The Enemy - Kelsey Clayton Page 0,77

never heard anything about her."

"So, she would basically be choosing you over the only parent she has," he clarifies for himself. "That's rough."

"Yeah, you're telling me."

For a moment, I start to wonder if I'm doing the right thing. But then I remember the way her hair smells and the look in her eyes when she surfed her first wave, and all hesitations dissipate.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," Bryce says confidently.

I snort. "Oh yeah, all knowing one? And why's that?"

He nods toward the entrance. "Because she's here, and she brought an entourage."

My head whips over in that direction and I couldn't hide my smile if I tried. Lennon is walking through the gate with Savannah and Delaney, while Knox and Grayson follow behind. I get up and meet her halfway. Her friends leave us alone and continue walking over to Bryce and Jayden, but her attention stays focused on me.

"What are you doing here?"

She smirks, taking the hat off my head and putting it on hers—backwards, just like I had it. "I missed you. Sue me."

Before I can say another word, she grabs my board and puts it on the ground before skating away on it. And let me be the first one to say, it has to be one of the sexiest things I've ever seen.

SNEAKING AROUND IS EASIER said than done, especially when my mom is constantly around. Trophy wife may be her desired profession, but can't she be one of those wives that goes out and spends all of her rich husband's money or something? Between her and Molly, it's been nearly impossible to get time alone with Lennon.

After the skate park and spending most of the night hanging out with everyone, the two of us went for a drive down to the beach. We sat in the sand with her head on my shoulder, and I've never felt better. Spending time with her isn't just something I want anymore. I need it.

It's been a couple weeks since that night, and I can tell Ken's patience with me is growing thin. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the way his daughter and I look at each other, but so far he doesn't have any proof. The only thing I do know is that I need to get more money for my dad, before Mr. Moneybags kicks me out and I lose my chance of getting into his office.

I sit at the kitchen island, watching my mom get everything together. She's taking Molly to get fitted for school uniforms. Apparently, Ken decided that Molly will be attending Haven Grace Prep next year. My mom, being as spineless as she is lately, had no objections to the matter, even though Molly seems less than thrilled about the idea.

Lennon left for dance an hour ago, and with my mom gone, it gives me the perfect opportunity to get in and get some more cash. Is it wrong? Of course. But do I have any other option? Not really. It's not like my mom would help him if I told her. If anything, it would just put the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.

I watch as she grabs her purse and smiles at me before walking out the door with my sister. As soon as the car pulls out of the driveway, I get to work. First, I look around and check for any signs of staff. When there isn't any, I slip into the office and quickly get into the safe. I know I can't take much, but I need enough for at least a couple months.

I get what I need and put everything back. Just as I turn to leave, however, a person standing in the doorway has me frozen in place.

"Lennon," I breathe, but the look on her face says I shouldn't say anything.

"You're stealing from my dad? Seriously?"

I take a deep breath. "I can explain."

A humorless laugh echoes out of her. "I'm sure you can. You're just Mr. Bad Choices and Explanations, aren't you?"

"No, please. Hear me out," I beg.

She shakes her head and goes to walk away. "Save it. You're not who I thought you were."

Fuck! I follow her to the stairs but stop at the bottom of them. "It's for my dad," I blurt. "Since my mom left him, he started drinking a lot to deal with the void in his life. He lost his job, and he may lose the house if I don't find a way