“I work this weekend.” She fills her mug. Her eyes lift to mine. “Days. On for two and then off one and then back on nights next week.”
My insides twist. I push my eggs around with my fork. “Okay.”
“I take it Luke is staying home with his father and new sister?”
I nod. Not that I think Mom would be okay with me staying with Luke, but I most definitely don’t want to be in the same house as his father. So, that also eliminates Penny as an option.
“And Caden is home with his sister? His parents are still in town?”
I nod again.
“Maybe Kenz can stay with you?”
“I can check.”
But the guys will still be here. I don’t know if the others will be able to keep up this schedule. Do they need to wait as late to sneak out of their houses or do they wait because of my mom? I guess we’ll be talking about it today or this weekend.
Which reminds me.
“The guys mentioned going to Eli’s family home on Saturday night. Would that be okay?”
Is what Mr. Wick told her going to change her opinion of the guys? Will she make me stay at home instead? I like the idea of getting away with them. Not going to a party, but just hanging out, the six of us.
Mom sips her coffee. Her gaze never leaves me. “If you think it’s a good idea.”
“Things have been tense at school. It would be nice to get away from it.” I take a bite of my eggs.
She blows out a breath. Her brown eyes search mine. “You’re eighteen, Harper. I know you have a good head on your shoulders. But I also know how easy it is to fall under a guy’s or guys’ spell. I don’t want you to end up hurt.”
“I’ve spent years not getting hurt. Trust me, it isn’t better. The risk is worth the reward, even if it’s for a short time.” Taking my plate, I put it in the dishwasher. I kiss her on the cheek. “I’m the most careful teenager you’ll meet. Yes, the guys are a lot, but they always mean well.”
At least now. Maybe not in the beginning.
“I’ll be here if you need me.” She pulls me in for a one-armed hug. “You call, I’ll come get you. Always.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
There’s a knock on the door and I walk over to open it. Caden grins at me. “Ready to go?”
It’s game day, so he’s wearing his jersey. I have on a blue shirt with Mustangs on it and silver ribbons on my ponytail. I’ve gotten fairly proficient using makeup to cover the hickeys and Eli’s bite mark, which looks like a bruise. My black skater skirt hangs to my knees. I nod and glance back at Mom.
“Have fun on your date.” I grin.
Her cheeks turn pink. “It’s not really a date.”
It’s so a date. And first period is going to be awkward for a while after it. I’m not sure what will make it more awkward, if she continues to date him or if it doesn’t work out.
I grab my backpack and join Caden outside. He lifts me against him, startling me. I put my hands on his shoulders. When he captures my mouth, I gasp at the heat that swells inside me.
I’ve been fucked every day this week. Even early this morning when Nico rocked his hips with mine until we both came. He hurried away before my mom woke up, stealing kisses every few seconds until we almost fell back into bed.
But Caden... I succumb to his kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck as he holds me up. He takes his time like we don’t have anywhere else to be.
When he lifts his mouth, his forehead touches mine. “I need to fuck you, little nympho.”
I open my eyes to the hunger in his. When I nod slightly, he groans and carries me to his car. My backpack slides to the floorboards and I climb in. My insides tingle with anticipation.
He gets in and starts the car, backing out of the driveway with a slight squeal to his tires. He grins at me before turning to the road and weaving through the neighborhood. It looks like he’s taking us to school, but then right before the turn, he goes past it and into an alley with gravel road and weeds growing on the lane.
