Bully Me (Bully Me #1) (6 page)

He glanced over his shoulder and rifled through her underwear drawer, curious. Mostly plain colored underwear and bras, practical if nothing else. He pulled out a red, lacy piece. It looked like a one piece outfit, and it was less material than her underwear. It still had the tags on it, and he wondered why she had bought it. He heard her running back up the stairs and hastily shut the drawer and sat casually on her bed.

“Got it!" She said happily, waving the screwdriver in the air. Camden took the screwdriver and started dismantling the doorknob. “So hey, what are you doing tonight?" He asked casually.

Kaine wrinkled her nose in thought. God, she was adorable. “I don’t know really, but my dad is probably going to want us to have dinner together for our first night as a ‘family.’”

“Oh. How about tomorrow?"

Kaine thought. “Nothing. Why?"

He glanced up at her. “I want to take you out. Dinner or something."

Kaine tried unsuccessfully to hide her surprise. “Really? Why?"

Camden smiled at her surprise. “Because I like you, Kaine. And I want to get to know you more."

“Oh."

“So…"

“Oh! Yeah, sure," she replied sheepishly. “That sounds great."

Camden finished putting in her doorknob and tested it out. “Perfect," he announced, giving Kaine the key. She smiled up at him. “Thanks, Cam. You should probably meet my family now. Since you’re taking me out and all."

They made their way downstairs to the kitchen, where everybody was eating the three huge pizzas they had ordered.

“Hi, Kainie. I was wondering where you went off to. Who’s your friend?" Her dad asked.

“That’s Kaine’s boyfriend," Shane interrupted loudly.

Kaine glared at Shane, and her dad and Jay’s eyebrows shot up. “Boyfriend? I didn’t know you had a boyfriend," her dad said, confused.

“He’s not my boyfriend," she said. Seeing Camden’s face fall, she quickly added, “But he’s taking me on a date tomorrow night. If that’s ok."

“That sounds fine, I guess." He turned to Camden. “Do you go to school with Kaine and Shane?"

Her dad drilled Camden while Shane sat next to Kaine. “So what were you doing upstairs with Captain Roid?"

“Captain Roid?" She repeated.

“Cause of all the steroids he uses."

She turned to him. “He does not," she hissed. “Why would you say that? And anyway, we were putting a new lock on my door so you can’t go through my stuff when I’m not here."

Shane burst out laughing, earning a curious look from Camden and Kaine’s father.

He turned back to Kaine. “Why would I want to go through your stuff? Don’t flatter yourself. And yes, he does take steroids. I’ve seen him. Why do you think he’s so angry all the time?"

“He’s not angry," Kaine defended him. “The only time I’ve seen him angry is when you’re around. And I can’t say that I blame him, after what you did."

For a split second, Shane’s face fell into an almost remorseful look, then immediately back into the cocky smirk. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you when he tries to date rape you."

Kaine had enough. She stood up and grabbed Camden by the hand. “Daddy, are you done interrogating him?"

Her father smiled fondly at her. “I was just talking to him, honey. And yes, we’re done."

Camden stood up. “I should get going anyway. It was nice meeting you all. Kaine, I’ll pick you up at 6 tomorrow."

Kaine nodded, mentally rifling through her outfits in her head. She didn’t have much that fit her anymore. She’d have to go shopping again.

She walked Camden out then sat back down with her family. “Did you like him?" She asked her dad. He nodded. “He seems like a good kid. And he seems to really like you. He couldn’t take his eyes off you."

Kaine blushed. She had noticed that Cam had been strangely clingy to her today. It was nice that he felt so protective of her, but she didn’t need a babysitter. She needed to be able to take care of herself. They finished eating and continued moving and unpacking, until almost everything was put away. Kaine’s muscles were burning, and everybody was dirty and exhausted. Logan had fallen asleep on the couch.

Kaine trudged upstairs and fell into her bed, falling asleep instantly.

The next day Kaine woke up happy, until she remembered that Shane was living with her, in the next room. “Fuck me," she mumbled, rolling out of bed. She took a shower and wrapped herself in a towel. She was about to open her underwear drawer when she saw a piece of red lace hanging out. She yanked open her drawer and gasped. Someone had obviously gone through her underwear. She slammed the drawer shut and stormed to Shane’s room, pounding on the door.

“Come in!" He yelled sleepily.

She opened the door and stalked to his bed, trying not to look at his well defined bare chest and noticeable erection.

“Don’t go through my stuff, Shane."

“I didn’t touch your stuff," he mumbled. “Go away."

“So you didn’t go through my underwear drawer? Because someone did. And I doubt it was Logan."

“Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t give a shit what your granny panties look like. Why don’t you ask Camden?"

“Camden wouldn’t do that. He’s respectful, unlike you. Stay out of my stuff," she repeated, storming out and slamming his door.

Kaine flopped back on her bed in frustration. He hadn't even been here for a day and he was already finding ways to frustrate her. She was about to text Lucy to go shopping until she remembered that Lucy was visiting her grandparents in Florida for the next week. She texted Kelsey instead.

Shopping today?

She got dressed and went out for a run. Ohio in the summer morning was so beautiful. She wasn't looking forward to running in the winter. She could use the treadmills in the gym, but that wasn’t nearly as fun. Kaine ran for a mile then walked back home, enjoying the summer breeze. She ran into Shane on her way inside.

"Where were you?" He asked.

"I went for a run." She said, breezing by him. She figured he was doing the same, but didn't care enough to ask.

"Hey," he said, catching her arm. She glanced at him, then her arm. "Let go of me," she said quietly.

He dropped her arm. "I really didn't go through your things. I wouldn't do that."

She glared at him, disgusted. "Oh, right. Mr. Morals over here. No, you'd never do anything to invade my personal space or privacy. I don't know what I was thinking."

He sighed. "Kaine, I'm sorry about that, ok? I'm sorry that I picked on you so much. And I'm sorry for touching you. I didn't plan on that. I just..." He looked away, ashamed.

Kaine didn't buy it for a second.

"Yeah? You're sorry? Well guess what. I don't believe you." She turned around and stormed inside, not waiting for a response. Grabbing her phone, she checked Kelsey's response.

Sorry can't :( out all day.

"Fuck," Kaine muttered. Friends with boyfriends were no fun. She supposed she could go by herself, but as someone with no fashion sense, she never knew what looked good and what looked awful on her.

She sighed and trudged downstairs, dejected. Her dad, Nancy and Logan were sitting at the table eating. "Morning, Kainie. Looking forward to your big date?"

"Dad, it's not a 'big date.' We're just going to dinner. And I have nothing to wear."

Her dad laughed. "How do you have nothing to wear? You just went shopping a few weeks ago."

"Those are too big on me now. I only bought one outfit because I knew I would lose more weight."

He shrugged. "So go shopping again. You can take my card."

Kaine's dad didn't mind her going shopping with his card. She was never wasteful with money and she rarely ever bought anything for herself. "I guess. I suck at picking stuff out though."

"I can go with you," Nancy offered.

"Really?" Kaine raised her eyebrows. "You're not too busy with wedding stuff?"

Nancy shrugged. "There's always tomorrow. Besides, it's early. We can do that later."

"Ok. That sounds great." Kaine was nervous about spending time alone with Nancy, but figured that since she was going to be living with her she should try to spend time with her. Besides, she seemed like the opposite of Shane. "When we get home I can help you with wedding planning. I'm not great at girly stuff, but I'll do whatever you need me to."

"That'd be great," Nancy replied, giving her a small smile.

"Would you ever wear something like this?"

Kaine raised her eyebrows at the black and grey swirly dress. "It's too short."

Nancy rolled her eyes. "Just try it. If you don't like it, fine. But I think it'll look perfect on you."

Kaine took her pile of dresses to the dressing room and stared trying them on. The first one was a royal blue hi low dress. It fit nice, and the color was great with her skin and eyes. The second was a lime green shift dress that barely fit over her hips but was huge around her waist. She was way too curvy for that one. She tried on a couple more unsuccessfully, until she tried on the black and grey dress that Nancy had picked out. Nancy was right. It was perfect. The cut was flattering and slimming, and the length was just above her knees. She spun around a few times, enjoying the flow of the skirt. She poked her head out of the dressing room. "What do you think?"

Nancy's eyes filled with tears. "Oh Kaine, it's perfect. Just right for your first date."

Kaine ended up with the two dresses, a few tops and a couple pairs of jeans. Nancy was ecstatic to have somebody to shop for. "I've always wanted a little girl," she told Kaine. "I love my boys, but I've always wanted someone to shop with and get our nails done. Thank you for letting me be a part of your first date."

Kaine assured her that the pleasure was all hers. Clothes shopping was something she never got to enjoy with her mom. They found some cute, cheap costume jewelry and some boots. By the time they were done, they were exhausted.

Kaine unloaded her bags. "What do you need help with?"

Nancy pulled out her checklist and sighed. "Everything."

Kaine looked over the list. "This isn't too bad, Nancy. It looks like all you have left is fixing up the yard and getting the decorations together. Why don't you figure out what you want and I'll get started on the yard?" Nancy agreed, and Kaine started on the yard.

"Fuck me," she muttered, surveying the yard. The shrubs that surrounded the yard were overgrown. The white fence was covered in moss and vines. The perimeter, which was once beautifully manicured, was rampant with weeds. The lawn was in desperate need of mowing, which was the least of the problems.

Kaine grabbed a wheelbarrow and gloves and started on the weeding. She was trying to psych herself up for her date with Camden tonight. She'd had a crush on Camden for years. But for some reason, she wasn't that excited about seeing him tonight. Maybe it was because he had been so clingy lately. She understood his mistrust of Shane, but she didn't need him to treat her like a paper doll. She could take care of herself. She shook her thoughts away and decided to give Camden a fair chance. He was a nice guy, and she was going to have a good time tonight.

She sensed a presence behind her and turned around. A shirtless Shane stood with hedge trimmers, grinning at her. "You look like you need help."

Kaine didn't respond. All she could see were the hedge trimmers in his hands. The last day of school. Shane, smiling evilly at her, cornering her, ripping her clothes off…

"Don't," she whispered, crawling backwards away from him.

The smile fell from Shane's face as he tossed the hedge trimmers behind him. "Kaine...I'm not going to hurt you."

He crouched down in front of her as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Listen to me," he said softly. "I'm so sorry for what I did, Kaine. I feel like a piece of shit. And I know that's nothing compared to the way it made you feel."

Kaine stared at him, trying to gauge his sincerity.

"Don't cry, Kainie."

She hadn't even realized she had been crying until she felt the wetness on her cheeks.

Shane gently reached forward and wiped the tear off of her cheek. He let his hand linger for a few seconds, staring into her eyes. "Kaine..."

She jumped up. "I'm fine. It’s fine. Want to gather up the weeds on the ground?"

Shane cleared his throat. "Yeah, sure."

Shane worked behind her, silently gathering the weeds that she pulled. She tried to ignore the electric jolt she had felt when he touched her face, or the feeling that ran through her body when she looked at his bare chest.

What the hell was her problem?

The doorbell rang at 5:50.

Shit.

Why was he early? Didn't he know how long it took girls to get ready?

Kaine hastily finished putting on her makeup. "Jay!" She yelled.

Jay flung open her door. "What?"

"Go let Camden in. He's early and I'm not ready yet."

Jay grumbled and stormed down the stairs. Kaine would miss him when he went back to college in a few weeks, but she wouldn't miss his attitude.

Kaine checked herself out in the full length mirror. She was in love with this dress. It accentuated her small waist and flowed with the curviness of her hips. She was glad that Nancy had suggested it.

Kaine walked gingerly down the stairs, trying not to trip over her heels.

Camden almost gasped when he saw her. He had never seen Kaine with make up or in a dress. She took his breath away. "You look beautiful," he said.

"Thanks." Kaine smiled at him. "Ready to go?" She was eager to leave before Camden and Shane had a chance to interact.

Shane strolled in the room.

Oh, come on.

"Kaine, you look nice," Shane commented. Camden put a possessive arm around her, and Kaine couldn't help but feel annoyed. "Thanks, Shane. Come on," she said, grabbing Camden's hand and dragging him out the door.

"So has Shane been bothering you?"

Kaine sighed. Camden had taken her to The Cask Republic, a cute little restaurant one town over. They had just sat down when he started asking her about Shane.

"Cam, can we talk about something else?"