Chapter 3

“Well, are you ready to get the most awkward home coming in history over with?” Peyton asked as he gathered her bags from the back of the truck. Just like that, her good mood evaporated as she turned and looked at the beautiful two story house ranch house. The outside was painted a bright and cheery yellow with dark green shutters. It was warm and inviting, to some. However, to her, it was always a symbol of not being wanted or feeling loved. A heavy ball formed in the pit of her stomach.

She threw her duffle bag over her shoulder and took a deep breath. “Might as well,” she sighed, knowing that her father was inside that house. They had parted on terms that were less than favorable and there had been some extremely harsh words spoken by both of them.

As she walked to the house, she looked over her shoulder and found both Cole and Zane watching her. Despite the heat, goosebumps formed on her skin. So much had changed. She lifted her chin defiantly. It didn’t matter. She