HIDDEN (Hidden Trilogy Book 1) by T.J. Yelden

onto the second movie.  Once the second one was in, I started to feel tired as the long day caught up to me.  I felt my eyes droop as I fought to keep them awake.
    “I can take you home if you want.”  Cade whispered beside me.
    “No, I’m fine.”  I argued.  “Just need to rest my eyes for a minute.”  My eyes closed and the last thing I remember was hearing Cade’s chuckle. 
    When I woke, my bleary eyes registered that the credits were running on the screen.  I was cocooned in warmth and didn’t want to move.  I snuggled down more and sighed in contentment.  I didn’t know a couch could be so comfy.   I closed my eyes and that’s when I realized my couch had a heartbeat.  A steady, strong heartbeat and moved up and down like it was breathing.  My eyes snapped open and I finally grasped the position I was in.  Sometime in my sleep, I had rolled closer to Cade, wrapping one arm around his middle and laid my head on his chest.  One of my legs was even slightly over top one of his.  I could feel his arm around my back, a steady cage of warmth and protection.  Oh.  My.  Freaking.  God.   I scrambled up as fast as I could, knocking my legs into his and pushing off of his chest. 
    “What the hell, Kendra?”  Brody yelled in surprise as I stumbled back and almost fell into his lap.  I caught myself at the last moment and straightened as I looked around the group and avoided Cade’s eyes. 
    “I, uh…sorry.”  I muttered.  “What time is it?  I need to go home.”  No one moved or looked like they were going to answer.  Finally, Cade sat forward and I couldn’t help my eyes as I watched him slowly straighten from the couch in front of me. 
    “It’s 11:30.  I’ll take you home.”  He said softly.  I nodded, not sure I could find my voice.  I turned to everyone else and said bye, then made my way to the stairs.  I could feel Cade behind me as we walked up the stairs and out to his truck.  Without a word, he opened the door, grasped me around the waist, and hoisted me into the cab.  I tried not to touch him but when you’re being lifted off the ground two feet or more you kind of need to steady yourself.  I straightened in the seat and he shut the door once I was settled.  I swallowed nervously as he rounded the truck and pulled open his door as he climbed inside. He started the engine and turned the truck around so we were headed past the other houses and down the narrow lane. 
    We didn’t talk all the way to my house, and I thought that I was going to get by without saying anything as he pulled into my driveway.  I should have known my luck wasn’t that good.
    “Kendra.”  Cade said my name softly which forced me to look at him. 
    “What?”  I asked, hand on the door handle, seatbelt already off.  He looked like he was going to say something, sighed, and then changed his mind. 
    “Wait there.  I’ll help you down.”  He opened his door, climbed out, and shut it.  I watched, entranced again, as he gracefully walked around the front of the truck to my side.  He opened the door and easily scooped me up before setting me down on the ground.  I stood there for a second, nose to collarbone before I realized how close I was to him.  Clearing my throat, I stepped away and he shut the door.  He followed me up to the front door and stopped on the porch.
    “Thanks for the ride home.”  I mumbled but didn’t meet his eyes.  Out of the corner of mine, I saw him run a hand through his hair in frustration before he dropped it and stepped closer.  Before I knew what he was doing, he enveloped me in a hug that almost crushed me. 
    “Can’t breathe,” I gasped out and he immediately dropped his arms.
    “Sorry.  I’m sorry.”  He stepped back. 
    “What was that for?”  I questioned as I took a couple deep breaths.
    “I…I just wish…”Closing his mouth he shook his head.  “Never mind.  I’ll see you on Monday.” 
    “Ok.”  I said