Page 9 of Cloudless
The wetness from the tray under my arm soaks into my shirt sleeve as I try to control my facial expressions.
“So you see, if they want to ensure there’s always a breeding pair left, the most dominant male will need to change from male to female. It’s irreversible, too.” A dimple on his right cheek makes an appearance as his smile grows along with the volume of his voice. “And that’s why clownfish are my favorite saltwater fish.” A shadow appears over his shoulder that seems to bring even more deviance to his eyes. He drapes an arm across an unimpressed man’s shoulders. “Isn’t that cool, Kam?”
Kam?
My head snaps up so fast, pain shoots through my neck. I not-so-subtly rub the sore spot as my eyes fuse to the gorgeous hockey player. Freed from the rink's harsh fluorescent lights, his chocolate eyes convey such striking depth that my breath catches in my chest.
I draw in a quick breath when he speaks my name. “Lila.” His voice rumbles between us. “I hope Dax didn’t bother you too much.” His thunderous eyes fall to his blond friend beforesoftening as they return to me. “He doesn’t know the meaning ofpersonal space.”
I’m already waving away his comment. “I’m used to it.”
Set ablaze by my words, his piercing eyes flash to his friend once more.
His friend, Dax, raises his hands in front of him. “Cap, I swear this is my first time talking to her. Besides,” he motions toward Kam’s phone number still present on the back of my hand, “I see you’ve already stakedyourclaim.”
“No!” I race forward before I cause any more trouble with my careless phrasing. “I meant from my siblings. They don’t know the meaning of personal space, either.” Kam’s eyes, now extinguished, return to me. “Hence the fluffy pen and coloring supplies in my bag in class.”
A smirk plays on his lips. “I kinda liked the pink pen.”
Two new hulking forms join our group. One with scruffy, black hair and stern brows. The other with dark, curly hair and an easy smile.
The one with the easy smile extends his hand for a handshake. “Hey, Lila. I’m Mace.” He inclines his head to the other new guy next to him. “And this is Wyatt. He’s grumpy, but we love him anyway. What’s your favorite breakfast food?”
My mouth opens and closes like the clownfish Dax was telling me about. “Uh, blueberry pancakes, I guess.”
Mace’s smile never fades, even when Wyatt smacks the back of his head.
Kam’s jaw clenches as he shoves his friends toward the front door. “Well, we’ll let you get back to work. It was great seeing you again, Lila. I’ll see you at the game tomorrow.”
My feet stay rooted to the ground as the four guys leave the restaurant. The sensation of eyes burning a hole in the back of my head from the surrounding patrons finally spurs me into motion. I barely feel my feet hit the ground as I hurry throughthe swinging doors to the kitchen with my empty tray tucked under my arm.
The sound of shoes squeaking on the damp floor and metal spatulas hitting the grill fades to the background as I try to catch my breath.
Posey and Jasper still sit huddled in their usual booth in the corner, completely oblivious to my heart trying to fight its way out of my chest.
What the hell is wrong with me?
“Hey, Lila!” I nearly jump out of my skin as the cook inclines his head toward the plates on the warming table. “Your order’s ready.”
I give him a thankful smile as I load my tray with shaky hands. The overfilled tray settling on my shoulder pulls a groan from my lips. My back and feet protest my decision to accept an extra section tonight. I was the first to volunteer after a coworker called in sick last minute. I’ll never turn down the extra money.
At least that means I won’t have time to think about Kam and his chocolate eyes.
LILA’S JOURNAL
Hi, Mom.
You’ve officially been gone for one month. It seems like a lifetime since that day, but also just minutes.
Posey and Jasper are still sleeping in my room. Jasper has moved to a blanket fort in the corner, but Posey is still in the bed with me. She’s here right now, actually.
Jasper still doesn’t sleep much. I wish I could ask you how you got him to sleep. I didn’t have as much trouble with him tonight, though. Camp must have worn him out.
Oh! How could I forget? Jasper smiled today. And laughed! Can you believe it?! An honest-to-goodness laugh.
Posey’s still crying every night in the bath. She thinks I don’t know. Maybe I should tell her I cry every morning in the shower, too.
I met someone, Mom. Don’t get too excited. I can’t show an interest in him. It’s not fair to bring him into all this and to force something new onto the twins. Posey and Jasper need me. I just wanted to let you know, anyway.
