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

the bag.  “It has warmer clothes and spare clothes in case these get really dirty.”  I glanced down at my current clothes. 
    “I see.”  He nodded and slung the bag over his shoulder.  Knowing by now fighting over who carried the bag was pointless, I turned back to Nicole.
    “I’ll let you know when I might be home.”
    “Ok.  Remember by midnight though.  Unless you call and let us know you’re spending the night.”  Nicole reminded me.
    “Yep, got it.”  I said.  I waved as I made my way out to Cade’s truck.  I eyed the thing as it loomed in front of me.  The lift had to be a good two feet, which made the bottom of the door at about mid-thigh level after the normal amount of height a truck that size usually had.  Cade opened the door and I eyed the interior.  My eyes were level with the arm rest.  I looked back at Cade in absurdness. 
    “You do realize this is ridiculous, right?” I asked as I motioned to the leap I would have to make to even attempt to sit inside.  He grinned in response. 
    “Here,” he turned me toward him and before I figured out what he was going to do, he grasped me around the waist, again, and picked me up, placing me on the seat.  My hands flew to his shoulders to steady myself and I couldn’t help but feel, and admire, the corded muscle underneath his shirt.  My breath caught at our closeness.  As soon as I was settled, I snatched my hands back.
    “Uh, thanks.”  I said, without meeting his eyes.  He didn’t comment as he waited for me to pull my legs around to the dash before he shut the door.  He walked around to his side and easily climbed in, placing my bag in the back.  I put my seatbelt on as he started the engine.  He backed out of the driveway and I waved to Nicole who was still standing in the garage, watching us.  She waved and smiled in return, giving me a thumbs up at the last moment as we pulled away.  I rolled my eyes internally.  Nicole and her hopeful, motherly ways.   We headed north out of town and were immediately surrounded by forest. 
    “How far out do you live?”
    “Not far.  Couple miles.”  He replied, keeping his eyes on the road. 
    “Thanks for picking me up.”  I tried at small talk.
    “No problem.”  Was his clipped reply.  Not knowing why he was in such a mood when he was grinning not two minutes before, I turned away from him and continued to look out the window.  A short while later, we pulled off onto a narrow lane.  The trees closed in around us even more as we continued on our way.  It was a little unnerving and if I hadn’t trusted Cade, with my safety only of course, I would have been worried he was taking me to the backwoods to kill me. 
    Finally, the trees gave way to a clearing.  I looked around to what looked like a small campground, only with full size houses.  Five houses lined the lane on each side as we drove down the gravel road that led to the big house at the end.  The houses were well spaced, giving ample yard room for each.  I saw Bree step out of one house and wave at us as we passed.  On the other side, Hunter and Brody were coming out of another house.  Cade finally came to a stop in front of the big house at the end of the lane. 
    “You live here?”
    “Yes.”
    “You weren’t kidding when you said you didn’t live far from each other.”  I muttered as I unclicked my seatbelt.  Cade didn’t answer as he opened his door and hopped down.  I took a deep breath to control my growing agitation at his non-talkativeness and opened my door.  Cade met me on the other side.  He started to reach in to help me down, but I stopped him with a raised hand.
    “I can manage.”  I stated firmly.  Cade scowled in return but stepped back to give me room.  I eyed the distance to the ground and decided the best thing to do was slide off the seat and jump at the last second.  I did, thankfully landing on my feet.  I moved to the side so Cade could shut the door.  He moved