Page 59 of Undeniable
I shoved down my guilt, freshened up, and made my way downstairs. I found my sister in dry clothes, sucking on a lollipop and sitting on the sofa in the elegant living room, chatting up Lucas about football.
Warmth spread through my chest that she adored him and that he seemed to feel the same way about her. After the homecoming game, which had been four days ago, she’d been studying up on football.
Lucas rose like the gentleman he was and hiked his gaze up and down my body.
Goose bumps blanketed me, and I felt like a queen in his presence.
He kissed me quickly on the lips then whispered in my ear. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”
“You’re not so bad yourself.” He wore jeans that hugged his strong thighs and a white golf shirt that showed off his trinity tattoo. His blond locks were perfectly messy. “Do you mind if I talk to Kaylee before we go?”
“I’ll be in my truck. I need to make a call anyway. Kaylee, next time we can talk about the rules of the game.”
Kaylee pulled the lollipop out of her mouth. “Hey, Lucas, please don’t hurt my sister.”
He slapped a hand over his heart. “I would never.”
“Good. Because if you do, I’ll have to hurt you.” She sealed her threat, shaking her lollipop at him.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Lucas assured her.
Like me, Kaylee despised the men who hadn’t treated my mother properly. I hated that she was learning the dark side of life at her age, but on the other hand, she was growing a thick skin, and the way the world was, she needed to be prepared.
As Lucas strode out of the room, I sat down next to Kaylee. “Lucas is taking me over to the house. I’ll pick up the rest of your things because… What if Mrs. Armstrong fostered you until Mom’s case is resolved?”
She reared back. “For real? You mean I can stay here?”
Her happiness instantly hit me. “Mrs. Armstrong has agreed to sign the papers with Mom’s lawyer to be your guardian for the time being.”
She squealed then frowned. “But what about Mom? Does she have to stay in jail?”
I kissed her head. “I don’t know, lil’ sis. I want Mom to be okay. But it’s up to a judge what happens to her.”
“I miss her, Mazzie. But I don’t miss the nights she drowns her sorrows in booze. I wish she would be the mom we both want.”
“Me too. But here’s the deal. Mrs. Armstrong is going to be in charge of you. I am, too, but you need to obey her.”
Kaylee wasn’t a wild kid or a rebel. She minded her manners.
Still, I had to set the tone. “If she gives you chores, do them. Follow her orders. We are both guests here, no matter what. But I start my new job in a couple of days, so I’ll be working most weekends again.”
“And hanging out with Lucas.” She giggled. “He really is good for you, Mazzie. I love seeing you happy.”
“Can I tell you a secret? I’m a little scared.”
“He’s not like Mom’s guys. So don’t put him in that bad man category.”
I gave her a big sisterly hug. “I love you so stinking much, and you’re going to make me cry.”
“I love you too. You shouldn’t keep the hottie waiting, though.”
I giggled and kissed her. “I’ll see you later.”
My heart was full that my sister would be taken care of and I didn’t have to worry so much about her.
As I walked out of the house, Lucas was standing by the passenger door of his truck. “Your chariot awaits.” His grin was blinding.
Each step I took felt like I was walking out of the darkness and into the light.
