by
Stacy McWilliams
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Stacy McWilliams Nothing but The Sheets
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be duplicated, transmitted, in any form or by any means—whether electronically, mechanically, by photocopying or any other means—without prior written consent.
To do so would result in legal proceedings.
This novel is a work of fiction and any similarities to any party are coincidental.
The ownership of this work is protected by copyright and belongs to the author.
Proofreader: Freda Smith, Sienna Grant
Editor: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs
Formatter: Maria Lazarou ~ Obsessed by Books Designs
Cover Designer: Pretty Little Design Co.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my amazing book girls. You know who you are. Thank you for always having my back and being there for me. Love you all muchly.
Stace
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of this book. Thank you for your support over the years and thank you for being awesome. Please remember to leave a review as we love to hear your thoughts on our books.
Thank you to my amazing, supportive hubs and my three beautiful boys who let me write when inspiration strikes. Thank you for being amazing and for loving me regardless of my eccentricities.
Thank you to my amazing beta and arc teams. You guys are the backbone of writers and we appreciate your feedback more than you know.
Thank you, Kirsty-Anne, for the amazing cover, Maria for the edits and Freda and Sienna for the proofreads. You guys are absolutely amazing.
Thank you to my crazy family and amazing in-laws. You guys really are the best.
And to my crazy friends. I love you all dearly and I’m so grateful to have such amazing, compassionate, ride or die friends.
Lastly thank you to my ready, steady, sprint group. You girls really are amazing and I’d be lost without you all. Love ya girls. Let’s kick ass and take names.
Stacy
Blurb
Cara Daniels
I have always been the shy girl, the one the edge of the social circles. That was until the arrival of Blake Thompson.
He was my best friends new step-brother, forbidden, out of reach.
Or he should have been.
One glimpse behind the mask he wears for the world and I'm addicted to the alluring, intriguing person I find there.
Blake Thompson
There is never a good time to leave your dying father and friends, but senior year was the worst. It was bearable, just, because of Cara Daniels.
An obsession I never truly allowed myself, instead using her to make myself feel better.
She was the yard stick I used to measure every woman who followed here. Nobody ever measured up.
But now I’m a Rockstar and she's just been hired to come on tour with us.
Can I trust this twist of fate?
Or will our past destroy my present?
Chapter One
Surprise, Surprise
Caralynn
“Cara,” Mom’s voice called, and I groaned, rolling over in bed and pulling my covers over my head.
Perhaps if I didn’t answer, she’d go away and come back at a more reasonable time.
“Are you up yet?” she called, knocking on my door.
I didn’t answer again and snuggled deeper under the covers. I knew I had about ten more minutes before she came in and dragged my ass out of bed.
I could hear Josh in the shower because he had his music turned up. Josh, my twin, plays football for the school team and he is on course to be named team captain this year, our final year at Wood River High School, in Hailey, Idaho.
Our little town had a population of just over seven thousand and was sleepy, quiet, and suburban. My mom was a surgeon in the local hospital, so she was used to long hours and little sleep. My dad was a computer geek, who developed his own software company out of school, but was now a CEO of a tech company. We didn’t see him much because he worked crazy hours and even when he was at home, his mind was always elsewhere.
“Cara,” Mom called as she bounced into my room, yanking the covers down.
“Mom, it’s so early and it’s the last day of summer…”
My whines were met with a stern look.
“We have to go shopping, so get your skinny ass out of bed and move yourself into the shower.”
She ruffled my hair and I shrugged away from her. I hated people touching my head, it drove me nuts, but Mom didn’t care.
“We have to drive to Boise today, so get up or I’m leaving you here and I’ll let Joshua pick out your school stuff.”
Her brown eyes crinkled as she took in my horrified expression and I dove out of bed, passing her small five-foot-two frame with ease. My mom looked like Josh, with his brown hair, amber eyes, and sallow skin. He was tall though, having taken his height from my dad’s side of the family and he was sturdy, but his taste in clothes was dreadful.
I usually picked our school outfits because if left to him, I would be wearing bright, yellow pants with a red t-shirt and a blue sweater. Color co-ordination was not my brother’s strong suit, but he was sweet, funny, and surprisingly nice to everyone, even though he was one of the most popular guys in school.
I rushed for my shower and grabbed some dark jeans, a grey camisole and underwear on my way to the bathroom. Josh was on his cell in his room, I waved as I rushed by, twisting my long blonde locks up into a top knot with a hair tie.
My hair was honey colored, like my dad’s. I had bright green eyes, and dimples just like him. I had a sharp nose, like my mom and my hair was curly like hers. Other than that, I didn’t see many of my parents’ features on my face.
I was taller than my mom and lean, because I ran track at school. Last year we’d won State and I worked, trained, and studied hard. The quintessential good girl. My best friend, Marty, had been my bestie since kindergarten and we’d gone through all our grades together.
I couldn’t wait to see him. He’d been away visiting his dad’s family out of state and was due back later today. I hadn’t heard much from him, but I wasn’t worried. He sometimes went incommunicado when he was with his dad because they didn’t have the best relationship.
As I stepped into the shower, I recalled how hard it had been on Marty when he lost his mom six years ago and how he struggled with his feelings. His mom knew all about his sexuality. We all did, but his dad ignored it, until Marty came out to him when we were fourteen.
His dad shrugged it off and didn’t say a word, but Moonie, his gran on his mom’s side, supported him. He’d had a boyfriend for two years, Chase, who’s my other bestie, but I hadn’t seen much of him over the summer because he was working and training constantly. The team had won State too last year and we’d been delighted.
“Cara.” My mom’s voice echoed through the bathroom as I scrubbed at my body.
“Won’t be long.” I spluttered as the shower water hit me in the mouth.
I coughed and spat the water out, then slipped as I stepped forwards to turn the water off.
What a clutz.
I dried off quickly, throwing my clothes on and letting my hair down from the hair tie. I took in my reflection and groaned at the fizziness of my hair, but there was nothing I could do about it. I quickly applied some eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss, before rushing downstairs and shoving my feet into my Chucks.
Mom stared at me, tapping her watch as Josh lazed against the counter, eating an apple with an amused expression. I stared mutinously at them both when I noticed the time on the clock.
It was seven in the morning. Who does that? Who wakes someone up so early on their last day before the summer ends?
“Come on, we have to get going.”
Mom ushered us out to the car, ignoring my exasperated expression and angry huffs.
“Eliza is meeting us today.” She informed us as we climbed into the car and my spirits lifted a little.
Eliza, my much older sister, was a kickass partner in a law firm and always spoiled me when we got together. Josh and I were my mom and dad’s change of life children, with Eliza, Jonah, and Jackson all being in high school when we arrived. There was a fifteen-year age gap between Eliza and me, sixteen between Jonah, Jackson, and us.
The drive to Boise was long and I’d had to sit in the back because stupid Josh called shotgun, while I’d been furious about the ungodly time. Stupid brothers who got up at stupid o’clock to run because they wanted to captain their stupid team. It was enough to make you spit.
I realized ten minutes after leaving the house that I hadn’t lifted my cell and I groaned aloud, earning myself an eye roll from Josh and a stern look from my mom. I had nothing to amuse me on this journey, so I leaned back, closed my eyes, and envisioned all the ways that this year at school was going to rock.
Chase, Marty, and I, were all turning eighteen and we’d been planning our New York trip since second grade. We were going to see a musical, take in the sights of the city and shop until we dropped. We’d all been saving for it for years and each had a tidy sum put away, at Marty’s insistence.
I missed my goofy best friend. He was one of the only people in the world I could truly let my guard down around. I wished I had my cell, so I could text Chase and organize a welcome home, pool party at my house.
We finally made it to Boise and went shopping for supplies. I got new school sneakers, gorgeous Mary-Janes, and a pair of Converse for everyday wear.
In the clothing store, I saw a couple of girls from my year at school, who smiled at me and drooled over Josh, but while I smiled back at them, we weren’t friends. They were part of the cheer squad and I wasn’t as popular as they were. Josh, however smirked at them and both girls simpered. Leaving him to it, I wandered away and picked up a few dresses to try on, some new jeans and a few sweaters.
My arms were loaded with stuff when someone bumped into me from behind. I stumbled, spilling the contents of my arms as I stopped myself from falling by grabbing onto the nearest thing I could. The thing I grabbed happened to be a boy I’d never seen before. As I ran my eyes up towards his face, color heated my cheeks as I took in the tall, sculpted body, muscled arms, and tussled curly black hair. He scowled at me and I almost swooned, but taking in his expression, I stepped hastily back from him, almost falling over again. My garments lay scattered on the ground at our feet and he glanced down before sneering.
“You should be more careful, Princess.”
He stepped away from me and sauntered away without looking back. I stared after him dumfounded and then shook my head, bending down to retrieve the clothes I’d dropped. I needed to try a few things on, so I glanced around and made my way, quickly to the changing room, still feeling annoyed at the boy’s rudeness. There was no need to speak to me that way, I mused, but as I glanced down at the clothes in my arms, I realized that one of the pretty lace bras I’d picked up was missing.
I was in the process of trying on one of my dresses, when the voices in the next cubicle reached me.
“Did you hear about Marty Rodgers?” One girl asked and I froze mid-zip.
“Yeah, his dad remarried, and the new family are arriving today. His new stepmom apparently left her dying husband to hook up with Mr. Rodgers…”
“Oh my god, no way. Who even does that?”
They continued the conversation as I stood thunderstruck, half in and half out of my dress. My ears rang with a funny sound and I stood numbly as they all left.
“Cara, are you in here?”
My mom’s voice broke through and I shook my head, but I still couldn’t believe what I’d overheard.
“Yeah, mom,” I answered in a strangled voice.
“Are you okay, honey?” My mom asked and I didn’t know how to answer, physically I was fine, but emotionally, I was shook up.
Marty’s dad had remarried. How? When? Why didn’t I know?
“Yeah, Mom. Mid-zip.”
It couldn’t be true. I’d know if it was. I stepped out of the dress I’d been trying on, gathered up my bundle of clothes and walked over to Mom, dumping them in her cart. My eyes caught on the black, lace bra hanging beside the changing rooms and I snatched it, realizing it was the one I was about to purchase. I didn’t say a word to my mom about Marty, because what would I say, but I was now even more eager for my best friend’s return.
Mom paid for our things, while I checked out some pretty necklaces and rings near the counter. Josh was standing outside, speaking to a few of his teammates, when I felt eyes burning into the back of my head. The guy from earlier was staring daggers at me; his icy, blue eyes glared in my direction. My heart began racing as my eyes locked onto his. I was frozen, a deer in headlights, in his glacial stare, until my mom walked between us and broke our eye contact. She smiled at me and ushered me towards the exit.
Our path out of the door, however, was blocked by a burly security guy who stopped us with a growl. Only then did I realize that the ring I’d tried on, was still on my finger.
“Hand it over,” he muttered in a gruff voice. as he glowered at me. Heat flooded to my cheeks and I knew I’d turned beet red.
“I’m so sorry. I totally forgot…” I murmured as I slipped the ring from my finger and handed it over.
“Got anything else?” He asked and I was jolted from behind as the boy with the glacial stare barged by me, accompanied by a woman ranting about miscreants. I didn’t really pay attention though because I was so embarrassed. I’d never stolen anything, not even a candy bar.
“No of course she doesn’t.” My mom snapped, and I shook my head, because I didn’t.
I glanced down to double check, as my mom gripped my arm and frog marched me out of the store. Josh, who was waiting outside, stared at mom and me as we approached. He opened his mouth to speak, when Lissy came up behind him.
“Lissy.” I squealed before launching myself at her. She laughed, spinning me around and then hugged Mom and Josh.
“How are you darling?” Mom asked as she gave Lissy a once over.
She looked slimmer than when I’d last saw her, and her grey-blue eyes had lost some of their sparkle, but she winked at me and rolled her eyes good-naturedly, as mom continued to interrogate her. Her honey, blonde hair, poker straight and in a shoulder length bob, suited her sharp features and softened her face some.
“I’m fine, Mom. Working hard as usual. We just landed a new client and it’s a huge deal, but I’m starving and I only have an hour, so let’s go eat.”
She took some of Mom’s shopping bags and we walked down the street together laughing, as she told us about Eli and his persistent swearing. Eli, my adorable, stubborn, two-year-old nephew was Lissy and Shawn’s baby. Shawn was a stay at home dad, who ran his own company, while caring for Eli, but we didn’t really know him because he never came home with Lissy.
She didn’t visit us much since she’d gotten together with Shawn, three years ago. We’d all noticed subtle changes in her appearance, how she wasn’t as outspoken as she used to be, nor did she see as much of her girls as before. We were in for a surprise though, because when we got to the restaurant, Eli was there, bouncing on Shawn’s knee. He squealed when he saw his mom and his fat little fists went straight up, so Lissy could lift him.
He had curly blond locks on top of his chubby face and piercing blue eyes. He was angelic, but so stubborn, it was hilarious. As soon as Lissy picked Eli up, Shawn stood and moved towards my mom, who smiled at him.
“Lissy.” My mom said, and I noticed Shawn stiffen slightly. He didn’t speak, but his gaze lingered on Lissy and
I noticed he narrowed his eyes slightly.
Watching Shawn for those few seconds meant I’d missed out on the conversation for a moment and when I tuned back in, it was to find my mom holding Eli as Lissy sat down beside Shawn. Josh and I were ushered into a seat across from them as the waiter appeared to take our order.
“So, Lissy?” I asked, noticing again how Shawn’s eyes darkened at my use of my sister’s nickname.
I’d been unable to pronounce Eliza when I was a baby, so I called her Lissy and it stuck. Now everyone called her that, except for Shawn, who rigidly called her Eliza.
“Lissy, Lissy, Lissy,” Eli chanted on my mom’s lap and Shawn glared at me coldly.
I tried to ignore him, but when I opened my mouth to speak to Lissy again, he’d whispered something in her ear, and she seemed to close off. She still spoke, but it was like her warmth was missing.
As soon as lunch was over, Lissy left and my mom, Josh and I continued shopping. None of us spoke about how odd she had acted, but I knew my mom’s doctor’s instinct had missed nothing during the lunch. She watched with a furrowed brow as Shawn led Eli and Lissy from the restaurant, leaving my mom to pay the bill, which didn’t sit right with me.
He was a millionaire software developer. While my mom would never have allowed him to pay, it wasn’t right that he didn’t offer. My sister did offer, but he just grabbed her hand and walked her out of the restaurant.
The rest of our shopping trip was quick, as we continued getting our school supplies. I nabbed a cute, sky-blue backpack, a cream and blue swirled sports bag with matching accessories, including water bottle and Josh picked a plain black backpack and sports bag.
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