Turn on a Dime - Blane's Turn Read Online Free PDF

been comical if Blane didn’t feel exactly the same way. He knew better than this and no flimsy excuse that he just wanted to make sure she got something to eat justified him spending more time with her.
    And yet he hurried to get out of the car before she could say no, heading to her side to hold the door open for her. To his relief, she hesitantly got out, looking up at him with those eyes that made his breath hitch in his chest. Reaching for her, Blane took her elbow and led her inside.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Seventeen Years Ago
     
     
     
    Kade sat in the car, looking up at the imposing mansion the guy had driven them to. Obviously, the guy was rich, and it looked like there were plenty of places to hide in there. If he turned out to be an asshole—and all of them had—he’d have a hard time catching Kade inside there.
    “This is my home,” the guy said. “It’s yours now, too, if you want.”
    Yeah, right. Whatever.
    Kade grabbed his knapsack and got out of the car, instinctively moving to keep a distance between himself and the guy as he approached to stand next to Kade.
    “Come on,” he said, heading up the walkway to the front door.
    Kade followed, trying to ignore the increasing apprehension creeping in his bones. He hated that feeling, hated being afraid. But this house was far away from the streets where he knew all the players and who dominated which corner. Who set the rules here? And what if he broke one without even knowing? His steps slowed without him consciously doing so.
    Blane glanced at Kade, concerned but trying not to show it. It was obvious the kid was terrified. His face was pasty white and he clutched that dirty knapsack as though afraid someone was going to take it from him. He was so thin, Blane could see the rapid pulse beating in his neck. His steps grew slower and heavier the closer they got to the house.
    “You know what?” Blane said. “I forgot that this door is locked. Let’s go around back.”
    Leading the way around the house, Blane took his time, his feet crunching in the few leaves scattered on the grass. The grounds were covered with oak trees, their wide expanses shading the house while their leaves were a constant source of irritation to Gerard, especially in the fall.
    Kade seemed to relax as they walked, his body not as stiff when he moved, and he glanced curiously around.
    “Do you have a dog?” he asked.
    Blane shook his head. “No, but we can get one, if you want.”
    “Nah. They just die.” He said it matter-of-fact, completely without emotion.
    A chill went through Blane. It seemed the only emotions Kade was capable of were anger and fear.
    This was what he’d let his brother become.
    The door into the kitchen was unlocked and Blane entered first, hoping Mona was there. To his relief, she was. She knew where he’d gone and was anxiously waiting for his return, saying she’d make cookies, since everyone knew kids liked cookies.
    Kade entered the kitchen warily, one slow step at a time, his eyes swiveling to take it all in. Blane looked around, trying to see things through Kade’s eyes.
    The kitchen was bright and cheery, one of the few rooms in the house that Blane would term “welcoming.” Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the line of plants on the window ledge. A white kitchen table with four chairs sat in an alcove, a vase filled with white flowers at its center. Another beam of sunlight rested on a plump cat snoozing in its warm rays, and the whole place smelled like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies.
    Mona, Blane’s housekeeper and erstwhile nanny, stepped closer, smiling. A petite woman, she had a bob of brunette hair and kind eyes. She and her husband, Gerard, had been Blane’s salvation growing up. She’d heartily approved of him bringing Kade into his home, if for nothing else than to keep Blane company. Mona and Gerard lived adjacent to the property, and now that William Kirk was gone, it was just Blane in the