Chapter Two
The week before school flew by and before I knew it, Monday morning rolled around. My alarm went off at 6:40 am and woke me from a fitful sleep. I’d been having weird dreams the past couple nights. I knew it was the same one, over and over again, but as soon as I woke up, I couldn’t remember a thing about it. Knowing that I didn’t have time to ponder what my subconscious was trying to tell me, I rolled out of bed and into the bathroom across the hall. Within thirty minutes, I was dressed and ready. Best thing about being a low maintenance girl, all I had to do was run a brush through my hair, apply a little mascara, and I was good to go.
Nicole was downstairs making breakfast as I made my way to the kitchen. She didn’t start work until the following week and she was nice enough to volunteer breakfast duty the first week.
“Good morning,” Nicole chimed as she slid a plateful of bacon, eggs, and toast in front of me. My mouth watered at the aroma.
“Morning. Thanks for this.” I nodded down at my plate as I dug in with my fork.
“You’re welcome.” She smiled as Steve walked into the room. Steve wrapped Nicole in a hug before they shared a brief kiss and smiled at each other. He stepped away and sat down beside me.
“Good morning Kendra.”
“Morning.” I replied around a mouthful of food.
“Excited for today?” He asked and I shrugged. Last first day of high school. I was excited about that, but I didn’t think that was what he meant. He continued on when I didn’t answer. “I’ll have to find a car for you before winter comes. School’s not far to walk right now but you’ll need something when the weather turns.”
“I don’t mind walking.”
“I know. But you might want to go places and we only have the truck. Nicole will be using that for work so you’ll need something to get around.”
“Maybe that McCoy family can give you a lift?” Nicole suggested with a wink. I rolled my eyes in response.
“I haven’t heard from them since they left last week. They probably live on the other side of the school and it would be out of the way anyways.”
“Hmm…some boys are chivalrous.”
“Who said we were talking about Cade?” I asked as I stood to put my dishes in the dishwasher. “Cassie could drive too.”
“I have a feeling Cade does most of the driving.” Nicole commented as a knock sounded at the front door. I looked up to see both Steve and Nicole share a glance before they looked at me.
“Don’t look at me. I don’t know who it would be.” I shrugged. Steve sighed and made his way to the door as someone knocked again. He opened the door and I heard deep voices and then a chuckle.
“Kendra, your ride’s here.”
“What?!” I almost yelled. I glanced to Nicole to see her smothering a laugh as I peered around the corner to see who was at the door. Cade was standing there. My eyes bugged. “What the hell are you doing here?” I asked heatedly.
“Kendra!” Nicole scolded before she sidestepped around me and walked toward the door. “Finish getting ready and be down here in five minutes.” I stared bewildered as she and Steve ushered Cade into my house. My House. Cade smirked in my direction and I scowled. This was so not happening. I pivoted and went back upstairs to brush my teeth and grab my school bag.
It was supposed to be warm that day so all I had on was a t-shirt and my favorite jeans. This time I wore sneakers. Just in case there was running involved on the first day of school. You never knew when you went to a new school what kind of reception you would get. I slung my bag over one shoulder, glanced in the mirror and scowled at myself for checking my appearance. Why should I feel the need to impress? I turned and slowly made my way downstairs. I could hear Nicole laughing at something that was said and it just set my irritation on edge. Ok yes, it was nice to have a ride to school. But why did it have to be him? Why, of all the days, did he have to show up today? Or ever?
I rounded the corner and came to a halt as my eyes landed on him. Before when he walked into the house, I only caught a glimpse of him before I left to finish getting ready for school. Now, he was standing not two feet away, looking directly at me. I couldn’t help my eyes as they traveled down his tall, lean frame, taking in his form fitting t-shirt, hipbone hugging jeans, down to his combat boots. My eyes made the reverse journey before I could stop myself and I found him smirking, again, at my blatant perusal. Oh. My. God. I did NOT just check him out with him watching. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Ok, great start to the new school year. I opened my eyes and regarded him.
“I don’t recall a conversation about me needing a ride to school.”
“I was passing by. Thought it would be a nice gesture, it being your first day in a new school and all.”
“Is Cassie with you?”
“No. She rode with the others.”
“Others?”
“Brody, Hunter and Bree.”
“Do you all live around each other?”
“Not far.”
“Oh.” I glance at Nicole and Steve to see them watching our exchange with interest. A little too much interest on Nicole’s part. I cleared my throat. “If we’re doing this, we should probably be going.”
“After you,” he gestured for me to go in front of him. I turned and made my way toward the front door but he stepped around me to open it for me. I gave him a sideways glance that he didn’t acknowledge.
“Bye Kendra!” Nicole called as we made our way down the front steps. “Have a great first day!” I waved in response and looked down the driveway to see an unfamiliar car. An unfamiliar NICE car. It was a Dodge Charger, newer model, sleek black, and oh so sexy. I had to be drooling. Did he have an obsession with black vehicles? Not that I was complaining. This car was a powerhouse of power…speed…and sexiness. I stared hard at the car as we approached and finally noticed that Cade was following me to my side. I turned and faced him.
“What are you doing?”
“Being a gentleman.” He again sidestepped me and opened the passenger door. I looked from him, to the door and back, then raised an eyebrow. He grinned in response. “Just get in.” I shook my head and slid inside, holding my backpack on my lap. He shut the door and I watched his graceful frame saunter around the front of the car. I couldn’t believe I was letting him drive me to school. But then again…
I glanced around the interior and thought I could put up with him for a few blocks just for a chance to ride in that car. I sighed in admiration just as he opened his door and folded himself inside. Without asking, he grabbed my backpack and set it down in the seat behind. He glanced at my seat before demanding, “Buckle up.”
“Well aren’t we bossy this morning.” I grumbled as I reached for the seat belt. He didn’t answer as he put his own seat belt on and started the engine. I closed my eyes in satisfaction at the purr of the engine and a small smile escaped.
“You okay?” Cade asked, and I looked over to find him looking at me funny. I sat up straighter and cleared my throat.
“Fine. What happened to the truck?” I asked to sidetrack him.
“I don’t like taking that into the school parking lot.”
“And this is better?” I asked appalled.
“Well, it fits better. Besides, people know not to park beside me unless they have a death wish.”
“A little protective of your babies, huh?” I teased.
“I’m protective of everything.” His fleeting glance in my direction had me clamming up. He backed out of the driveway and headed in the direction of the school. The school really wasn’t that far. It would have only taken me fifteen minutes to walk. Now it was going to take five.
“Do you like your stepdad?” Cade’s question caught me off guard.
“What?”
“Your stepdad. You don’t have the same last name as him so I assumed your mom married him after you were born.”
“He’s not my stepdad.”
“He’s your father then? He took your stepmom’s last name?”
“Look, I’d really rather not talk about it.” I stated firmly as I looked out the side window. I pulled my silver necklace free and played with the pendant on the chain as I ignored Cade beside me. Thirty seconds later we pulled into the parking lot, near the end of course, and farthest from the school doors. As soon as he parked, I reached behind the seat, grabbed my bag, and was out of the car in no time. I headed toward the main doors without looking back at Cade, who I could feel following me with his gaze.
There were a few students around, but not many that early. I made my way to the high school office to pick up my locker combo and schedule. The staff was nice, maybe a little too chipper for the first day of school, but I hardly paid attention past accepting my combo and schedule. My mind was still back on Cade and our conversation in the car. Why was he asking personal questions? Why did he have to ask THAT personal question?
By the time I found my locker and had it open, the hallway was filling up with students. There were a few curious looks my way but no one made an effort to talk to me. Which I was fine with. I wasn’t in the best of mood thanks to Cade. Speak of the devil, I watched as he stepped up and leaned against the locker beside me.
“What was that?” He asked quietly.
“What was what?” I murmured as I fiddled with things in my locker instead of looking at him.
“You blew me off.”
“You were asking questions.”
“Isn’t that what people do to get to know someone?”
“Why would you want to get to know me?”
“I told you, we take care of our own. I can’t protect you if I don’t know anything about you.”
“What is with all this talk about protection? And who said I needed your protection?” I asked heatedly, but still confused as I looked up at him. He regarded me steadily before continuing.
“I did. The sooner you accept that the smoother our interactions will be.”
“I don’t want or need anything from you.” I said as I slammed my locker shut and squared up with him. He stood straighter in front of me and gazed down at me intensely.
“Are you challenging me?” He asked. His voice had dropped and he seemed to have grown in size as he took one step forward into my space. Something inside me stood at attention and I refused to back down. That was something I learned at an early age in the foster system. You back down once and you are the punching bag. While standing up to others can still lead to being bruised and beat up, at least they know you aren’t an easy target.
“Whoa, you two, take it down a notch.” Cassie interjected as she gently pushed Cade back and faced me. “What’s going on?”
“Your brother is pushy and demanding.” I stated, still staring down Cade, which was a feat when he stood about six inches taller than me. Cassie snorted.
“Tell me something I don’t know.” She looked around and I finally realized the scene we were making in the hallway as other kids stared at us. I ignored Cade as I half turned and leaned back against my locker. Cassie sighed before looking back at me. “What’s your first class?”
I glanced down at my schedule and replied, “English.”
“Great! That’s what I have. Let’s go.” She looped her arm through mine and tugged me down the hallway. I glanced once behind me to see if Cade had moved on, only to find his gaze locked firmly on me. His brown eyes were doing that penetrating thing again, where they tried to find answers I was unwilling to give. I turned quickly around and attempted to pay attention to where I was going. Cassie led me down the hall and swept me into a room that filled up fast. She snagged a table near the back with two seats and ushered me into the other one. She didn’t pry as to what went down between her brother and me which I was eternally grateful. I didn’t know what his problem was and his whole “protector” demeanor was really…well, weird.
My first three classes went by easily enough. Cassie was in the first two with me. Our second class was art, which had Cade in there with us. I ignored him as much as I could, which was difficult when Cassie insisted we all sit at the same table. Since Cassie and I had different third period classes, Cade took it upon himself to escort me to our next class, P.E. It was a silent walk because neither of us was willing to rehash what went on that morning.
When we finally reached the gym, I was more than happy to see shy Bree sitting alone on the bleachers. Without a word, I left Cade and went to sit by her. I watched as Cade made his way down the bleachers and sat next to Hunter. I could already tell this was going to be a fun class with him and brooding Hunter in it. The teacher went over the rules, what was expected, and then we were assigned another locker in the locker room. We were told to go make sure the combinations worked and I found that Bree had a locker right next to mine.
“How are things going, Kendra?” Bree asked as we tested our lockers.
“Fine.”
“I’m sorry about last week.” I looked at her in question. “About calling you out. Saying you were staring at Cassie and the guys.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I smiled. “Besides, I was.”
“I know.”She chuckled.
“I was just curious. I really didn’t mean to watch them that long.” She nodded before changing the subject.
“I saw you arguing with Cade this morning.” She said, leadingly. I didn’t take the bait. “I can’t believe you stood up to him.” That got my attention.
“What do you mean?”
“Most of us back down. He can have a really…intimidating…personality.” I looked at her in question before she quickly continued. “I don’t mean he’s abusive. Quite the opposite. He’s a natural born protector and looks out for those close to him. But his personality makes him appear, well for a lack of better term, alpha wolf.”
“Alpha wolf?” I asked. “So like he’s top dog and everyone else does what he says?”
“Essentially, well about the top dog thing, anyway.” She nodded, happy I understood her. “Not everyone sees it that way, obviously,” she nodded in my direction, “but he’d never put anyone in harm’s way. He doesn’t tell people what to do unless it’s for their safety or those around them. Like I said, he’s a born protector.”
“I don’t like people asking questions about me.” I muttered almost to myself but Bree somehow heard me.
“Is that what he was doing this morning?” She asked as we walked back out to the gym.
“Yes.”
“He can’t protect you if he doesn’t know you.”
“Why does he think he has to protect me?” I asked as we waited by the gym door. The class was just about over. A masculine voice from behind us caught my attention and I turned to face Hunter.
“It is just the way he is.” He regarded me closely. “Cassie adopted you as one of us, so he sees it as his responsibility to see to your protection.”
“You guys throw that word around a lot.” I replied with a frown. Cade was still nowhere in sight.
“What?Protection?”Bree asked.
“Yeah. It’s weird.” I shook my head before continuing. “I’m not in danger from anything here.”
“Oh, I see what you mean.” Bree nodded. “Protection to us means safety, yes, but also that we are healthy, cared for, and emotionally stable.”
“He thinks he has to see to all of those?” I asked with raised eyebrows.
“Well, he makes sure we have the people around us that can provide those things.”
“So when he asked questions about my parents…” I asked leadingly.
“Is that what he did to piss you off this morning?” Hunter asked with a rare grin. “Have to admit you facing off with Cade in the hallway will be forever immortalized in my brain.” Apparently standing up to Cade was the only thing that could make Hunter smile.
“Yes,” Bree said, answering my question while ignoring Hunter’s comment. “He will ask questions to make sure you are protected.”
“What if I don’t want people asking questions?” Especially Cade.
“Then you better be prepared for a long battle.” Hunter mumbled as he turned toward the boys’ locker room. I watched Cade stride up to our group, his eyes took us in at a glance.
“Everything all right?” He asked as he looked around the group before his eyes settled on me. His brown, very alluring eyes. Why did he have to be so cute? Bree was the first to speak up.
“Yeah, Cade, everything’s fine.” Bree assured him.
“Lunch is next.” He stated, still looking at me. “You’ll sit with us.” My jaw dropped.
“Excuse me?” I asked, shocked at his nerve.
“Oh, what he means is Cassie will be there and she’ll want to catch up. She’ll be disappointed if you don’t sit with us.” Bree assured me. I was less than convinced. Bree was trying a little too hard at smoothing things over.
“Fine.” I replied grudgingly. It wasn’t like I had anyone else to sit with and I did enjoy most of their company. Our class was excused and we followed the masses to the cafeteria. Brody and Cassie joined us in the hall and chatted with Bree as we stood in line for our food. Somehow Hunter had rounded our group and was in front, followed by Bree, Brody and Cassie. I stood right behind Cassie and couldn’t help but feel Cade’s brooding form behind me. I picked up a tray and proceeded to add a salad, apple, and drink to my tray.
“That’s all you’re eating?” Cade rumbled from behind me. I ignored his comment and paid for my lunch. I heard Cade grunt in frustration. I followed Cassie to the round tables and saw that the only empty seats left were side by side, one for me and one for Cade. Great, that meant I was sitting by Mr. Grumpy Pants. I rolled my eyes and sat down on the right. Cade took the one to my left.
“So, Kendra, what do you think of our school? You like it?” Cassie asked as she bit into her pizza.
“Yeah, its fine.” I shrugged, extremely aware of Cade as he sat next to me and watched my every move.
“Well the best part about being a senior is last period study hall.” Brody grinned. “One less class to fall asleep in.”
“Aw, I would think you’d want one more class to sleep in.” Cassie teased. “You know, catch up on your beauty sleep and all.”
“Hey, I’m beautiful enough.” He grinned before turning to me. “Don’t you think, Kendra?”
“I…ah…” I stuttered, caught off guard.
“Leave her alone.” Cade demanded. Brody abruptly stopped smiling and returned his attention to his food. I looked around the table and noticed no one would meet my eyes, or Cade’s. I rounded on Cade.
“What the hell is your problem?” I scowled in his direction, which didn’t seem to faze him as he shrugged in response.
“He shouldn’t ask questions like that to you.”
“He was just joking around. I was just caught off guard.”
“He was trying to weasel compliments out of you.”
“Well,” I glanced back at Brody who watched us from under his eyelashes. “I think you’re very pretty, Brody.” Hunter choked on his drink and almost spewed it across the table. I watched a small smile play across Brody’s lips before he responded.
“Pretty, huh?” He chuckled and everyone else joined in, except Cade. He just glared at no one in particular.
“So, Kendra,” Cassie drawled. I turned to see her surveying the room. “I see you’ve managed to catch a few eyes around here.” I felt Cade stiffen beside me.
“What do you mean?” Who was she talking about?
“Look around.” She replied cryptically. I did as she asked, and noticed quite a few gazes our way. Mostly male. Oh shit. Attention of any kind was not something a new student wanted, or needed. I’d learned to keep a low profile. Apparently being with Cassie’s group put me under the spotlight.
“When’s the last time you had a new student?” I asked, trying to keep the panic at bay.
“Probably back in sixth grade.” Brody shrugged.
“So they are just curious, right?”
“Uh, have you looked at yourself today?” Cassie said. “I’m sure there is more than one boy out there wondering if you have a boyfriend back home.”
“Do you?” Bree asked.
“Do I what?” I asked absently, unnerved by the number of eyes watching me. I was used to fading into the background. Being undetected. Did my association with Cassie’s group gain that much attention? Or was it my confrontation with Cade this morning?
“A boyfriend. Back home.” Bree stated. I looked back at her as I realized what she was asking.
“Oh, no. No boyfriends.”
“Oh good, then that leaves you open for prospects.” Cassie rubbed her hands together. “Let’s see who we can find.” She gazed around the room.
“Oh, really, I don’t want a boy-“ I tried to say. Cassie cut me off.
“Drew is nice. He’s the boy two tables over with shaggy blonde hair and blue eyes.” I couldn’t stop myself from looking in his direction. He was cute, I’ll admit, but there was something…off…that had me returning my gaze to the table.
“No. Absolutely not.” Cade ground out.
“Why not?” Cassie countered, eyes narrowing in Cade’s direction.
“He’s a jerk. He doesn’t let on to everyone, but he has no respect what-so-ever for women.”
“Oh.” Cassie almost looked crestfallen. “I didn’t realize.” She started looking around again.
“There’s Tyler.” Bree piped up. Brody and Hunter joined in the scowling match with Cade.
“Ooo…that’s a good one!” Cassie high fived Bree then turned to me. “He’s four tables the other way. Black hair, big build, red t-shirt.” Helplessly, I found my eyes traveling in Tyler’s direction. He was laughing with his friends about something said at his table and then caught my gaze for a second. I didn’t get any bad vibes from him, at least. A brief smile touched his lips before he turned back to his friends.
“What’s wrong with one of us?” Brody asked, nonchalantly. I swung my gaze around.
“Huh?” Cassie asked distractedly, still eyeing the crowded lunch room.
“Why can’t Kendra date one of us?” He motioned to him, Hunter and Cade at the table. My eyes widened. Was he seriously asking that question while I sat right there?
“Oh, please.” Cassie scoffed, returning her attention to our table. “She’d never put up with your bull. Right, Kendra?” Before I could respond, Bree piped up.
“You guys are way to domineering. You’d butt heads all the time.”
“So she’d rather have a guy she can lead around by his-“ Hunter started.
“I’d rather not have anyone at all, thanks.” I interrupted as I stood up to dispose my tray. I heard arguing at the table behind me but figured I was better off not being in that conversation. I made my way to the trash can, took care of my tray, and was just turning around when I ran into someone’s side.
“Whoa! You okay?” A masculine voice asked as I bounced off a solid frame. I regained my balance and looked up to find Tyler standing in front of me.
“Fine. Sorry for running into you.” I smiled apologetically. He was even cuter up close. His black hair was cropped short and his build rivaled Cade’s. Wait, why was I comparing him to Cade?
“No problems.” He took care of his tray then faced me. “You’re Kendra, right?”
“News travels fast.”
“Yeah, well, we don’t have many new students here.”
“So, I’ve heard.”
“I’m Tyler.” He stuck out his hand and I shook it.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Like wise.” He smiled. A loud clattering made me glance over my shoulder to see Cade. He had just disposed of his trash and now scowled at us. I rolled my eyes at him and turned back to Tyler who regarded Cade over my shoulder. He squeezed my hand one last time before letting go. “Maybe we will have some classes together this afternoon.”
“Are you a senior?” I asked.
“Yeah.”
“Then we’ll have study hall together.” Making friends was never my forte but Tyler seemed like a nice guy. Wouldn’t hurt to have one more in my corner, right?
“Cool. Maybe we could talk sometime then.”
“Sure, I’d like that.” I felt Cade come up beside me and watched out of the corner of my eye as he folded his arms across his chest.
“See you later.” Tyler nodded nervously, clearly intimidated by Cade. He really didn’t have anything to worry about since they were about the same size but that didn’t seem to matter. He turned and walked back in the direction of his table.
“I thought you said you didn’t want a boyfriend.” Cade stated beside me. I glanced at him but saw that he was still watching Tyler.
“I don’t.”
“Then what are you doing encouraging Tyler?”
“I wasn’t encouraging anything.” I denied. He scoffed.
“You don’t promise a guy you’re looking forward to talking to him and believe he’s not going to assume you like him.”
“I never said I didn’t like him.” I watched as his eyes snapped to my face.
“What?”
“He seems nice. I’m allowed to like a guy and not date him.”
“He’ll want more than friendship.”
“Well, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” I shrugged. “What do you care anyways? Don’t you have someone else to watch over? A girlfriend, maybe?” I cringed internally. That question sounded way too interested even to me.
“I don’t date.”
“Uh huh.” I paused before adding out of curiosity, “Why not?”
“What aren’t you telling me about your parents?” He countered. I turned away without responding and made my way back to our table. Neither of us brought the subject up again and soon we had to leave for our next class. Turned out the class after lunch, science, was with Hunter and Bree, and the next, history, was with Cade again. Finally study hall was up. Of course since the previous class was with Cade, he escorted me, without permission, to the cafeteria.
Since this was our first day we didn’t have any homework. I followed Cade’s not so subtle directions to the table we ate at for lunch. This time I took a seat between Cassie and Bree. I tuned out the conversation for a while as I watched the senior student population in study hall.
You had your typical clicks at the surrounding tables, but I had a hard time figuring out where Cassie and Cade’s group fit in. They were all good looking, which you would think would have automatically placed them in the “in” group. But I could see the rambunctious “in” crowd on the other side of the room.
Then there were the football types, like Tyler, that were huddled at another table. But Hunter, Brody, and Cade didn’t seem to be on good terms with them, although they had the build for sports. The shy, quiet ones were in the far corner looking at something in a book but I never saw any of them with Bree all day. I was puzzled how this group functioned with so many different personalities.
“Earth to Kendra.” A hand waved in front of my face and I noticed that Cassie was smiling as she brought her hand back to her side.
“What?” I asked as I looked around the table. All of them had questioning looks on their faces.
“You were a long way off. Thinking about Tyler?” Cassie teased. Cade scowled at her.
“No. I was trying to figure out the clique system here.”
“Oh. Well.” Cassie bit her lip and looked for help from someone else.
“We’ve always been our own group.” Bree explained. “We grew up near each other and have always been there for each other.”
“So, why did you adopt me?” I asked curiously.
“Adopt you?” Cassie laughed. “There’s something different about you and I knew you’d fit in just fine with us. First day jitters are bad, but a new school makes it worse. This was better than most days, right?”
“Absolutely.”I answered honestly.
“Good.” Bree nodded at my answer. “I’m glad we could make your transition a little easier.” Easy conversation flowed around the table and I found myself smiling a few times. They really were interesting to watch. Brody was the joker of the group, always cracking a joke or teasing someone. Bree was quiet but had a quick wit. She surprised me sometimes with a bold statement before she retreated back into her shy demeanor.
Hunter was the silent, brooding type. His lips would twitch in humor or amusement would dance behind his eyes a few times but his face remained a stone wall for the most part. Cassie was full of life. She’d laugh, tease, and defend absolutely anything. She could be on your side one minute, then arguing against you the next. How she was related to Cade I didn’t understand. He watched, observed, occasionally added a comment in, but mostly was silent. I would have given anything to know what was going on inside his head.
Finally school ended and I said goodbye to everyone before I headed into the hall. I made a last stop at my locker before I followed the masses outside. I headed down the sidewalk that ran parallel to the parking lot and just about made it to the end when a hand clasped around my upper arm and stopped me in my tracks.
“Where are you going?” Cade demanded. I looked up and found him glaring down at me.
“Home.” I replied slowly, like it was obvious.
“I’m driving.”
“Good for you.” I stated. He rolled his eyes.
“I’m driving YOU home.”
“I can walk.” I replied.
“I’m glad to hear it.” He pulled me back a few steps until we stopped in front of his car. He opened the door and gestured inside. “Now get in.”
“Does this whole caveman routine usually work for you?” I asked as I crossed my arms and glared at him from the other side of the door. Cade raised one of his hands and rubbed the back of his neck in frustration before he sighed in patience.
“Kendra, I would like to give you a ride home. Please allow me to take you.” He finally stated as he dropped his arm to his side. He looked at me steadily as he waited for my answer. I was shocked. That had to be the nicest thing I’ve heard come out of his mouth all day. While it wasn’t exactly a question, it did have a “please” in there. I decided since he was being nice, so could I.
“Why thank you Cade, I would love a ride home.” I smiled sweetly which made him grin in return and shake his head. I caught my breath. The guy really was too attractive for his own good. His laughter cut off at my quick intake of breath and an intense look came into his eyes. I quickly looked away and slid into his sleek, sexy car as he shut my door behind me. He was around the car and folding himself in before I was completely settled. Once again he took my bag and set it behind us with his own. As he opened his mouth, I held up my hand to stop him.
“I know. Seat belt.” He grinned in return. He pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward my house.
“Are you going to do this every day?” I asked as the scenery passed by.
“This being?”
“Drive me to school. Steve talked about getting me a car so I won’t need you to drive me forever.” He didn’t answer and I was about to ask again when he spoke up.
“Steve’s not your father.”
“No. I thought we covered that.”
“He’s not your stepdad either.” I didn’t answer which was answer in and of itself.
“Are you related to either of them?” He asked quietly.
“Have you been brooding about this all day?” I evaded as I lifted my necklace from beneath my shirt and ran the pendant along the chain. I saw him look at me sideways from his seat.
I’m not…brooding.” I could hear the annoyance in his voice but refused to look in his direction. “Just curious.”
“Nosy.”I muttered.
“Concerned.” He countered. I sighed. He wasn’t going to relent, just as Hunter said.
“Steve and Nicole are my foster parents.” I replied looking out the window. There was silence in the car before he spoke up.
“For how long?”
“How long have I lived with them or how long have I been in the system?” I asked humorlessly. Before he had a chance to answer, I added, “Three years with them. Since I was two in the system. I don’t know who, or where, my parents are.” We pulled into my driveway and he put the car in park.
“What’s on your necklace?” The sudden change of subject startled me and I looked down. I was still playing with my necklace around my neck.
“It’s a depiction of a wolf.” I said as I tucked it back under my shirt.
“Really?” I heard the surprise in his voice before he added, “You must wear it a lot.” I turned to him confused as to how he would know that. “You play with it when you’re upset or thinking too hard.”
“Oh.”I responded.
“Where did you get it?” He asked.
“Someone in my past.” Silence reigned for a brief moment before Cade asked his next question quietly.
“Why didn’t you want to tell me about your parents?”
“Because people look at me differently after they know.” I retorted as my emotions flew to the surface. “They think, ‘Poor Kendra who lost her parents. No wonder she’s messed up.’”
“I don’t think you’re messed up.”
“But you pity me because I don’t have parents.”
“I don’t pity you.” He grabbed my hand closest to him and squeezed it with his. I looked up to see the sincerity in his eyes. “I think it’s sad that they didn’t get the chance to see you turn into the beautiful woman you are today.” My heart stopped. Did Cade just say I was beautiful?
“How would you know? You’ve only known me for two days.”
“I have great instincts.”
I scoffed and looked away.
“Even if you don’t have your birth parents,” he continued, “You do have two adults that seem to care about you a great deal.”
“It’s better than all the other places I’ve been.” I muttered and Cade tightened his hand around mine, which pulled my gaze to his.
“What happen at the other places?” He demanded gruffly, eyes narrowed. Before I could come up with a response, I saw the curtains move in the house, which signaled that Nicole was watching. I pulled my hand away from him.
“I should go.” I grabbed the handle and pushed the door open, stepping out of the car.
“Wait,” I heard his door open and close and watched as he came around to my side with my backpack in his hand. Oh yeah. He handed it over before looking back at the house. “Is Steve or Nicole here?”
“Why?” I asked with a raised brow.
“I have something to ask one of them.”
“What?”I asked curiously.
“Are they home?”
“Nicole is.”
“Good.” He turned and ushered me up the driveway and to the sidewalk with a hand at my back. I tried to ignore the heat from his hand but it was virtually impossible. We reached the front door and Nicole opened it.
“Well, nice to see you again, Cade.” She smiled at him before turning to me. “How was your first day, Kendra?”
“It was fine.” I looked back to Cade and said, “He wants to ask you something.”
“Okay. Come on in.” She backed up so both of us could enter the house and then shut the door behind us. I made my way to the living room and turned as both Nicole and Cade followed me in.
“Can I get you anything Cade?” Nicole asked.
“No, I won’t be staying that long, but thank you.”
“Sure. What was it you wanted to ask me?”
“I wanted you to know that I will be picking Kendra up for school and bringing her home. Your house is on the way by so it’s no trouble.”
“What?” I breathed, shocked. I wanted to point out that his statement wasn’t exactly a question either. Cade narrowed his eyes at me in warning before he returned his gaze to Nicole.
“Oh, well,” Nicole bit her lip and took in my outraged expression before responding. “Steve and I planned on buying a car soon, but it might not be for a couple weeks. If you wouldn’t mind carpooling until then, that would make us feel better rather than having her walk.”
“Nicole!” I rounded on her. “I don’t need Cade to pick me up or take me home. This is ridiculous.” I swung back around to Cade. “You didn’t even ask me before you brought this up.”
“Because I knew you’d say no.” He replied evenly, and then looked to Nicole. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”
“Ok. Thanks for offering.” Nicole replied hesitantly as I fumed beside her. Cade made his way to the door but I remained where I stood. He glanced back at me and nodded in parting but didn’t say anything. Nicole closed the door after him. “Well, that was interesting.”
“Why did you say yes?” I asked her with my hands on my hips.
“He was offering, he seems nice, and obviously is concerned about you. Why not?”
“It is my decision.”
“As it is mine. I could call the bus and have it pick you up. Which would you rather have, awesome car owner and good looking Cade, or stinky loud bus?”
“Well, when you put that way…” I mumbled as my anger dissipated. She chuckled as she led the way into the kitchen.
“How does he afford that car and truck, anyways?” She pondered.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Steve said the McCoys own a lot around here. Maybe it’s family money.”
“Yeah maybe.” She busied herself around the kitchen while I sat at the counter. Nicole was particular on where things went in the kitchen. Both Steve and I knew the best idea was to let her organize it how she wanted, even if it took longer than if we would have helped.
“Did you meet some more kids?”
“Yeah a few. Mostly Cade and Cassie’s friends that live near them.”
“Oh, any of them cute?” She said with a grin. I rolled my eyes.
“They are all cute.”
“Ah hah!” She pounced and turned with a triumphant grin on her face. “I knew it! You like him.”
“Who?”I hedged.
“Cade of course.”
“Cade? You do realize we are talking about the same overbearing caveman that just left, right?”
“Oh, he’s a little over protective, which is so cute in such a young man. I don’t know how his sister will ever find a date with him around.”
“What makes you think she isn’t dating anyone?”
“Ask her. I bet she’s not.”
“Just because of her brother?”
“Especially because of her brother.”
“Well, Brody and Hunter are pretty good looking too.” I admitted.
“Friends of Cade’s?”
“Yep.”
“Did you meet anyone that wasn’t in their social group?”
“One other boy named Tyler. Didn’t catch his last name though.”
“You’ll have to ask and I’ll do some parent recon for you when I start up this next week.”
“Parent recon?” I questioned. Did I want to know?
“Yeah, see what parents are saying about this Tyler. If he’s a good boy, nice. Suitable for my girl.” She winked at me.
“Well, before you get your hopes up let me just say that I’m not going to date anyone.”
“Never know, things might change.”
“I doubt it.” I scowled. She smiled in response. “Well, as much fun as this conversation is, I’m going up to my room.”
“I’ll yell when supper is ready.”
“Thanks.” I turned and made my way to my room. The whole conversation with Nicole had me a little on edge. Why did people think I needed a boyfriend? Why did Cade think he needed to drive me? Even Cassie and Bree weren’t very helpful on the topic. They just accepted how things were and didn’t seem to question them. Could I do that? I shook my head. No, I couldn’t just let people decide things for me. I was going to have to fight tooth and nail until Cade realized that he couldn’t make my choices for me.