Page 138 of Sporty Girls Don't Fall For Loners

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My parents and I have landed and are now in Uncle Zack’s car, driving toward his house. Mom and Dad tell him about their trip, I talk about my time in Boston, and he updates my parents on what’s been going on.

We pull into the driveway about an hour later and enter the house. Aunt Ally hugs Mom and Dad, telling them how happy she is to see them. Then she hugs me.

Kade’s standing on the side with his hands in his pockets. As soon as our eyes make contact, a smile forms on his face and he makes his way over to me. The almost-kiss pops into my head. Are things weird between us? Video chatting was one thing, but it’s different actually seeing him in the flesh.

“Hey,” he says with another smile.

I return it. “Hey. How’s it going?”

He moves closer and encloses me in his arms. I’m immediately overwhelmed by his warmth and protection. “Welcome back,” he murmurs in my ear.

“Thanks.”

We stay in each other’s arms for what feels like forever. I wish time would stand still so I could relish in this moment.

He sweeps his lips across my cheek, and for a second I wonder if I imagined it. Then he sweeps them again and I know it’s real.

“Thanks for coming back home,” he says softly.

I draw back and gaze into his eyes. “Were you worried I wouldn’t?”

He sighs as he rubs his forehead. “Sorry. It’s sometimes hard when people leave me. I’m worried they won’t return. But I’m trying to work on myself.”

I brush my fingers through his hair. “Like I told you a million times: I’m not going anywhere.”

His smile is small and sweet, but filled with reassurance. He rests his forehead on mine, his chest heaving.

It dawns on me that we’re in public. I quickly pull away from him, glancing at the adults to see if they noticed anything. But my parents and aunt and uncle are too busy catching up.

Kade also realizes we’re in public and rubs the back of his head.

We’re quiet.

Is he thinking about the almost-kiss? Because I sure am.

He gives me another sweet smile. “I got something for you.”

“Really? I got something for you, too. It’s in my suitcase. One sec.”

I unzip it and pull the object out. His eyebrows furrow as he takes it in.

“Is that a book?” he asks.

“I know you don’t read, but I saw this and thought of you and knew you had to have it.” I pass the book to him.

He scans the title and cover.

“It’s a mystery book,” I explain. “About a detective who uses his skills to solve the most complex crimes. It’s an entire series, but I only got the first book. I’ll buy you the rest if you like it…” I press my lips together because I’m rambling. “I hope you like it.”

He smiles. “I do, thanks.” He lifts a brow. “You gonna turn me into a reader, huh?”

I hold up my hands. “Hey, I’m all for converting you,” I joke. “But it’s okay if you don’t read it.”

He glances at it again. “No, I will. Thanks so much. Now for your present. It’s in my room.”

I follow him there, where he tells me to close my eyes.

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