"With good reason." She turned to face Kade again. "I don't want this to happen again. I mean it, Kade, or I'm going to tell your father. And we both know he wouldn't like this."
I knew she was right. Kade and Parker's Dad, Mark, wouldn't like the thought of us together. He was traditional and valued family above everything else. I felt shame then. Deep, dark shame that made me think something was wrong with me because I was so attracted to my stepbrother. But I couldn't help it. I wanted Kade. I wanted to see where our connection went, not watch the flame go out the moment it was lit.
But because Mom had caught us, it seemed as if it was all over before it even began.
"Promise me right now, Kade," Mom insisted. "You won't touch June again. She's off-limits for you. You understand me?"
"Loud and clear, Rachel," Kade muttered.
"Good." Mom crossed her arms and glared at me next. "Same goes for you, June. Don't give into this. It's wrong and inappropriate. Now come on, we have packing to do. The movers will be here in twenty, and Mark and Parker are waiting."
I nodded wordlessly. She didn't even leave a moment for me to talk things through with Kade. She followed us closely as we made our way back to the house.
And from then on, every time I was alone with Kade, I felt my mother's watchful eyes on my back, her cryptic words ringing in my ears.
"Miss Wildfox."
"Yes?" I look up from the report I'm reading, realizing I've been so caught up in my memories I've gone through several pages of it without even knowing what I'm reading. A flush creeps into my cheeks as I stare at Barbara, one of my maids who wears an excitable expression and is holding up the landline phone.
"A call for you, Miss Wildfox."
"I don't have time right now," I mutter.
"I think you do," she muses. "It's your brother."
I'm up in seconds, grabbing the phone from her hand and not even caring about how desperate I must look to her. Barbara leaves the room with a knowing smile, and my hand shakes as I hold the phone to my ear.
"Kade?"
"Parker." My expression falls instantly, but still, it's good to hear his voice after all the time that has passed.
"Parker!" I grin, sitting back down at my desk. "I haven't heard from you in so long. I'm so glad you called."
"Me too." I can practically see the mischievous grin on his face. "Look, I'm just setting up for dinner, and I wanted to ask if you'd like to drop by. You know, have something to eat."
I don't want to break his heart and tell him all my calories for the day have been accounted for. Besides, one extra meal won't kill me. I'll just work myself twice as hard in my exercise routine tomorrow.
"I would love to," I manage. "Can I come by your place in about an hour?"
"Great. Can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait either," I admit, cutting the call and struggling to fight the smile off my face as I race to my closet to find an appropriate outfit.
I hope Kade is there, too.
7
Kade
Work goes as work usually does, and the hours pass slowly. My eyes are getting tired from staring at the computer screen, and my hangover is making my head pound. But finally, it’s time for me to go home, and because I’m feeling extra grateful that Parker doesn’t seem to remember a thing from yesterday’s drunken planning, I decide to grab a few treats at the deli on our street.
I even throw in some gorgonzola cheese, which used to be Parker’s favorite. It may not be the stuff we were used to—and the smell makes my stomach roll over—but I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.
I take the stairs two at a time, and my usual worried smirk is replaced by a smile today. Things are gonna fucking work out. I’ll explain the plan again, he’ll understand, and I’ll have her. I produce my keys out of my pocket and fumble with them, trying to get the door open. Because that’s what this has been about all along. Sweet, innocent…
June.
Standing in front of me, opening the door for me—to my own goddamn apartment. Wearing Parker’s college sweatshirt. I clench the paper bag in my hands, and at that moment, I know I had it all wrong. Parker remembers everything. He