Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 9

**Chapter 9**

**Bailey’s POV**

For an entire week, I managed to convince myself that being “just friends” with Kaleb was not only possible but preferable.

The mantra echoed in my mind, a desperate attempt to suppress the swirling emotions within me. Yet, the reality was as undeniable as the heat radiating from a fire; being merely friends with Kaleb felt like standing too close to a blazing flame and pretending I wasn’t engulfed in warmth.

Especially when he sauntered around shirtless, his sun-kissed skin glistening under the bright rays, every muscle on display like a sculpted masterpiece.

I tried to divert my attention to the children splashing joyfully in the water, focusing on the colorful floaties bobbing about, but every few moments, my gaze betrayed me, sliding back to him like a moth drawn to a flame.

Frustration bubbled within me, and I crossed my arms defensively, feeling the heat of embarrassment creep up my cheeks, and it had nothing to do with the sun’s relentless rays.

“Can’t you just go somewhere else?” Lila’s voice sliced through my thoughts, sharp and pointed.

I turned to see her standing there, a vision in her bright bikini, sunglasses perched atop her head, her hair shining as if she had just stepped out of a summer commercial.

Lila wasn’t even supposed to be here as a lifeguard; she showed up every other day for one reason and one reason only: to flirt with Kaleb.

“You’re always around him. Can’t you find somewhere else to work?” she added, her annoyance palpable.

I fought the urge to hurl something in her direction, managing a sarcastic smile instead. “We’re lifeguards, Lila. The rule is that two lifeguards stick together.”

“Then go stick with someone else,” she snapped, rolling her eyes dramatically before plopping down onto a pool lounger, clearly irked.

I was still grappling with the accusation that I was following Kaleb everywhere. What else was I supposed to do? Stay home, scrolling aimlessly through my phone and wasting away the summer?

Kaleb was the one who had told me about this summer job, mentioning they needed another lifeguard, and I had jumped at the opportunity. It wasn’t like I had signed up just to shadow him.

Besides, David was wrapped up in his studies all day, preparing for the next semester, and at night, he was busy working at the golf course. Without this job, I would be stuck at home, alone and utterly bored.

Just then, Kaleb jogged back to the poolside, his arms laden with a rainbow of bright floats for the kids. A little girl squealed with delight, clapping her hands as he handed her a pink float, his smile radiating warmth, the kind that could make anyone melt—and I was no exception.

Lila sat up, brushing a lock of hair over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hey, Kaleb! Want to teach me some belly strokes?” she called out, her voice dripping with flirtation.

I swallowed hard, my stomach twisting at her boldness. Of course, she was flirting with him.

Kaleb chuckled, handing another float to a boy who eagerly tugged at his arm. “No problem, let’s do that later,” he replied, his tone light and carefree.

I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to glare at him.

“Bailey, you don’t look so great. You should go sit in the shade. I think you’ve got a fever,” Kaleb said, his gaze shifting to me, concern etched on his face.

I forced a smirk, trying to sound nonchalant. “I’m fine. I’m grown. I don’t need you to take care of me.”

His eyebrows shot up, but he remained silent, a hint of disbelief flickering in his eyes.

The rest of the day felt like an exercise in endurance as I watched him flirt with a pair of giggling teenage girls who asked for his help with their float. Even the kids seemed enchanted by him.

The heat was becoming unbearable, my head throbbed, but I stubbornly refused to retreat, determined to make it through the day.

As evening approached, the pool began to empty, and we started gathering equipment with the others. I bent down to collect a bundle of colorful pool noodles, struggling to keep them balanced in my arms.

“Got it,” Kaleb said, swooping in with ease, lifting the entire pile without breaking a sweat.

My focus zeroed in on his mouth, the soft pink hue, the gentle curve of his lips, and how they moved when he spoke.

“Kaleb…” I murmured, instinctively pulling him down toward me, my lips crashing against his in a fervent kiss.

His lips met mine with an urgency that felt like a long-held breath finally released. The kiss was desperate, as if we had both been holding back for far too long. My fingers curled into his chest, clinging tightly, while his hands found their way to my back, pulling me closer.

Kaleb kissed me back with an equal intensity, his tongue dancing with mine, firm and sure. Every moment we had shared, every stolen glance, every accidental brush of our hands erupted in that single, electric connection.

I pulled away for a breath, dizzy, my lips tingling with the aftermath of our kiss.

But Kaleb wasn’t finished. His hand cupped the back of my head, drawing me back to him.

My body melted against his, and for that fleeting moment, nothing else existed outside of us.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and we broke apart, breathless, our eyes wide with shock.

“I saw you go in. Forgot to mention the lock is broken,” our boss said casually, standing in the doorway.

Kaleb’s hands fell away from me instantly, and my pulse raced so fast it felt painful.

I bolted from the storage shed before anyone could say another word, my heart pounding in my chest.

All week, I had convinced myself that I could handle this. I could maintain a friendship with him, just like before, just like in the past.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t be “just friends” with Kaleb Hayes anymore.