Page 20 of Room for Three

“You’re in a rush,” he grunts, gripping my shoulders and pulling me away from him. “You smell good.”

I laugh. “You smell awful. See you later.”

I’m pretty sure I shock us both when I stand on my toes and press a quick kiss to his cheek. Before he has a chance to react, I rush downstairs and out of the house. Brayden gives me a nod when he sees me.

“Sorry,” I mutter once I’m inside the truck. “I got caught up texting with Addison. You good?”

“I’m fine,” he grumbles. “My neighbors fought all night. Since my room faces theirs, I got to hear their shouting. Fun times.”

“That sucks. Which neighbors?”

“Casey and Derek.”

I try to remember what Travis said about them. When nothing comes to mind, I change the conversation to school.

“So,” I say, voice teasing. “Anyone at school I should try and hook you up with?”

He snorts out a laugh. “They’re all too immature.”

“Am I too immature?”

“Are you offering yourself up?”

I playfully punch his arm. “No. You’re my friend. Friends don’t date.”

“Good. I didn’t want to have to break your heart. Glad we cleared that up.”

We both laugh and then settle into a comfortable silence.

Today I’m feeling much more relaxed. The weirdness between me, Cole, and Travis is gone, and I’m more comfortable around Brayden this morning. Maybe this new situation will be much better than I expected.

When we reach the school, one shiny, ostentatious vehicle in the parking lot stands out among the sea of regular, dented and cheaper ones.

Why is he at my school?

“Oh great,” I mutter. “I know that guy. He’s an asshole. Park far away from him.”

My heart rate stutters out of control in my chest. I’m not sure why he’s here, but I don’t like it. Brayden, face twisted in concern, does as instructed. We both climb out and start hoofing it toward the building.

A figure materializes into my line of vision just before we reach the door. I recognize the blond curly hair and cruel slant of his mouth.

Rhett.

“Hello, baby sister. Do you miss me yet?”

Me and Brayden slow to a stop in front of Rhett. I’m thankful my new friend doesn’t leave me alone with this jerk.

“I’m going to be late for class,” I clip out, annoyance dripping from my words. “What do you want?”

He steps toward me and Brayden stiffens. Rhett plays rugby, lacrosse, and soccer. He’s broad and muscular. Brayden’s lithe, non-sporty frame doesn’t stand a chance against him.

“Mom and Dad shouldn’t have let you leave,” Rhett says angrily. “To go live with two strangers? Have they hurt you?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “They’re my parents’ friends. Practically family. Not sure why it matters to you. I didn’t think you cared about me.”

“Seriously?” Rhett grips my shoulders and shakes me lightly. “Of course I care. Dad and Addison are taking it the hardest, but I miss you too. No one else is as much fun to tease.”

Bully.

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