Page 53 of Dirty Play

That’s not an emotion I’m used to.

“Damn, woman, if you think any louder, the whole town will hear.” Cade chuckles, his eyes darkening as he watches me, a little hint of a smirk playing on his mouth, and I wonder if he actually knows what I was just thinking about.

“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I grumble as a blush rises on my cheeks. Now I hate these dark ass roads just a teeny bit less.

“When we were growing up, Vince and I used to fuck around on these back roads. We both had 4Runners, so we would always drive around like a bunch of idiots,” Cade explains. “Before you even ask, yes, we would have girls with us.”

At his words, my stomach turns. Hearing him say the words somehow makes it that much worse.

“The only girls Vince and I ever brought back here were our sisters.”

“It wouldn’t have mattered anyway. It’s not like I’m jealous or anything,” I state, keeping my eyes forward as we pull up to a big gate that is thankfully open.

It hits me all of a sudden that he just said sisters. As in plural. This is the first time since I’ve known Cade—especially since I’ve known about Kylie—that he’s mentioned Veronica, even if indirectly.

“Whatever you say, Tink.” Cade laughs a low, happy laugh that makes me smile. Even knowing he doesn’t believe my lies doesn’t matter because seeing this man happy has me forgetting what we were even talking about. “This is my parents’ driveway, follow it right up here and park on the right.”

As we make it around the corner, I see his parents’ home. I was expecting a small ranch house, but this place is stunning. The whole house is white with black trim and has a porch that wraps around the entire thing. I’m in love with it.

“This is beautiful, Cade,” I say as we park.

“It really is,” Cade says as I turn the car off.

Reaching across the center console, I grab his hand, giving it a quick squeeze, reminding him he’s not alone.

“You ready?” I ask.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he says before opening his door.

Chapter 21

Cade

Walking up to my parents’ house after not being here for years feels weird. I feel like I shouldn’t be here, like there’s a reason I’ve been gone so long. But Gwen grabs my hand as we climb the steps toward the door.

It isn’t until I reach for the door that she lets go, which I understand, but I still miss her touch. The door immediately swings open, my mom standing on the other side, her smile so wide you’d think she just won the lottery.

“My boy,” she says, stepping out and wrapping me in a hug. The kind of hug that only moms can give, the kind that makes you feel safe and loved. “I’m so happy you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.”

I feel something crack inside of me. I’ve missed these hugs.

Stepping back, smile still in place, her hands squeeze my arms while she looks me up and down like she can’t believe I'm here.

Me either, Mom.

“And who’s this young lady with you?” she says with a smile, turning to look at Gwen and immediately pulling her into a hug, just as expected.

“Thanks for coming with Cade,” she says, pulling us both inside. “Both rooms down at the end are set up for you. I’m sure you’re tired, so make yourselves comfortable.”

“Thanks, mom,” I say, yawning now that I'm thinking about how tired I really am.

“Hey, son,” a low voice says from behind me.

I turn around and see my dad. He looks good—looks strong—and the smile on his face makes me think he’s happy, which makes me happy.

“Hey, Dad,” I say, stepping closer and pulling him into a hug. He’s not a hugger like my mom, so it’s quick, but it’s my first hug from him in years, which hurts.

“It’s good to see you. Thanks for driving all this way.”

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