Page 4 of Promising You

“Well, yes. I mean, no.” I’m completely flustered. “I don’t know. Just stop talking about it.”

“You should at least consider it, Jade. You’re already part of my family. You had Thanksgiving here. You’ve experienced the Kensington family Christmas. And Lilly’s made you her big sister.”

Already part of my family.His words send a shiver down me. They remind me of his dad’s words, welcoming me to the family. This crazy family that I don’t at all understand.

I kiss him quick as I stand up. “I need to shower. I’ll see you at breakfast.”

He catches my wrist. “Do you need some help in the shower? Because I’m more than happy to help.”

Given how hot he looks and how great he smells, it’s a tempting offer but not with his family home.

“I can handle it. But thanks.”

I go back to my room and get ready, then head downstairs to the dining room where Garret, Katherine, and Lilly are having breakfast. I take a seat next to Garret. Charles, the family cook, has set out a warming tray filled with eggs and sausage. There’s also a platter of fruit and pastries. I serve myself some eggs and take a pastry.

Nobody is talking. Katherine is reading the newspaper. Lilly is sitting across from me, bobbing up and down in her chair as she eats.

Mr. Kensington walks in, wearing a suit, which is odd given that it’s Saturday and the day after Christmas. Lilly bursts out of her chair and runs over to him.

“Daddy! I’m going sledding! I’m going sledding!”

He picks her up and she plants a kiss on his cheek. “Yes, I heard that. That should be fun for you.” He looks at Garret. “Do we even have a sled?”

Garret nods as he sets his juice glass down. “Jade and I bought one over Thanksgiving break. We went sledding at Bryant Park.”

“You’re not going there today, are you?” Mr. Kensington uses the same disapproving tone that his wife used earlier.

“No, we’re staying here,” Garret says.

“Good. Have a good time, Lilly.” He kisses her, then sets her down. “I have to go to the office, but I’ll see everyone at dinner.”

“Bye, Daddy.” Lilly runs back to her seat.

“See ya, Dad,” Garret says.

I smile at Mr. Kensington, not sure what to say. Even though he seems to tolerate me now, I still find him very intimidating.

Mr. Kensington looks at Katherine. She keeps her head buried in her newspaper, not even acknowledging him. They’re definitely fighting about something. I hope it’s not me. But I get the feeling that it is.

CHAPTERTWO

Once Mr. Kensington is gone,Katherine closes her newspaper and folds it back up, setting it on the table. “Lilly, we need to get going. Finish up.” She turns to me. “Does she need anything for this sledding activity?”

I’m not sure what Katherine means. Has the woman never gone sledding? Was she never a child? I basically had no childhood andIstill went sledding.

“Does she have snow pants?” I ask Katherine.

“No. She doesn’t. I’ll stop and get her some after dance class.”

“Can I have pink ones?” Lilly asks.

“That’s the only color you wear,” Garret says to her.

She shakes her head back and forth. “Nope. I wear purple, too.”

Garret looks at Katherine to confirm. “It’s true. She recently expanded her wardrobe to include purple.” Katherine gets up from the table. “Let’s go, Lilly.”

Lilly hops down off her chair and the two of them leave. Garret and I stay behind to finish breakfast.

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