Free TYSON CAINE: Book 1 in the Brothers in Arms Series (Brothers in Arms Book 1) by Aleya Michelle Page B

but it's still a smile. “How was practice?” I ask feeling like I’ve been busted shoplifting or something.
    Tyson looks at Kyle. “Training was good, we crushed it. Going to kick some ass next week,” he replies looking at me; his eyes have brightened now that we’re talking about football. That was Tyson trying to sound tough when I know he’s really a teddy bear.
    “Awesome, like you guys ever lose anyway,” I say honestly.
    “So who are your friends?” he asks sarcastically.
    “Well you know Lucas, Cassie’s boyfriend, and this is his friend, Kyle,” I tell him as Kyle stands up to shake his hand. Tyson hesitates and then shakes it.
    “Nice to meet you, Tyson,” Kyle states looking a little puzzled, especially as Tyson’s eyes keep finding mine. I’m sure he is wondering if we were ever together. Tyson nods not saying a word in response to Kyle.
    “Well, Brooke, I’m famished. I need a hamburger with everything on it, so I’ll see you tomorrow at the lake,” he tells me stirring the pot and catching me by surprise. He even bends down to kiss my cheek. Is he claiming me as his property?
    “See ya,” I reply as he and Jake disappear.
    Now, I’m even more confused than I was earlier. That was Tyson being protective, but what right does he have when we are nothing more than friends? He can’t do that.
    The waitress brings our food at the perfect moment. I keep quiet and dig in welcoming the distraction. I can feel Kyle’s eyes on me, but I ignore them. After we eat, the conversation is a little awkward.
    “How about we get out of here?” Cassie suggests, and I nod. It’s after nine, and I need some fresh air.
    “You guys could come to our place. The garage has a pool table and foosball,” Lucas states trying to keep the night going.
    “I should get home. I have a kid brother, and he’ll be waiting up for me. You know how Dylan is, Cas,” I reply. It’s not entirely a lie.
    “Yep, you are his idol,” Cassie replies, following my lead.
    “I can drive you if you’d like, Brooklyn?” Kyle offers. I’m sure he is just trying to be nice unless he is planning on a good night kiss. “Lucas can go with Cassie,” he adds. Something tells me this was how they planned it.
    “Um, sure,” I answer as I feel like I have no other option. I don’t want to be rude. I look at Cassie, who is smiling and nodding. We walk to the exit, and I instinctively turn back to see Tyson staring at us. It’s so awkward.
    I can’t let him see me get in Kyle’s car. I wave at him, and he waves back, still looking pained and frowning . I force a smile to tell him it’s all good, but he looks away.
    Kyle is behind me when we exit, and he puts his hand on my lower back. Just great, the icing on the cake. I hope to God Tyson didn’t see it.
    As the cool fresh air enters my lungs, I inhale it deeply. This whole thing was a mistake.
    “Cassie, I’m actually not feeling well, hun. Do you think you could drive me home?” I ask and put one hand across my stomach. I look into Cassie’s eyes and plead with her.
    “Yeah sure, Brooke. You do look pale. You wouldn’t want to throw up in Kyle’s car,” she answers, and I know I will owe her big time.
    “I’ll come over after I drop her off at home, baby,” she tells Lucas and kisses his lips.
    “I’m sorry, Kyle. It must have been something I ate. I had a great night. We should do this again another time,” I say apologetically, trying not to lead him on. This was a mistake. I’m just not ready. I know that now.
    “No problem. I hope you feel better,” he replies smiling, though looking a little forlorn. “Bye, Brooklyn,” he says as I turn and head toward Cassie’s car. I feel the tears well in my eyes. Jesus, the guilt I am feeling mixed with my confusion has made me emotional.
    I hastily climb into Cassie’s little hatchback. I look into the café, but I can’t see Tyson. As we drive home, I burst into a flood of tears. All of the feelings of guilt,