The Enemy - Kelsey Clayton Page 0,47
to start with a ‘ka’ sound too? You've had Kellan, Colby, and Cade. I'm starting to notice a trend here.”
I roll my eyes and cross my arms over my chest. “Ha ha. Why am I even friends with you?”
“Because I call you out on your shit, like the fact that you want your step-brother to do naughty things to you.” She sticks her tongue out teasingly, and I laugh.
“You make it sound so taboo.”
She shrugs. “It is, but that's what makes it so hot. Like me with Asher. The forbidden romances are always the most exciting.”
I don't even bother denying it. Tessa can read me like an open book, like when she told me I had a crush on Colby. She wasn't exactly wrong, but that's not a place I let my mind go to anymore. Not after realizing that he and I are better off as friends. Don't get me wrong, the girl he ends up with will be lucky as hell, but it won't be me.
“Let's send Asher to that Italian place down the street,” I pout as I plop down onto the couch. “I need comfort food.”
I STAND IN THE foyer with Cade by my side as our parents make sure they have everything for their trip. Nora's parents already came this morning to pick up Molly, and now all that's left is for them to leave for their month-long cruise. A part of me was pissed that I only have a couple months left at home, and my dad is choosing to spend it out at sea with his girlfriend, but I'm more excited to have a month filled with no authority figures.
“All right. You have all the phone numbers you need if there's an emergency?” Nora asks us both.
Cade groans. “Mom, we’re legal adults, not children.”
She waves him off dismissively. “Don't get fresh with me, Cadence. I just worry.”
“Yeah, Cadence,” I tease, loving the way he tenses up.
“Try not to kill each other, you two,” she tells us.
Cade scoffs. “Who, Lennon and me?” He drapes an arm over my shoulder. “We're the best of friends. Don't worry about us.”
I plaster the best smile I can manage across my face and wave happily as they grab their suitcases and head out the door. As soon as they drive away, Cade rips his arm away and shoves me to the side. Dick.
“Now, now, Cadence. Remember what Mommy said.”
His brows raise, and he looks away for a second, smiling. I'm frozen in place as he takes a step toward me and pins me to the wall.
“Call me Cadence again, and I'll make it so you can't sit down for a fucking week.”
My throat goes dry at his words, and at least half of me wants to do it—call him on his bluff and see exactly what happens. He must notice the way I'm actually considering it, because his glare turns to a smirk.
“Go ahead. Do it.”
I swallow harshly. It's tempting as hell, but I don't have the guts to say it. My first sexual experience of any kind should not be getting spanked by my potential stepbrother. I don't care how hot Tessa says it is; I deserve better than that.
He hums and takes a step back. “I didn't think so.”
The door opens, and Bryce walks in with Jayden, each holding a case of beer. Cade does their bro-handshake with both of them and I glare.
“They've been gone three minutes and you're having a party?” I ask.
He rolls his eyes at me. “If you don't like it, Sunshine, there's the door.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “This is my house. I'm not going anywhere.”
“Suit yourself.”
SEEING A BUNCH OF people I've never met in my life fill my home is an uncomfortable feeling. Cade didn't even go to school for senior year. How does he even know all these people?
“Put that down,” I demand, grabbing the expensive vase from a random partygoer.
Tessa chuckles as I put it under the sink. “Okay, maybe you should just calm down.”
“They're destroying my house,” I protest.
She shakes her head. “They're not. Just relax. Everything will be fine in the morning.”
Leading me through the house and into the backyard, Tessa takes me out back to sit by the pool. She grabs two beers from the cooler and hands me one. She might have a point. It's just a party. I pop open the can and take a swig.
“I guess a little fun wouldn't kill me.”
Her grin widens. “Exactly. You've been killing yourself getting