Read Online Reluctance by Cindy C Bennett - Free Book Online Page A

suitcase, looking at the spot where Cam had lay dying, and her heart lurched. If she never returned to this house, it would be too soon. She swung the suitcase off the bed and walked out. Her family waited in the parlor. Jace had managed to recover nicely from any residual guilt he might have felt over attacking Cam. In fact, he managed to act as if it hadn't happened at all.
    "Well," she said. "I'm off."
    "I wish you wouldn't go, darling," her mother purred.
    Dahlia wished her mother meant what she said. If only wishes could come true . .
    . .
    "Be happy, my dear," her father said, hugging her and dropping a kiss on the top of her head. Dahlia thought she would probably miss him. If only he had been the father she needed throughout her whole childhood, rather than only recently, she might not have felt the need to go away.
    Aster stepped forward. "You're still a freak," she said. Then she pulled Dahlia into a hug. "Still, if I had to have a big sister, you were a good one to have. I probably wouldn't be as nice as I am if not for you."
    Dahlia bit her tongue against the retort that sprang to her lips and hugged Aster back. Jace simply saluted her mockingly, and Dahlia backed away toward the door.
    "Will you ever call, do you think?" her mother suddenly asked.
    Dahlia thought about her answer.
    "Maybe." It was the most she could promise.
    With a final wave, she turned away and exited the house. The sunshine hit her full force, and she stood still for one moment, basking, breathing in the scent of freedom.
    "Are you coming, or do I need to come up there and get you?" Cam called teasingly.
    Dahlia opened her eyes, drinking in the sight of him. She would never get tired of looking at him. She smiled widely and stumbled down the front steps into his waiting arms.
    Cam's mouth closed over hers, pulling her close against himself. Dahlia tightened her arms around his neck, reveling in the fact she could hold him with all her strength without breaking him.
    "Hi." Cam grinned, pulling back slightly.
    "Hi," Dahlia answered breathlessly. Her eyes dropped to his neck, marred by a hideous scar, which was fading daily, though not fast enough for her liking. She hated any reminder of how close she had come to losing him.
    He tipped his head up, exposing the scar. "How does it look?" he asked.
    "Alive," she answered, pulling his mouth to hers once more.

    ~The End~

    About the Author
    Cindy C Bennett was born and raised in Salt Lake City, where she still happily resides.
    She is the YA author of Geek Girl, Heart on a Chain, and Immortal Mine. Her favorite things (besides writing) are spending time with her family, reading, or riding her Harley through the beautiful canyons near her home. Dark chocolate ranks somewhere up there near the tops of her favorite things as well. She also hosts a geek podcast with her son once a week.
    Learn more about Cindy C. Bennett online at http://cindybennett.blogspot.com/