Unexpected Fight Read online

  Unexpected Fight

  Kaylee Ryan

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Epilogue Reagan

  Epilogue Tyler

  Thank you

  More from Kaylee

  Acknowledgments

  Copyright © 2019 Kaylee Ryan

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  All Rights Reserved.

  This book may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Kaylee Ryan, except for the use of brief quotations in articles and or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, locations, businesses and plot are products of the author’s imagination and meant to be used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events throughout the story are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademark owners and trademarked status of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks are not authorized, sponsored or associated by or with the trademark owners.

  * * *

  The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers.

  * * *

  Cover Design: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative Covers

  Cover Photography: SP Photography

  Models: David Kash

  Editing: Hot Tree Editing

  Proofreading: Deaton Author Services

  * * *

  Formatting: Integrity Formatting

  Chapter 1

  Reagan

  * * *

  As soon as I walk in the door, I see the smile gracing my big brother’s face and know she’s told him. I couldn’t be happier for them and the life they’ve created. This last year has been hard, so they definitely deserve some happiness shining their way.

  “Hey, you.” I hear a deep voice behind me.

  I don’t need to look over my shoulder to know it’s Tyler, but I do anyway. “Hey.” I smile at him.

  “Sister,” Ridge calls out, finally tearing his eyes from his wife and son to notice they have company.

  “Brother,” I counter.

  “Get in here. We have some news.”

  I’m smiling, but I keep the reason why to myself. Yeah, I already know what he’s about to tell me. “If your smile gets any bigger, your face might crack,” I tease.

  “Ty, hey, man. Thanks for coming.” Ridge holds his fist out for Tyler as we approach them. Knox concentrates on making a fist and does the same. I’m not surprised; he’s seen his daddy and his uncles make that move hundreds of times.

  “Happy Birthday, little man.” Tyler bumps his fist with Knox, who giggles. The joys of being so young and innocent to the world around you.

  “So, what’s this news you speak of?” I ask Ridge, keeping my eyes on him. If I look at Kendall, I’m afraid I’ll give away that I received insider information before he did.

  “Well, two surprises actually.” He holds out his free arm that’s not supporting Knox. Kendall walks into his embrace, and he tugs her close.

  “We should wait to tell everyone at once,” she tells him.

  “We’ll tell these two, and then we can tell everyone else together.”

  “You can wait.” She smiles up at him.

  “I can’t,” he tells her.

  “Yeah, the suspense is killing us,” I say, taking Knox from Ridge as he reaches for me. “How’s my favorite nephew?” I ask him, kissing his little cheek. He giggles, and my heart melts. He’s such a happy little boy. That’s not only because of my brother being a kickass dad but because of his wife. Kendall has brought so much to their lives.

  “Knox, buddy. Show Aunt Reagan your new shirt,” Ridge says with a shit-eating grin.

  “Did you get a new shirt?” I ask my nephew. He looks down at his shirt then back up to me.

  “Let me see.” Tyler steps up behind me and reaches his arm around to move Knox’s hand out of the way.

  The heat of his body aligned with mine seeps into me. Tyler Justice is sexy as hell. We’ve been spending a lot of time together over the last year, and it gets harder and harder to resist him. It’s a complicated situation. He’s one of my brother’s very best friends. Ridge, Tyler, Seth, Mark, and Kent have been thick as thieves for as long as I can remember. I’ve always crushed on Ty; he just has this sex appeal about him that I can’t resist.

  “I’m the big brother,” Tyler reads. His lips are next to my ear, his hot breath causing goose bumps to break out on my skin, so it takes me a little longer to process what he just read.

  “What?” I ask, making sure I heard them right. It’s really hard to concentrate with Tyler standing this close.

  “Read it,” Ridge says. His smile is blinding as he holds onto his wife, his arms wrapped tightly around her.

  I read the shirt, “I’m the big brother,” the same words Tyler just read aloud. “No.” I look up at them and they both nod. “I’m so excited for you.” I jostle Knox in my arms, and he catches my enthusiasm and begins to clap. “You didn’t tell me,” I say to Kendall once I’ve ended my little victory dance. Knox reaches for Tyler, so he steps around me and takes him from my arms.

  I watch as Knox grips Tyler’s beard and yanks. Tyler just laughs, causing those blue eyes of his to sparkle. That smile makes me weak in the knees, but then again, maybe it’s just Tyler.

  Let me paint the picture for you.

  He’s six foot two, blondish-brown hair that he keeps shaved, bright sky-blue eyes, beard, and muscles. His muscles have muscles. It’s from all the time he spends at the gym, plus construction isn’t an easy job. He works hard, and his body shows it. Let’s not forget his ink. Two full sleeves of intricate designs wrap up the sexy package that is Tyler Justice.

  “I had to tell Ridge first,” Kendall replies.

  “Fine,” I grumble good-naturedly.

  “Hey, do you mind keeping an eye on him for a few minutes?” Ridge asks.

  “Sure,” Tyler and I answer at the same time.

  Ridge takes Kendall’s hand and leads her out of the living room, and their footsteps disappear down the hall.

  “Daddy and Mommy need a minute,” Tyler tells Knox. “No, I can’t tell you right now, but when you’re older, Uncle Ty will fill you in.” He laughs as Knox just babbles back to him, still running his fingers through his beard. It’s not overly long, but long enough that the little guy can get a good grip.

  “Don’t corrupt him.” I lightly smack Tyler on the arm.

  “No, no.” Knox furrows his brow and points at me.

  “Sorry, buddy. Aunt Reagan was just playing.” He doesn’t seem convinced as he gives me a look I’m sure he’s seen from his parents more times than I can count. It’s that look that says you’re in trouble.

  “Give Aunt Reagan a kiss,” Tyler prompts. Knox lays his head on Tyler’s shoulder, not having any part of it. “Come on, buddy, like this.” Tyler steps close, and my breath hitches. He leans in and
places his lips on my cheek. He lingers, causing my body to hum for his. This is nothing new. I’ve wanted him forever, and as close as we’ve become, it’s harder and harder to ignore.

  “No.” Knox reaches for me, and I take him from Tyler. Little hands rest on my cheeks and he gives me a sloppy kiss right on the lips.

  “Is that how you do it?” Tyler laughs. He’s still standing close, so close I can feel his body aligned with mine. “Maybe I should try again,” he says softly, his gaze focused on my lips.

  Inside I’m screaming for him to do it. To lean in and kiss me, but that comes to a halt when there’s a loud knock on the door, followed by Mark’s voice calling out asking where everyone is. I’m relieved and disappointed all at the same time. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to kiss him. His lips are full and look so damn soft. Hell, they are. He’s kissed me on the cheek several times, but that’s not the same as feeling the firm press against my lips. It’s not the same as tasting him.

  Tyler reaches up and runs his hand over the back of Knox’s head that’s now resting on my shoulder, just as it was on Tyler’s just a few minutes earlier. He mumbles something that sounds like being jealous of a baby before he steps away, just in time for Mark and Dawn, followed by Seth and Kent, to walk into the living room.

  “There’s the birthday boy,” Dawn coos, walking next to me and holding her arms out for my nephew. He goes willingly, never one to pass up attention.

  Tyler stands close, too close for my heated body to calm down. “Ridge and Kendall… needed a minute,” I explain.

  “Beckett!” Kent yells down the hall. “Get your a— rear end out here,” he quickly corrects himself due to little ears.

  “Good save,” Dawn praises.

  “This little guy needs to get bigger, so Uncle Kent doesn’t have to watch his mouth.”

  “How old exactly does my nephew need to be for you to corrupt him?” I tease.

  “Five?” He raises his eyebrows in question.

  “Try at least thirteen,” I counter.

  “Damn,” he mutters, and we all laugh, including Knox.

  “Hey,” Ridge says from behind us, Kendall at his side, tucked in close. “We’re just waiting on the parentals,” he adds as there’s a knock at the door.

  My parents, followed by Kendall’s come in, arms full of gifts. “He’s one.” Kendall laughs. “Y’all went overboard.”

  Dawn calls her out. “Oh, and like you didn’t.”

  “He’s my son,” she fires back. No one seems to be fazed by her words. He’s been hers a lot longer than she’s been willing to admit it.

  “Officially,” Ridge says happily. “Kendall signed the papers.” No one asks what papers; we all know what his wedding gift to Kendall was. We’ve just been waiting for her to work past her grief from losing her sister, to accept it. Everyone calls out congratulations, some hugs are shared, and even a few tears. “One more thing, then we’ll get to our little man.” Ridge looks over at Knox who is now in Seth’s arms playing with his hair. “Knox has something to tell everyone. Seth, can you turn him so they can see his shirt?”

  I smile to myself. They’ve all been talking to Knox, holding him and not one of them has mentioned his shirt. Seth lifts Knox in the air, reads the shirt, and laughs. “Well, shit,” he says and gets scolded by all the women in the room. He turns him to face the crowd of friends and family. Knox wiggles and waves his hands and feet, excited that everyone around him seems to be excited too. Little man has no idea that he’s about to be a big brother.

  “Now, let’s get this party started.” Ridge kisses Kendall and leads the way to the back patio. The guys, Knox included, hold court by the grill where Seth and Kent make burgers and hot dogs. The women, well, we all crowd around Kendall.

  “Honey, I’m so happy for you,” Sonia, Kendall’s mom, says with tears shimmering in her eyes.

  “Thank you. This baby”—she places her hands over her still-flat stomach—“is unexpected, but we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

  “Two under two,” my mom comments. “I’m seeing more grandma time in our future, Sonia.” She laughs.

  “Definitely,” Kendall’s mom agrees.

  “Hey, what about Aunt Reagan time?” I pretend to be upset, though we all know I’m not. I get all the love I can take from my nephew, and I’m sure this new little one will be just the same.

  “I may not be blood, but Aunt Dawn is here too,” Dawn adds.

  “I’m going to need all the help I can get,” Kendall promises us.

  The day is perfect.

  Little Knox liked the bags and paper more than his gifts, but that’s to be expected. Kendall stripped him down to his diaper and placed his own little miniature cake on the high chair, and let him go crazy with it. He was hesitant at first, poking it with his little finger. It wasn’t until Ridge swiped some of the icing and acted as if it was the best thing he’d ever tasted that Knox got the idea. He smashed his tiny little hand right in the side of the cake and shoved a handful into his mouth. Everyone took pictures of that, even the guys.

  “Looks like somebody’s getting sleepy,” my mom says, watching as Knox keeps nodding off, even though he’s fighting it. He’s sitting on Tyler’s lap, and you can tell he’s exhausted from all the excitement of his party, but the little guy’s afraid he’s going to miss something.

  “We’re going to go.” Sonia stands and hugs Kendall and then Ridge before bending to place a kiss on Knox’s head. “Grammy will see you soon,” she tells him. Kendall’s dad bumps fists with him. Knox gives him a tired grin. I swear that kid is so much like his daddy, and his friends, it’s not funny. For Kendall’s sake, I hope they have a little girl this time.

  My parents follow suit and say their goodbyes. As soon as the door closes behind them, Kendall takes a seat on Ridge’s lap. “I’m exhausted.” She laughs. “But he had a good day. Thank you, guys, so much for spending the day with us.” Her eyes are soft as she watches Knox.

  “He’s lucky to have all of you,” Ridge adds.

  “Why don’t you two go get a nap while he does? I’ll take him up to his room and then clean up a little.”

  “No, we can do it.” Kendall starts to stand, but Ridge stops her.

  “Let her help,” he says. His voice is soft, but he’s leaving no room for negotiation, and we all know it. He loves her with everything he is, and he’s not afraid to show it. That includes making sure she’s taking care of herself. I can only imagine that’s going to get worse now that she’s pregnant.

  “Are you sure, Reagan?”

  “Positive.”

  “We’re going to go.” Dawn stands, and Kent and Mark do the same. “Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy,” she coos to Knox, who gives her a lazy grin even though he’s rubbing his eyes, still fighting off sleep.

  “I’ll take him upstairs.” I stand, but so does Tyler.

  “I’ll carry him for you.” He doesn’t wait for me to say yay or nay. He simply heads up the steps toward Knox’s room.

  “Thanks, sister,” Ridge says from where he and Kendall are standing.

  “Anytime. Go. I’ve got this.” I wave them off, and my brother doesn’t need further encouragement as he guides his wife down the hall. It makes my heart happy. When he first brought Knox home, he was convinced he needed to do everything on his own. I understood where he was coming from, but I’m also glad he finally realized that’s what family is for. Take the help when you can get it. Take time for yourself. Neither makes you a bad parent. Kendall helped him see that. Just another reason the two of them are a perfect fit. He listens to her, unlike the rest of us.

  Taking the stairs, I stop just outside Knox’s bedroom door. “You have a good day, little dude?” Tyler asks. “You got all kinds of cool new toys. Hold still.” He chuckles. Peeking through the door, I see he’s changing his diaper.

  All four of the guys have watched Knox at one time or another, and not one of them has ever complained about changing diapers. I’ve seen it h
appen on multiple occasions, but when I see Tyler do it, when I see him taking care of my nephew as if he’s precious to him, it does something to me. My insides get all gooey seeing this man who exudes sex appeal, confident in his abilities to care for an infant. He’s one of the good ones.

  “Hey,” I say softly, not to startle them. “Want me to take over?”

  “Nah, we’ve got this.” He pulls Knox’s shorts up over his diaper and lifts him from the table. “Is he still taking a bottle or not? Ridge mentioned they were going to start weaning him off them to a sippy cup now that he’s a big boy.” He says that last part to Knox, followed by blowing a raspberry on his belly, making him giggle.

  That’s another thing about Tyler. He listens. He pays attention. Not only that, but he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. “Yeah, still on the bottle. They were going to start on the transition tomorrow. Kendall didn’t want him to be cranky for his party. I’ll run down and make one.”

  “We’ll come with you.” He turns to look at Knox, who has his head resting on Tyler’s shoulder. “If we make it that far. He’s tuckered out.”

  “My grandma used to say that about us as kids.”

  “Mine did too.” He grins sheepishly.

  Once we’re downstairs, I quickly make a bottle and take a seat on the couch. “I can take him,” I tell Tyler.

  “Nah, he’s comfy. I don’t mind feeding him.” I pass him the bottle and a blanket. Knox loves to cuddle, and if you need him to go to sleep, a blanket—though anything soft will do—needs to be in his arms and he’ll drift right off to sleep. He’s always been easy like that—laidback just like his daddy.