Page 3 of Never Quiet

Chapter One

July 2012 (Age 14)

Getting off the plane with Noel and Rick, renting a car, and driving to the Keys seemed to take forever. The second Rick parked in front of a house Mandy had gotten to know well, she jumped from the car and raced to the two men waiting with big smiles.

When her aunt and uncle came to take her home just before Christmas, the people she’d come to think of as another family made them promise to bring her back every summer after her birthday.

Mandy honestly didn’t think it would fly with her parents but they were thrilled she’d gotten so close to the Hardings and their spouses. Since she was traveling with Noel, no one was worried.

Her aunt was pretty smug about it.

Throwing herself at Chaz Harding, he caught Mandy laughing. “How did you get taller? We just saw you seven months ago!”

Releasing him, she gripped Shawn Clay as hard as she could. He said, “Not gonna lie, it kind of felt like seven years. You’ve been missed around here, sweetheart.”

Taking their hands, she said, “You guys look great. I’ll catch you up on everything but first…please tell me you worked magic in the kitchen, Chaz. I’m ready to gnaw off my own arm.”

At her side, Noel said, “I’d gnaw on your arm, too. Not mine. I need them. I bet yours are delicious.” She kissed Chaz’s cheek and leaned back, smooching her lips at Shawn.

“As a matter of fact, I have a little something spread out inside. Come on.” As Chaz turned, he said over his shoulder, “Rick, the ladies come first so I’ll shake your hand once I put food in front of them.”

“If you think I’m getting between these two and food, you must be kidding. I swear to god, I don’t know where they put it.”

“My brain,” Mandy replied.

“My nuclear core,” Noel said at the same time.

They’d been eating and talking for two hours when their front door opened. Mandy hopped off the barstool and ran full-out through the house.

“Dakota!” Hugging Chaz’s twin tight, she said, “Did you just come from the boat? Where’s Sterling?”

Dakota and Gunner’s son was an energetic three-year-old who seemed to possess every outrageous quality from both his parents. He never tired, never seemed sad, and was terrifyingly fearless.

In the time Mandy spent in the Keys, he’d broken his arm jumping from the boat to the dock, gotten stitches twice from shells and glass, and knocked himself clean out doing an unexpected trick in their pool.

“The little hellion is at the petting zoo with his preschool. We’ll grab him in about an hour when they get back.”

“A petting zoo…?” Mandy asked carefully.

“I really hope the animals are okay.” Dakota sighed. “Wait until you see some of the pictures we’ve taken on the dive tours since you’ve been gone. We’ll take you out with us in a couple of days once you settle in. You got taller.”

“I did.” Turning, she stared up at Gunner Cain. “I’m going to catch up with you and my dad. I know I can do it.”

“Goals are important. Stating them clearly increases the probability of completing them.” Gunner laughed as he pulled her into a bear hug. It was as if big men like Nate and Gunner went to a special school for hugs. “We’ve missed having another female butt-kicker around here.”

Mandy grinned. “I hardly kick butt at all but I’m going to get better.”

Dakota tapped the end of her nose lightly. “You’re here for two weeks. I plan to bring the pain.”

Deadpan, Mandy shot back, “I like it. I love it. I want some more of it.” Looking around, she frowned. “Erick around?”

“He’ll be along. He was sidetracked coming off the dock by a couple of girls on vacation. Their hair flipping almost made me violent.” Dakota rolled her eyes. “He offered to show them where to rent jet skis.” Taking a deep breath, she stilled. “Did Chaz cook?”

“Uh huh. He laid out a feast,” Mandy told her cheerfully. She watched the couple head for the dining room and pause to wait for her. She pointed down the hall. “Bathroom really quick. I’ll be back.”

Walking to the half bath off the living room, she splashed cool water on her face to ease the warmth she could feel. Patting her skin dry, she reminded herself that she was only fourteen.

The boy she considered her soulmate was seventeen. Erick Harding was the first boy to ever make her feel butterflies. She didn’t even realize what it was when it happened the first time.

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