Snake Eyes (The Masks Series Book 3) Read Free Page A

the after-thought this family never meant to have. When it comes to the pecking order around here, you, little girl, are at the bottom of the food chain.”
    “Toby, shut up. You’re such dick.” Holly punched him in the arm and shot Caity a sympathetic look.
    “No big deal. I know he’s only kidding.” Caity’s laugh was hard and plastic.
    Seth jumped up behind his younger brother, throwing him into a headlock. I pulled Caity away from the action before our toes got trampled.
    She looked up at me with a smile I saw straight through. I kissed her nose and let her read me. She blinked a couple of times and looked away, staying pretty quiet for the rest of the evening.
    Thankfully, dinner was served soon after Toby’s brainless comment and conversation rose around different areas of the living space. Caity and I went out on the deck with Layla and the kids. It was funny watching them eat and tell their cute little stories. Jake was nine now and told jokes like a pro, with his little six-year-old brother butting in at frequent intervals. Layla kept rolling her eyes at her sons while encouraging her daughter to finish just a third of her meal.
    “Come on, honey, just a few more mouthfuls.”
    I was so enrapt by it all it took me a few minutes to realize Caity had returned inside. Jumping up, I collected my plate and walked it into the kitchen, scanning the room for my girl. With a little frown, I rinsed my plate and stacked it in the dishwasher before walking to the main hallway. I spotted the tail end of her slender legs disappearing up the stairs.
    No one had seemed to notice her departure, and I was pretty sure no one would notice mine either. Running a hand through my hair, I made my way down the hallway, guessing my girl had returned to a room that would soon become a nursery.

Chapter 3

    Caitlyn
     
    I walked up to my room and nudged the door open with my toe. My desk and the surrounding floor were covered with empty boxes, ready to pack up all my stuff and store it away. I plopped onto my bed and scowled at the blank walls. I’d spent the night here less than a week ago and they hadn’t said a word. Admittedly, Holly must have arrived and told them yesterday and they’d sat on the news while scrambling to empty out my room. I couldn’t believe they’d made this big decision without consulting me and had already gotten to work.
    Holly was only ten weeks pregnant for crying out loud. It felt a little extreme to be shifting over so soon, and how long did they think it would take Max to find a job? They obviously planned on mooching off Mom and Dad for as long as they could.
    I scowled, deep-down knowing the expression was brought on by hurt more than anything.
    Toby was right...I was the after-thought no one meant to have.
    I bit the inside of my cheek and looked across the room. The door gently swung open and I glanced back to see Eric leaning against the doorframe. His empathetic smile was totally going to break me. I looked to the floor, digging my big toe into the carpet.
    “They’ve taken down my posters already.”
    With a soft sigh, he entered the room and sat down beside me.
    “I used to watch you from that window, you know.” I squashed my sheepish smile. “I used to live for the days you mowed the lawn.”
    He chuckled, running his finger down my forearm and threading our hands together.
    “I always got the sense someone was watching me.” Leaning his head against mine, he kissed my ear and tears sprang out of nowhere, lining my lashes.
    “Why my room, Eric?” I drew in a ragged breath.
    He squeezed my fingers. “Best location?”
    I huffed. “Toby’s old room would have worked.”
    “Yeah, but it probably smells like farts and stale sweat.”
    I giggled. “It totally does.” I bit the corner of my lip, cutting off my laughter. “I don’t get why this bugs me so much. It’s immature and silly to feel this way. I don’t think I’m moving back home after I graduate, so what’s the