Page 41 of Nova

On the ride back to Cain's house, I can feel his gaze burning a hole in the side of my head. I get the feeling he wants to ask about things that were said back at Brad's apartment but doesn't want to upset me. So, I decided to bring the subject up. ''The day before you and I hooked up, I caught Brad fucking my stepsister in his office.''

''I gathered that,'' Cain replies.

''I've never had a good relationship with Avery. She was just as horrible when we were younger, and still is an adult. Avery is your typical spoiled daddy's girl. When we were kids, I could never figure out why she hated me so much. I think it had something to do with her dad marrying my mom. Thomas' wife passed away when Avery was around five, and Jackson was a few years older. I know her hate for me never wavered.''

''You sayin' the bitch fucked your fiancé just to get to you?''

''Yep. She did the same with my college boyfriend too.''

''Are you fuckin' serious?''

''Oh, yeah. I came home to my dorm after a study group session to find my boyfriend screwing Avery.''

''Shit, babe. That's fucked up. What about your stepdad? He have anything to say about his daughter and her bullshit?''

''Are you kidding? In his eyes, Avery can do no wrong. Besides, to Thomas, I was just the stepdaughter he was stuck with when my mom died. It didn't matter that I never got into trouble or that I even went on to follow in his footsteps. I was an inconvenience.''

''That's fucked, babe. I'm sorry you had to go through that.''

''Yeah, well, I don't have to anymore. I'm finally free. It took me a long time, but I realized they aren't worth the pain anymore.''

''You're strong, babe. Good for you.'' Cain reaches across the console and squeezes the back of my neck.

''Will you tell me about your mom, and what happened to her?''

''My mom passed away from complications due to a skiing accident when I was sixteen.'' I close my eyes and smile as I remember her face. ''I look just like her. The same hair, the same height and build. She was my best friend. Before she met and married Thomas, it had always been the two of us. It was her and me against the world. I remember being nervous when she told me she was going to get married. It felt like she had been taken away from me. I kept thinking she wouldn't have time for me anymore. But she did. Even though she had a new husband and two new stepchildren, she always made time to do the things we used to do. Like every Friday after school, we'd go for ice cream, and Sundays were for playing at the park. She still read to me every night before bed. I couldn't have asked for a better mom.'' I wipe the tears rolling down my cheek when I finish telling my story.

''What about your dad?'' Cain asks.

''My father was in the Army. Two months after mom found out she was pregnant with me, he was deployed. She was eight months pregnant when he was killed. At dad's funeral, mom said she stood next to his casket and promised him she would do her best to make him proud and to love me enough for the both of them. That's why she named me Promise.''

When we arrive back at Cain's house, he parks the truck, hops out, and strides around to my side, opening the door before I have the chance. He takes my face between the palms of his hands. ''You are somethin' special, Promise Bailey.'' Then he kisses me. The moment is broken when we hear a car pull into the driveway behind Cain's truck. I look to my right, seeing Piper climbing out of her car.

''Hi, daddy—hi, Promise.''

''Hey, sweetie,'' I wave.

Piper walks up to her dad. ''Are we still going to Gampy's tonight?

''Yep. Go on in and get ready. We leave as soon as I get my truck unloaded.'' Piper takes off in the house, and Cain turns to me. ''I'll bring your stuff in.''

I wave my hand. ''I can handle my things. You and Piper go.''

''Babe, you're comin' with us.''

''What? You have family plans, Cain. I can stay here.''

''Hell, no, you're not. You're comin' with us. I want you to meet my Pop. He's having a BBQ, and the whole club will be there.''

''Are…are you sure?''

Cain places his finger under my chin and softly touches his lips to mine. ''Yeah, babe. I'm sure. Now, go inside with Piper and get ready while I unload the truck.'' He swats my butt, and I smile.

Cain mentions a BBQ, and knowing we will be spending a lot of time outside, I know the exact dress I want to wear. After I have finished with a quick shower, I walk back into the bedroom. Seeing my suitcases, I go straight for the one that has a few of my summer dresses. Finding the one I want, a white sleeveless wrap dress, I drop the towel from around my body and pull on a pair of white lace panties. Next, I slide the dress on over my shoulders, then tie the sash at my waist. I pair the dress with some simple gold sandals. Not wanting to make a big fuss with my hair, I tie it up into a high ponytail. Once I'm done, I swipe my purse off the bed and make my way out of the bedroom. As I'm passing Piper's room, she and Cain's hushed voices draw my attention and the most beautiful sight greets me. Piper is sitting on a stool in front of a mirror while her dad stands behind her executing a perfect fishtail braid with his daughter's long brown hair. He does it with such ease, like he's done it a thousand times before.

I watch as a rugged, six-foot four-inch biker braids his daughter's hair. It's at this moment I realize Cain has something in common with my mother. He's both father and mother to Piper. By the smile on Piper's face and the adoring way she looks at her dad, I'd say he did a fantastic job at both.

''Hey!'' Piper catches sight of me in the mirror.

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