"He's waiting at the lodge. We both realized I have no Olympic potential in skiing."
She laughs, and for the first time since I got here, she seems to actually enjoy my presence. As I head toward my bedroom, which is directly beside Mr. and Mrs. Colton's bedroom, she follows me.
"You like my son, don't you?" she asks with a knowing grin.
Shit. Am I that obvious?
"Of course I do. He's oddly enough the first friend I've had since I moved to Sterling Shore."
Her look softens, and she sighs out. "That's not what I meant. I think you know that, though." I swallow hard as she continues. "For what it's worth, I think you're the first friend he's ever had outside his family. And Tag is family, too, before you mention him."
I laugh, but that's not true.
"He has tons of friends at school."
A sad smile graces her perfect lips. "Not friends, Raya. Those are people he keeps at arm's length. You... he acts his age with you. It's refreshing to see. Even with the girls he's dated over the years, he seemed detached, as though he was watching life rather than living it. I was starting to worry he'd always be that way, but with you... everything is different. He's constantly smiling or looking for you. He mentions you in random conversation, and he can't seem to stop touching you. The change in him is so amazing. My son adores you, and that says so much."
Tears glisten her eyes, and it's all I can do not to let them blur my vision as well.
"I know it doesn't mean much, but I adore him, too."
She laughs and sniffles at the same time when a couple of her tears fall. "It means more than you realize, Raya. Much more. Now, get dressed and go meet him. He'll come looking for you if you take too long."
I doubt that, but I'll let her have whatever she needs. It's obvious she's confused about Kade. I've seen him with people, and he's always the life of the party. Maybe he just hides that from his family.
When she leaves, I struggle out of my wet clothes and put on dry, warm clothes. The problem is... I don't think it's possible to warm my coldest spots any time soon. I wore those wet clothes for so long that they made my skin damp.
When I walk out, Margaret is missing, but I hear light giggles and soft laughter coming from her bedroom. A louder laugh tells me Mr. Colton is in there with her. He must have just come in. It's amazing how in love they are after all these years.
"So Raya's fitting in nicely then?" he asks, making me stop for a second.
"Yes. You were right and I was wrong. She's good for him. I won't question your judgment again."
I swallow hard. They're talking about me like I'm part of this family now, and Kade hasn't given me any sign that I'm ever going to be more than a friend.
"I knew it the second I saw her. He was so worried at the hospital when he called me. Kade never gets that worked up. Then at the courtroom, he was pissed, probably worried he'd finally crack and show some emotion. Do you know he called her doctor so much that the man threatened a harassment charge? He was furious that there wasn't going to be a follow-up visit for her bruises."
I smile like a fool, and then creep out before listening in on any more. It's a little too cool to be wearing leggings, but they look so good with this long shirt that shows off the best parts of my curves. I'm not a stick, and I don't want to be. I'm bringing curves back.
My black boots ride over the leggings, and the small heel and precious chain make them look girly chic. The deep blue shirt fits the ensemble perfectly, and the warm, black leather jacket adds some style.
I might be colder than the others out here, but I'll look better, damn it.
When I walk into the lodge, Tag is the first face I see. He walks over with his lazy smile and wandering eyes.
"Damn. Someone's on a mission," he murmurs as he continues to rake his eyes over me. "Are you not cold?"
Freezing.
"I think I'm too numb. My ass might never thaw," I joke, lightening the mood.
I start looking around for Kade when I feel two large, warm hands pressed against my ass, and I chuckle when I realize it's Tag who has moved behind me.
"Shit. You're right. It needs intense therapy." I can't help but laugh a little harder.
"Get your fucking hands off her," Kade growls as he walks up from out of nowhere and shoves Tag away.
Tag snickers and gives me a mischievous wink before heading over to a section of sofas where Wren, Erica, and Melanie - Wren's mother - are sitting.