“I’m not taking your bed from you, Jaiden.”
He crosses his arms. “And I’m not letting you stay in that house.”
“I have to. My parents are paying my tuition. They already hate that I’m taking so many psych courses. Moving out will just give them reason to cut me off. And besides, Belen needs me.”
“No. Your parents need to step up to the plate and be parents to him, not push those responsibilities onto you.”
I shrug. “Doesn’t change the fact that I’m the only one who can ever calm him down.”
“Then teach your mom.”
Before I can respond, Raven speaks up. “Have you told your mom about your dad yet?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I haven’t seen her. I spent all of yesterday doing homework in my room. Well, except for having to calm Belen down when he realized neither Mom nor Dad were home to fix him lunch. I showed him how to make a sandwich—again—then went back to studying.”
“Where were your parents?” Samara asks.
“I assume Dad never came home after I confronted him, and Mom was busy at the restaurant because Dad wasn’t there all weekend. Luckily, she didn’t call me in to work.”
Raven frowns. “I can’t believe you haven’t quit yet. If my parents made me work the lowest position for so long, I’d be out of there.”
“That’s the thing. Money is power. And they have all of both.”
Jaiden stares me down. “They don’t have to.”
“No? What am I supposed to do about college? I need an education if I’m going to do anything outside the restaurant.”
“Who said you need to take their money? Get loans like everybody else.”
I snort. “You make that sound easy. With as much as my parents are worth, I won’t get a dime. They could afford to send a small army here and still have enough left over to buy five new cars.”
Samara sits up taller. “But you’re an adult. Tell them you’re not getting money from your parents.”
“I just have to get through next year, assuming I can graduate in four years. I might have to take some heavy semester loads, but it’s possible.”
Raven reaches across the table and puts her hand on mine. “You have to get out of there. It’s totally not healthy. Whether you tell your mom is up to you, but it’s time somebody puts your needs first. And if you won’t do it for yourself, we’ll step in.”
Jaiden nods. “Like I said, intervention.”
“You guys …”
“It’s not up for debate.” Jaiden lifts a brow. “What’s it going to be? You or us?”
I pick at my salad. “Let me at least talk to my mom. I need to let her know what’s going on. Then I’ll decide how to proceed.”
Jaiden gives me a knowing look. “My room is always open.”
“That goes for me too,” Raven says.
“And me,” Samara agrees.
I take a deep breath and find my annoyance fading. “I appreciate you all so much.”
They get up and wrap me in a hug that I can’t escape.
When they return to their seats, Raven looks at me. “You have to tell us everything about meeting Rogan and Kenna Scott. I can’t believe it!”
My face warms, making my palm print ache. “It isn’t that hard to believe. They’re from my neighborhood. Well, on the other side of the lake, but it’s still the same neighborhood.”
“How’d you meet them?” Jaiden asks. “Just see them and ask for a selfie?”
I shake my head. “I saw them and stared like an idiot.”
“That sounds about right.” Samara laughs and gives me a playful shove. “So, how’d you get the pics?”
“I’m friends with their brother-in-law. He introduced us, but it was really fast. They were on their way somewhere.”
Raven rests her chin on her palm. “Who’s the friend? Why haven’t we heard about him? Tell us everything!”
I groan. “Nothing to tell.”
Jaiden nudges Raven. “Did you catch that look in her eyes? She likes him.”
“You sound like a middle school girl.” I glare at Jaiden.
He laughs. “You haven’t shown an interest in anyone since last year! This is big.”
“No, really it isn’t. We’re just working on an assignment together.”
“But you like him, like him.”
Samara throws a napkin at Jaiden. “You really do sound like a middle school girl.”
“I don’t care.” He keeps his attention on me. “I want to hear about this guy. Is he super hot? He’s got to be, to get your attention.”
“Would you stop?”
He nudges Raven again. “He is. I need all the deets. Now, before my next class starts. He’s related to the Scotts. What else?”
“Stop.”
Jaiden smirks. “Admit you like him, and I will.”
I sigh dramatically to show my irritation. “Fine. I like him, and he’s really good-looking, okay? But with everything going on with my dad, do you think I want anything to do with a relationship?”
He rolls his eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Don’t let your father ruin any more of your life. All men aren’t cheaters, and you know that. It’s an excuse.”
“And Holden’s off his rocker, and Belen’s been having more meltdowns than usual. Now I have to be there for my mom. She’s totally going to freak.” I draw in a deep breath. “Even if I had time for a relationship, which I don't, I wouldn’t want to drag Lincoln into this.”
“Lincoln, huh?” Jaiden scratches his head. “Even his name is heavenly. You can’t let him get away.”
“At least not until you get him to introduce us to Rogan and Kenna.” Raven winks at me. “Kidding, not kidding.”
“What’s he like?” Samara asks.
“He’s nice and funny.”
“That could be interesting … or boring.” Jaiden’s expression holds a teasing tone.
“He’s not boring.”
“Touché. So, how’d you two lovebirds meet?”
I ignore the urge to correct him. “It’s complicated.”
Jaiden lifts a brow. “Now he’s starting to sound interesting. Tell us everything.”
“He came in the restaurant—”
“Back to boring.” Jaiden yawns.
Raven shoves him. “Would you let her finish? I want to hear this.”
“Me too.” Samara smiles at me. “It’s been so long since you’ve been with anyone. I want to hear all about the guy who caught your attention.”
“Now who isn’t letting her talk?” Jaiden taps the table.
I can’t help but smile. I really do have the best friends. “It was after hours. I was the last one and about to close when Holden showed up, freaking out. He’d tried some new drug, and it was making his heart race. He said it felt like it was going to literally explode and he was going to puke. Then he just collapsed. It was the scariest thing, and I couldn’t think. I just started screaming and crying. Lincoln appeared out of nowhere. Suddenly, I knew I had to make Holden puke. He helped me, and even took my stupid brother to the bathroom once he was conscious again.”
My friends are all wide-eyed and speechless, and all it took was a Holden story.
“You’ve got to hold on to him.” Jaiden puts a hand on my arm. “Tell me you’re going to keep him.”
“He’s not a puppy.”
“I know.”
People around us are getting up and clearing their food from the tables—our cue to head for class.
Jaiden groans. “You aren’t off the hook. We want to hear more about Lincoln.”
“And we want to meet him.” Samara smiles at me.
“Hopefully I didn’t scare him off.” I rise and gather my things.
“He sounds like an understanding guy,” Raven says. “Just text him a quick something to let him know he shouldn’t take it personally, whatever it is.”
“I will, thanks. See you guys tomorrow.”
/>
“We expect a full report.” Jaiden gives me a knowing look.
I actually smile. “Oh, I know it.”
We dump our trays and head to our separate classes. I look around for Lincoln, hoping to see him like I sometimes do after lunch. He isn’t anywhere. Probably because I’m slightly behind schedule.
I take Raven’s advice and send him a quick text.
Malia: Looking forward to seeing you at the library.
Dots dance immediately.
My stomach twists. Does he forgive me for my rudeness?
His text comes through.
My breath hitches before I read it.
Lincoln: Can’t wait.
Relief washes through me.
Chapter Eleven
Lincoln
The second hand is moving slower than ever. My study group has got to be the most boring thing I’ve experienced. At least our fearless leader took the clue and is letting the rest of us speak. But even if the topic was more interesting, it wouldn't help the time to go any faster.
I’m itching to see Malia. It was such a relief to read her text after lunch. I took that to mean she was feeling better than she had been in class and that her refusal to look at me didn’t have anything to do with me. At least, I hope not. I’ll find out soon enough. If this study group ever ends.
I glance at the time again. It hasn’t moved since I last looked. I grab my things. “Sorry guys, I have to go. I have another study group, and I can’t miss it.”
Then I hurry away before anyone has a chance to protest. I hate getting stuck in groups with too many people that ramble on, loving nothing more than the sound of their own voice. One is too many, and this group has several.
I send Malia a text, letting her know I’m heading to the main part of the library and apologizing for running late because my study group went long.
She texts me back.
Malia: I had to work late. Want to meet at the lake instead? It’s so nice out.
Lincoln: Sounds great. See you in about fifteen.
Malia: Perfect.
I take a deep breath, immediately regretting my quick agreement. My car is all the way at my apartment. It’ll take me at least ten minutes to get there. And I’m not sure if it has enough gas. I might have to stop and fill up. I’m not going to make it until at least a half hour.
Lincoln: Going to take me longer. But I’ll be there.
Malia: No prob. Can’t wait.
I feel lighter after reading that. Somehow I make it to my apartment’s parking lot in less time than usual. And I actually have more gas than I thought. I can fill it up after meeting Malia.
Relief runs through me. It’ll all be okay.
Cruising through campus, I find myself wishing I could just drive to my classes. But they make parking so expensive, my only choice is to park in the lot at my apartment, and even that is pricey. There isn’t anything cheap about attending college. At least this one.
I park on the street near the lake rather than at my parents’ house. Then I’d have to go in, visit, and explain why I’m heading to the lake. I don’t need extra questions about Malia. I got enough from Mom after introducing her to Rogan and Kenna.
It wouldn’t be such a big deal if I knew how to label Malia. She’s different from any other girl I’ve ever met, and aside from us being study buddies, I don’t know what’s going on between us. But she makes my heart race just thinking about her.
As I’m getting out of my car, she pulls up and parks in front of me.
She waves before getting out. Her hair is only covering half of her face this time. “I hope you don’t mind meeting here. Just seemed like a better idea than the library. That’s so boring, you know?”
I shade my eyes from the low evening sun. “Definitely. I’m glad you thought of it. It’s the perfect day for it. And it’s nice to get off campus.”
Malia pops open her trunk then hands me a blanket. “We can sit on this.”
We make our way to the sand and stop near the lapping water.
“This good?” she asks.
“Perfect.” I hope the sun stays up long enough for us to get our work done. Not that I’d complain about talking with her under the stars.
We settle onto the blanket, and she doesn’t bring anything from her bag. Just leans back on her elbows and stares at the lake.
I watch her, my heart racing, curious about why she’s covering her face. Wanting to brush her hair aside and see if it’s as soft as it looks. Maybe even kiss those lips—see if those are as soft as they seem. But that would be too forward. This isn’t a date. Not a romantic one, though one could argue it’s a study date. But not a date, date.
She glances at me, catches me taking her in, smiles. “This is nice.”
My voice catches in my throat. I nod.
Malia turns her attention back to the water.
I collect myself. “Is everything okay?”
She nods. “Sorry I was aloof in class today. It was a rough weekend.”
“Anything you want to talk about?” I rest my hand on hers.
Her eyes widen, and she turns to me, glancing back and forth between my hand and my face.
Crap. Wrong move. I yank my hand away. “I didn’t mean—”
Malia closes the gap between us and presses her soft, sweet lips on mine.
My pulse races. I kiss her, cup her chin, breathe her in. She smells like a mix of fruit and cooking spices. I run my fingers through her silky hair then rest my hand on the back of her neck to keep her close.
She deepens the kiss. Tastes like an exquisite dessert. My heart soars, and I can hardly breathe.
All too soon, she pulls back. Holds my gaze. Tucks some hair behind her ear.
My heart is thundering like a jackhammer, and my mind is racing to catch up with what just happened. Just this morning I wasn’t sure if she even liked me, and now this—a kiss like she couldn’t get enough of me.
Half of her mouth curves up into a smile. “That was … wow.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
“Good.” She leans forward and takes possession of my mouth again. I pull her close and rake my fingers through her soft hair once more, taking in every scent, every taste. Everything around us disappears, and all of my problems melt away. For once, all the heartache and pain I’ve been running from is actually gone. I’m lost in the moment, lost with her, and would be happy for this to last forever.
But it doesn’t. Malia pulls away again, rakes her gaze over me. Then chews her lower lip. “Maybe we should discuss our project.”
“If we have to. I wouldn't mind more of that.”
She laces her fingers through mine. “Me neither. But it’s most of our overall grade.”
“True.” I can’t pull my attention from her.
Her hand is so soft. I squeeze, never wanting to let go.
But again, she pulls away from me. “You said you have some new ideas?”
“I do?”
She smirks.
“I mean, I do. I’ll have to check my notes. You threw me for a loop, now I’m all discombobulated.”
Pink colors her cheeks, then I notice something on one of them. I study her skin, and it takes me a minute, but I realize she’s covering up a bruise with makeup. “Is that a bruise?”
Malia looks away. “I came up with a few new ideas myself.”
“Why are you changing the subject?”
“I’m not. You are. We’re discussing the project.”
I move her hair behind her shoulder and gently trace the darker skin. “Did someone do this to you?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Are you kidding me?” Anger replaces all my warm feelings. “Who hit you?”
Her face reddens. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Sorry, but I’m involved now.”
“Maybe I need to leave.”
I jolt. “You can’t do this to me. Bring me here, kiss me, then take off without an ex
planation. What happened?”
Her brows draw together, but she doesn’t move away from me.
“Look, I care. If you’re in danger, I want to help.”
She picks at fuzz on the blanket. “It’s best you don’t get involved.”
“Was it your brother? Did he lash out at you because of the drugs?”
“It wasn’t him.”
“Who, then?” I want to yell, but I keep my tone as soft as I can. “You don’t deserve that.”
She shrugs.
“You don’t.”
Malia takes a deep breath, doesn’t look at me.
“Wait, you know that, right?”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal? Nobody should lay a hand on you. Ever.”
She meets my gaze, her eyes wide. “People lash out when you confront them. They don’t always think rationally.”
“There’s no excuse. Was it Holden?”
“No, I told you.”
“Who, then?”
Her mouth curves down. “Can we talk about something else? Please?”
I take a deep breath. “I’m not going to force you to talk about it if you don’t want to. I’d never make you do anything against your will. Remember that.”
She nods, tears shining in her eyes.
That guts me. I flinch, desperate to know who has been hurting her. It’s obviously not just physical. It’s tearing her apart from the inside. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here. No matter what time it is. Call me in the middle of the night if you need to.”
Malia looks away and wipes her eyes. “Thanks. Do you want to talk about the project, or should we wait? I’m not really feeling it anymore.”
I wrap my arm around her and pull her close, taking in her sweet scent. “Let’s just watch the waves.”
She nods and leans her head against mine.
We sit as the darkness encroaches and the lake grows still. Some stars sparkle overhead.
When You Start to Miss Me: A Romantic Suspense (Wildflower Romance Book 3) Page 7
