Destiny Read Online Free Page B

Ethan bailed, you’ve taken on the role of protector. You gave me your clothes, you even brought me extra food. But you can’t spend your life making sure you never end up like him .”
    “Jesus,” Nash muttered, never expecting Dare to be so analytical and brutal at the same time. “I’m not having this discussion.”
    “Fine.” Dare raised both hands in submission.
    “We’re friends,” Nash said of his ex.
    Dare rolled his eyes. “Fine. And what are you and Kelly?”
    That was the problem.
    Nash had no idea. But now, thanks to Dare’s change of plans, he was obviously going to get a chance to find out.
    Nash stood at the doorway of his brother Ethan’s mansion. From seventy degrees the day of the wedding, the temperature today had just barely touched sixty and now it was a cooler fifty-something with a breeze that felt much more like fall. He wore the same sport jacket he’d chosen for work today and rang the doorbell, eager to get inside.
    In seconds, the door swung wide and Tess stood on the other side. Her hair, once jet black, was now a lighter brown, and the purple streak was faded and almost gone. Even her gray sweatpants and imprinted T-shirt said normal teen , and he appreciated the change.
    Until she opened her mouth, that is. “Oh, it’s you,” Tess muttered, her standard greeting.
    “I see some things haven’t changed.”
    Tess folded her arms across her chest and remained silent.
    “Are you going to let me in?” he asked, reining in all his frustration and maintaining patience and calm.
    “Why are you here? I thought Dare was going to my parent-teacher conference with Kelly.”
    Here we go, Nash thought. “He had to work so I’m filling in.”
    “Swell.”
    He forced a smile. But he still stood outside on the welcome mat like a stranger she was unsure whether to trust. “Again, can I come in?”
    Tess moved aside. He stepped into the house and shut the door behind him. He stared at Tess and she glared right back.
    “How’s school going?” he asked her.
    “I guess you’ll find out soon enough,” she said with mock sweetness.
    Nash gave up for now. “Is Kelly ready?”
    Tess turned and shouted toward the upstairs. “Kelly, lover boy’s here to pick you up!”
    Nash winced. Normally he wouldn’t let Tess dictate who he saw or what he did, but he understood how seeing them kissing had threatened her safe world. “Look, about that—”
    “Save it.” She held out a hand to stop him from speaking. “Anything you’re going to say would just be TMI and I don’t want to hear it.”
    He closed his eyes for a brief second. “Okay, what’s TMI mean?” he asked, resigned to making an even bigger ass of himself in front of her.
    She rolled her eyes in complete disgust. “Too much information.” She pulled in a deep breath. “Kelly!” she yelled once more, even louder.
    “I’m coming!” Kelly appeared at the top of the stairs and made her way down. Wearing black leggings and a long purple top, belted in silver, she looked every inch the sexy woman he couldn’t stop thinking about.
    He shook his head and reminded himself that not only wasn’t this a date but he also couldn’t allow himself to think about her in any way except Tess’s sister or he’d destroy any chance he had with the kid. Not that he felt that he necessarily had any chance at all, but still, Tess had to come first.
    “Hi! Dare sent me a text letting me know you’d be here instead,” she said, padding down the stairs. “Tess, next time invite your brother inside and let him sit down!” she chided the teen.
    “That’s okay. We were just catching up.” He met Tess’s gaze, daring her to disagree and get herself in more trouble.
    “Oh!” Kelly said, sounding surprised. “Well, that’s good, then. I just have to get my shoes and I’ll be ready to go.” She opened the hall closet and pulled out a pair of high boots.
    Sexy boots that covered her entire calf up to her knee and folded over at the