Always You (True Love Series Book 3)

Jaime I’ve known Kevin for what feels like forever. He’s Keira’s twin brother—and since Keira has been my best friend since childhood, that means I’ve had a front-row seat to Kevin’s entire evolution. I watched him go from the annoying, punk-ass bully who lived to torment his sister, to the protective brother who would fight the world for her. Somewhere in between that shift, Kevin and I blurred a line I swore I’d never cross. At first, it was harmless—a stolen kiss when no one was looking, a brush of lips that lingered too long. But then the teasing touches turned into something heavier, something impossible to shrug off as casual. Before either of us admitted it, we were already falling. By the time our secret make-out sessions were exposed—busted by practically everyone in our lives—we couldn’t deny the truth anymore: we were a couple. High school dating had been its own world, but college? College was a completely different beast. Maybe it was the sudden freedom, maybe it was the pressure to reinvent yourself. Either way, I quickly realized that the take-charge attitude that had always defined me didn’t translate so easily. In high school, confidence made you untouchable. In college, it made you a target. Professors, peers, situations—I was constantly told to “know my place.” For the first time, doubt crept in. That doubt grew into anxiety. I’ll never forget my first panic attack. My chest was tight, my breathing erratic, and I thought I was going to collapse. Kevin had been there. He talked me through it, grounded me, held me until the storm passed. He was a good boyfriend, and I loved him deeply. But Kevin had his own shadows—anger he never talked about, hurts he never healed. He shut down when it mattered most, and I broke apart when I needed strength. The combination was explosive. So we ended things. Six years have passed since that breakup. Keira and I stayed close—she’s my sister in everything but blood. Through her, I heard about Kevin. He dated, but nothing serious. I’d catch glimpses of him at family events, though I skipped more than a few. When Keira married Adam, who also happens to be Kevin’s best friend, I was there. But I missed her daughter’s baptism two years ago—my company had landed a huge celebrity contract, and I was out of town. And now? Keira’s pregnant again, this time with a boy, and she’s hired me to plan her baby shower. Which is why I was at her dining table, flipping through color swatches and centerpiece ideas, when Adam walked in with someone behind him. Kevin. The sight of him hit me like a freight train. He wore workout clothes, his shirt clinging to muscles I swear didn’t exist back in college. His arms, his chest, even the sharp cut of his jaw—he had grown into his body, into himself. And I hated how my body reacted. Memories of his hands on me, of his lips, his voice in my ear—they all came rushing back, uninvited. I shoved the thoughts away. This was Kevin. My ex. My best friend’s brother. The boy who broke me once. And yet… God, he looked incredible. “Hey, Kevin,” I said, forcing casual into my voice. He glanced at me, surprise flickering across his face before settling into a smile that hadn’t changed at all. “Hey, Jamie. It’s been a long time. How are you?” ⸻ Kevin Adam had been bugging me for weeks about joining me at the gym. He called it “daddy weight,” the extra pounds he’d gained since becoming a father, and he wanted them gone. I didn’t mind—working out had become my outlet, my therapy. I started lifting two years ago, after college ended and I took a job at Adam’s father’s company. I spent every day surrounded by men who had power, men who carried themselves with authority. Something in me snapped—I didn’t want to feel small or powerless anymore. So I poured myself into the gym. Every rep, every mile, every drop of sweat was rage and grief and frustration burned out of me. The result? A six-pack, arms that drew stares, and a discipline I’d never had before. Women noticed, sure. But none of them ever really mattered. Because the truth was, I’d already had the girl. I’d already lost her too. Jaime. My sister’s best friend. My first real love. The one who got away. I wasn’t expecting her when Adam and I walked into the house that night. I’d been ready for dinner, maybe a few laughs with my niece before heading home. But instead, there she was, sitting at the table with Keira, her hair framing her face perfectly, her presence like a punch straight to my chest. She hadn’t changed—except she had. She was even more beautiful. Older, sharper, more confident, but still Jaime. And seeing her again reminded me of everything I thought I’d buried. She looked up at me, her eyes widening just slightly before she spoke. “Hey, Kevin.” God, hearing her voice again—it dragged me right back to seventeen, sneaking around, falling in love when I wasn’t supposed to. I smiled, trying to play it cool. “Hey, Jamie. It’s been a long time. How are you?” “Good. Busy with my business, but good.” Her business. Party planning. Of course she’d kill at it—she always had that unstoppable drive. I felt pride twist with regret as I said, “That’s good. I’m glad your business is successful. You deserve that.” Before I could say more, Keira jumped in. “Jamie, let’s clean this up so we can set the table for dinner.” I glanced between them, then asked, “Are you staying for dinner?” “Keira insisted,” she said with a small smile. “So yeah.” The silence that followed was thick, awkward in a way it never used to be. I knew her—better than anyone. I knew the way she laughed when she was nervous, the way she chewed her lip when she was deep in thought. And yet standing there, it felt like we were strangers fumbling through polite small talk. Why? Maybe because she’s the one who slipped through my fingers. Maybe because, despite everything, part of me still wanted her. Damn it, Jaime. Why did you have to look so beautiful tonight?