Hunting Tess by Kathryn Summers (best novels to read in english .TXT) 📗

going to need the name of the Thai restaurant we ate from graduation night.”

The front door slams shut and footsteps echo from down the hall.

“I think there may be a couple things left in the fridge,” Parker says, nodding towards the kitchen.

“Ah, and while that information is unsettling, it’s not what I asked.”

“Did I hear something about leftovers?” Leo inquires, his heavy boots scuffing against the hardwood as the sound trails toward the refrigerator.

Caleb looks up from his phone. “Someone had a late night.”

“More like early morning.”

Parker glances over the bar. “Where were you?”

“Making friends,” Leo answers, pulling out the Thai that I’m pretty sure has gone fuzzy by now.

“Making friends at school?” Caleb questions sarcastically. “As long as you don’t bring any more home. We all know what happened the last time you brought home a new friend.”

“Hey!”

“With my coworkers,” Leo clarifies. “I got a job working security on campus.”

“That’s right.”

“So, if no one needs anything I’m going to bed.” Taking the cold leftovers with him Leo disappears up the stairs.

Glancing at the clock, Parker shovels food into his mouth at a rapid pace. “I’ve got to catch a flight,” he garbles, scooping up tiny food bits scattered across his plate while walking toward the sink.

“You’re leaving now?”

After setting down his dirty dishes he comes back to kiss me. “I got a call earlier this morning.” Kissing me again he promises to call later, shooting a glance at Caleb before walking away. After the door closes, I glance at Caleb who doesn’t look too enthused about having to spend the day together. Most likely as an assigned babysitter. Though plucky when compared to his old self, even that isn’t enough to keep the slight grimace from turning his lips downward.

“I’m planning on watching something if you want to join me,” I declare, pushing the eggs around with a fork. “Unless, or course, you have to go out. I understand if you’re busy.”

The thin pretext, which we both know is simply an excuse for him to not have to spend the day with me, is enough to work. He pops up from the couch babbling something about tuning up his cars.

Once the dishes from breakfast are clean I settle onto the couch with remote in hand, intent on watching as many movies the others grumble at before being interrupted. What started as an excuse to get Caleb out of the house does actually sound enjoyable. I glance at my phone, knowing Parker won’t have time to call until later tonight but unable to stop myself from wishing. Tucking the electronic far under the throw pillow I select a reality dating show.

The Twins cuddle up to my side keeping me warm. They disappear for days at a time like they’ve always done, but I’m glad they’re here with Parker gone. By the fourth episode my eyes are fuzzy, drowsy.

Three prominent knocks rapping against the front door startle me awake. My heart spikes into my throat before I force myself to take a chill pill. Maybe someone ordered a package.

The privacy glass through the front door’s window blurs the person’s outline, but Eliza is easily recognizable.

A faux leopard print rollaway suitcase is securely gripped by freshly manicured nails while a smile beams from Eliza’s face. Talking over the phone is vastly different from in-person and we hug and laugh like we haven’t seen each other in years.

“You’re here! What are you doing here? Do you miss me already?”

“Ha! Of course I miss you! So when your boy toy asked me to come for a visit I couldn’t refuse.”

“Parker asked you to come?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t object to me calling him your boy toy. I think there’s something you’re not telling me,” she says, wagging her eyebrows as she pulls her suitcase over the threshold.

“Let me take that upstairs. It’ll be easier than you banging it up every step making a ruckus.”

“It would not bang on every step!”

“No, just the first, last, and all that comes in-between.”

“Well, this is a new suitcase and I would hate to ruin it,” she concedes, knowing full well she was going to let me carry it up with my supernatural strength.

“So, where is Mr. Handsome?” Eliza questions, kicking her feet up in the air while lying on the bed browsing movies with the controller.

“If you mean Leo, then he’s downstairs and single.” I laughingly dodge a pillow aimed at my head, the plush cushion knocking into the curtains behind me. “Parker’s away for work. And keep your eyes to yourself. He’s taken.”

“Alright, alright, France concedes. Man, is there anything good to watch?”

Taking the remote from her I put on a go-to chick flick I started a couple of days ago for background noise. “Okay, spill. What’s been happening with you? How did finals go?”

“They were fine. Not so great with my American Literature essay, but now I have that credit out of the way. I’m jealous that you’re already graduated.”

“Well that’s what happens when you fake your prerequisites.”

“Still,” she says, her eyes glued to Danielle throwing apples at Prince Henry. The majority of the movie passes by, and while I know it by heart, I always get a goofy grin when he declares his love for her.

“Any summer plans?” I ask, just waiting for the evil family members to get their dues. Her eyes flash my direction for a fraction of a second and I know she’s trying to keep a secret. “What? What? Tell me or I’ll pin down your legs and tickle your feet.”

“It’s nothing!” she exasperates, flopping dramatically onto a pillow she grabs from my lap. I can’t see her face but guess it’s beet red. “Why are boys so obtuse?” Her voice is muffled but my grin is getting wider. Eliza tends to harbor a new crush every month, but it’s been a while since I’ve heard a new one. A couple of years at least, now that I think about it.

“What’s his name?” I sing.

She lifts her head from the pillow, picking