Free Here Comes the Light (Cambrooke #1) by Emily Camp Page B

thought maybe she was being defensive.”
    “What does she have to be def ensive about?” I snap. “She is the one replacing my mom.”
    He lets out a long breath, “Miley, I don’t think she is trying to replace your mom. Your dad is probably lonely.  He deserves to have someone right?” This boy is just digging himself a hole as I scowl at the side of his face.
    “You think he is lonely ?” my voice is loud and fills the cab of the truck. “What about me? I was just a little kid when my mom died.” I hate the fact that the tears are starting to burn my eyes. “All he does is work. I have had no one, Declan, no one!” I slam my hand against my chest. “I am the one who has been lonely.” My voice cracks at the end of my sentence and wish I was not confined to a vehicle right now because I don’t want to do this in front of him. I don’t like to cry in front of anyone. I bury my face in my hands not able to keep the tears at bay.
    I feel the truck turn then stop. “Miley, I wasn’t trying to upset you.” He speaks softly, but I can’t hold back , the tears I have been holding in all night finally break loose and I can’t seem to stop them. “Please don’t cry.” He whispers. “I don’t like seeing girls cry.”
    “I can’t stop.” I say all blubbery and snotty. He reaches across my lap and opens his glove compartment as few seconds later a tissue is in my hand. “Thank you.” I sniff as I dab my eyes with the tissue. “I’m sorry for being a baby.”
    I feel his arm slide around my shoulders and he gently tugs on me . I bury my face in his awesome smelling chest.  “I know you are going through a lot right now, and I am here for you.”  Goose bumps rise on my arm when his hand grazes over it. The comfort I get from him right now is something different than I have every felt before. His chin rests on the top of my head. “I think you should come to the youth hang out tomorrow night.” His chest rattles underneath my head as he talks.
    I push away and shake my head, “Please don’t go there.”
    “Just think about it, you would?” he speaks softly then looks out in front of him. “But enough about tomorrow night , let’s go have some fun now.” He nods I look out of the windshield and can’t even believe he brought me here. The Cambrooke May Day Carnival. It is puny for a carnival just a couple of small rides and a few games. I can smell the funnel cakes and the yellow and orange lights remind me of my mom. She loved coming to this. I smile and nod. I wipe the mess of mascara off my face before heading towards the carnival with him.
    He of course get s a funnel cake first thing. I am glad he eats most of it so I don’t sit here and eat it all. We ride the two little rides a couple of times and he wins me a stuffed monkey at the strong man game.
    “Bet you can’t win a gold fish.” I tease as I pick at the pink cotton candy in my hand and we walk past the goldfish game.
    “Ahhhh, I don’t know.” He says eyeing the game.
    “Five dollars for three throw s.” The greasy haired five toothed carnie says. “or five dollars for five throws for your girl.” He winks at me when he says this. I feel a little violated.
    Declan smiles down at me, “You wanna play?” he asks pulling a five out of his wallet.
    “I don’t know.” I say slowly as I take a cautious step backwards.
    “Come on.” He says with a chuckle. “I won you a monkey. You can win me a goldfish.” Declan nudges me with his elbow.
    “He’s kinda creepy.” I whisper through a fake smile.
    “There a re a ton of people around, you’re safe.” He whispers and laughs as he places a hand on my back, which warms at his touch.  With is free hand he gives the carnie a five dollar bill. “We’ll take five, the girl is gonna play.” He says with laughter in his voice.
    I just look up at Declan cradling the five white spheres. “This is ridiculous.” Tell him. “There is a reason I cheer and don’t play