Logan Kade (Fallen Crest #5.5)

Claire had almost-white blonde hair, and it was wavy and spiraled like she had a perm that would never go away. With the right shampoo and a little bit of gel, hairspray, and fluffing, her hair fell past her shoulders and down her back like she’d stepped out of a hair commercial. She had the golden tan, a light smattering of freckles, and blue eyes. If anyone was going to joke about being a nun, Claire had the best chance of persuading someone to believe her. She actually looked angelic.

Not that she was a nun, though. I’d been the one with the steady boyfriend all through high school—from eighth grade until the day my mother died. Claire had had her fair share of boyfriends. She averaged two a year, and one time, after a night of too many daiquiris in high school, she confessed that she enjoyed starting the school year with a new guy and ending with a new guy. She said things never got too dull, but they lasted long enough to get into a comfortable routine. She only started blushing our senior year, so I figured that was when she lost her V card.

Jason was the opposite, not just with his sex life, but also how he dressed. Claire was elegant, and Jason was anything but with his pink collared shirt and red plaid shorts. I was a little more conservative in a black tank top and frayed jean shorts. Claire liked to point out that it didn’t matter what I wore, I usually wore it best—her words, not mine. I thought she was ludicrous whenever she said that. We all stood at the same height—around five feet, eight inches—though Jason’s hair was currently gelled up into something like a Mohawk. Claire’s hair was loose, and I had my light brown hair back in a messy fish braid.

“Tay?”

I remembered her question about my dad. “He came to check on me. He has friends over tonight.”

“Well, that was…” Jason shared a look with Claire. His mouth flattened into a disapproving line. “...sure nice of him.”

They shared another look, and I pretended not to notice. They’d helped me pick out the casket and finalize all the funeral details while my dad watched football tapes. Yes. They didn’t need to say anything at all.

And it was time to change the topic. I cleared my throat. “Where’s this party again, Claire?”

“It’s not far from your place, a couple of miles. I heard about it from some friends at school.”

“Will I know people there?” Jason asked.

She took the car in a careful turn, pulling onto a gravel road. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t.”

“Wait. Friend or foe?”

Claire didn’t reply.

“Claire,” he urged, leaning closer to her. “Friend or foe? You know my enemies.”

She flicked a strand of hair over her shoulder, glancing at him from the side of her eye. “Um…”

He sat back in his seat, his back resting against the door. “You’re kidding me.”

“It might not be that bad—” she started.

He finished. “Park’s enemies? Right? That’s who it is? That’s who’s throwing the party?”

She cleared her throat and readjusted her hold on the steering wheel, as her little chin grew firm. “Sebastian Park is not on campus anymore, so that means you’re not indebted to him. You can do whatever you want, and that includes—”

He rolled his eyes, cutting her off. “I know how ruthless he can be. I think not. Park’s gone, but he’s not out of commission. Not fully. He still has some connections, and I’m not going against him. No way. If those guys who went against him last year are there, you know I’m done for. I won’t even be allowed into the party.”

“That’s not true.” Claire’s voice grew louder. “You’ll be fine, and you’re going in as my friend. You’re not working for him anymore, and besides, believe it or not, I doubt they even remember you. You do go to a different college than us.”

“Kade will.”

I sat up, recognizing the name. “Kade?”

Claire let out a soft, irritated sound. “It’s not even like that, and Kade won’t remember you. I’m sure of it. He’s…” She held her hand up, lifting it close to the car’s roof. “…up here, and you…you’re…” The meaning was clear. Jason was not a blip on this guy’s radar.

I kept my mouth shut. No way was I stepping into that.

“Thanks, Claire.”

“Well, it’s true.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry. You had one run-in with Logan Kade last year, and Park’s beef wasn’t even really with him. It was with his brother. So yes, I think Logan Kade will be at this party, but I don’t think you have to worry about him.”

I didn’t know who this Park was. Kade sounded familiar, though.

He folded his arms over his chest and fixed Claire with a brooding stare.

“Stop it.” She gave him the same stare right back. “I mean it. That’s all over and done with. You have nothing to worry about, and if you do, I’ll step in. Or Taylor will.”

“What?” My head swiveled between them. “Step into what?”

“It’s fine. If these guys come after Jason, just tell them who you are, who your dad is, and they’ll stand down. People know your mom died last year, and they respect your dad. So they won’t do anything you don’t like tonight.”

“Great.” Jason’s sarcasm was thick. “Just wonderful. I have to be saved by some girls.”

“Hey!” Claire and I cried.

“Nothing against vaginas, even your vaginas, but despite how I dress, I’m still a guy. I can handle myself.”