Chapter 16

** Candice **

I'm about to open my locker when I hear someone call my name. I know the voice and when I look up, I see Brad walking straight toward me. It's been two whole class periods since I last saw him and somehow he's managed to look even better than before. How is that possible?

"Hey, you," he says, already flashing me his signature grin.

"Hey." I smile back because I can't help it.

"Need a ride home?" he asks, looking at me with his incredible brown eyes.

I'm too mentally drained to check out the house anyway. After dealing with crowded hallways, my weird conversation with Mrs. Stephens, and at least one mini-panic attack, a ride home sounds pretty good. Besides, it gets dark earlier every night and the thought of looking around a mysterious house when its pitch black makes me beyond nervous.

"Sure."

**

We're several cars back, waiting our turn to exit the parking lot, when he reaches for my hand between shifting gears. Piece by piece, I can feel my walls start