She glanced at Kyle’s profile. He was staring at the road with intense concentration, like the center lines were going to morph into a pack of dragons and chase them down the street. It wasn’t so much that he was ignoring her. It was more like he was trying to pretend he was, because when she looked at him, his hands tightened on the steering wheel.
They pulled up in front of her house twenty minutes before curfew. As expected, lights blazed out of the living-room window, and the porch light was on full blast. Dad’s silhouette was outlined in the sheer curtains. He was sitting in his chair, probably pretending to read, but really waiting to see how long it was before she left the car and opened the door. The lights, per usual, were to discourage any good-night kiss activity. Faith loved her parents, but the freedom of living in New York sounded really appealing right now.
“I, um, probably better go up.” She touched Kyle’s arm, and he jumped. “Oh, sorry. You okay?”
His typical cocky smile showed up. “Yeah, sure. Thanks for coming out with me tonight.”
She bit back a frown. He looked shaken, rather than sure of himself. “Are we still on for the charade at Dolly’s?”
“I am if you are.” Now his expression looked more natural—and a tiny bit concerned. “You’re absolutely sure about this? Today it’s just a rumor. Tomorrow the genie is out of the bottle for good.”
She straightened her spine and looked him right in the eye. “Yes. I’m completely sure. See you in the morning?”
“Sure.” He started to lean across like he was going to kiss her again, then paused, before finally planting a quick peck on her cheek. “See you then.”
And that was all. Disappointment came over her all at once. Every time she thought they were getting closer he shut down, leaving her out in the cold.
Kyle came around to open her door and walked her halfway up to her house. “Faith…”
She stopped and turned to face him. “Yes?”
He opened his mouth, then closed it. “Nothing. Just…you’re going to do great at the musical.”
Her stomach swooped. And there he was again, back from wherever he seemed to disappear. “You haven’t even heard me sing.”
“I don’t need to.” He headed back to the Charger. “I know.”
Stunned, she watched him climb into his car and start it. He didn’t leave, though. Oh, right. He was waiting for her to go inside safely, despite the fact that her dad was now standing in the living room window. She waved and turned up the sidewalk.
Her dad opened the door before she fished her key out of her purse. “Have a nice time, pumpkin?”
“Dad, I’m eighteen. Don’t you think I’m a little old for ‘pumpkin’ now?”
“You’ll be sixty and I’ll be in a home, and I’ll still call you pumpkin. Now, let’s move the subject back to your date with our gardener.”
“One, he’s not our gardener. Two, yes, I had fun. He took me to the arboretum.”
“Huh.” Dad scratched his head. “Based on the car alone, I was worried I’d have to come up with bail after a wild night of clubbing.”
“You’d think,” Faith murmured. “He wanted to show me their azalea display. He knows I like them.”
“I should think so, considering the eight bushes in the backyard.” Dad smiled, and the wrinkles around his eyes deepened. “You look happy, and that’s what counts. After half your dates with that Cameron kid, you looked like you wanted to strangle something—preferably him.”
“It did kind of get that way, didn’t it? I’m glad I moved on.” She gave Dad a brief hug. “I’m going upstairs.”
He nodded and returned to his chair. Maybe to make her think he wasn’t up to watch for her. They’d done this enough, though, that she knew better. He was silly, but he cared. That was more than could be said for some of her friends’ dads.
She flopped down on her bed, reliving that kiss. He’d been more hesitant than she expected, like he wanted to let her have control so she wouldn’t back away. And taking her to see azaleas for a date? Everything about tonight had been about her. Even the way he hopped up, asking to help her with the lift, so serious about giving it a try. She’d never wanted to kiss a guy more than in that moment. It was perfect.
Almost.
She just needed to figure out what was bothering him. He was holding something back, and she wanted to know what—and why.
Her phone buzzed in her purse. Of course it was Violet, texting one minute after curfew because she knew Faith would be home.
V: So, how’s things?
Faith laughed. Oh, you know. Just sitting at home watching the clock hands move.
V: Don’t make me come over there.
F: Okay, okay. The date was very nice. He was very nice. The kiss was very nice.
V: KISS?!!!! Is there more?
F: Just the kiss—he’s so much sweeter than I thought he’d be.
V: What, no groping? Pshaw. He’s not living up to my expectations.
F: Maybe not…but he’s been way above mine.
V: Girl, after Cameron, you have NO expectations. What about tmo?
F: We’re still on. He’ll drive me up there around six.
V: Good. I have confirmation there will be a good crowd. Maybe even Cam.
Faith’s stomach dropped. For all her confidence with Kyle, she still wasn’t sure how she’d do this. What, did you tell everyone to be there?