Primed: A Kayla Madison Story

Primed Part 25

 FIFTEEN: SPEED AND SECRETS

On Friday morning, I celebrated successfully styling my hair without modern luxuries, although I wondered if Jake Prime had a hairdryer in his fancy house.

Thinking of him darkened my mood. It had been so tense when I'd talked to him yesterday. I missed Jake. Both Jakes. Even though I would be heading home soon, I didn't want to leave here with Jake Prime hating me. He was a great guy and hadn't deserved my betrayal.

With my super hearing, I could tell Michael was already here and catching Dad up on all the details. I was confused as to how he got here since the current high tides should have cut-off North Island.

In the kitchen, they were both leaning against the far counter having tea.

I had barely entered the room when Dad said, "Sounds like you had a productive time last night with the cryptologist."

"Yes, we did." I poured some of the ever-present tea and grabbed a muffin.

"I hear he is quite handsome as well." Dad looked at Michael and they both started chuckling.

I turned bright red, which made them quiet down.

Dad put his cup down and walked over to put a hand on my shoulder. "I am sorry, Kayla. Should I not tease you about such things?

"Actually, I don't mind. It makes you an embarrassing dad like my friends have."

"Glad to finally be an embarrassment to you, then." Dad kissed my forehead. "I shall return after I check on the horses." He left out the back door from the kitchen.

Michael took another sip of his tea. "Remember to have Todd meet at my place again this afternoon. Vex not. I shall be the one to convey you home safely."

"You didn't seem concerned about Todd taking me home yesterday." I stuffed more of the muffin in my mouth thinking about how Todd had turned out to be so irritating.

Michael put his cup down and faced me. "You do not see everything. I was but a mere few horse-lengths behind you as Todd took you home last night. I even slept in the guest room so that the tide would not hinder me and your father working this morning."

"I didn't see you." I took another bite.

"You might have enhanced senses, but your observation skills are still lacking." Michael took another sip of tea, but I saw his smirk.

"So, Mister Straight-Laced is trying to be a but funny, eh?"

"I merely wanted to give you time with Todd to let you see his real character. He only has positive interactions with those he considers can help him get ahead. The same is true of your crush back home, in case you were wondering."

"You know about my crush on the other Todd?"

"I figured it out the first week I protected you."

My face flamed from embarrassment on how quickly he realized my crush. I looked away.

"Kayla, look at me." His voice was low—almost a whisper.

I reluctantly lifted my face.

His normal protector façade softened. He stood in front of me, reached out and placed both hands on my shoulders and peered into my eyes. "Neither is worthy of you."

I took a step toward him while maintaining his gaze.

He slid both hands down my arms and I felt the sensation throughout my body.

Although it could have been interpreted as a friendly move, it felt more intimate as though there was something building between us.

He looked down at his hands on my arms, removed them, furrowed his brow and cleared his throat.