Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 6

**Chapter 6**

**Bailey’s POV**

“Kaleb Hayes is so freaking hot… I just had to come to this party once I heard he would be here.” A group of girls giggled as they strolled past me, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

What had started as my celebration had morphed into a spectacle, drawing in everyone from Pawley Island, not for me, but for Kaleb. He had always been the most sought-after guy in school.

And somehow, he still held that title.

Perhaps it was his sudden disappearance, vanishing for years only to return looking even more stunning and enigmatic than before, that had woven this irresistible allure around him.

I spotted him lounging by the pool with David, a drink in hand, laughter and camaraderie surrounding them.

A throng of admirers—both guys and girls—were entranced, their eyes glued to the duo. I rolled my eyes and turned away, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation.

It was my party, after all! I had just earned acceptance into every college I applied to, and I should be reveling in the moment. Yet, my mind was inexplicably consumed with thoughts of Kaleb.

The previous night had been a blur; he hadn’t returned to the diner after leaving with Lila. The only time I had seen him was when he strolled into the party, her hand in his.

But what did it matter now? The entire town was well aware of Kaleb’s notorious reputation as a playboy, a heartbreaker who belonged to no one. Wasting my feelings on him was a futile endeavor.

The party was alive with energy, every nook and cranny of the summer house bustling with laughter and chatter.

Determined to shake off my thoughts of Kaleb, I made my way to the drink table and grabbed a plastic cup filled with fruit punch, hoping the sugary concoction would brighten my spirits.

“Congratulations, Bailey!”

I turned, startled by the sudden voice. A tall guy stood beside me, holding his own cup. His tousled dark hair framed a face that was undeniably attractive, with bright hazel eyes that sparkled with mischief.

“Uh… thanks,” I stammered, blinking in surprise.

“Are you really drinking that?” He nodded toward my fruit punch, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Why? What’s wrong with it?” I replied defensively.

“Nothing, except it’s a kiddie drink.” He raised his own cup in a toast. “This one’s way better.”

I had no clue who this guy was, but he certainly had the looks. Tall and lean, with broad shoulders, he wore a polo shirt that was half-unbuttoned, giving off a laid-back, college frat vibe.

“Sorry, do I… know you?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, trying to place him.

“I’m Sam. I’m friends with David. I’m in my final year at Brown,” he said, taking a sip of his drink while studying me with a hint of curiosity.

“He was bragging about how his little sister got into, like, ten schools?”

I felt my cheeks flush. “Not ten. Just… five, but yeah.”

“Five?” He whistled, clearly impressed.

“Okay, okay, smart girl, you’ve got to try this.” He extended his cup toward me.

I hesitated, eyeing the drink suspiciously. “What is it?”

“An alcoholic sweet mix,” he replied with a grin.

I raised an eyebrow. “And you’re not secretly trying to poison me or anything?”

He gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “Me? Poison David’s sister? I value my life too much for that!”

His playful banter made me laugh, and I took a tentative sip of the drink.

“Okay… not bad,” I admitted, surprised at how much I liked it.

“See? Told you it was good.”

Before I knew it, we were lost in conversation for hours, sharing silly stories and laughing until my sides hurt.

In my fit of laughter, I accidentally spilled some of my drink on my dress.

“Crap,” I muttered, glancing down at the crimson stain spreading across the sunny yellow fabric.

Sam’s grin widened. “Perfect excuse.”

“For what?” I asked, confused.

“The pool,” he said, pointing toward the shimmering water where people were splashing and laughing, carefree in their summer revelry. “Come on!”

I hesitated, uncertainty creeping in. “I don’t know…”

“Bailey,” he urged, his tone coaxing. “It’s your party. If you’re not having fun, then who will?”

His words ignited a spark of determination within me. I quickly stripped down to my bikini, tossing my dress onto a nearby chair, and sprinted toward the pool.

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