Traction - Dani Rene Page 0,28

and Dad wanted me to find a nice boy to take to prom, but since I wasn’t overly popular, I ended up going with the son of one of their friends. Not the most romantic prom ever, but it was fun. I didn’t date. Never thought about it. Until now.

“I was, and when we went to a bar to go dancing, he was there.”

“And you ended up with him?”

I nod, settling in the armchair across from her, closer to the fire she’d lit. “We went to the beach. We didn’t stay long, and we just talked. I told him about Dad, about how he got me into cars and racing.”

“I hope I’ll be able to meet this boy,” she says.

“He’s not a boy, Mom,” I inform her, suddenly feeling anxious. I know Kayden is in his late twenties. If I remember correctly, he’s almost twenty-nine, which makes him a few years older than me. I know my parents have always been open-minded, and I pray Mom will be when she sees him.

“Just remember what Dad and I taught you—always be careful.”

“Ugh, Mom, seriously?” I’m embarrassed at the reminder of that fun chat I had with them. It was one of the most excruciating times of my life. “We’re not doing all of that.”

“I know, baby girl, but you have to remember, I love you, and I just need you to look after yourself.”

“Mom, you and Dad brought me up to be a responsible, level-headed woman. I’m not going out to do something stupid.” Even though I could’ve done so many times, I didn’t. My focus was always set, and Kayden is not going to disrupt that, no matter how much I like him.

“Good.”

“We have a date tomorrow, and he’ll come in to meet you,” I tell her, waiting for something negative. Most girls my age would’ve gotten a telling off, I’m sure, but Mom just smiles. “And be nice.”

“I’m always nice. If your Dad were here, that would be another story,” she teases with a wink, and I can’t stop the lump from forming in my throat. She’s right. He would’ve had my back and told Kayden if he ever hurt me, there would be hell to pay. And right in this moment, I miss my dad even more because he’s missing out of my life.

“I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning,” I tell her before pushing to my feet and giving her a goodnight kiss. In my bedroom, I shut myself inside and focus on the happiness from the date tonight rather than the heartache.

Tomorrow, I’ll be able to see Kayden in the light.

And hopefully, we can get to know each other better.

12

Kayden

The sun is hidden behind clouds when I pull up outside Haelee’s home five minutes before nine. When I woke up this morning, I had second thoughts on taking her to my special place, but I promised, so I’m going to keep it.

I’ve hardly ever met any of the families of any girl I’ve been with previously, but with her, I want to do it right. Not because I am thinking about a long-term future just yet, but because we work together, and I want to prove to her that I’m not the judgmental prick she thinks I am. Also, I need to make up for our first meeting.

The frustration of the day had gotten to me, and the embarrassment of losing to a girl had me angry. She’s good, and I couldn’t see it that day through the prominent frustration that had taken hold of me.

It’s no excuse, and I need to show her I’m not usually like that. When I reach the door, I knock twice, holding the bouquet of flowers in my hand I hope her mother will like.

My chest is tight, anxiousness taking hold of me when I’m finally met with Haelee’s pretty, cocoa eyes. She’s gorgeous in a pair of tight blue jeans, her Vans sneakers, and a gray hoodie that makes her look like a bad girl in a hip-hop video.

“Hey, speedy.” I greet her with a smile, which she returns as she plants a chaste kiss on my cheek.

“Hi, come inside,” she says, stepping aside to allow me in. The house is modern yet has a homely feel with soft accents of off-white and brown and a fireplace I can see from the entrance foyer. “My mom is in the kitchen, making something to eat.” Her gaze falls to the flowers, and she smiles.

“They’re for your mom. I didn’t