Page 2 of Home Stretch
I bump into someone and turn to apologize.
“Sorry about – Oh, thank god!” I say, throwing my arms around him when I realize it’s Kade.
“Uh,” he starts, and I squeeze him tighter.
“It’s so good to see you,” I say against his shirt. I might be sniffing him a little, tiny bit, but it’s only because he always smells so good. Like wintergreen and musk and something uniquely Kade.
“It is?” he stutters out, still not hugging me. I should probably stop holding the man hostage, but my body doesn’t get the hint.
“Yes. I’m here with the worst people. Save me!”
Kade finally circles his arms around me, gently pulling me closer. My body heats up, and I’m aware of every single place we’re touching. It feels too dang good.
I’ve been into Kade Camp since the first time I saw him. Cliche, right? Weeks later, my feelings for him have only grown the more time I spend around him. And we spend a lot of time together. My two best friends and roommates are dating his two best friends and roommates. We also attend the same small college in this small town, so we’re constantly running into each other. I don’t mind.
“Are Hendrix and Thorne here too?” I ask.
I figure if they are, I can hang out with my friends instead of my date.
“No, they took Locklyn and Elodie out tonight, so it’s just me.”
I nod as we start to walk up to the fence. He wraps his arm around my waist, protecting me as we push past the crowd. I bite my lip, trying to ignore how much I love being around him and having his big strong hands on me.
I wish Kade was my date tonight.
I push that thought aside. My parents would be furious if I brought Kade home. Besides, it’s not like Kade has ever shown any interest in me. I would know. I obsess over every interaction with this man. If he gave me even one hint that he liked me a fraction of the amount I liked him, I’d be in his lap in an instant, begging him to make me his.
Desperate? Yes. True? Also yes.
“Uh, I think your date is looking for you,” Kade says. I frown as I look over my shoulder to where he’s staring.
Sure enough, Sterling has finally noticed that I’m not hanging on his every word and is glancing around for me. He’s about six inches shorter than Kade, lanky, and far too manicured for my tastes. I know I shouldn’t compare every man to Kade Camp, but it’s hard not to. Especially when I’m standing right next to him, willing him to tell my date to fuck off so he can have me for himself.
When that doesn’t happen, I sigh, dreading the rest of the evening ahead of me. Turning, I give in to the urge to hug Kade again, hoping it gives me the strength to deal with Sterling and his awful friends.
