decided to follow Amanda’s lead on the fast track program the college offered. Now both of them were facing decisions about where to work and live in a few weeks.
“I know. I’m not sure what to do next,” Amanda admitted.
“I do know I’m moving home. I may get an apartment after I’ve been on the job for a few weeks but I want to go home,” Jenny shared.
“Me too,” Amanda grinned. “That’s where Cade will be.”
“Convenient. Will you stay at the ranch?”
“For a while at least. You looking for a roommate?”
“I wouldn’t be opposed,” Jenny smiled in return.
“I might take you up on that,” Amanda told her.
Jenny’s smile faded. “How’s Trent taking this with Christy?”
“Cade says he isn’t taking it too well,” Amanda admitted.
“Poor Trent.”
“I know. I really am tempted to go beat Christy up. I may not be the strongest woman ever but I am sure I could pack a punch,” Amanda mused.
“I’m sure I could too,” Jenny added with a smile of her own. Amanda smiled at her friend and both settled back against the couch; they both knew they wouldn’t act on their desire to hurt the woman.
“On a happier note; my brother is available again,” Amanda’s eyes lit.
Twenty-Two
Amanda taped another box closed as she surveyed the apartment. She and Jenny had been packing all week. Next week was graduation and then both girls were headed home, at least temporarily before they made their next plans and moves. Jenny was out on a date; Amanda preferred to stay home and pack, her date was several hours away. Her brother was acting all whacked out again. After Christy had thrown herself at Cade, Trent seemed to some how shift the blame to Cade. Trent had called Amanda and lectured her about getting involved with Cade. Amanda had told him to mind his own business.
She had just started packing another box when a knock sounded on her door. Amanda opened it, one minute blinking in disbelief and the next throwing herself into Cade’s arms. He greeted her with a kiss before smiling down at her.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m great now. I thought you guys weren’t going to be home until mid week next week,” Amanda said in confusion.
“I’m done; I saw no point in waiting around. I’ll go back for the graduation ceremony but,” Cade shrugged.
“I’m so glad you’re here; come in,” Amanda invited as she stepped aside so he could enter.
“You busy?” Cade inquired of her.
“No, just packing.”
“I want to take you out, you and me on a proper date tonight,” he informed her.
“You know I established a no dating rule while I’m finishing school,” she teased as she stepped forward to lean against him.
“Did you?”
“Yeah this really sexy man reminded me that I needed to focus on my degree,” she shared.
“Did he?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Would you bend your rules for the sexy man,” he teased right back.
“I sure will; let me go change.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he assured her. Amanda changed into a skirt and sleeveless top before fixing her hair and make up and stepping into her boots.
“You look amazing,” Cade informed her as she rejoined. He pulled her close for a kiss; then took her hand to leave.
Amanda found herself smiling. This was the first date ever she had been excited about, she realized.
“What are you smiling about?” Cade wanted to know.
“I’m just excited to be going out with you,” she admitted.
“Me too,” Cade offered her a smile.
He took her to eat at one of her favorite local restaurants and then to a dance being held in the park. Amanda had never had so much fun. Dancing in Cade’s arms, twirling to the music; the night could go on forever as far as she was concerned. Cade was the perfect date, holding doors, pulling chairs, offering her his jacket when she was cold and making every woman they passed glare at Amanda with jealousy. At least Amanda could easily imagine that was why they stared so hard. It could simply be because Cade was so very nice to look at.
“I had a wonderful time tonight,” Amanda assured Cade as she unlocked her front door, entered and flipped on the lights.
“Me too,” Cade pulled her into his arms as soon as the door closed. Amanda sank against him and lifted her face to his. Cade kissed her gently at first, then more deeply.
“Stay,” Amanda invited him a few minutes later.
“After our first date?” he teased.
“I’ve been inviting you to stay since before our first date,” she reminded him.