Chapter One Cassian
I take a deep breath as I step out of my truck.
I’ve just moved to Fallon, a small town in Nevada.
I was grateful to be able to start over since things with my girlfriend didn’t work out.
I couldn’t stay in our city and see her with him anymore.
I still can’t believe that she didn’t think I would find out about them.
I applied for the English teacher position at the high school and got the job. So here we are—me and Jaylen, my best friend since I was two days old—or so my mother tells me. All I know is we’ve been joined at the hip since I can remember.
Being a twenty-nine-year-old English teacher sometimes has its downside. The teenagers don’t think I went to college or I’m fit to teach them. But I also know what they are going through and have more patience with the students.
“Do you have the address?” Jaylen asks as he looks at his phone.
I point to my phone. “It’s in my email,” I say without looking at him.
Jaylen will be joining the police department here in Fallon.
He’s one badass detective and was lucky enough to get a transfer.
Or should I say I’m the lucky one, seeing as I’m the one who wanted to leave?
Jaylen didn’t want to stay behind alone and agreed to come with me.
Like I said, we have been joined by the hip since I can remember.
I drive down the road as Jaylen checks the address.
He adds it to the GPS, and I follow the directions.
I purchased a family home with a cottage before moving here.
I’m a little worried as I have only seen photos of the place, but fell in love with it instantly.
Jaylen will be living in the cottage for the time being.
The area is also what drew me in; it’s close to the high school, and there are a few shops and cafès not too far from where we’ll be.
It wasn’t long before I pulled into my new driveway. Me and Jaylen lean forward to check out the house. I have a gorgeous two-story house with a little garden and a white picket fence. The type of house you settle down in. The cottage is off to the right side. It’s between two smaller houses.
“Dude, this place is beautiful,” Jaylen states as he keeps his eyes on the cottage.
“I was lucky. I can see myself living here forever.” I pull my key out of the ignition before I jump out with Jaylen following me. “The moving truck should be here tomorrow.” I walk up the driveway to see a woman standing on my porch. She smiles as she walks down the three steps towards us.
“Mr. Austin?” She holds her hand out as she flips her straight black hair over her shoulder. She’s beautiful, but she’s trying too hard.
“Cassian Austin, you must be Miss Thomas?” I shake her hand. Jaylen shakes it after me. “This is Jaylen Lopez.” I pat Jaylen on the chest.
“I’m Pippa Thomas, the realtor with Fallon Housing.” She turns towards me again and puts her hand on my arm. “Is Mrs. Austin going to be here soon?”
Jaylen snorts as he puts his arm around my waist.
“Mr. Austin.” He winks at her before he pulls me away.
I try my best not to laugh as we walk to the house.
“Now, can we have the key, please?” She stares at Jaylen before she holds the key out to him.
He takes it but keeps his hand on my waist. He is really selling it.
She spins around and rushes to her car before she drives off. I laugh as I push away from Jaylen.
“You’re an ass.” I grab the keys out of his hands and unlock my door.
“It got her off your back.” He follows me as he walks in after me.
“Who says I wasn’t interested?” I raise my eyebrow as I walk into the kitchen. There is still nothing in the house. We’ll sleep on the floor until the moving truck arrives with all our furniture.
He jumps on the counter and whistles as he looks at me. “I know you. I saw the look in your eyes.” He points his finger at my eyes as I lean against the sink. “Don’t let Arina win. You have tons of love to give, and you will meet that one girl who is meant for you.” He keeps his eyes on me.
I know he is right. Arina might have broken my trust, but not all women are alike.
I trusted her, and she ran off with her boss, the man she constantly told me she was not interested in.
I wouldn’t have known about them if it wasn’t for Jaylen.
He responded to a call at a hotel, and he was shocked to see her in a heated kiss with her boss.
He didn’t tell me; he just told me to get to the hotel.
I needed to see it. I needed to know she wasn’t as committed as I was.
It made the move to Fallon much easier. She never wanted a teacher for a husband or even a boyfriend. Teachers aren’t high-class enough for her. If only she knew.
“You’re right. This is where I’m meant to be.” I smile as I look at my best friend. We’ll be alright.