Page 58 of Run, Run Rudolph
I think the real issue, though, was that I was an introvert and Kade was an extrovert. We both felt like the other person was from a different planet.
“The two of you have a secret thing going,” he said, referring to me and Haden. “You always have.”
I tried not to look at Haden as heat rushed to my cheeks, remembering our earlier kiss and how it had felt to have Haden’s hands tangled up in my hair while we’d been lost in the moment.
I’d profusely apologized for kissing him, even though it was an unexpected experience I knew I’d think about often. Had I called it a mistake? I hoped not.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, my voice catching on the guilt that was rising up my throat.
“You like him.”
“Haden? Of course. He’s a nice guy.”
“You know he leads women on.” He pointed to Haden, whose gentle hands had formed into tight fists. “Listen to his phone. It’s always blowing up.”
“I’m a veterinarian!” Haden growled.
“That many emergencies? Do you think we’re dumb?”
“I don’t invite it.”
“You’re always listening to everyone like they matter. That’s an invitation!”
“It’s called kindness,” Haden said, his tone feeling like a roar even though he didn’t raise his voice.
“Guys,” I said nervously, afraid the brothers were going to come to blows over me. Me, someone who wasn’t even family, despite what Haden said.
Kade turned back to me. “Don’t fall for his act. You know what he’s like.”
“Kade,” I said, struggling to stay calm. I had a fleeting, quickly discarded thought of what it might cost to wish Kade away right now. “I get that you’re trying to look out for me, but can you please just go so we can work on my cat?”
Kade lowered his voice. “He’s not right for you.”
“Kade…” My entire being flamed in embarrassment. Were my secret feelings for Haden—that old crush that I’d extinguished eons ago, and was rearing up again—showing? Otherwise, why was Kade having this conversation with me? Here? Now? In front of his brother? It was beyond mortifying.
“You need someone who gets you out of your shell. He’ll let you turn into a hermit.”
“Kade… Stop!” I could feel Haden moving closer, his body as tense as a mountain lion’s, stalking its prey.
“You need to get off this farm, and get out more. A life with animals isn’t the end-all, be-all. This isn’t good for you.”
“Kade….”
“There’s a big bash on Boxing Day with some really cool people I met through an online social club. Come with me. Meet someone nice.” He darted a look at his brother. He’d noticed Haden, his tight fists, the displeasure rolling off him in waves, and he backed up half a step. “Someone who will want only you.”
“I don’t like big parties, Kade.”
“You don’t want to hang out with me?”
“No, yeah. Maybe? I don’t know.” He always got me so turned around. “It’s not about that.” I didn’t mind hanging out, and I still wanted to be friends with Kade, but a room filled with strangers was grossly unappealing.
“So, let’s go. It’s going to be epic.”
“You know I don’t like big, loud parties, filled with people I don’t know. Especially?—”
“You need to get over your social anxiety.”
I raised my voice. “—especially because you tend to forget about me, and then I’m stuck?—”
