Chapter 40

Ruby tried to protest, but her words came out slurred and incoherent. Caden guided her through the crowd and out of the house. It was a relief to be out in the cool night air, but Ruby's legs gave way again, and she nearly fell.

Caden sighed and, with more gentleness than he'd shown lately, helped her stay on her feet. "Were you supposed to stay at Liv’s tonight?”

Ruby sighed, licking her lips. Still holding onto his arm for dear life, she said rudely, “Why do you care?”

Caden pushed aside the strands of hair that covered half her vision, before he let out a sigh too. “You’re so difficult.”

She could kick him at that moment. But she knew it would only result in her falling face first into the grass covered ground. Was the grass cool? The air had suddenly become too hot and she could surely use a cool touch.

“What are you trying to do?” Caden asked her, his voice still coming out concerned.

“Let me go! I just want to lie down… right here. Mmm, you smell good,” she blurted out, l