Careless Storm (San Francisco End Game #4)

PROLOGUE

BLAIR – SPRING brEAK

Sierra’s high-pitched squeal draws my attention and I force my eyes open, squinting as the bright sun burns through my retinas.

I lift my head off my beach towel, focusing just in time to catch my brother, Cade, running through the sand, my friend Sierra dangling from his shoulders, slapping his ass as he beelines for the water.

I snort at the scene before Zane’s vibrant chuckle drowns out the world around me, and like always, my attention shifts to his mouth, his infectious smile sucking me in.

“I can feel you watching me, B,” he rasps, the edge of his lips lifting into a cocky grin while I study him closely. “And if I can feel it—”

“Ugh.” My shoulders sag. Moment ruined. “Why don’t we just tell him? It’s not like we’re doing anything wrong.”

“He’s my best friend, B. And your big brother.”

“Barely. He’s not some wise old man that knows what’s best for me.”

“You’re still off-limits, Little B. No matter what.”

Zane finally glances my way, hitting me with a burning gaze that heats me more than the sun does, but still, I roll my eyes. Despite our closeness in age, my “big” brother calls me Little B whenever he wants to annoy me. Which is pretty much daily. I’m not little. We’re only a year apart in school.

Zane calling me Little B now is his way of saying we have to be mindful of Cade.

We have to choose the right moment to tell him we’ve been seeing each other behind his back.

Because while Cade’s a good guy, he’s also very opinionated when it comes to my dating life.

Namely that no one is good enough for me. No one. And that includes our friends.

Lifting to my elbows, I bring myself closer to Zane, raising an eyebrow in challenge as our arms brush. “I could tell him, you know?” I joke. I’d never do that unless we both agreed.

“I do.” Zane’s breathy snicker brings about my smile.

“And honestly, I’ve thought about that a lot.

Wondering if I’m going to wake up one day with Cade holding a knife to my throat.

” Zane delivers his fear without humor, but the second I giggle, his laughter appears.

“Okay, he’s too soft for that. The worst he would do is call me an asshole and tell me to stay the fuck away from you.

From both of you. Which I’d be willing to risk if I wasn’t also concerned about him cutting you off. ”

“Aww, are you admitting you care?”

“Never.” His lips quirk into a grin and my heart races.

“Zane!” Sierra calls out, interrupting us as she stomps out of the water, glaring with her hair plastered to her face and her hands on her hips. “What the hell was that? Why didn’t you help me?”

“You went for his balls, Sierra. You told Cade he’d lost weight. You’re on your own.”

Sierra frowns, confusion clear in her creased brow. “Isn’t that a compliment? I said he looked trim.”

Oh, shit. I internally grimace on Cade’s behalf.

“He’s been working out for months, Sierra.” Zane stifles his joy, obviously enjoying the mess his sister got herself into. A hole she keeps digging.

“He has?” Sierra tilts her head, raking her eyes over Cade’s shirtless body, and we all break out into laughter, including Cade.

“Looks like you want another swim, Little S. You better run.” He takes a step toward her and she squeals again, rushing toward Zane, soaking us both as she hides behind him.

“You better stop him, Zane. This was your idea.”

And the plot thickens.

“What?” I giggle, my eyes flashing to Zane. “You told her to say that?”

“Guilty.” He lifts his shoulder in a shrug and bites back a mischievous grin.

“Zane told her to say it,” I call out to protect my friend, a sassy smile pulling at my lips.

Zane pins me with a glare of betrayal, his jaw dropping in mock horror. “Wow, Little B. You threw me under that bus without flinching.” He shakes his head, struggling to hide his amusement. “Get ready for payback.”

No sooner have the words left his mouth than my brother dives on top of him, tackling him to the sand, Sierra only just managing to get out of the way.

We both erupt in giggles while Zane hits me with a fake scowl.

But I don’t mind. I’m here for the payback. He’s leaving for college as soon as the school year is done. If he’s exacting his revenge, at least I’ll get to spend a little more time with him.

I plan to soak up every second I can.

ZANE – SPRING brEAK - ONE YEAR LATER

BLAIR 17 / ZANE ALMOST 19

Cade’s gym bag digs into my ribs while Blair’s featherlight touch brushes against my hand.

I work hard to hide my smile, peering out the window, my gaze focused on the tree-lined streets passing us by.

It’s no accident I’m stuck in the middle seat with Blair pressed against me.

She’s trying to get me in trouble. But I refuse to let her succeed.

We haven’t seen each other since Christmas and it’s now spring break, but as desperate as I am to kiss her, I’m not about to maul her on my ride home from college.

Especially with her brother in the front, yapping about some girl he met in the parking lot, while their dad, Tim—my former high school teacher and my father’s best friend—drives us home after Cade’s truck chose yesterday to break down.

“Zane,” Tim interrupts Cade’s rambling, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “Tell me again why you don’t have your truck on campus?” His nostrils flare with frustration. “I’m losing brain cells listening to Cade’s love life.”

Blair snorts out a laugh, while I stifle my own, seconds before becoming the object of Cade’s glare.

“Mom thought my truck might be a distraction,” I tell him. And she’s probably right. “It’s currently at home waiting for me, undoubtedly getting excited as we speak.”

“You and your fucking truck.” Cade shakes his head, hitting me with his obnoxious chuckle.

“Language, Cade,” Tim scolds. “What’s wrong with taking pride in something you love? Maybe if you cared about your truck, you’d be driving yourself home.”

“You’re right.” Cade smirks and I wait for what’s coming. “I’ll try harder to be more like Zane.” There it is.

“Woah. Hold up,” Tim’s quick to respond. “Let’s not forget I taught Zane. I take it back; I’m happy for you to be you.”

My smile breaks through, but I school my features as Tim shakes his head.

“I’ll have you know that I’ve changed since my high school days, Mr. Stevens.

I’m much more dedicated to learning now.

” I manage to maintain my straight face for all of ten seconds before I burst out laughing.

“At least, I’m dedicated to football. And since I plan on playing in the pros, I’m heading in the right direction. ”

“True, but you’ll need to keep your grades up if you want to hold on to your scholarship. It’s—”

“Not a free pass,” Blair, Cade, and I all repeat on cue. We’ve heard this spiel many times before.

“Yeah, okay.” Tim laughs to himself. “Work hard, don’t do drugs”—his eyes flash to mine when he says the word drugs, and I’d be offended if he hadn’t busted me the one and only time I tried Molly—”and,” he continues, “avoid distractions. There. I’ve said my bit. Now you’re on your own.”

“What do you consider distractions, Daddy?” Blair leans across me and her left breast brushes against my arm, forcing me to bite back a groan. It hasn’t escaped me that her tits are fuller since I last saw her, and it’s taking everything in my power not to give them the attention they deserve.

“For you…” Tim’s eyes lock on Blair’s, giving her a fatherly grin before hitting her with his response.

“Boys. Stay away from them. They’re nothing but trouble.

” Shifting uncomfortably closer to Cade’s bag, I wait for Tim’s gaze to shift to mine, but thankfully, it doesn’t.

He’s known me forever, and while I may not be the best example of a decent guy, I’d never hurt Blair, and I’d like to think that he gets that.

“Hear! Hear!” Cade beams and I can’t help but chuckle, even though I’m fucked.

After Mr. Stevens drops me at home, I do my bit, playing the part of the dutiful son, and spend quality time with my family—catching up and promising I’ll call more often the next time I’m gone. Though we all know I won’t.

No more than an hour passes before I’m sliding into the front seat of my truck, breathing in the familiar scent as I relax. Freedom. No classes, no practice. It’s just me, my friends, and the salty beach air. Fuck, I need this.

But I need something more.

I need B.

My chest tight with anticipation, I hightail it out of there, desperate to see Blair before the inevitable group chat lights up my phone, and we’re summoned to meet up.

Despite the urgency I feel, I take in the familiar surroundings as I drive, counting the stoplights like I used to when I was a kid. Three to reach Cade and Blair’s house. Five to the beach.

When I pull into the street behind the Stevens’s house, I slow my truck as I approach, creeping along in the hope that it makes my obnoxiously loud engine a little less distinguishable.

I come to a stop as Blair steps into view, hitting me with her soft, innocent smile, and like always, I’m taken by her.

She has this casual air about her that makes life seem a little less hectic, and when I’m with her, everything else becomes white noise.

It’s always been like that, but it took me a while to realize what it was. That it was her.

We’ve been playing this game for the past two years, sneaking around, stealing moments whenever we get the chance, and my obsession never wavers.

Blair has me hooked on her every word, her every movement, and it’s not even the fact that she knows everything about me.

She’s just Blair, my Blair, and I’m trying really hard not to fuck things up.

When she reaches the curb, I lean over to open her door, watching as she jumps in. Innocent smile gone, she rakes her lustful gaze over my body, and I force myself to look away, taking off before she’s finished buckling her seat belt.