by E. K. Blair
“What date?”
She faltered. “The one for charity. There was a raffle.”
“You serious?”
Ethan leaned back from the table. “Dude, that pep girl asked you last week if you’d do it.”
“Oh—I thought she was asking me out. She was hot.” Logan flashed a smirk and whistled under his breath.
Ethan clapped him on the shoulder. “What’d you think when you never went out?”
“Nah, we did. Last night.”
Jessica’s shoulders dropped as each statement was spoken between the two. Her head hung almost to the floor now.
I had no sympathy for her, none at all.
Logan must’ve noticed my gaze because he spoke up, “Did you pay a lot for that date?”
Her head bounced back up. “Some.”
A hard look entered his eyes. “Are you going to screw me afterwards?”
She gulped, but responded in a timid voice, “Is that what you want?”
“You think I take girls out for nothing?”
Ethan watched the exchange and I felt his gaze rest on me for a moment. Wisely, he kept quiet.
“Maybe if you liked her?”
Logan barked out a laugh. It sounded harsh. “You paid for me. You think you’re a girl that I like? There’s very few who’d fall in that category.”
Jessica glanced at me. “You seem to like Samantha.”
His arm came around my shoulders and he pulled me close. “Well, if she wasn’t spoken for...and if her mom wasn’t doing my dad then maybe...”
“Her mom?”
My face got hot. “None of your business. Logan, shut up about that.”
His smirk vanished. “Sorry.” I shoved his arm off and started to brush past him, but he caught my arm. “I am sorry. I didn’t think about your situation.”
There was a scathing comment on the tip of my tongue, but I twisted my arm free and shoved through the crowd that had appeared. I gritted my teeth as I had to push through the hallways. The house was huge, but it seemed the entire two schools had shown up. It was standing room only and that was an exaggeration.
I headed for the lake and took a deep breath when I was able to break free from the house. The crowds outside were widely dispersed over the backyard and down the hill by the lake. Bonfire smell filled the air, mixed with a moist feel that was from the lake and slip-n-slide.
Two girls dashed past me giggling and two more boys followed in pursuit. All of them were soaked head to toe. One almost bowled me over, but he caught me and rushed out, “Sorry, little Kade.”
My blood boiled and I snapped, “I’m not a Kade!”
But he was gone.
‘Dammit, Logan.”
As I made my way further down the hill, I spotted Mason and Nate. They were beside a bonfire in a far corner and each nodded in greeting, but they didn’t come over and neither gestured for me to go to them.
Fine by me.
I relaxed a little and kept on. Finally I heard a voice I recognized.
Jeff.
“So you know the Kades?”
I turned around and braced myself, but there was no anger in his voice. After I searched his face, I didn’t see any in his eyes either and relaxed again. “I guess.”
He grinned. “You guess? You either know them or you don’t. Man, Jessica crapped her pants tonight.”
“Really?”
He nodded and twisted his fingers in his hair to pull it up. It was full of gel and stood straight up. It gave him a Mohawk look. Then he messed it up and flattened it again. “Jill’s going crazy too. She doesn’t know if she should kiss your rear or be a bigger bitch to you.”
I glanced around. No one cared about our conversation. It was refreshing. “What do you think?”
He shrugged. “Whatever. Good for you.”
I sighed. “Jeff, what are you doing?”
“What do you mean?” He stood straighter.
“Why are you talking to me now?”
He shrugged again and slid his hands into his back pockets. “I don’t know. Guess it feels okay now, you know? I mean, I felt bad about what happened with us and then I was with Jill so quick. I didn’t feel like I could apologize to you and then the other day...in the hallway...” He took a deep breath. “I know it’s over.”
I remembered and nodded. For some reason my throat felt closed off.
He gave me a bright smile. “And if you’re going to be with Quinn, he’s a nice guy usually, but you should know that he’s not always.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
He jerked an arm towards the docks and boats. “He’s down there being an ass. I guess he’s pissed about you and the Kades knowing each other.”
Great. If Jeff was the one who warned me then it was bad, really bad. And as I got closer to a pontoon attached to the dock, I heard Adam’s voice. He was drunk and when I stepped onto it and peered under the canopy I saw a girl in his lap and one of his hands between her legs. The other was stroking her knee.
I took a breath. Something told me to be prepared.
He murmured something in the girl’s ear and she let out a throaty giggle. It grated against my ears, but when I heard another squeal, I looked closer. Becky was huddled in the seat behind them. Her knees were drawn against her chest and she was hugging them to her. When her eyes met mine for a second, she squealed again and ducked her head down.
“Well hey there, Sam!” Adam heralded. He threw an arm out. “Welcome to our lowly depths.”
I rolled my eyes and sat stiff in a chair towards the front. I turned towards them. “I see you’ve been enjoying the party.”
“Why shouldn’t I?”
The girl in his lap squeaked and shifted under his hold.
He grinned and nipped at her shoulder.
I eyed the happy couple before I met Becky’s gaze. The sadness in her was evident and when she wiped a tear away, I stood. “Can I talk to you, Becky?”
“Why talk to only her?” Adam stopped us. “You’ve been lying to me too. Or were you laughing at us behind our backs?”
“I wasn’t laughing at anyone.”
Becky stood, but hesitated behind him.
“Becky, please. I’d like to explain.”
Her hands were clasped together and she looked down at them.
Adam deposited the girl to another chair and stood between us. He stepped closer to me and asked in a harsh tone, “You want to lie to her again? Hurt her some more?”
I frowned and looked up at him. “Are you trying to intimidate me? Are you really this hurt because I didn’t tell you I knew the Kades?”
He bit out, “You played me for a fool.”
Becky stepped around him and laid a hand on his arm. “He’s just protecting me.”
“From who?” I looked around. “Me? Because I didn’t want people to know my parents are getting a divorce?”
Adam laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, right.”
“You knew it was happening. You were there when I was in my dad’s office. You helped tape my hands.”
Becky looked at him. “Is that true?”
“Yeah, but I didn’t know about the Kades.”
My jaw hardened. “I know them, I’m not screwing them.”
He didn’t say anything.
And Becky looked at me. “You’re not with Mason Kade? Lydia said you got in his car and...”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh, for god’s sake. If Lydia said it, it must be true, right? I can’t believe this. You’re listening to my old best friend who knew my other best friend and boyfriend were sleeping together behind my back for two years. I’m sure she’s the best source in the world to listen to.”
She hesitated. “She said you seemed close.”
“I saw you get in his car,” Adam said in an accusing manner.
“I did, you’re right. So, of course, that means I’m having sex with him. I’ve gotten in your car twice. Have I spread ‘em for you too?”
He looked
away. “It’s not the same thing.”
“Yes, it is. And, by the way, why do I have to explain anything to you? You’ve been my friend for what? Two weeks? You asked me out a couple times and I’m supposed to open my closet for you? How many dirty skeletons do you have that I don’t know about?”
His mouth shut.
“Exactly.” I swung towards Becky. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I knew the Kades, but it’s not something I want to talk about. It has to do with my parent’s divorce, another thing I don’t want spread around the school.”
Both of them looked away.
I sighed. “Can I ask you both to keep this quiet?”
The girl who’d been on Adam’s lap lifted her hand. “I won’t say anything.”
I snorted. “Thanks for that. Who are you?”
She gave me a bright smile and flicked her bleach blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’m Tanya. I know Logan so I definitely won’t say anything.”
I couldn’t believe this girl. “You know Logan?”
“We went out last night.”
Of all ironies. I glanced at Adam. “You got a keeper there.”
He sighed and rolled his eyes. “I was pissed.”
Then Becky reached out and squeezed my hand. “You know the Kades?” The excitement in her eyes made me pause. Then I grinned and shook my head. Becky never stayed down for long.
***
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
It was five in the morning and I was drunk. Becky had passed out next to me on the pontoon while Adam took his pep girl home long ago. I lifted my red cup and tried to sip from it, but there wasn’t anything in it. I tipped it over and not a drop fell out.
When had that happened?
“I was told Tanya was down here.”
A leggy blonde stepped onto the pontoon and bent down to get a better look under the canopy. Becky snored and rolled over.
I squinted against the moonlight at this new stranger. She had long hair, slightly curled, that hung almost to her waist and she wore a classy v-neck sleeveless shirt over tight jeans. The high heels caught my attention. Their silver color matched her top perfectly.
I sighed. This girl was sober. I could tell. I was usually sober. Not tonight.
“So...is she here?” she asked further.
“Huh?”
“Tanya. Is she here? Was she here?” She rubbed at her arms as if she were cold.
I lifted my glass to her. “You could drink some beer and get warm.”
“No thanks.” She eyed my glass as her lip curled up. I was sure it was in disgust. “I don’t drink.”
“I don’t either, but Logan didn’t care about that tonight.”
“Logan?” She tilted her head to the side. “Are you the new sister?”
“I’m not.”
And I wasn’t. I didn’t think I’d ever consider myself in that role.
“Oh. Sorry. You said Logan before.”
I narrowed my eyes at this girl again. She didn’t say his name in the usual hopeful manner of most others. She said it as if she knew him, and knew him well. Still, I held my tongue. He’d already done enough damage for me to add more to it.
“A guy took her home.”
She sighed and looked away. “I can’t believe her. Another guy.”
I frowned. “His name’s Adam. He’s a good guy.”
“Doesn’t matter at this point,” she snapped and started to leave.
“You said Logan.”
She stopped.
“Did you mean Logan Kade?”
“You said Logan’s name before.”
I nodded. “Do you know him?”
“Well enough.” She yawned and glanced up at the house. “I should get going.”
“How well?” I started to stand and climbed down from the pontoon.
She stopped a foot away on the dock and studied me. “Why?”
I shrugged.
“Look.” She gave me a forced polite smile. “A lot of girls want to know Logan and a lot of girls have known Logan. If you’re looking for a hookup, he’s the guy for you, but if you’re looking for a rich boyfriend—I’d look elsewhere. Logan’s not that type, for anyone.”
“You sound like you know him pretty well.”
“I do.” And she rolled her eyes. “I know him a little too well. We dated for two years, broke up a year ago.”
“Really?” I surged forward a step, but held myself back. I didn’t want to appear too eager. “What happened?”
“What else?” She laughed, but it sounded hollow. “He liked my friends and me...and I liked his brother.”
My eyes went wide at that. Mason? “Did you date Mason too?”
She snorted and shook her head. “God, no. Like Mason Kade would ever be nice to any girl who wasn’t his precious Marissa?”
Marissa?
“I can’t believe I said any of this. I’m sorry. Thanks for telling me about Tanya and this Adam guy. You don’t have his number, do you?”
I pulled out my phone and called him. She waited and hugged herself. When a breeze picked up and wafted over the lake to us, it swept her hair in the air and wrapped around her and I was glad I’d kept my hair pulled back in a low ponytail. Then I heard Adam’s voicemail and ended the call.
“Sorry. It went to voice message and he would’ve picked up for me.”
She studied me again. “You’re good friends with this guy?”
“Not good like that.” I grinned at her. Then I gestured towards the pontoon. “He’s got a soft spot for Becky, she’s his neighbor. He looks at her like a kid sister.”
“Ah. I get it. Tanya likes those types.”
“Tate?” Logan stood at the end of the dock. “What are you doing here?”
She gave him an exaggerated bright smile and said sarcastically, “I was hoping to see you, Logan.”
He frowned and scratched at his head. “But you live in Forrest.”
“Yes,” she snapped at him. “I drove two hours on the slight hope you’d be at Ethan’s house. In fact, I had no idea you’d be here. I got in my car and drove, just drove. My gut brought me here.”
He looked at me. “You know Samantha?”
She snorted and gave me a withering look. “Yep, we’re best friends. I gave her the whole scoop on you so if you haven’t bagged her yet, she’ll know how to make it good for you in bed.”
He gave her a cocky grin.
She upped the withering glare to a hateful one at him before she looked back. “I thought you said you didn’t know him.”
I shrugged. “Who doesn’t know Logan Kade?”
“Right.” She shook her head. “Why did I come back here? That’s right, my whorish cousin. That’s why.”
“I thought you said she was your best friend.”
“One of and she’s also a cousin.” She swung her purse onto her arm and turned around with a hand poised on her hip. “Logan, do you know this Adam guy?”
He glanced over. “Quinn?”
I nodded.
“Sam knows him better.”
“Logan!”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine. He’s the quarterback for the Academy.”
“Where does he live?”
I raised a hand. “He wouldn’t take her to his house.”
She kept her back turned to me. “Logan, where does he live? Tanya’s not home.”
Logan looked at me.
I sighed. “He lives on 8th and Saxton Ave. I don’t know his house number, but it’s got a red mailbox on it.”
“Logan,” she urged again.
“Oh my god,” he groaned. “Sam, what does he drive?”
“A car. I don’t know.”
“Logan.”
He spoke for her again. “You’ve been in his car, Sam. I’ve seen you. What kind of car is it?”
“Sam?” Becky stumbled out from under the canopy, rubbing at her eyes. “What’s going on?”
“Hey.” I rounded on her as a different thought occurred to me. “Adam d
rove you, didn’t he?”
“Yeah...” She yawned widely.
And that meant—I whirled back around. “He’s still here. He wouldn’t leave her so they’re probably inside.”
Tate stepped around me and folded her arms over her chest. She bent forward and peered into Becky’s eyes. “He wouldn’t leave you?”
She shook her head, confused. “Who are you?”
Her eyes flashed in annoyance. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve heard what I need to. Thanks.” And she brushed past all of us. As she swept past Logan, he stepped to the side so her shoulder wouldn’t hit him and whistled under his breath as he watched her trudge up the hill. She flicked him off behind her back, but he only laughed.
“Hey.” Becky stepped beside me and held onto my arm. She struggled to stay on her feet. “Could I get a ride home?”
“What about Adam?”
She grinned, but immediately covered her mouth with her hand and jerked to the side. After a couple minutes and after she had stopped vomiting, she stood back up. “He took off long ago.”
“You said—”
“She was not being nice.” Becky shrugged, but clasped onto my arm again.
I couldn’t stop the smile from my face, but looked where Logan still stood. “Could we both get a ride home?”
He chuckled. “Yeah. Mason sent me down. He and Nate are waiting in the front, but we better hurry. If Tate finds out we lied, she’ll be after our asses and I don’t want to deal with that girl right now.”
“You mean you’re not up for an ex this morning?”
He groaned. “She told you that, huh?”
We both fell in step as I tried to help Becky stay upright. “And a bit more. Pretty sure she regrets it now.”
“She could tell I like you and that threw her.”
I looked at him sharply. “How do you know that?”
He shrugged. “I know her pretty well.”
I wanted to know all about their relationship and what Mason had to do with it, but I held my tongue when we climbed into the back of his Escalade. Becky gave them both a sloppy grin and a slurred thank-you, but she crumbled into a heap on her chair as soon as she crawled up. I had to boost her butt over so Logan and I could get in too. When we pulled up to Becky’s house, Nate came around the side and hoisted her over his shoulder. He followed me inside and we snuck her into her bedroom after I fumbled through her pockets for her keys.
