Dare to Kiss (The Maxwell Series Book 1) by S.B. Alexander Page B

the haze from my head.
    “I asked him and Kross to join us this morning. They’re both vying for a position on the team. I thought they could help—you can throw pitches, they can practice their batting and fielding.”
    “Yeah, girl. We’d like to see what all the fuss is about. Tyler seems to think you’re great. Me, I don’t believe it,” Kelton said.
    I narrowed my eyes. What an ass .
    “Hey, don’t get your panties in a wad. I’m just saying,” he rasped as he put a blue ball cap on backwards.
    Images of me strangling Kelton popped into my brain. I’d been hanging out with boys my entire life. I even put up with a lot of crap from the team back in California, but Kelton was one for the books. Why he got under my skin more than anyone was beyond me. Or maybe I knew, and I didn’t want to admit it. After all, he sounded just like Kade. It was clear that Kade and Kelton were related. Granted, all the Maxwell brothers were gorgeous, but looks only went so far. Kade had a quiet intensity about him. He gave me the impression he fought hard and loved harder.
    “Where’s Kody? Doesn’t he play?” I asked.
    “Not this year.” Kelton tossed his bag on the ground near the backstop. “He’s ‘pursuing other interests.’”
    Kelton’s lookalike brother strode over from the dugout, tall and muscular. Side by side, I could see that he had bulkier biceps than Kelton.
    “This is my brother, Kross.”
    I flicked my head at him. “What’s up?”
    “Well, now. I’ve heard so many things about you,” Kross drawled in the same voice as Kelton. His blue eyes seemed a little darker than his brother’s.
    I rolled my eyes. “Did you now?” At this moment, I realized that Kody had a slightly lower pitch to his tone than these two brothers.
    “When I first saw you in psychology I didn’t agree with Kade. I only saw the back of your head. Up close, though, Kade was right. You are freaking hot,” Kross said as he sized me up like I was some piece of meat.
    A faint buzzing whirred in my head. “Is that how you two pick up girls? By looking at them as if you’re starving?”
    “It works,” Kelton said nonchalantly, like I should know this.
    “You must pick up tramps, then.”
    “Lacey?” Tyler snapped.
    “What? I’m tired of these two morons talking to me like I’m some prize that they have to compete for. Their innuendos are disgusting.”
    “Lacey,” Kross said, slipping his sports bag from his shoulder. “I’m sorry. I’m not a jackass like my brother Kelton here can be.” Unlike Kelton’s and Kade’s shaggy crops, Kross’s black hair was cut short and shaved on the sides.
    I was thankful for the different hairstyles. Plus it also helped that Kelton was wearing black track pants, and Kross wore a pair of gray wind pants. At least I could tell these two apart. “Could’ve fooled me,” I said.
    “Hey, whose side you on, bro?” Kelton demanded.
    “Shut up, man.” Kross whirled on his brother. “If Dad heard the way you talk to some girls, he’d tan your hide. If Kade heard it, you know he wouldn’t hesitate to go a few rounds in the ring.” Turning his attention back to me, he smoothed his hand over his head. “Forgive us—or at least me. There’s no excuse for his behavior.”
    “I accept your apology, Kross. Maybe there is hope for some of you.” I glowered at Kelton.
    He batted his long lashes my way. “I’m not changing who I am, so get over it,” he said.
    “Whatever. Just remember I can dish it out too,” I countered. “I have a mean right hook. Just ask Kade.”
    Tyler pushed Kelton. “Get out to shortstop.”
    “Anytime, girl. The ring awaits.” He stalked off to take his place at shortstop with his glove in his hand.
    I had no idea what he meant by “ring.” Given that Kross referred to something similar, I guessed he meant a boxing ring. It might be fun to box with one of these guys.
    “Lacey, take the mound,” Tyler said with a little irritation in his tone.