Breathe You - C.R. Jane Page 0,13

a crap about his happiness.

But right now, Quaid’s narcissistic parents are not the reason I’m stewing in silence in my seat. Just the idea of Logan and Quaid going to one of Tracy’s parties irks me to no end.

I’ve heard the rumors.

Her parties always end up with kids hooking up in her various empty bedrooms. It takes all the faith I have in Logan and Quaid not to ask if they have ever been with another girl. But I guess if I truly wanted answers, then I could always go to one of her parties and see for myself. Quaid doesn’t even invite me to go with him anymore. Not that I would go if he did.

I might be on the cheerleading squad, but I know my place. Most of the girls at school look at me like I’m something they want to squash with their high heels. I’m okay with their stares and whispered comments behind my back. Well, maybe not okay, but used to it at least. It’s when this sort of thing happens that I get insecure. When the boys I adore go their separate ways from me.

Dad and Quaid continue to talk about one thing or another, but my mind is too muddled to keep up. All I can think about is all the girls that will be at this party that want a piece of the boys I have given my heart and soul to.

When we finally finish dinner, I’m still in a mood. As usual, Dad leaves us alone to do some work in his office, while Quaid and I tidy the kitchen and wash the dishes. It’s been that way since forever, and I think it’s Dad’s way of giving Quaid and I some alone time under his roof. After he caught Carter and me making out a couple of years ago, my room became a no boys allowed zone. Even for Quaid, who basically lives at our house.

“You were quiet all throughout dinner. Is something wrong?” Quaid asks as I pass him a plate to dry.

I shake my head, not wanting to look him in the eye.

“Liar.”

I scoff, scrubbing the dish ferociously.

“Are you angry at me or something?”

“Why would I be angry at you? Did you do something for me to be angry at?”

“No.”

“Are you going to do something for me to be mad at?”

“Never.”

“Then I’m not mad.”

“You sure as hell sound mad, babe,” he jokes, placing the plate on the counter and wrapping his arms around my waist from behind, his chin on my shoulder.

“You know you can always come with me to one of these parties. I’d love to bring you. Just say the word,” he whispers in my ear, pinpointing exactly why I’m upset.

I bite at my inner cheek, hating how he can read my jealousy so easily. As much as I would love to be with Quaid and Logan tonight, I don’t want to spend my Saturday night being talked about.

I shake my head, declining once again his offer, and Quaid lets out a long sigh.

He turns me around, my chest glued to his as he leans his temple against mine.

“It’s just a party, Val. I’m not going to do anything that will make you mad at me. Just hang out with the guys and have a few laughs. That’s it.”

“Promise?” My voice cracks.

He gently raises my chin with his knuckles so I can get lost in his forest green eyes.

“You’re my girl, Val. No one else,” he vows, and my shoulders instantly relax.

Quaid is the only one who is vocal in regards to his love for me. Logan keeps it hidden away, while Carter doesn’t even acknowledge it at times. But not Quaid. His feelings for me are as transparent as my own.

He leans down and presses his lips against mine, my mouth instantly opening up for his tongue to take me hostage. During the years, Quaid has never been shy about kissing me. He does it often and at every opportunity he can find. I moan into his mouth when he deepens the kiss. When he pulls away, my eyes are at half-mast while his are hooded with lust and love.

“You’re the only girl I have ever kissed. The only one I will ever want to kiss,” he confesses with such earnestness, it brings a grin to my face. “Don’t ever forget that, Princess. Okay?”

“Okay,” I sigh, going on my tiptoes to get one more parting kiss before he leaves me.

I just hope one day he