AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Kaden chuckled. “No. He’d probably kill me, especially if he knew I took photos of case evidence.”
Abby’s expression turned grim at the thought.
“So...” Kaden glanced back at the house. “I’d probably better g
et back inside.”
“Can I come in?” The words tumbled out of her mouth faster than she could stop them.
Way to invite yourself in, Abby.
“She has the flu. So, she’s contagious, and she’s kind of just laying around on the couch. I’m not sure how fun it’s going to be.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’d like to hang out. No mysteries to solve. No secrets. Just us,” she said, then snickered. “Well, us and your kid sister, but I’m willing to risk the flu.”
For you.
Kaden beamed. “Fair warning though, if my dad comes home, you might have to hide in the closet.”
Abby skipped ahead of him toward the door. “Wouldn’t be my first time hiding in a boy’s closet.”
“Wait, what?” Kaden hesitated, then hurried after her, reaching around her to the open the door.
She turned, under the protection of his arm, enjoying the flash of jealousy in his eyes, thinking she could get used to this.
“Just kidding,” she said, then stepped inside.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Uh, it’s not very big.” Kaden closed the door behind them.
“The worst words you can say to a girl.”
He glared at her in response, a blush blooming in his cheeks, and Abby would’ve enjoyed being the one to tease him for a change if he didn’t look so self-conscious.
“I meant the house,” he said, then chewed the inside of his cheek as he glanced around the room, shoulders hunched.
The small living room led way to a tiny eat-in kitchen and a narrow hallway off the back. Every square foot of his home, within eye view, could easily fit inside her sprawling kitchen alone.
“You can sit wherever. Sorry there’s only one couch.” He gestured to the small oak table and chairs, as well as a worn loveseat, scattered with pillows and a small pink blanket, flanked with an end table holding a princess cup and a half-empty bowl of soup. Though the floor was scattered with toys and the sink filled with dishes, their home felt intimate and cozy in a way that put her at ease instantly.
Kaden flitted about the room, hurriedly snatching up random toys and books off the floor, piling them into his arms.
“We’ve been meaning to paint, but my dad’s been working so much he hasn’t had time.” He disappeared into a room down the hall and returned with empty arms. “I can grab you a chair from the kitchen.”
Abby plopped herself down on the couch next to the pile of pillows and smiled at him. “Nope. I’m fine here,” she said, making herself at home and curling her legs underneath herself. She patted the spot next to her, signaling him to join her.
He hesitated, then made his way to the sofa where he sat down. His leg brushed her thigh with the movement, igniting sparks in her chest.
“Sorry. Looks like Disney flicks are our choice of television at the moment.”
“I happen to be a Disney connoisseur,” she said, wanting nothing more than to wipe the frown off his face, to reach out and smooth the furrow in his brow with her fingers.
“Oh, really? And what exactly does a Disney connoisseur entail?”
“I’ve seen every single movie. I know all the songs. I could go on naming the ways, but I love these movies.”
His eyes widened, aghast. “You do not. They’re the worst.”
