She leans on the back of the barstool. “I decided in sixth grade I wanted everyone to call me Kat. I corrected everyone if they called me Kiki. I don’t know why I thought Kat was so cool. That stuck for about a week before I got tired of it.” She laughs.
“That’s funny.”
She smiles at me, and my pulse jumps. Even with her messy bun and robe that looks like she got it from my grandmother’s closet, I find her attractive, which is weird. I thought that piece of me died when Courtney took off. Not that I can act on those feelings. That would be totally inappropriate.
“Thanks for the pudding,” she says.
“You’re welcome.” I turn to leave, but I stop short, remembering about Levi. “I should tell you my brother Levi came home tonight.”
“I heard a motorcycle. Was that him?”
I rake my hand through my hair. “Yes.”
She sizes me up. “And you don’t like that he has a motorcycle.”
I exhale. “Not really. It’s dangerous.”
She folds her arms, and I see a bit more of her tattoo. It looks swirly and intricate. “How did he get the money?”
“He traded in his car.” I shrug, not wanting to get upset about it all over again. “It’s his choice. I just wish he would have thought it through a bit more.”
“If he drives carefully, it should be fine, right?”
“No onemeansto get into an accident. They just happen.” The thought of Levi hitting the pavement in just his leather jacket makes me cringe.
“True.” She puts her hand on my arm. “Maybe he could take a motorcycle driving course? I think they offer them at the college in Atlanta.”
I lift my eyebrows. She’s onto something. I’d feel better if he did that. “That’s a good idea.”
She smiles. “Thanks. Don’t be too hard on him. He’s just displaying some independence.”
“I’m trying.” I rub my forehead. Levi’s a great guy. He’s just a bit spontaneous, and a huge flirt. But Kiki gave me a great suggestion. I look at her and realize in the short time she’s been with us, she’s helped me more with my brothers than Courtney ever did.
CHAPTER 8
KIKI EMMERSON
Iwake to the smell of something wonderful downstairs. Skyler’s cute voice rings though the house so I know she’s already awake. I rush to shower and get ready so Tobias doesn’t think I’m slacking. By the time I’m ready it’s already after eight.
As I descend the stairs, Noah enters the house. Seeing a police officer still gives me a heart attack, but at least I know he’s Tobias’s brother now. The first time I saw him I thought he was there to arrest me. He looks like he’s been through the wringer, his hair mussed and his shoulders slumped.
“You okay?” I ask as I reach the bottom step.
Noah shakes his head. “Tough night. We had a domestic violence call that became a hostage situation. It was rough.”
I suck in a breath. “Oh, no. I’m so sorry.”
“It worked out. I’m just home late. I’m exhausted, but too keyed up to sleep.” He lifts his head. “What’s that smell?”
“I was just going to see what Violet is making. It smells divine.”
Noah falls into step beside me, and we enter the kitchen, only it’s not Violet at the oven. It’s the last Barrett brother. Levi. He turns around. “Hey, Noah,” he says. Then his gaze falls to me. He tips an imaginary hat. “Hello, ma’am. You must be the nanny.”
Bless their southern charm. I stick out my hand. “I’m Kiki.”
He wipes his hand on a towel and grips mine. “Levi.” His hair is lighter than Noah’s with a little curl to it. He’s got a boyish smile, but the rest of him is muscular, and he is definitely another heartbreaker. Why are all the Barrett men so handsome? Their parents must have been beautiful.
“What are you making?” Noah asks.
