Rae of Sunshine (Light in the Dark 1)

“Bye.” My voice came out sounding breathless.

I eased out of the car with shaking legs, looking at him over my shoulder. I knew that something had changed between us tonight and there was no going back—I didn’t want to.

I shook my head, coming back to reality. I hoped Cade didn’t notice me zoning out, but since he was just easing into the car I figured I was safe.

He looked over at me and smiled. “You look beautiful, Rae.”

“Thanks,” I squeaked.

Despite my demands that this not be a date it was really starting to feel like a date.

Cade backed out of the parking space and headed off campus.

I didn’t bother asking him where we were going, because I doubted he’d tell me. The day at the carnival I remembered a mention of burgers.

Cade reached over and fiddled with the radio. “What kind of music do you like?”

“This is fine,” I told him. “I’m not picky.”

Cade nodded and tapped his long fingers against the steering wheel. He hummed the song softly under his breath.

I sat back in the seat and looked out the window. I hadn’t gone exploring yet, but the town surrounding campus looked surprisingly quaint.

“Do you like it here?” Cade asked, breaking the silence between us. “College?”

I shrugged and then nodded. “Yeah, I do. It’s nice being on my own.” Not being judged. Having a real life.

“I probably shouldn’t admit this,” those dimples popped out in his cheeks when he smiled, “but I had trouble my first year away. I real

ly missed my mom’s cooking,” he chuckled.

“Yeah, the food on campus is a bit…” I wrinkled my nose.

“Lacking?” He supplied.

“That’s a nicer word for it,” I laughed, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. “I drive Thea crazy because I eat cereal for most of my meals. But the food looks so gross.”

“It doesn’t taste much better than it looks,” he winked. That wink made my stomach stir in ways it never had before. “Don’t worry though, where we’re going you won’t be eating cereal. Get ready to feast upon the best burger of your life.” Ducking his head slightly he chuckled. Lifting his hands from the steering wheel he held them apart. “I swear they’re this big. About the size of your head.”

“Are you implying I have a large head?” I kept my face neutral so he wouldn’t know I was joking.

“I didn’t mean—wait, you’re messing with me aren’t you?”

Of course my lips had twitched, giving me away.

“Yeah.”

“Wow,” he chuckled.

“What?” I asked, tilting my head slightly in wonder at his statement.

“It’s just…I don’t think I’ve heard you make a joke. It’s refreshing.” He gave me a serious look before returning his eyes to the road. “You’re full of surprises, Rae.”

“Something tells me you are too,” I countered. “Everyone has secrets.”

A muscle in Cade’s jaw twitched. “Yes, yes they do.”

***