Kane’s presence feels like static in the air, messy, unpredictable. And I hate that part of me is already bracing for whatever he’s about to do next.
Kinsley props the hood open while Kane leans in, all broad shoulders and easy confidence. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying to fix anything, just poking around, humming under his breath.
I hover near the passenger side, arms crossed, counting the seconds. One, two, three… I stop at eight because I can’t stand ending on an odd number. My pulse is already too fast.
“Well?” Kinsley demands.
Kane straightens, wiping his hands on a rag he definitely didn’t need. “Battery’s dead. You’re not going anywhere in this thing today.”
Kinsley groans, slamming the hood shut. “Great. Just great.”
I glance at the car, our bags stacked neatly in the back, mine packed in the exact order I need them. The thought of moving everything makes my chest tighten. I’d have to unpack, repack, make sure the zippers are aligned, the straps tucked in. It would take forever to get it right again.
Kane’s eyes flick to me, and I swear he can see the hesitation written all over my face.
“My truck’s ready to go,” he says casually, tossing his keys in the air. “Plenty of space. You can even keep your stuff exactly how you packed it, just slide it right in.”
The way he says it makes my skin prickle. He’s not just offering convenience, he’s dangling control in front of me, knowing I’ll grab it to avoid the chaos of starting over.
Kinsley narrows her eyes. “She’s riding with me.”
“Your car’s not moving, Kins.” He shrugs, all faux innocence. “Unless you want to wait for a tow and miss orientation.”
I hate that he’s right. I hate that he knows I hate it.
Kinsley huffs, muttering something under her breath, but she’s already stalking toward the house, probably to get her dad to assist.
“Go ahead and go with him, B. I know you’ll hate to miss orientation. I’ll meet you there,” she yells over her shoulder as she climbs the stairs to the house.
Kane turns to me, grin slow and sure. “Guess it’s just you and me, sunflower.”
My stomach knots. Five hours in a confined space with him. Five hours of his voice, his eyes, his…everything.
I glance back at the Audi, at my perfectly packed bags. The thought of tearing it apart makes my throat close.
He steps closer, lowering his voice so only I can hear. “I’ll make sure nothing gets messed up. Promise.”
It’s not kindness, it’s strategy. And it works.
I nod twice. Even.
His smile sharpens, like he’s just won something. “Good girl.”
Those two words seem to rewire my brain, and I can’t help but want to hear them more.
Three
Kane
Kinsley’s voice is sharp enough to cut glass. “My stupid car won’t start!”
I take my time jogging down the steps, tossing my keys in the air, catching them with lazy precision. I already know what’s wrong with her Audi, because I made sure of it last night. Nothing permanent. Just enough to keep it from turning over until I get what I want.
And what I want is Blair.
Blair’s still quiet, but I can feel her leaning toward the option I’m offering. I step closer, lowering my voice so only she hears. “I’ll make sure nothing gets messed up. Promise.”
Her throat works as she swallows, then she gives me one small nod. Precise. Like she’s making it count.
