ALICE Ch 137

Kylie is an open book. Or she’s supposed to be; Alice has looked at her social media stuff. Kylie posts slightly drunk thirst-trap photos, takes pictures of food and dogs, herself and her friends, and seems very normal. Alice knows absolutely nothing about Australia despite having been there, and the picture that she has in her head of a cool, pretty girl like Kylie involves a disproportionate number of bikinis, beaches, and maybe kangaroos.

Despite the fact that Kylie isn’t quiet, mysterious, or closed off in any way, Alice absolutely cannot read her and it’s driving her crazy.

Kylie hasn’t mentioned the Faye thing at all, which isn’t even weird. It’s probably smart. Professional.

They’re working out in HQ at the paddock; Kylie’s policing Alice’s form with dumbbells with her usual deft touch and expertise. Kylie has remarked on how amazing Monaco is, the boats, the cars, and the party atmosphere. That’s not the weird part. The weird part is her loose little no-bra top and her shorts.

They aren’t super tight booty shorts or anything, although they’re so short that if Kylie bends, Alice is going to have a problem. They’re pink running shorts, more cute than sexy, but on Kylie that’s a meaningless distinction. It’s not the distraction that Alice minds; she’s used to having to be strong around Kylie. It’s the ambiguity.

Kylie knows how sexy Alice finds her. Kylie also probably knows that Alice is nursing an actual crush on her. The intensity of that crush varies with the crises of the day, but it exists. Is Kylie so used to being a hottie that she’s totally unselfconscious about this? Alice isn’t sure that she believes that. She knows. Kylie isn’t an… aeronautical engineering professor, but she is not stupid.

They break after a set, and Alice can no longer contain herself. The intrusive thoughts are killing her.

“Kylie.”

“Yeah?”

“Is that an attention-seeking outfit?”

Kylie chokes on her water and coughs. Her face is red. From coughing? Or because that was a direct hit? She glares at Alice.

“Sorry?”

“I’m just confused. I thought you were trying not to distract me,” Alice says. “Why now, when…” She’s not going to say it out loud.

Kylie closes her eyes and smiles, then puts her face in her hands.

“I’ve been called out,” she mumbles.

“I’m just confused. I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a jerk.”

“I’m being awful. Ignore me.”

“Kylie!”

“Kay.” Kylie sighs, and she’s trying not to laugh. She fans her face, then looks down at herself. “I really have, haven’t I?”

“Kind of. You look so hot,” Alice says truthfully. “Is it on purpose?”

“Probably!”

“Probably?”

“Probably!” Kylie stamps her foot and points an accusatory finger at Alice. “It’s your fault.”

Alice balks. “What?” she demands.