Chapter 15 What's New?
600words
A few minutes passed before he spoke again. "You should tell your mom she's wasting her time over here."
I paused, both hands gripping a bundle of weeds and my feet planted on either side. I still couldn't get them out. "So Ember told you what she did for a living?"
"No," he answered. "I overheard your mom talking to mine the other day."
"She doesn't listen to me." I tugged again. "If you think you can convince her otherwise, be my guest. You've made sure I hate it here even more."
He sighed, turning around and wiping his hands on his jeans. "Look I'm not—" He frowned, watching me trying to tug out the stubborn weeds.
"What?" I snapped. "You and these weeds have something in common."
He blinked. "Yeah?"
"You're both stubborn as hell," I gritted, dropping the weeds and giving in to defeat.
Kayn shook his head, the corners of his lips tugging upward. "Here, let me."
He wrapped his hands around the weeds, the muscles on his arms flexing as he gave one solid tug, and they were out. "There."
"My hero," I rolled my eyes. "How can I ever thank you?"
"You could leave this place."
"What is your problem with me?"
"I don't have a problem with you. I'm trying to help you."
"And how is that helping me?" I asked, standing up from the ground. "I don't get it."
He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Can you just take my word for it?"
"You've got to be kidding me," I scowled. "You're expecting me to believe you, of all people, are trying to help me and then take your word for it? You know drugs are bad for you, right?"
He moved so fast I didn't even notice he had moved until he gripped both my forearms, staring down at me. "This isn't a joke, Carly."
That was the first time I heard him say my name, and for some reason, it took me off guard completely.
I flushed, my skin feeling hot where he touched me, my face even hotter.
It had to be hate. Hate made you feel hot, right?
"Then tell me what the problem is," I snapped. "Otherwise, I can't see it any other way than a big joke, Kayn."
Now he was the one looking taken aback. He stared at me for a long moment, and I could feel my heartbeat picking up its pace.
"You want to know what the problem is?" He moved closer, and I stopped breathing. "I like you. No wait," he shook his head. "I don't think that's the right word for it."
"You...like me?" I sputtered. "You have one shitty way to show it."
"I'm trying to help you by making you want to leave," he insisted. "Believe me when I say it's in the best interest of us both. For you more than for me, because if I got what I wanted…" he moved even closer and then paused, staring at my lips.
I blinked, completely gobsmacked. "Kayn…"
"We could both get killed."
"Killed?" I paused. "A bit dramatic don't you think?"
"You have no—"
"I'm so glad to see you two have made your peace!" Adriane exclaimed, and we jumped apart.
"Carly," Mom appeared beside Adriane. "I need you to get a few things in town for me. And guess what, Adriane said Kayn happens to be going that way too so he can keep you company and show you around."
"I do?" Kayn looked surprised.
