Cara Playing Cupid

Chapter 11 - Study

I've underestimated Blake.

He's always a step ahead of me.

But I won't let him win this race without fighting.

With that thought, I walk up Daphne's driveway. It's a soft, sky-blue color with crisp white trim that makes everything look so perfect. The roof has this nice slope to it, with gray shingles that are catching the sunlight just right. It's got that whole "I have my life together" vibe, which makes sense because, of course, Daphne lives here.

The front porch is adorable-white railings, a couple of chairs tucked under the shade, and flower beds lining the steps, filled with bright pinks and purples. They look way too well-kept for a normal person, but I guess Daphne's mom probably takes care of that.

The garage to the left is big, spotless, and totally empty right now, except for a few gardening tools leaning against the wall, as if someone who knows exactly what they're doing casually placed there before them.

It's not just pretty; it's a place you'd want to hang out in. Just like her.

I knocked on the door, and Daphne opened it almost instantly. Her face lit up with a wide grin when she saw me.

"Thank goodness it's you first." Her shoulders were visibly relaxed.

"Cara is always ready for a rescue." I winked as I stepped inside.

As we walked down the hallway towards the kitchen, I admired the cozy, lived-in feel of her home. The walls were adorned with framed photos of family vacations and school achievements.

Daphne filled us in yesterday on how she became Blake's partner. Their teacher had assigned a project requiring partners, and Blake had asked her to team up. Daphne, having no other options, had reluctantly agreed. She suggested working at the library, but Blake said he'd sleep in the library and insisted they work at one of their homes. Poor Daphne, coming under his pressure, preferred her house.

I'm glad she did.

"What are your plans?" She asked as we headed to the kitchen.

"I'll let you guys study," I replied nonchalantly.

And only study.

Her eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "That's your plan?"

I nodded, my smile widening. "Yep. That's the plan." The scent of rich chocolate and vanilla aroma wafted through the kitchen. "What's that delicious smell?" I inhaled the chocolaty scent in the air.

"Oh, I made cookies." She gestured proudly toward the oven.

"Why?" I raised an eyebrow.

"He's a guest. I couldn't just let him come over and leave hungry." She shrugged.

I rolled my eyes. "It might be better if he's left starving to death."

Daphne giggled, placing the chips into a bowl. "He's only here for the essay." She said cheerfully.

If only she knew what he was really up to.

"Where are your parents?" I glanced around the empty house.

"Dad's at work, as usual." She murmured. "And Mom's at the salon for a keratin treatment." My brows shot up.

If I weren't here, they'd be alone?!

Who knows what Blake might have planned?

The doorbell rang, slicing through my thoughts. I quickly stopped Daphne from moving toward the door. "I'll get it."