The Truth About Us

“I did not!”

“Kinda.”

“Because you tricked me into it.”

Kaden ignored her and rounded the corner to the stairs.

“Where are you going?” she asked, exasperated.

“Up to your room. To work on calculus.” He stared at her wide-eyed and innocent.

“I just told them that so I could get you away from them.”

“You want me all to yourself. I get it,” he said, taking the stairs two at a time. “All you had to do was ask.”

“I do not...” Abby trailed off as she hurried after him, huffing as she reached the top of the stairs.

“Bedroom door open!” her father’s voice boomed from below, and Abby wanted to crawl in a hole and die.

“Absolutely, Mr. Bridges,” Kaden called back. He chuckled as he took in Abby’s red face and winked. “Which room is yours?” he asked, peering into the open doors.

He was either oblivious to how annoyed she was or enjoying it, and Abby was willing to bet it was the latter.

“Ah, gotta be this one.” Kaden entered her room. “All neutrals, except for the lavender bedspread and pillows. Oh, and a furry desk chair. Nice touch.”

Abby followed behind him, flabbergasted at his audacity.

Kaden plopped down on her bed, bouncing on the mattress like he was testing its firmness. “Soft.”

He took another glance around her room, taking in the abstract prints on the walls, the giant bookshelf flanking the bed, and her marble chess set on the small table by her desk.

“I didn’t take you for a chess girl.”

“My grandfather and I play,” Abby said, running a hand through her hair. As an afterthought, she turned and closed her bedroom door.

“Oh, a rebel, ignoring your father’s wishes.” Kaden wiggled his brows. “I like that. I can appreciate wanting me alone.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “Would you cut the crap already?”

Moving over to her desk, she took a seat.

“What?” He held his hands out like he was innocent, but as Abby continued to scowl, his smile fell, and his expression sobered. Standing, he moved closer, taking the small chair directly beside her in front of the chess set. “So, are you going to tell me the real reason you were late?”

“How do you know I wasn’t telling the truth?” Abby crossed her arms over her chest.

“Because I’m good at reading people. And I happened to be at the library after school. You weren’t there.”

Abigail sniffed. “It’s a big library.”

Kaden cocked his head, his mouth flattening into a thin line. He stared at her wordlessly, but Abby continued to meet his gaze, saying nothing, refusing to crack. If he wanted to have a staring contest, fine by her.

Heat bloomed in her cheeks as she took in the golden flecks in his brown eyes, the way his blond locks swooped over his forehead, and the citrus scent coming from his skin.

She swallowed, her throat suddenly tight. “Fine! You’re right. I wasn’t at the library. Happy now?”

Kaden grinned. “A little.”

“What do you want?”