Chapter Seven

Savvy

I wake up, momentarily confused as to where I am. When I reorient myself, recognizing the shape of Travis’s room that now belongs to me, I relax. A creaking sound draws my attention to the desk. He has a pair of black-rimmed reading glasses sitting on the end of his nose as he chicken pecks on the keyboard, glancing back and forth between the screen and a stack of papers.

Since he doesn’t know I’m awake yet, I watch him freely. Travis is rugged and handsome, but he’s a big teddy bear too. Last night proved to me that he was someone I could talk to. I could tell he was angry about what I told him, but he didn’t lose his temper like Cole may have.

I don’t remember going to bed last night. I’d been ready to watch the new movie, content on the couch with the guys, but I crashed almost immediately. They were gentle in their caresses. I’d felt safe and relaxed for the first time since my parents died.

The clock on my bedside table says it’s just after six in the morning. I have time to secretly watch Travis before I have to get up for school. Knowing Cole, he’s already out on his morning run.

Travis stifles a groan and rubs at his temple. Guilt washes over me knowing I’m invading his space.

“Need help?” I ask, voice a raspy croak. I sit up in bed, letting the blanket fall to my waist. “Looks like whatever it is may be kicking your ass.”

He grunts in agreement, barely sparing me a glance. “Not my favorite thing to do, but someone has to do it.”

“Want some coffee?”

I’m graced with a smile. “Yeah, little S. That would be great.”

Eager to help him, I slide out of bed and make a beeline to the restroom. Once I’ve done my business, brushed my teeth, and made sure my hair doesn’t look awful, I hurry downstairs, pleased when I’m greeted with the lovely smell.

God bless Cole for being an early riser.

After making our coffees, I head back upstairs and set Travis’s down on a coaster on the desk. He’s stiff when I lean down to hug him, but eventually relaxes, and hugs me back. I can’t help the shiver I feel at his touch.

I sit back down on the bed and snatch my phone up with my free hand. I’ve missed a few texts.

Cole: Good morning, Savvy. When you get this, let me know your schedule for the day and if you have rides. If not, I’ll move things around, so you’re taken care of. Hope you get some good sleep so we can actually watch the movie tonight.

I smile at his message. It’s a definite improvement from yesterday morning.

Me: Can you pick me up at ten or is that too late? Tonight is my first full shift. Last night was training. If it’s too late, I can catch a ride home.

Cole: I’ll be there. Looks like we’ll watch that movie this weekend. Have a good day, sweetheart.

Sweetheart?

I blush at the pet name. He’s called me sweetheart many times over the years, but it’s the first time since becoming an adult. It hits different. I don’t hate it, that’s for sure.

Another text I missed is from Addison. We messaged a bit last night, both of us happy to reconnect. I must’ve missed her most recent text during the movie.

Addison: Mom said she told the social worker they’re free to foster another kid. I just got my room back. I hate this.

She sent me several sour face emojis.

Me: Maybe one of the boys can get the next one.

Addison: Yeah, right. Dad says girls are easier than boys and that he’s not allowing some strange boy in our house. That means another girl to share my room with. We both know she won’t be as cool as you, Sav.

Me: You always wanted a little sister. Maybe this is your chance.

Addison: My thoughts exactly! I told them this. They both said no. Older is easier. Ugh. Can I move in with you?

I laugh at her question, earning Travis’s gaze my way. Glancing up at him, I shrug. He rakes his eyes over me but quickly darts them back to the computer. I’m wondering if my confession last night has made things awkward for him. I hope not.

Me: There’s a lot of testosterone around here. I miss my roomie. Pack a bag and hitch a ride to me.

Addison: I wish. But then who would pay for my nails?

Me: I guess me. Your girl got a job.

Addison: WHAT?! WHERE?

Me: Smoke & Sugar. I’m a hostess but will fill in if we have any waitresses out. You’d like it. Super bougie.

It feels good to talk to my friend. I’m so caught up in it, I lose track of time. Brayden texts me.

Brayden: Waiting outside. No rush.

He’s being nice, though. I have to rush, or we’ll be late.

“Oh my God,” I squeak out before chugging the rest of my now cool coffee. “I’m going to be late.”

Travis, attention glued on the screen, grunts.

“Don’t look,” I tell him as I tug at the hem of my shirt.

He jerks his head my way, sees that I’m removing my shirt, and snaps his head back so hard I’m shocked he doesn’t break his neck. I bite back a laugh at his reaction. It’s empowering to know I can get under their skin.

“I can leave,” Travis growls. “Or you could go to the bathroom.”

“Or you could just not look.” I toss my shirt at him. It lands on his head. “I trust you.”

He snatches it off his head and huffs. Travis is a good man, though, and keeps his eyes averted. I quickly throw on a bra, black crop top, and a pair of leggings. After I pull on socks and shoes, I spritz on my perfume and throw some mascara on my lashes.

“Gotta go,” I say, rushing over to him. “Cole’s going to pick me up after work.”

“Bye, little S. Don’t do that shit again.”

His threat doesn’t have much bite. I give him a quick hug before snatching my backpack and phone. When I exit the bedroom, I plow right into Cole’s sweaty chest. His bare , sweaty chest.

“You’re in a rush,” he grunts, gripping my shoulders and pulling me away from him. “You smell good.”

I laugh. “You smell awful. See you later.”

I’m pretty sure I shock us both when I stand on my toes and press a quick kiss to his cheek. Before he has a chance to react, I rush downstairs and out of the house. Brayden gives me a nod when he sees me.

“Sorry,” I mutter once I’m inside the truck. “I got caught up texting with Addison. You good?”

“I’m fine,” he grumbles. “My neighbors fought all night. Since my room faces theirs, I got to hear their shouting. Fun times.”

“That sucks. Which neighbors?”

“Casey and Derek.”

I try to remember what Travis said about them. When nothing comes to mind, I change the conversation to school.

“So,” I say, voice teasing. “Anyone at school I should try and hook you up with?”

He snorts out a laugh. “They’re all too immature.”

“Am I too immature?”

“Are you offering yourself up?”

I playfully punch his arm. “No. You’re my friend. Friends don’t date.”

“Good. I didn’t want to have to break your heart. Glad we cleared that up.”

We both laugh and then settle into a comfortable silence.

Today I’m feeling much more relaxed. The weirdness between me, Cole, and Travis is gone, and I’m more comfortable around Brayden this morning. Maybe this new situation will be much better than I expected.

When we reach the school, one shiny, ostentatious vehicle in the parking lot stands out among the sea of regular, dented and cheaper ones.

Why is he at my school?

“Oh great,” I mutter. “I know that guy. He’s an asshole. Park far away from him.”

My heart rate stutters out of control in my chest. I’m not sure why he’s here, but I don’t like it. Brayden, face twisted in concern, does as instructed. We both climb out and start hoofing it toward the building.

A figure materializes into my line of vision just before we reach the door. I recognize the blond curly hair and cruel slant of his mouth.

Rhett.

“Hello, baby sister. Do you miss me yet?”

Me and Brayden slow to a stop in front of Rhett. I’m thankful my new friend doesn’t leave me alone with this jerk.

“I’m going to be late for class,” I clip out, annoyance dripping from my words. “What do you want?”

He steps toward me and Brayden stiffens. Rhett plays rugby, lacrosse, and soccer. He’s broad and muscular. Brayden’s lithe, non-sporty frame doesn’t stand a chance against him.

“Mom and Dad shouldn’t have let you leave,” Rhett says angrily. “To go live with two strangers? Have they hurt you?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “They’re my parents’ friends. Practically family. Not sure why it matters to you. I didn’t think you cared about me.”

“Seriously?” Rhett grips my shoulders and shakes me lightly. “Of course I care. Dad and Addison are taking it the hardest, but I miss you too. No one else is as much fun to tease.”

Bully.

He means no one else is as much fun to bully.

I attempt to shake him off me, but his hold is too strong. To my shock, Brayden grabs his forearm.

“Let her go,” Brayden says icily.

Rhett tears his sneering face from mine to glower at my friend. “Who are you? Her boyfriend?” He barks out a sadistic laugh before turning back to me. “Savvy, you can do better than that.”

“Is there a problem here?” a cold, authoritative voice says from behind Rhett.

Rhett releases me and steps away to face… Coach Long?

My first hour teacher is bigger than Rhett, and from the looks of it, more muscular too. Coach Long nods his head toward Rhett’s car. “You don’t go to school here. Time to go, kid, or I’m calling Sheriff McMahon.”

Rhett narrows his eyes at Coach Long and then shakes his head. “Whatever. We can catch up later. Addison gave me your new number. See you soon, baby sister.”

He strides away without another word. Coach Long cocks his head to study me. I want to squirm under his intense stare.

“That’s your brother?” he asks.

“Rhett was my foster brother,” I explain, heat creeping over my cheeks. “I don’t know how he knew where to find me.”

“Is he tracking your phone?” Brayden asks. “Seems like a psychopathic thing he would do.”

He’s not wrong.

“I hope not,” I utter. “This is a new phone. I’m not sure how he could do that.”

“He seems like trouble,” Coach Long says. “Be careful around that one.” He then smirks at me. “Get to class before the bell rings.”

As he saunters away, Brayden nudges me. “He’s not joking. That man gives out detention more than any other teacher in the school combined. If you have to be at your job after school, I suggest you make sure you’re not late.”

I have to run the entire way to class, even passing Coach Long on my trek, and barely make it into my seat when the bell rings.

Even as he starts his lecture, I can’t focus on his words. I keep thinking about Rhett of all people. Why can’t he leave me alone?

What’s more unnerving is he knew exactly where to find me and when I’d be there. With my old phone, I was undoubtedly being tracked via their family app, but now that I’m free of them, how was he able to locate me?

My gaze drops down to my backpack. It was a gift from Leah, and she never asked for it back. Could they still be tracking me through my backpack?

“Miss Collins,” Coach Long barks out, jerking me from my thoughts. “Daydreaming will get you Fs and detention. You only get one warning. Take notes.”

A few kids snigger but are cowed into silence when Coach Long glowers at them. I quickly obey and whip out my Chromebook to take notes.

Daydreams might get me Fs, but escaping the reality of Rhett following me is more preferable than a good grade. I happily think about anything else other than that creep.

I think about Travis’s fingers in my hair and Cole’s hands massaging my feet.

Daydreaming is worth the threat of detention.

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