the world was she going to do about Christian and Nick? The saying “all’s fair in love and war” came to mind with a vengeance.

Of course, she could learn quite a few things from Duncan if he ever showed up. He did seem to be an open book; in fact, she had thought him a lot like Nick.

Then again…

It could quite possibly be the worst week of her life. Three men, all of whom teased her mercilessly and wanted nothing more than to hear her curse, just so they can feel better about their ability to taunt her.

Drat. It was going to be a long week. The wedding wasn’t until Sunday, and it was only Monday. Well, she could always hide out. She took one of the meat pastries and sat at the table.

Muffled voices arose from the other room, then shouts of laughter, and finally hurried steps coming her way. She closed her eyes for what she was convinced would happen next.