“Neely! God, it feels good holding you and seeing you again!” Caine continued to squeeze, slightly lifting me off my feet. Being in his arms had a way of making me feel like a light, fragile girl.
I had to admit that it did feel good being hugged by him. His hard muscles were pressed up against me, and he smelled so good. Caine was the most handsome man I knew. He obviously worked out, and his profession as a firefighter helped him maintain his rock-hard body. His smell was a mixture of smoke, soap, and cologne. No one smelled like him, and whenever I was close enough to take in his scent, I instantly felt safe.
Behind Caine, there was a woman who did not look happy to see me. I assumed the fuming lady had to be his new girlfriend, Sara. She was standing with her arms crossed, obviously scoping me out. She was beautiful, not that I was surprised. He always had gorgeous women in his life. Sara had long brown hair, was extremely skinny, and had large breasts. I smirked to myself, because all of Caine’s girlfriends had long hair, were skinny, and had large boobs. Caine felt a woman should never wear short hair. He would throw a fit if Coley or I cut our hair. He categorically hated short hair, which he felt only belonged on a man. I was immediately happy I hadn’t cut my hair last month when I was getting antsy and felt like I needed a change. He would for sure have lectured me about it, and I wasn’t up for his disapproval. So I was happy my light brown hair still cascaded down past my shoulders.
Caine pulled away and turned to Sara. “Neely, this is Sara. Sara, this is my dear friend, Neely.”
Sara put out her hand and smiled. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Even though Sara was extending her hand and giving a perfect smile with her perfect teeth, I could sense it was all for show. Regardless, I shook her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, too. Caine has told me a lot of good things about you.” Although I really couldn’t remember Caine telling me very much about Sara, I was going to throw that in to make her feel like I was no threat.
Caine opened the door all the way and said, “Let’s get your stuff into your new home. Sara, do you mind showing her which room is hers? I’ll go get your stuff.”
Sara smiled with her perfect white teeth again, and in her sweetest voice said, “Of course, honey. Neely, follow me please.”
As much as I was excited to finally be back home, I did feel a bit awkward. I knew this living arrangement was going to take a bit of getting used to. I also knew the first thing I needed to do was to make Sara like me and not feel threatened.
Sara opened the door to my new room and sweetly said, “Here it is. Caine and I spent all last weekend shopping to furnish it. I hope you like it.”
I looked around in shock. The room had a queen size bed with beautiful bedding and neatly placed throw pillows. The night stands, armoire and dresser were all a matching antique white with soft white floral details. The curtains were a warm rose color, translucent enough to see through the window to a tree with a bird feeder hanging on a limb. The whole room had almost a princess feel; it was absolutely lovely.
I turned to Sara with wide eyes. “Oh you both shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble! This is absolutely gorgeous, and I—”
Sara cut me off and said a bit tartly, “Nothing is too much for you, Neely.” She smiled again and said as sweetly as before, “Inside the armoire is a flat screen television. Unfortunately, the house only has two bathrooms, so you will have to make the guest one yours.”
I looked at Sara’s tightly drawn mouth. “Sara, I want to thank you for all you have done. I know you don’t know me, and I also know that I am a female Caine cares about. I want you to know I love Caine like a brother, and I would never do anything to get in the way of you two. I promise you there is nothing, nor will there be anything, between Caine and me. I really hope we can become friends, because—”
She cut me off again and spoke between clenched teeth. “Just so we’re clear. I did not want you to move in. Caine didn’t ask me, he told me. He thinks you walk on water and you’re his perfect Neely girl.” She said the name with so much venom I expected to see fangs pop out. “I am telling you right now that Caine is mine. You better keep your distance, and let us live our lives. I will pretend to be nice for Caine’s sake. But I don’t want to be your friend, and I don’t want you to be here. Are we clear?”