He blushed. Cade Kelling actually blushed. “I looked it up.”
“Why?”
“Oh, dammit, Francesca, no. I’m not a stalker or anything. Please don’t think that...I just...want to know you is all,” he admitted, running his long fingers through his silky hair. I longed to run my own through it.
“You do?” I asked, not stopping the ridiculous grin from taking over my face.
He nodded, reaching for my leg like he had the first time we talked. He squeezed my knee, winking at me. My heart may have stopped. He hopped out, once again opening my door, and pulled me in for a tight hug. My body molded into his perfectly, and I leaned in, placing my head on his shoulder. I sighed when he released me, missing his touch the moment it was gone.
“Thanks, Cade.”
“Anytime, Francesca. Anything for you.”
Present Day
I sipped the water in front of me, desperate for something to make it easier to speak. His eyes bore into mine, making my mind swivel in confusion. I blinked several times, willing my mouth to work. “Thank you, Cade. I’ll be in touch,” I stated, standing and gathering my things.
He jumped up, his chair falling behind him. He didn’t even look back as he moved toward me. Desperation poured off of him as he stumbled over his words. “Francesca, please...I’ve missed you. You are the best person to ever come in my life and I’m so sorry for everything I ever did to you. Can we talk again...not so...formally?”
A tear slid down my cheek. Sniffling, I slung my bag the rest of the way over my shoulder. “Cade...I’ll have to think about it. I’ll call you tomorrow when I have a court date.” My eyes looked him over, devouring the sexiness he exuded. They stopped on his face, taking in every inch of him. I could see the sorrow...the regret...and the longing. I wiped the salty wetness from my face and gave him one last look.
“Tomorrow,” he said, caressing my cheek in the ever familiar way.
I turned and left before I lost myself in him again. I couldn’t allow it. Not this time.
Chapter Six-Cade
I picked the chair up, trying to gain control of my emotions. I heard heels clinging on the tile and looked up to see Francesca back in the room. “Is everything ok?” I questioned, worried after our recent exchange of words.
“Daphne dropped me off. I don’t have a vehicle.”
“My mom dropped me off, I don’t either,” I said, chuckling at our situation.
“It’s not funny. I’m gonna have to call her to come get me...” she looked at me a long moment, “us.”
She stepped aside, talking softly on her phone. I studied her, noticing she’d lost some weight since I last saw her. She was always beautiful to me, but I knew some of the kids in high school had made fun of her. I wanted to strangle them all the day I found her crying in the library.
9 years prior-December
I walked in the library cause I saw Francesca make a mad dash for the room not five minutes before. I could sense something was off with her. I didn’t know what was wrong...but something definitely was. I trailed along the edges of the aisles, searching for her. Sniffling caught my attention and I hurried back to the sound. She was leaned against the bookcase, knees drawn up, head buried in her arms.
“Francesca,” I said, laying a hand on her back.
Her head snapped up as she wiped snot and tears from her face. Even when she was bawling her eyes out, she was the most gorgeous girl I’d ever laid eyes on.
“Cade.”
“Are you ok?” I inquired, rubbing small circles on her shoulder.
She shook her head, a small sob escaping her throat. “Some of the girls...in the bathroom...I’m so ugly, Cade. Why do you even bother?”
I stopped moving. I couldn’t believe what she was saying. “Francesca, look at me,” I demanded, pulling her chin so her face was closer to mine. “You are beautiful...no, gorgeous. Girls are bitches and they get jealous. Now, I don’t know what all they said, and I don’t care. Don’t let them do this to you. I ‘bother’ because you are amazing, smart, and funny. You brighten my day. It’s killing me seeing you so torn up.” I pulled her into me, running my fingers over her hair, and grasping her close.
Her sobs finally lessened. She leaned her head back, peering up at me with her doe eyes. “Cade...thank you.” Her hand reached up, ever so lightly touching my cheek.
The lightning that shot through my body changed my life forever. That was the day I fell in love with Francesca Taymon.
Present Day
“Well, looks like Daphne is one step ahead of me. She left her car and had a coworker meet her here. Let’s go,” she said, granting me a genuine smile.
My heart sped up. I followed her out, giving her directions to my apartment as we walked. She punched them into her mobile gps, not paying attention to what she was doing, and almost fell off the edge of the sidewalk. I reached out to steady her, her face inches from mine. I could smell the lavender perfume on her. I was actually a little surprised she still used the same scent after all these years.
“You ok?”
She nodded, her gaze not leaving mine. I removed my hand, afraid of what my lips would do to hers if I didn’t remove myself from her vicinity.
We walked across the parking lot. I drifted behind, watching her hips move against the forming material of her skirt. The things that woman did to me...it was scary at times. We reached what I was assuming was Daphne’s vehicle and she reached above the tire for the key. We got in and she drove off after demanding I wear my seat belt. Leave it to Francesca to still be bossy and worry about my safety.
The ride was silent. I didn’t know what to say. I could tell she was torn about something, but I wasn’t entirely sure what. We pulled into my apartment complex when I heard her gasp. I looked over, frantically trying to see what was wrong.
“Oh, my, gosh,” she mumbled, slamming the car in park and dashing out the door.
I quickly followed, hot on her heels. She bent beside the bush by my building, tipping to the side in her heels. In a swift movement, the shoes were off and she was on her hands and knees, searching for something.
“Francesca, what are you doing?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.
She said a reply, but her voice was muffled from her head sticking in the small foliage. Sighing, I dropped down to join her. My eyes surveyed the ground, stopping on a set of glowing eyes. A medium size kitten was crouched, looking at us with wide eyes. Francesca continued to talk to it in a baby voice, coaxing it out into the open. To my surprise, it actually came after a good five minutes, gingerly stepping out. It sniffed in my direction, then ignored me and headed straight to her open arms. She picked it up, cuddling and snuggling it.
Gasping, she looked down in horror, “Cade...it’s hurt,” she cried out.
I moved closer, seeing a small puncture on its side. Francesca looked like she was about to burst into tears, so I decided to act fast. “Here, let me have him,” I said, reaching for the ball of fur.
“How do you know it’s a him?” she asked, caressing its back.
“I don’t,” I admitted. “But you need to go to work, and the kitty needs to go to the vet, so let me take it. You can come get it after work...assuming you want to keep it?” I questioned, a small grin playing at my lips.
Her mouth fell open in shock, “Of course I want to keep it, Cade. Look at the poor little orphan! It’ll die if I take it to a shelter.”
“What if it has an owner?” I said, suddenly wondering if a neighbor of mine had lost it.
“Then it needs a better one. It’s hurt, so obviously they didn’t love it like I will,” she stated. Looking down at it lovingly, she whispered, “Like I do.”
I looked at her, remembering just how much I’d always adored her huge heart and loving ways. She continued to pet and whisper to the kitten as I watched. I stood, reaching down to take it from her. She reluctantly released it, but not before giving me stern instructions to not hurt, drop, or mentally damag
e the creature in any way.
Chuckling, I reached my free hand down to assist her in standing. “Let me help, Francesca.”
More bouts of electrical currents moved through my body when our skin came in contact. She stood, her eyes in a deep connection with mine. The kitten meowed, breaking our trance.
“Let me get you some money,” she said, rushing back to the car before I could tell her it wasn’t necessary. She bent over in the car, distracting my thoughts from the vet to her body in an instant. I missed her touch, her kiss, her laugh. Everything.
She bound up to me, bending down to rescue her shoes and thrust $200 in my face. “Take this. Get kitty all the help it needs. And find out if it’s a boy or girl, it needs a name,” she said, a huge smile crossing her face. She bent her face, snuggling its head and kissing it gently. Looking into my eyes, she said, “Thank you, Cade. I’ll be back later.”
“How? You don’t have your car. Let me pick you up from work,” I suggested, desperate for more time with her.
She bit her lip as she contemplated my offer. “Ok...don’t forget kitty.” She walked off, turning one last time and giving me a small wave.
My heart almost flew out of my chest. I’d managed to get her back in my life. Now I had to figure out a way to make sure I didn’t lose her again.
Chapter 7-Francesca
I stumbled in my office building, barely hearing Zander shout his greeting as I passed. I collapsed in my swirly chair, kicking my shoes off, and spreading my papers in front of me. I glanced through the “while you were out” notes Zander had piled on my desk, groaning at all the people that demanded my attention today. I switched on my computer, checking my emails to see if Cade had a court date yet. He’d been in trouble before, I remembered it, but I wasn’t sure if he was legal when it happened. He may be able to get out of this with minimal punishment.
I logged my notes, adding them to folder I’d created for his case. After catching up on all I could for Cade, I began on the Archuleta case. Mr. Phillips had left me a message, saying the court date began tomorrow and he needed a few more bits of information for the arguing lawyer to take with him. I buried myself in the research, skipping lunch since I’d gotten in the office so late. I somehow had managed to keep my mind on minimal thoughts of Cade, which wasn’t an easy task for me. When his face had been mere inches from mine, I couldn’t help but remember the first time he’d kissed me. My first kiss ever.
9 years prior-March
I’d finally gotten my license and was allowed to drive my mom’s old car to school. It wasn’t much to look at, but it beat taking two busses every day. Since I got bored a lot (I somehow managed to finish all my school work and ended up with no homework. Every single day.) I would drive around town and see if there was anything to get into, or anyone to talk to. That’s what teenagers did, right?
It was a beautiful spring day with the sun shining brightly and the just a few clouds decorating the sky. The trees and flowers were in full bloom, giving everything a fresh feel and smell. I rolled down the windows, breathing the fresh air deep in my lungs. I’d made it through half the town when I saw him. He leaned against his vehicle, hands deep in pockets, and his mind lost in thought. His boot trailed a circle in the dirt. When the light turned green, I pulled the car to a stop behind him, smiling and cocking my head in question. He strutted forward, a delighted smile on his face and gleam in his eyes.
“Francesca? What are you doing?” he asked, leaning down where his arm rested on my window seal and his face was no more than 5 inches from mine.
“I was just out and about, saw you standing there. Everything ok?” I asked, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
He smiled brightly, “My car isn’t working at the moment. My dad has to come get it.”
“Oh, that’s awful,” I said, thinking about my next move. I did something I didn’t even think I could. “Do you want a ride somewhere?” I questioned hopefully. I wanted to spend some time with him alone. We hadn’t since the day we skipped school, and just talking to him in the halls wasn’t enough. Now that I drove everywhere, I didn’t get to see him at the bus stop either. My heart sped up in anticipation.
He looked at me, his mind reeling. I could almost see the wheels turning. “Let’s ride around and see if there’s anything to do,” he suggested, jogging around to the passenger door. He slid in, his face beaming with excitement.
I just prayed I wouldn’t wreck the car in his presence.
“So, what’s up?” he asked, snapping the seat belt buckle.
“Not much,” I said, glancing at him for a moment. “I got bored with just my sister to talk to, so I came out to town.”
“How old is your sister?” he asked.
“Thirteen. She’ll be coming to high school next year. Yay,” I said, not at all excited. I threw my arm up, mocking a happy wave.
He laughed, “It’s not as bad as you’d think. My brother, Cason, came this year. Me a senior and him a freshman, I was worried. But he’s ended up more popular than I am, so it’s all good.”
I giggled, “I doubt that,” I said, turning the car onto a back road.
“Oh, I know where we can go,” he said, moving swiftly in his seat.
I grabbed my heart, “You startled me. I’ve only been driving a few months. No. Sudden. Movements. Cade.” I said, glaring at him out of the corner of my eye.
He stifled a laugh, his eyes growing wide. He reached out, his hand rubbing my thigh. “Sorry,” he said, gently. He looked forward, not moving his ever growing warm hand, “turn right on the next road,” he instructed.
I did as he told me, my mind not breaking away from his hand caressing my knee. He killed me inside every time he did that. He drove me crazy in ways I didn’t know were possible. I searched my surroundings, not seeing a business anywhere in site. Or even any homes. “Where are we going?” I inquired.
He squeezed my knee and released his grip. “Up ahead, pull into that gravel area.i ”
I did as I was told, my curiosity going wild. I parked the car, turning to him for answers. He simply smiled and got out of the car. I followed, hot on his trail. “Cade...” I said, my stomach gripping in knots. I trusted him...but I couldn’t help but think of every single scary story I had watched or read. You never go in the woods with a boy. Ever.
He must have sensed my apprehension, because he reached out and took my hand in his. Our fingers interlocked and sparks shot up my arm and straight to my heart. It fluttered in excitement and my uneasiness floated away with the slight breeze. We were surrounded in trees, and looked to be heading to more. I gingerly stepped over stumps and rocks, determined to not fall and embarrass myself this time. The trees were coming to life, swaying in the wind. It seemed like they were waving to us as we passed. The silence surrounded us, making me highly aware that I was in the woods alone with the one and only Cade Kelling.
“Just up here, there’s something I want you to see,” he said, smiling and stepping up to lead me.
My heart skipped a beat and I quickened my pace. We came to a clearing overlooking a huge bluff. The rocks were jacked and aged, but so beautiful. There was a tiny guard rail that I assumed was to ensure no one fell off the edge, but I didn’t see that helping much. We stopped at a huge boulder and he pulled me down to sit with him. Now that I was so close, I could smell the faint scent of alcohol.
“Have you been drinking?” I asked, nonchalantly.
His smile disappeared and he looked down, disappointed. “Yeah...I just had a few,” he admitted.
I’d heard the rumors that he drank and did drugs, but he’d never said anything to me. I didn’t pry, figuring he would tell me if he wanted me to know. I didn’t say anything, only waited for him to continue.
“Francesca...I’m sorry. You deserve so much better than me. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m just a loser that can’t stop drinking or getting into drugs at parties,” he looked at me, desperation in his eyes. “Please, tell me to go away.”
He closed his eyes, “You know what I mean.”
“I can’t,” I whispered.
He put his hand on my face, caressing my cheek. “You’re so beautiful and you don’t even know it. Those girls that are mean to you...they’ve broken your self-esteem. I wish you could see you the way I do. A gorgeous girl with the most amazing brown eyes I’ve ever seen.”
I gasped as he leaned his head forward. I’d never been kissed before and I had no idea what to do. Yes, sixteen years old and never had a boy interested enough to kiss me. And he thought he was a loser. His lips took mine, and fireworks exploded all around me. The sensation of Cade’s lips moving against mine sent an army of butterflies to my stomach. His hand moved up to my hair, pulling me closer. I gently moved my lips in the way he did, growing nervous from my inexperience. I tore myself from him, turning my head away to hide my embarrassment.
“What...,” he said, slightly out of breath.
“I’m sorry, I’ve never kissed before,” I mumbled.
“You’ve never been kissed?” he prodded gently.
I shook my head no.
He grabbed my chin, turning my face to look at him. “Francesca, I can’t believe that. That was an amazing kiss. You are an amazing kisser,” he said, smiling and pushing my hair out of my face.
I could only smile back. My mouth wouldn’t work because my mind was in overdrive. I’d just had my first kiss...with the boy I may very well be falling in love with.
Present Day
The shrill sound of the office intercom broke me from my memories. I pushed the flashing red button, “Yes?”
Zanders deep and powerful voice filled my office, “Francesca, Mr. Kelling just called and left a message for you. He wanted me to tell you that the situation is taken care of, everything is as it’s supposed to be, and he will meet you at the appointed time.”
I sat silently. Cade had called my office. I don’t know why I was surprised. Or maybe I did...he had never really been the “call and let me know things” type of guy. He’d stood me up on many occasions in our past, but something seemed different this time.
The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories Page 106