Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 62

**The Night We Borrowed Fire from a Broken Star by Selvin Arlo Crest**

**Chapter 62**

**Bailey’s POV**

Dating Kaleb was like stepping into a surreal dream, one where the colors were brighter and the laughter echoed endlessly.

He had a way of making me feel cherished, constantly reminding me of how much I meant to him.

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The excitement was palpable when he presented me with an elaborate list of date ideas, each one more delightful than the last. When I first caught sight of it, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound ringing out in the air.

The list was a treasure trove of adventures: movies, a visit to the aquarium, a picnic in the park, midnight ice cream runs, stargazing under the vast sky, and even baking together in a flour-dusted kitchen.

“Bailey,” he had said, his grin infectious, “we’re going to check off every single one of these.”

“And you’re not allowed to say no,” he added with a mock-seriousness that only made me laugh harder.

Here we were, at the aquarium, marking the second date off our whimsical list.

The air was tinged with a hint of saltwater, a reminder of the ocean beyond, and the enormous glass walls illuminated with a soft blue glow. Schools of fish drifted lazily above us, their scales shimmering like precious gems in the light.

I pressed my palm against the cool glass, a smile spreading across my face as a graceful stingray glided by.

Just then, Kaleb approached from behind, his voice a warm whisper in my ear.

“That one looks like you when you’re annoyed.”

I gasped and whipped around to face him, feigning indignation. “Excuse me? Did you just compare me to a stingray?”

He smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. “Cute but dangerous—that’s you.”

I playfully shoved his arm, unable to suppress my laughter.

“You’re so annoying.”

“You love it,” he shot back with a cheeky wink, already jogging ahead.

“Come on, slowpoke!” he called over his shoulder, his laughter echoing through the expansive halls of the aquarium.

As we strolled past the jellyfish exhibit, glowing in shades of pink and purple, he suddenly halted, striking a goofy pose as he prepared to take a picture with them in the background.

“Kaleb, don’t you dare…” I began, but it was too late.

He pulled me close, holding up his phone, and captured a snapshot of us together.

18:01 Mon, Dec 8

**Chapter 62**

I groaned in mock exasperation. “I wasn’t even ready!”

“Perfect,” he declared, admiring the photo with pride. “My new wallpaper.”

I lunged for his phone, but he held it high above his head, out of reach.

“Kaleb, give it back!”

“Only if you give me something in return,” he teased, leaning in closer, a twinkle in his eye.

“What?” I narrowed my gaze, trying to maintain my composure.

“A kiss,” he whispered, his tone playful yet sincere.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly glanced around to see if anyone was watching. Standing on my toes, I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

“Happy now?”

“Not even close,” he teased, but before he could push for more, I darted off toward the kissing booth area, laughter bubbling up inside me.

“Catch me if you can!” I called back, exhilaration coursing through me.

He chased after me, weaving through the crowd like two children lost in a world of wonder.

When he finally caught me by the photo booth, he wrapped his arms around me, whispering against my neck, “Got you.”

I squealed, squirming to escape, but he pressed a soft kiss to my neck, sending a delightful shiver down my spine.

“Kaleb, stop,” I giggled, twisting in his embrace, when suddenly…

“Bailey?”

I froze, the familiar voice sending a chill down my spine.

My stomach plummeted as I quickly pushed Kaleb away and straightened my shirt, my heart racing in my chest.

Turning around, I found David standing just a few feet away, a bag of snacks clutched in his hand, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“What are you two doing here?” David asked slowly, his gaze darting between Kaleb and me.

“Are you… are you on a date?”

The question made my entire body tense up. “Eww, what?” I blurted out, the words spilling out too quickly.

“Of course not!”

Kaleb cleared his throat, forcing a chuckle.

“Yeah, man, no way. A date with little Bails? Impossible.”

David frowned, crossing his arms and studying us intently. “Then what is this?”

I instinctively grabbed Kaleb’s arm, using him as part of my hasty excuse.

“We’re here for… um… practicals. School project stuff.”

“Yeah,” Kaleb jumped in, his voice casual. “Professor grouped us together. Bad luck, huh?”

David’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Bad luck? You two? That doesn’t even make sense. You guys are business administration students and always fight. Since when are you in the same group working on a project about aquariums?”

Kaleb shrugged as if it were the most casual thing in the world.

“Like I said, man, it’s pure bad luck. We’re studying the business model here. You think I enjoy hanging around her?”

“Excuse me?” I hissed, glaring at him, my irritation bubbling to the surface.

He smirked, clearly enjoying the performance.

“No offense, Bails.”

“Plenty taken,” I snapped back, crossing my arms defiantly.

David looked between us, his expression skeptical.

Just then, my phone rang, interrupting the moment.

I glanced at the screen, frowning at the unknown number.

With a sense of unease, I picked it up. “Hello?”

The voice on the other end was urgent, slicing through the air like a knife. “Miss Bailey? This is the hospital. It’s about your father.”

My heart stopped, a cold wave of dread washing over me.

“What? What happened?”

“He was shot earlier. He’s been admitted. You need to come quickly.”

I froze in the car, my hand trembling as the weight of the words settled over me like a heavy shroud.

My throat tightened, panic clawing at my insides.

Then, the words erupted from me in a terrified scream.

“David!”

Kaleb’s head snapped toward me, alarm etched on his face.

“Bailey? What is it?”

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David turned immediately, his expression shifting in an instant as he dashed back toward us, his bag dropping to the ground in his haste.

Kaleb gripped my shoulders, his eyes wide with fear and concern.

“Bailey, what’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong!” His hands trembled against my arms as he shook me lightly, desperate for answers.

David reached us, breathless, panic evident on his face.

“Bails? What happened? Why did you scream like that?”

I clutched the phone to my chest, my entire body felt numb, as if ice were coursing through my veins.

Breath caught in my throat, my heart hammered against my ribs.

“It’s Dad,” I whispered, my voice breaking. Tears stung my eyes and spilled over before I could even think to stop them.

Kaleb’s grip tightened instantly, his concern deepening.

“What about your dad? Bailey, talk to me!”

“The hospital,” I sobbed, choking on the words.

18:02 Mon, Dec 8

**Chapter 62**

“They called… Dad has been shot.”

David’s eyes widened in shock, the color draining from his face.

“What?!” His voice cracked, mirroring the fear that had taken root in my heart.