Page 59 of Dirty Play

“What do you mean, more?” I ask, not sure what I have to do with any of this.

“Look, I don’t know how much you know which makes this a bit challenging. But given it’s my son, I can guess that it’s the bare minimum, at most,” Shelly starts, and I just nod, knowing there’s so much to this story, and I just have the top layer of it. “When Veronica died, a part of Cade died too. They were the best of friends since they were babies, only fifteen months apart.”

Kylie reaches over and grabs her mom’s hand. It’s never to talk about losing someone, especially someone you loved so much.

“After she died, he left. At first, he just checked out mentally, but as soon as he could, he went away to college and played hockey. He was off and running, never looking back. Don’t get me wrong, his dad and I always dreamed of him making it to the NHL… I guess we just figured he would still visit us every once in a while.” Shelly’s eyes well up, but she looks at me and smiles. “This is the first time he’s come home in over five years, and the first time he’s stayed in this house in ten. You are the only change. The only reason I can think of that could’ve brought my boy home, so thank you.”

She stands up and wraps me in another hug—two in one day—and I can already tell I like it. These hugs make me feel content like I have people that care about me. More than just my girls.

I officially adore these people.

“Oh hell, are we walking into a sappy love fest?” Cade asks as the guys all walk up the stairs onto the porch.

Stepping back, we both just laugh.

“Something like that,” I say as I grab my phone. “I’m actually going to run to my room to call the hospital. I want to check and see how Kennedy is doing.”

Kennedy ended up needing to stay in the hospital for a bit longer—her body just needed a little more time to get stronger. I’ve been getting updates, but only when Mariah is working, and today is her day off.

“Let me know how she is,” Cade says seriously, reaching for my cup of tea and taking a big gulp. Watching the way his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows shouldn’t be so hot, but I don’t think there’s a thing he does that I don’t find attractive.

I nearly die when I notice everyone around us is watching me ogle Cade. Well, time to run away.

“I’ll be back in a bit,” I say, turning to walk away.

“After that, you and Cade should take a walk. Let him show you around a bit. It might be nice to get out and stretch your legs,” Shelly says with a smirk that makes me think she’s up to something.

Cade looks over at her before shrugging back at me.

“If you’re up for it we can go when you’re done with your call.”

“Okay, I’ll be back down in ten,” I say as I scurry off, needing a minute away from him to regain control.

All of their eyes on me made me realize just how often I look at Cade.

Cade’s childhood home has got to be the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Not only is the home absolutely perfect, but their property is amazing. Cade showed me the barn, where they have their little goats, and then we ended up at a pond with lots of cute duckies.

“Where do you think the mom is?” I ask as I get a little closer to where the ducks are playing in the water.

“I don’t know, but do you really wanna fuck with mama duck? They aren’t very nice.”

“They are too,” I say, glaring. “Geese are the assholes.”

“How do you know this?”

“I read animal facts every morning. It keeps my brain engaged and learning new things—and I happen to love learning about cute little animals.”

“Because you aren’t busy enough as it is,” Cade says before sitting down, while I continue to search for more ducks. “Tell me another.”

“Another what?” I ask as I walk over and sit down in the grass next to him, dropping my head to his shoulder.

“An animal fact.”

I lean back on my elbows, look up at him, and think. I could tell him about hummingbirds flying backward… or how polar bear skin is black. Hmm…

“Otters hold hands while they’re sleeping so they don’t get separated.”

“Really?” he asks, eyebrow cocked like he doesn’t believe me.

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