“Your studying. I know how lousy you are at it and how good I am.”

Kaegan saw the hint of a smile touch her lips. She was smart and intelligent, but when it came to studying, she struggled. They both knew it. Back in high school they would cram together the night before an exam to guarantee that they both aced it.

She didn’t say anything for a long moment, merely stared at him across the breakfast bar. Kaegan held his breath and only released it when she turned, reached into the cabinet and grabbed another plate. “Why would you want to help me?” she asked, over her shoulder.

He chose his words carefully. “Because I can remember a time, many years ago, when you helped me.”

She placed both plates on the table along with eating utensils. “Vash and I both did.”

“Yes, and today I’m helping you out as a way to thank you. Next week it might be Vashti, although I believe Sawyer’s pretty much got his wife protected. We don’t have to worry about her parents acting crazy with her any longer.”

“Oh, they’re still acting crazy. I guess you’ve heard about their latest stunt.”

Yes, he had. “All I have to say is they’d never met the likes of Sawyer Grisham,” he said, grinning. “They can act crazy, but if it means protecting his family, Sawyer will act crazier, trust me.”

He heard her chuckle and the sound did something to his insides. Made him wish for something he was determined to one day have again; namely, her in his life. After he’d returned to the party from the garden it was as if she’d disappeared and he’d known she was trying to put distance between them for a while. He had gotten drawn into conversations with Ray, Sawyer and their wives—people he felt comfortable with.

Bryce had returned an hour later and claimed to everyone she had wanted to mingle a bit and to give her parents, brothers and sisters-in-law some of her time. At least she hadn’t accepted a dance with any other guy during the night. Reid had been honored with a special award and he’d brought Gloria on stage to introduce her to everyone as his future wife. His granddaughters had also been called on stage with him, but they hadn’t needed any introductions since that scandal was old news.

“Kaegan?”

He glanced over at Bryce, bringing his thoughts back to the present. “Yes?”

“Since Mom sent enough for the both of us and I’m tired of pulling my hair out while trying to wrap my mind around that real-estate exam...and since I recall that you do have a simpler way of studying, I’ll take you up on your offer and appreciate you for making it. However, let’s get one thing clear—there’s nothing going on between us. Understood?”

He held her gaze while thinking more than anything he wished he could kiss that pout off her face. “Yes, I understand. May I use one of your bathrooms to wash up for dinner?”