The Deepest Cut (21 page)

Hot was an understatement. It was like looking at Ian. My Ian.

It was ridiculous to hope for something that couldn’t be. So what…he looked just like Ian. Why wouldn’t he? He was his descend-ent, after all.

“He’s checking you out pretty hard,”

Megan said, dipping a spoon into her yogurt.

“It’s the highlights. I tell you, people have been complimenting me all day long.”

I laughed under my breath, feeling giddy.

“You did a great job,” I said, feeling as light as air.

· · · · ·

By the end of the day I was a little bummed. I’d hoped I’d have at least one class with Kade, or at the very least, pass him in the hall or on the stairs, but no such luck.

I did have Cait in two of my classes though and we exchanged cell numbers. I kept remembering how Megan said that she and her brother were nothing alike. I hope I got to know them both well enough to see if that were true.

I met Megan near the parking lot. She stood with Milo and Shane, the latter of who looked really happy, if the wide smile on his face were to tell.

“I take it you had a good day?” I asked Shane.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a bit different than I expected. I have to get a handle on the language. My art teacher has such a thick accent, I can hardly follow him.”

“I know what you mean.” I had the same situation in history where I caught about every third word the teacher said.

“Hey, there’s a group heading over to the glen at four,” Megan said, piping in. “You want to meet me there or I can drop by and pick you up? I just have to go home and tidy up my room first or my mum will have my head.”

I nodded. “Sure, pick me up.”

“I’ll see you guys at the glen,” Shane said, already rushing to catch up with Joni.

I smiled to myself, relieved that both of us were fitting in. Dad would be ecstatic.

As I walked across the grass, I glanced up at the hillside where I’d sat with Ian that day that seemed so long ago. In time I wanted to go up there again and take my drawing

pad—but it would take awhile. The memories were too raw. I would always remember the way Ian had rested his head in my lap, and how he’d pulled my head down for a kiss.

“Riley!”

I turned to find Cait and Kade walking toward me.

Excitement raced through me, and I tried hard not to stare at Kade, but it was tough.

He looked so much like Ian.

“Hey,” I said, self-consciously brushing a hand through my hair, hoping I didn’t make matters worse.

“I wanted to introduce you to my brother,” Cait said Kade, this is Riley. Riley, my brother Kade.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.

He took my hand, his long fingers sliding over mine. His touch was electric, and I could only hope my cheeks weren’t as hot as they felt.

“It’s nice to meet you, Riley. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

His voice was rich and the accent nice.

“All good things, I hope.”

“Of course,” he said, with a grin that gave me butterflies in my stomach. Cait wandered off, leaving us alone, and we finally dropped hands.

“So how was your vacation?” I asked, feeling nervous.

He seemed surprised I had known he’d been away for the summer. “It was nice, but if I had my way, I’d stay home.”

“Spoken like someone who takes a lot of vacations,” I said teasingly.

He laughed, the sound like music to my ears. “Don’t get me wrong. I love going on holiday, but after a week or two I’m ready to come home.”

I nodded in understanding.

“And what about you, Riley. Do you miss your home?”

I glanced past him to the small group of girls huddled near the fence, watching us. I could sense animosity all over them. “Yeah, I miss Portland…but I’m starting to like it here. Everyone has been really nice.”

He bit his lip, much in the same way Ian had, running his upper teeth along that full lower lip. The mannerisms were similar, and his face was Ian’s––but I had to remember he wasn’t Ian.

“I’m glad you like Braemar and I’m glad you’re here.”

“Thanks,” I said, happy with the comment. “I am, too.”

“Would you like a ride home?” he asked, his expression saying he hoped I said yes.

Excitement raced through me. “That’s okay. I don’t live that far,” I said, instantly regretting the words. Oh my God, why had I said that?

“What are you so afraid of?” he asked teasingly, and the breath caught in my

throat. Hadn’t I said similar words to Ian not that long ago when we were kissing and fooling around?

I remembered Ian telling me, ‘Time in the spirit world is different than time as you know it.’ I didn’t want to wish for something that couldn’t be...but I had to wonder now exactly what he’d meant.

I stared at him for a long moment. He tilted his head to the side and grinned, and I swear I saw Ian in that smile...and in those long-lashed, brilliant blue eyes.

Flustered, my gaze fell to his necklace and my heart skipped a beat. “I have a cross necklace with the same Celtic design,” I said, reaching beneath my shirt and showing him.

My palms started to sweat. What were the chances of that?

“See, now you really must accept a ride.

We’re kindred spirits.”

Kindred spirits?

I liked that.

Kade shifted on his feet, and I realized he was waiting for my answer.

“Sure, I’d love a ride,” I said with a smile.

His grin was devastating. “Let’s go,” he said, his long fingers sliding over mine.

I turned, and that’s when I saw her, standing right in the middle of the road, as solid as any of the kids rushing across the schoolyard.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

It was Laria…and she was staring directly at me.

About the Author

J.A. Templeton writes young adult novels featuring characters that don’t necessarily fit into any box. Aside from writing and reading, she enjoys research, traveling, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family and friends. Married to her high school

sweetheart, she has two grown children and lives in Washington.

Thank you to my critique partners, T.R.

Allardice, P.T. Michelle, and Beth Ciotta, for taking time out of your busy schedules to give me insightful feedback. I’m forever grateful for your help and your friendship.

To Jim McCarthy, who believed in this story and gave me excellent advice. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

To my family—for supporting me in every endeavor I’ve ever had. You’ve been incredible cheerleaders, and you’re at the heart of everything I do. I love you!