Here to Help

Kaye has it in her to be an amazing author. I want to see her draw that out. She has the talent. I know the sky is the limit when she just lets go and gives her characters the spark they need.

That spark that we have between us. That’s what’s missing from her pages. I’ve been thinking about this a lot. How to get her to pull that fire from within.

I want to sit down and talk with her about it on my next visit. There has to be a way for her to tap into that place that will unlock the words. I would love to see her published and living out her dream.

Too distracted with my thoughts of Kaye to get any work done, I open a new browser and start to do a search for writer’s help. I get excited when I start to find organizations for romance authors and critique groups that she can join.

Opening a fresh email, I start to copy the links into it to send to Kaye. I don’t know if it will address the problem, but at least this will be a step in the right direction for her. I’m deep into my research for Kaye when I feel someone hovering over me.

I turn to find Wyatt over my shoulder, looking at my screen. Give it to my older brother to stick his nose into my business. I minimize the screen and turn to face him fully.

“Romance novels?” He questions. “So you’re not building that app any more. It’s romance novels now?”

His words are not judging. He’s asking for understanding. I love my brothers for that. We may rib each other for everything, but we support each other as well.

“It’s not for me. It’s for a friend,” I reply.

His eyes lock on me and his expression becomes more serious. I groan internally. Something tells me that I’m about to get reamed.

“Would this be the same friend that our cousins are looking after?” he says, sitting on the edge of one of my desks.

I have a semicircular set up for all of my monitors and gadgets. Most days all of my shit keeps my brothers away unless they need something. I wish that were the case today.

“Fuck,” I mutter. “How did you find out?”

“Logan and I are the oldest. Don’t shit move between the two of us with you little fuckers without us knowing,” he replies.

“Yeah, should have figured that. Look this is complicated. I need you to keep this to yourself,” I plead.

“I’ve known since you called in the favor. Logan and his crew aren’t the most squeaky clean bunch. While she couldn’t be safer, she’s still in the middle of some shit being connected to that side,” he warns.

“Yeah, I thought about that. It was my best option at the time,” I mumble.

“What’s your plan?”

“I don’t know. Nothing has changed between her and her parents,” I huff. “She’s stubborn, they’re being stubborn. I don’t know what to do, except give them time.”

“And the writing thing?” he nods his head in the direction of my computer screen.

“It’s her thing. I want to help her out. I think she has what it takes to get her work out there,” I say.

“Cool,” he replies. He pauses and his eyes narrow at me. “You fucking her?”

I frown at my brother and fall back in my chair. Folding my arms across my chest I stare at him. This would be none of his damn business.

“I’m not trying to be up in your business. I’m only making sure you’re thinking straight. Pussy will change how you think,” he says.

“Dude, first of all, Kaye isn’t pussy. She’s a friend and my best friend’s little sister. I respect her. Also, Wyatt, no offense but you’re not in a relationship to be giving me that kind of advice,” I snap.

He tosses his hands up, rocking back against the desk he’s propped against. He nods in agreement and tilts his head while his eyes remain on me. I’m fuming but I don’t say a word.

“Alright, I see your mind is made up here—”

“Made up about what?” I ask defensively.

“It’s only a matter of time before you seal that deal. You’ve had it bad for Kaye for years. You think I don’t remember how you used to text her all the time? Even though she had a boyfriend and the fact that she was your best friend’s sister.

“Look kid, I’m not here to tell you what to do. I just wish you would have said something to me. Not Logan. I’m here to help,” he finishes.

“Well, your relationship advice isn’t needed. Your track record is shit,” I tease to lighten things up, as I try to defuse my own temper.

“Bro, I’m twenty-eight. I haven’t seen the pussy worth giving all the rest up for,” he tosses back. “But seriously, I’m here if you need me.”

“Got it.”

Kaye

I’m trying not to overthink that. We all can stand to improve, right? So why am I so afraid to click on these links and find some help.

My phone rings startling me. I look over at it as I sit at the kitchen table. Felix’s name flashes on the screen. I feel the smile that comes over my face.

I answer the phone, tucking it between my ear and shoulder. Images of him at work in front of his computers fills my head. I’ve been to the Black and Lock office a few times to meet up with Felix. His workspace is like his own little universe in the middle of everyone else.

“Hello,” I say into phone as I think of him sitting there clicking through surveillance footage or something.

“Hey, how are you?” he croons back.

“I’m good. Dae-Dae had a tummy ache so he passed out early tonight,” I reply.

“I always look at the clock when you say stuff like that. I forget you’re in a different time zone sometimes,” he chuckles.

“Yeah, it took some time for me to get used to at first. You sound tired.”

“A lot going on around here. Need to get through a few logs before I can head out of here,” he replies.

“Then you shouldn’t be sneaking in personal calls,” I giggle.

“I wanted to check on you. Have you had time to go through that email I sent?”

I chew on the inside of my mouth while staring at the email in question. I want to thank him, but I have questions as well. I click on the first link like it might explode once I do.

“Yeah,” I say.

“Kaye,” he drags out. “I didn’t send it to say you’re not amazing. I was hoping you could find some support in getting to the finish line. Maybe someone can give you pointers on what’s missing.”

“We know what’s missing,” I snort.

“Yeah, well, maybe you can find a critique partner to help with that.”

“Not the kind of partner I need,” I murmur to myself.

“This is the only option you have,” he says with a bit of an edge.

I pull the phone away from my shoulder to look at it. My brows draw. He must be tired.

“No offense, but I wasn’t talking to you when I said that. I also think I could find a date if I wanted,” I huff.

There’s a pause. His line is completely silent. I look at the phone again to make sure I haven’t lost the call.

“Relax. I know you could find a date,” he grumbles back. “That’s not what I was getting at. I’m here to help, Kaye. I think this could be useful. If nothing else, you’ll learn about the business or find a support team that can relate to you.”

I stick my tongue out at the phone. He’s right and I know it. I’m just being bullheaded about it.

“Yeah,” I say reluctantly.

His laugh greets my ear. It’s a sexy rumble that has me squeezing my thighs. I miss him. I laughed so much while he was here.

“Let me know how it works out. I should get back to work before I end up spending the night here,” he murmurs.

“Thanks, Felix. This was sweet of you. I appreciate it,” I suck up my feelings and say. “Goodnight.”

“No problem, goodnight.”