'Jeff, I cannot believe that you're poisoning Katy's body with that rubbish!' Ally freaked out, hitting Jeff with her helmet.

'Hey it's not hard core stuff, just a harmless joint,' Jeff massaged his bruised head.

'Katy you should not smoke this stuff, it's harmful,' Ally admonished

'Why?' I demanded, 'You smoke cigarettes!'

'They're legal, I buy them over the counter,' she replied raising her voice.

'It's just cannabis,' I'm mumbled, 'I'm not going to OD on the stuff.'

'Would your mom approve Katy? Would you smoke that rubbish in front of her?' Ally persisted.

'No,' I murmured, 'please don't say anything to her,' I begged, 'and please don't tell ___Rafe either,' I lowered my head.

'Raphael! What's he got to do with this?' Ally demanded

'Well he acts like a mother hen all the time,' I squeaked, 'besides he may tell my step dad, so please keep it quiet,' I pleaded.

'Only if you promise never to touch this rubbish again,' Ally negotiated.

Rafe won't allow me to smoke cigarettes, Ally freaks out about the cannabis, what next? Should I stop breathing oxygen?

'Fine,' I sulked, 'I won't do it anymore.' I saw Jeff scratch his head, and look irritated. He knew I'd keep my word. I hadn't touched a cigarette, since Rafe caught me with one and threw a gasket.

'You don't need this stuff,' Ally tucked her arm into mine. 'It can become addictive,' she cautioned gently. 'I don't want you going off the rails Katy,' she patted her palm over my arm.

'I won't,' I half smiled. I knew she was offering me sound advice. I was just having fun with Jeff. I did not intend to develop a habit. I could give it up any time I wanted to. I was not dependant on the stuff. Off course I could give it up if I wanted to.

'So you coming to the drag race tonight?' Ally grinned, forgetting our cannabis episode.

'Drag race?' I repeated, glancing Jeff's way. He had not mentioned anything.

'You can watch, you won't be able to race,' he added. 'It's only for veterans who've raced for more than three years.'

'Oh,' I pouted disappointedly.

'It's very fast paced, requiring a lot of expertise,' Ally advised, 'but it'd be great if you came along.'

'I take it you're riding?' I accused Jeff.

'Yeah babe,' he supplied guiltily, 'but you don't have to come,' he suggested.

'Why not?' I demanded, the stubborn spirit in me challenging him.

'Like Ally says, it's fast paced,' he repeated. 'I don't want you to see that,' he spoke with finality.

'What he means,' Ally grinned, 'is that he's not so skilled and has had more accidents than he's finished races.'

I raised my eyebrows questioningly, but Jeff did not take the bait.

'So it  is accidents as in the cars get smashed, and __and there might be injuries?   I don't want you drag racing,' I instructed Jeff.

'Satisfied?' Jeff glared at Ally.

'Ooh the government has spoken,' Ally teased Jeff mercilessly.

'We don't have that kind of a relationship__' Jeff started.

'Oh? What kind of relationship do we have?' I demanded, pounding my palms onto my hip, just like mom does when she's angry. The apple clearly did not fall too far from the tree.

And why was I ranting and raving like a banshee?

'You know what I mean babe__'

'No I don't,' I ranted on, 'all I know is there's one set of rules for you and another for me,' I offloaded irrationaly on Jeff.

Jeff again gave Ally one of his scathing glares, to which she just smirked, and chewed expansively on her mouthful of gum.

'Ah, we have company,' Jeff murmured, lightening up a cigarette.

Ally and I simultaneously turned our heads, but I'd already had a suspicion about who the company was. I saw Ally's face light up. Her cheeks flushed profusely. She quickly threw out the cud she was chewing, and inhaled deeply.

'Raphael!' she cooed pathetically, reaching up to place a possessive kiss on his lips.

'Hey guys,' he greeted in his thick accented voice, and very subtly avoided the kiss destined for his lips, that just managed to land on his cheek.

'Rafe,' Jeff smacked a high five with him, as Ally deliberately tucked her arm into Rafe's.

Oh why the hell is he suddenly playing hard to get? I mean he can only be here because Ally invited him?

'Hey babe, I have to get togged up,' Jeff interrupted my thoughts.

'Me too,' Ally pulled Rafe's head down, this time he could not avoid her kiss.

'I'm going,' I hissed, glaring at Jeff.

'Aw babe, you're not still cross about tonight?' Jeff whined placing his arm around my waist.

Tonight? Ah the drag race? The actual reason I'm supposed to be miffed.

'Get your hands off me,' I muttered angrily at Jeff, his hand fell off me like a hot potato.

At the corner of my eye, I could see Rafe's attention focused on Jeff and I. As much as Ally tried to hold his attention, the glint of amusement on his eye, courtesy of the front row seats of the outburst between Jeff and I was high entertainment or him.

'Suit yourself,' Jeff replied uncharacteristically, storming off.

'I'll wave to you from the starting lineup,' Ally tried to regain Rafe's attention, before she sped off with Jeff.

'Lover's quarrel?' Rafe murmured, now that we were alone.

'Mind your own business,' I spat out angrily.

I think I'm going to need anger management classes.

'What's got you huffing and puffing?' Rafe teased, running a finger down my cheek, those dark sexy eyes of his highly amused.

He smelt so clean and fresh, unlike the tinge of grease and nicotine that constantly hung about on Jeff.

'Don't touch me,' I smacked his hand away.

'Querida, not so long ago you told me, "you want me,"' he threw at me.

'Must you always remind me of everything I say to you?' I yelled, 'you know you confuse me damn it!'

'Do I confuse you?' Rafe pulled me into his arms, 'I got a very different impression,' he murmured softly in that seductive voice of his.

His breath warm and fresh, caressed against my cheek. His lips looked so inviting, they were almost hypnotic. I could vaguely hear the engines revving noisily on the race track. The spectators clapping wanting the race to start. I dragged my eyes up to Rafe's eyes, I knew I should not have fallen for the bait, but when I was in this man's arms, which was not often, but when I was, I became like putty, soft and pliable, ready to follow his lead.

'Why __why are you holding me?' I stammered

'Why aren't you trying to escape?' he softly challenged, his eyes focused on my lips.

Shouldn't we be watching the race? I should be rooting for Jeff. Rafe was supposed to acknowledge Ally's wave. But right at this moment neither of us shifted an inch. As we gazed into each other's eyes, I nervously licked my dry lower lip. I wished I had some of that cud that Ally had been chewing, at least my breath would taste like mints. What if Rafe kissed me? What if he could taste the cannabis? I tried to shift out off his arms, but his grip tightened. I pressed my palms against his upper body to push him away, but when I felt his chest muscles thud so heavily beneath my fingers, I forgot what my original intention was, as my fingers curled over his rippling muscles. I sighed softly pressing against his muscular torso, but when I heard the thunderous roar of the engines take off, I jumped away from Rafe. I'm sure that was a swear word Rafe hissed in Spanish. Very soon Jeff and Ally's carts would pass by where we were standing. I did not want Ally or Jeff causing an accident.

And what the hell is Rafe up to in full view of an audience at the track?

'I'm going home?' I repeated to Rafe, what I had said to Jeff.

'Not going to see Loverboy finish his race then?' he sounded surprised.

'Mind your own business,' I mumbled again, somewhat breathlessly.

'I could give you a lift home,' he offered.

'Aren't you here to watch Ally?' I reminded him.

'I'm not here by her invitation,' he gazed into my eyes.

I was getting tired of his confusing mind games. He was so definitely not into me. Which man, if he desired a girl did nothing about it? I mean it was not rocket science that if you like a girl, you ask her out or something Not toy with her like a overfed cat that was not really interested in the mouse he caught.

'You're home early honey,' mom smiled, stopping her conversation with chef, as I entered the kitchen.

'Yeah, my race finished pretty early,' I replied, stealing a carrot from chef's salad display.

'Wash your hands before you touch anything in the kitchen,' mom admonished.

'Sorry,' I hastily washed my hands before retrieving my stolen carrot, taking a huge bite.

I kissed mom's cheek, and greeted chef with a mouthful of carrot.

'Mmm,' mom wrinkled her nose distastefully, 'you smell like a grease monkey.'

I was pleased that that was all she could smell. Heaven forbid if she dare find out about the cannabis. If nobody rats on me she won't, for I have committed to not do the stuff again. I mean I knew it was not a good habit, but I just needed to vent my teenage emotions through some channel. Now if Rafe by some miracle asked me to be his girlfriend, then I __.

'Katy Michaels?'

'What? Sorry mom,' I exclaimed, looking embarrassed.

'Are you joining us at the theatre tonight?' it seems mom was repeating her question.

'I__ no, thanks mom, I don't feel like the theatre tonight,' I apologized.

'Katy!' Andy came flying into the kitchen, 'why didn't you take me to see the race?' he demanded.

'You mean to see Ally?' I teased unkindly.

'I said the race,' he replied, with a visible blush on his cute face.

'What is this?' mom asked all confused.

'She doesn't know what she's talking about,' Andy babbled guiltily.

'I'm going to shower,' I looked for an exit.

'Take me with you,' Andy followed me, pulling on my wrist.

'To the shower? Are you mad?' I exclaimed.

'No,' Andy whispered, looking at the kitchen door before he resumed, 'to the drag race.'

'You know about that!'

'Yeah everybody knows Ally is racing tonight,' he smirked proudly.

'I'm not going,' I pushed at him in the hope of having my arm released, 'besides mom's taking you to the theatre.

'I don't want to go to the theatre,' he stamped his feet like a brat.

'Take that up with your dad,' I said, 'and I'm not babysitting you,' I poked my finger into his skinny chest. I just wanted some quiet time. I did not need Andy breathing down my neck tonight.

'You're mean Katy! You're a bad sister,' he whined gripping my arm.

'Mom!' I yelled, getting annoyed with Andy.

'What is the problem?' Mom stood at the doorway, her signature pose very clear.

'She's mean,' Andy punched my forearm.

'Ouch! I'm sick of this brat!' I yelled.

'What is going on with you two?' mom demanded.

'He won't leave me alone.' I whined.

'I want to go to the races with Katy,' Andy pleaded with mom, throwing his arms around her waist.

Mom hauled his skinny frame up into her arms as if he was a toddler. Andy reveled in the embrace.

'Honey that's not the way to get your sister to agree to take you anywhere,' mom reprimanded Andy with all the force of a lamb.

'But I want to go,' he whined.

'Dad is coming home early especially to take you to the show you requested to see,' mom reminded him.

'Yeah stop being a spoilt brat and stay__'

'Katy!' Mom interrupted my tantrum, 'I'll set the table whilst you shower,' she spoke with finality.

'Fine,' I mumbled, racing up to my room. I could hear mom giving Andy a lecture, in that quiet voice of hers, which always seemed to get through to the spoilt brat.

'Hey why didn't you come to the drag?' Ally pounded on me during break, 'your man actually beat me for the very first time,' she grinned.

'Really?' I replied without interest.

'Yeah, and I'll have you know there were no casualties last night,' she laughed, 'Jeff seems to have a mean engine in that baby he was racing last night.'

'Well good for him then,' I replied, irritatedly.

'You have lemons for breakfast or something? What's up?' Ally demanded perceptively.

You! Rafe. Can you keep away from Rafe.

'What do you mean?' I asked innocently.

'You tell me,' she challenged.

I hate these cryptic conversations!

'Do you __'

'NO!' I interrupted her.

'Think something's going on between Jeff and I?' she finished after I stupidly interrupted her.

Oh boy, and here I was thinking she suspected my feelings for Rafe.

'Is there?' I asked pretending to be jealous.

'I told Jeff,' she laughed.

'Told Jeff what?' I asked confused.

'That you're jealous, that you think something's going on between him and I.'

Oh I'm jealous all right! But it has nothing to do with Jeff whatsoever.

'So what did Jeff say?' I questioned.

'He said if you don't trust him then you two had a problem,' she replied.

'Yeah we have a problem,' I picked up my stuff, needing to get away from Ally. It was not Jeff and I that had the problem, but rather I had a problem with Ally.

How I wished that it was me that was in a relationship with Rafe and not Ally. I mean he was __is mine. I saw him first!

'Whoa!'

I crashed into a muscular walled chest.

'I'm sorry I___,'
well what do you know if it isn't the devil himself.

'Katy, you look like you want to assassinate me with those murderous eyes,' Rafe grinned. His arms held onto my shoulders casually, preventing me from bumping into him. It was a long time since he'd called me by my name. It sounded sweet, like an endearment. Infact whatever came out of his mouth was like a serenade.

'Katy!' Rafe repeated.

'Just go to hell,' I shoved at him, hurrying away.

'Wow you still live on this planet?' April teased, slurping on her smoothie.

'Just visiting,' I groaned, sliding in opposite her. I so did not deserve to be April's friend, I was not much to speak of in the "friends" stake. I had shamelessly neglected her recently.

'How you been?' I tested, picking up her spoon and digging into the yoghurt.

'I've met somebody,' she blushed, shifting her yoghurt closer to me.

'What__why didn't you tell me?'

'You've been kinda busy,' she smiled.

'I'm so sorry,' I looked at her sheepishly, 'I have neglected our friendship,' I admitted with guilt, pushing the yoghurt away. 'So who is it? Is he hot?' I grinned conspirationally.

April nodded, 'his name's Channing, she laughed.

'Channing Andrews!'

'You know him?' she demanded

'I know of him. He is hot,' I declared

'I think so too,' she sighed happily.

'Oh April,' I reached up and hugged her, 'I'm happy for you, so happy,' I laughed.

'He's sweet. He's amazing,' she smiled, her eyes lit up like the sun just came over her.

'Well good for you. You deserve to be happy.'

'And how's things with you and Jeff?'

'I've broken up with him,' I sighed, 'only he does not know it yet.'

'Why Katy?'

I shrugged my shoulders, and fiddled with her spoon.

'Jeff seems to have turned over a new leaf since he's been dating you,' she spoke softly.

'Really, I hadn't noticed.'

'So why you breaking up with him?' she persisted.

Because he's not Rafe. Because I only want Rafe.

I only went out with Jeff to make Rafe jealous, obviously it did not work.

'I've kinda lots interest,' I spoke solemnly.

April reached out and slid her hands over mine. I looked up as she shook my hands trying to get my attention.

'Katy please don't be in a hurry,' she pleaded. 'Just let it happen naturally.'

I nodded, knowing April disapproved of me changing boyfriends as often as I was doing recently. If only she knew the depth of my recklessness.

'Andy what are you doing in my room?' I shoved my bag on the floor. 'I told you never to enter my room when I'm not home,' I yelled.

'I just wanted to borrow your laptop cable, mine's not working,' he murmured.

'What the hell must I use, if you just take mine without even asking?' I yelled even louder.

'I wrote you a message,' he shifted about, lowering his head.

I looked at my laptop screen and there was his message, in his scruffy writing, with a puppy dog faced cartoon image on a post it sticker. Poor Andy, I was in a foul mood and he was in the line of fire. But I really did not like him in my room, what if he ever went into my folders and found my secret album of Rafe. I'd die of embarrassment.

'You may borrow it,' I relented, 'but it's not on, for you to enter my room in my absence. You got it Andy!'

'Yes,' he mumbled, 'and thank you.'

'Okay, beat it,' I smiled, pressing his shoulder, 'I want to hit the shower, I smell like a horse.'

'No you don't,' he surprised me with a hug. 'You smell of vanilla. You always smell nice.'

'I've lent you the cable, what else do you want?' I grinned.

'Nothing,' he laughed, and waved as he left my room.

'I picked up the post it sticker with Andy's scraggy puppy dog and pasted it on the wall. Andy could be sweet sometimes.

Does Rafe like the smell of my perfume? Should I change it to something more exotic? Perhaps he can't stand the vanilla scent.

I was busy with my homework, when mom was yelling for me to come down.

What now mom?' I whined dragging my feet down the stairs, 'I'm still busy with my work.'

'You have a visitor,' mom's face gave nothing away.

I so did not want to see Jeff right now. He'd called twice whilst I was busy with my homework. I'd just ignored the mobile. I looked down at my violet silk PJ's. I was so not dressed for Jeff.

'I really don't want to see Jeff right now,' I murmured.

'It's not Jeff honey,' her face was unreadable, but a sixth sense had me dashing to the door.

'Rafe__ what happened?'

He looked like his whole world had just crashed.

'Cadelaria,' he mumbled incoherently.

'Cade? What about her?' I shook his arms wildly.

A pulse beat wildly at his throat, he bit his lower lip, and hung his head.

'Rafe please talk to me,' I begged.

'She's gone,' he cried with torment, 'I can't find her.'

Gone? Gone where? And Rafe looked like hell.

I unthinkingly flung my arms around him, and then silently prayed he won't shove me away, and amazingly Rafe clung to me, gripping me in a fierce embrace. I felt the weight leave his body. He was still in his work uniform, but smelt beautiful, like pine and his own erotic unique male scent. I was ashamed of my thoughts at a time like this. Rafe needed to find his sister, not be smothered by my lustful advances. Reluctantly I dropped my arms from around his neck.

'I'm sorry,' I whispered, 'how can I help? When did you last see Cade?'

'At school,' he momentarily shut his eyes then opened it, 'she was supposed to go home with the bus. I called the driver, she did not get on, and I've searched the length and breadth of the school.'

'Is something wrong?' mom enquired, looking at Rafe and I in earnest discussion.

I looked at Rafe, not knowing if he wanted to divulge to mom his concern.

'Hi Mrs. Murray,' he smiled politely.

Poor Rafe, he was shattered about his sister, but still had the good manners to be polite.

'Hi Rafe,' mom responded with a curt smile.

'My sister has not arrived home,' he looked at his watch with desperation, 'I wondered if Katy might know where she could have went.'

Mom went as white as a sheet, her eyes widened with shock as she looked from me to Rafe.

It was way after six, where could Cade be? I mean she would never deliberately defy her brother she loved him so much. I felt so helpless very soon it would be dark__.

'Think Katy,' Rafe placed his arm softly on my shoulder.

I felt a jolt surge through my body. I gasped, looking into Rafe's eyes, when I heard him curse in Spanish. His eyes grew dark, he lowered his lashes so I could not see his gorgeous smoldering eyes. Was that anger? Forgive me I'm human. And thank heavens mom did not understand his language.

'The birch tree!' I blurted, grabbing Rafe's hand.

'What birch tree?' he demanded in his deep accented voice, gripping my hand tightly.

'At school, there is that huge birch tree. I've seen Cade sitting there a few times.'

'Can you show me?' His voice was hoarse, almost guttural.

For the first time I looked down at my PJ's and felt self conscious as Rafe patiently waited for my response. I looked at mom, she nodded.

'Will you give me just one minute? I promise I'll be quick.'

Rafe looked at his watch, and reluctantly nodded.

'We'll find her, I promise,' my hand reached up and cupped his cheek.

'Hurry Katy, hurry,' he urged.

I nodded and sprinted upstairs, as I heard mom telling Rafe she and Roger would follow in their car.

"The more we are the quicker we'll find her," mom spoke in an assuring tone.

"Thank you, Mrs. Murray,' Rafe grudgingly accepted.

Poor Rafe, he was a proud Spaniard and stubbornly independent, but for the sake of his sister, he was prepared to lay down his pride.

'Let's go,' I grabbed Rafe's hand, when I came down in record time, hastily slipping on a pair of jeans and a sweater.

'Mom, come to the entrance to the sports ground, it's quicker that way,' I spoke over my shoulder as Rafe hurried me out.

His hand was fiercely gripped to mine, as he opened the passenger door for me, then sprinted across and slid in.

He slipped his safety belt on, and started the ignition, his eyes sought mine. Desperation and fear filled his eyes as he took off.

'Rafe we'll fine Cade, please don't worry,' I whispered, placing my palm on his knee.

'I wouldn't listen to her,' he cried out, 'that's why she ran away.'

'What do you mean,' I spoke softly, too afraid that Rafe may withdraw into himself.

'It's her birthday today,' he sighed. 'She wanted to speak__. She wanted to call__ to talk to __.

'Cade wanted to speak to her mommy?'

'Yes,' he hissed angrily, 'but I would not let her.'

How do I even try to convince Rafe that girls are emotional? We need love. We need our mommies. Life is so much more tolerable when we can hug our mommies in times of trouble. Guys don't need parents except for when they need money, or the car keys. But not Rafe, he was fiercely independent, he needed no one.

'Cadelaria writes letters to her,' Rafe spoke bringing me out of my reverie.

He still had so much issues about his mother. He could not even address her as "mother."

'What she does not know is that all the letters come back, marked "return to sender," he yelled angrily. 'I hide them from Cadelaria.'

His accent was so pronounced now, I could just barely pick up the words.

Why was life so cruel? How does a parent just abandon their own that way? Why have a baby if you can't shoulder the responsibility. I inhaled deeply, didn't I know Rafe's frustration, from my very own absentee father? It was getting dark now. Evening was setting. I shivered even though I had a sweater on. I looked out the window, the street lights had come on. The afternoon rush hour traffic had slowed. Most people were home now, enjoying dinner or finished with dinner. Poor Cade, she could be cold, and hungry and scared.

'Why are you so quiet? Tell me what a bastard I am to my sister?' he berated himself.

'You're not!' I spoke sternly, piercing my nails into his upper leg. 'You're protecting Cade. Perhaps now is a good time to show Cade all the letters that have returned,' I spoke softly.

'It will break her heart,' his voice was coarse. 'She lives in cuckoo land, thinking one day soon, the woman who gave birth to us, will knock on the door and tell us how much she loves us and she wants us back,' he spat venomously.

I held my breath as Rafe spoke. He did not only mean Cade. He spoke for himself as well. Even though his proud heart would never admit to it. He himself was expecting his mother to one day knock on the door.

'Don't do this to yourself,' I whispered, 'please forgive your mother, even if you never want to see her again__'

'I will never forgive her,' he yelled out in violent rage, 'and I never want to see her again. If she so much as __'

'Stop it Rafe,' his angry tone was making me scared. 'Please calm down,' I begged, 'for Cade's sake just pull yourself together.'

He sucked in a huge breath, shut his eyes for a millisecond and looked across at me.

'You're right first we find my baby sister,' he nodded and returned his eyes back to the road ahead.

'Park over there,' I pointed to a spot that would give us easy access into the school.

Before Rafe could switch off the ignition, I was opening the door. I hauled myself out, only to find I was going nowhere with the seat belt still locked on.

'Come on you confounded thing!

I yanked it loose and hurried to the gate, desperately shaking it.

'It's locked!' I cried out helplessly.

Rafe rushed up, shook it violently, but it still did not budge.

'Cade!" I screamed in desperation, 'Cade can you hear me, it's Katy,' I cried out.

Rafe rushed back to the car, opening the boot. He returned with the wheel spanner and yanked at the lock with all his might. He did this about five times before the lock slit open.

'You did it Rafe, you did it!' I hugged him excitedly.

'Yes,' he laughed happily for the very first time that evening and hugged me back.

'Let's go find my sister,' he spoke huskily.

'Yes,' I nodded, dropping my hands from around his shoulders.

I sprinted as fast as I could, with Rafe right behind me.

'Where is this beech__birch tree?' He demanded

'That way, right there,' I took the torch from his hand and pointed it to the hugest tree in the school.

'Right let's go,' he sped off like lightning, I could not keep up with him. My lungs burned, my throat dry and aching as I desperately tried to keep up with Rafe. Every few seconds Rafe let the torch shine behind him, so I could follow as we neared the tree.

'Cadelaria, Cadelaria!'

'Cade, can you hear us? Cade are you here?

I saw Rafe drop to his knees, and slide under one of the huge branches that was almost sweeping the floor, the discarded torch shining into the evening sky. He was talking in Spanish, his voice soft, hypnotic, almost caressing.

'Rafe? Rafe?'

'I found her,' he laughed.

A huge throaty, sexy laugh, I wanted to throw him onto the grass and climb onto him and __

'Is she all right?'I threw myself to the ground and dived under the branch as well.

'Rafe?' I whispered, placing one palm on his shoulder.

'There she is,' he smiled adorably, gazing at Cade who was fast asleep like sleeping beauty, tucked between the branches, which kept her warm.

'Oh thank God we found her. Thank God she's all right,' I cried out.

'It was you querida, you found her,' he murmured so seductively, his eyes holding mine.

The full moon was able to provide sufficient lighting. It flickered over Rafe's handsome features. The air was fresh and crisp, the trees swayed from the gentle breeze that shook the branches. The mist had settled over the grass already, I felt the cold moisture even through my jeans.

'We _ we both found her,' I sighed, gazing into his mesmerizing eyes.

Rafe's head move towards mine. His eyes were dark with desire. I could see them clearly from the glow of the moon. Our eyes locked, I felt my own head draw closer to his, as his mouth covered mine with a soft feather light kiss. I closed my eyes and responded to his lips tormenting mine. The leaves of the branches swished. The trees around us danced to the melodic sound of the wind rustling against the leaves. His warm breath caressed my face. Rafe's mouth was sweet, he tasted like musk chewing gum. I leaned closer and Rafe deepened the kiss. His hands cupped the nape of my neck, angling my face to his mouth and his kiss became hungrier, more demanding. His tongue forced its way into my mouth, swirling against mine. I encouraged the kiss, responding in kind, giving as I took the blissful pleasure his sweet kiss offered, pulling him closer.

'Cadelaria!' Rafe tore his lips away.

'R__right,' I mumbled.

'Rafe, Rafe?' Cade murmured sleepily.

'It's all right,' Rafe soothed her, taking off his jacket and covering her. He was speaking lovingly in Spanish.

'I got you my little sister,' he picked her up like she was a new born baby.

I was still trying to recover from his erotic kiss, under the branches, under the moonlight, my mind a haze. I didn't know what to do next.

'Did you find her?' I heard Mom's voice sounding like from somewhere in the distance, but she was just a few feet away. Thank heavens she had not arrived a few moments earlier.

'Yes,' Rafe laughed again, that sexy hypnotic laugh that took my breath away. He rose effortlessly with Cade still in his arms.

'I asked Cook to prepare a hot meal for Cade, bring her home Rafe,' mom urged.

Rafe looked at me earnestly, at pains to accept mom's charitable offer.

'Cade will be hungry,' I murmured, 'it will take too long, by the time you get her home and make her supper.

His eyes lowered, smiled at the sleeping Cade in his arms, then he looked at mom and nodded.

I rushed to his car and opened the passenger seat for him to put Cade in. His back seat had text books, his bag, and some discarded soccer gear.

'I'll ride back with mom,' I mumbled.

'Thank you for finding Cadelaria,' Rafe crooned.

I nodded, not knowing what else to say. I shut the door and hurried to Roger's vehicle.

'Perhaps Cade can shower and slip into one of Katy's sweat suits,' mom suggested, as she simultaneously arranged for Cook to serve Rafe and Cade a meal.

'Why don't the two of you spend the night here?' Roger placed an arm on Rafe's shoulder. 'I'm sure I can find you something to sleep in,' Roger grinned.

Oh yes please, I'd love to see you parading around topless in Roger's silk PJ's. Put a lid on it Katy!

'I couldn't. You have done more than enough,' Rafe looked from mom to Roger.

'It's Saturday tomorrow, Cade can sleep in,' mom added.

Rafe looked down at the work uniform he had on.

'Roger will throw it into the washer, it will be freshly pressed for you in the morning,' mom smiled.

They weren't giving him any room to back off. And obviously I wanted Rafe sleeping in the bedroom just two doors away from mine.

'Let's get Cade into the shower, then I'll show you to your room,' I made the decision for Rafe.

He reluctantly followed me upstairs. I could hear him croon in Spanish to Cade, telling her she needs to shower, then have dinner. He was whispering something about a surprise he had for her birthday. Oh yes, it's Cade birthday.

I opened my door and nervously held my breath as Rafe walked in. He is the first guy to come into my bedroom. His eye swept unhurriedly over the room. The PJ's I took off earlier was flung on my bed. My Disney slippers in plain view right next to my work table. My laptop was on, I had been busy with a project. I walked over clicked the save button and closed the file. Through the mirror I stole a glance at Rafe, he was looking at my huge wall poster of Nick Jonas, a smirk on his face.

'The shower's in there,' I mumbled, removing a towel from the closet.

Rafe lowered Cade to the floor, 'Cadelaria,' he spoke gently, removing his jacket from around her arms.

'Cadelaria,' he tapped her repeatedly on the shoulder to rouse her, 'you must shower.'

'Rafe,' she murmured sleepily, 'I'm so hungry.'

'The quicker you shower, you can have your dinner,' he smiled. 'Look you're in Katy's home.

'Katy?' her eyes widened, 'What are we doing here?' she turned around and grinned when she saw me.

'You forgot it's my birthday,' she whispered.

'How could I forget? And I wished you this morning remember? I have something in my car for you,' he teased.

'I'm sorry I did not get on the bus,' she flung her arms around Rafe's waist. 'I wanted__. I wanted to__.'

'Hush, little one,' he spoke gently, 'it's okay, look Katy is waiting for you to take your shower.'

Cade turned around again and greeted me.

'Hi, and Happy Birthday,' I smiled.

'Thank you,' she swayed about shyly.

I opened the bathroom door, and invited her in. Cade smiled at Rafe then walked towards the bath. I handed her the fresh towel, as she passed me.

'You'll find all you need in the cabinet next to the shower, help yourself,' I offered, 'there's a range of unopened soaps, sponges, toothbrushes, though you can brush your teeth before you get into bed.'

'Am I spending the night here?' she came back into the bedroom.

'Yes,' we both are,' Rafe smiled, 'now how about you finish that shower so we can have some dinner.'

'Yesss!' she raised one hand in the air, and ran to me, 'thank you Katy.'

'It's a pleasure, though I think you should hurry. We need to feed Rafe,' I laughed.

'Perhaps, you'll show me where to shower,' Rafe smiled sheepishly, just as there was a knock on my bedroom door.

I looked at Rafe with embarrassment. Mom's probably wondering what's going on inside my room. I quickly yanked the door open, to find Roger standing there with a pair of neatly pressed navy silk PJ's for Rafe.

'It's the second door to the left here,' I mumbled, 'I'll meet you downstairs when you're done,' I avoided Rafe's eyes. My overactive imagination, was trying to picture Rafe body in the silk PJ's.

Roger placed an arm on Rafe's shoulder, talking to him, as he led Rafe to his bedroom.

I walked back into my bedroom, and called out to Cade.

'Cade, if I go downstairs, will you find your way to the dinner table?' I smiled.

'Yes,' I heard a muffled voice, as if her hands were over face in the shower.

'The water is beautiful, and the shampoo smells divine,' she yelled.

'Have as much fun as you like, just remember Rafe's hungry,' I reminded her.

'Okay I won't be long,' I heard her voice over the shower.

I placed a pair of sweats on the bed, which I had not worn yet. I had loved the colour and only when I'd got home did I realize it was a size smaller than mine. I had not got around to taking it back. It was a beautiful deep jade, it would look stunning on Cade.

I ran downstairs and whispered to mom that it was Cade's birthday. Mom hurried back into the kitchen and was in earnest consultation with cook, when Rafe walked in. He looked adorable. Roger's sleep shirt was a size too small for his muscular shoulders and chest. The top two buttons were undone. I caught a slight glimpse of the fine dust of hairs on his expansive chest. He smelt beautiful. I'm sure he'd selected the lavender soap to shower with. He looked sexy, his hair all wet and tousled, slightly dripping with water.

'I just need to fetch something from the car,' he smiled, as I gazed at him stupidly.

'I'll just set the table so long,' I blabbered, watching him rush out.

Oh boy, he looks so gorgeous, so irresistible, I just want to __

'I believe you said something about setting the table,' mom interrupted with a grin.

I cringed, as my cheeks heated up, oh this was so embarrassing, mom catching me red handed, drooling over Rafe.

'Thanks Katy,' Cade beamed from behind me.

She was looking all ruddy and glowing, her long hair bouncing about her shoulders. I was right, she looked absolutely studding in green. It just complimented her hair perfectly.

'You look so beautiful,' Rafe murmured from the doorway.

I turned around to see him smiling at his sister, his hands holding I suspect Cade's present behind his back.

'You look stunning,' I complimented Cade.

'Thanks to you,' she grinned.

'This is for you,' Rafe beamed, handing her the gift.

'Rafe you remembered,' she seemed to know what it contained, as she flung her arms around Rafe.

'Open it,' he commanded.

Cade ripped the packaging apart and gushed at the latest trend setting doll that was inside. This was a collectors' item. How Rafe got his hands on it, I'm not sure. Teenagers and ladies alike were trying to get their claws on the set of four collector dolls from the Victorian era. I wondered if Cade had the other three, or if Rafe had them on order.

'How did you get it?' she grinned from ear to ear

'It's a secret,' Rafe smiled at his sister.

'It's beautiful,' I agreed.

'Yes,' Cade sighed, 'I've been searching for one for so long. None of the shops had them.

'I think you two need to have dinner,' Mom smiled.

'What about the rest of you?' Rafe looked at each one of us.

'We've had dinner already,' Roger smiled, 'though we'll give you company at the table.

'Happy birthday Cade,' mom beamed, we have a surprise for you after your dinner.

'Oh goodie,' she clapped her hands together.

'Cadelaria!'

'Er, thank you, Mrs. Murray,' she quickly added.

We sat around the table as Cade and Rafe enjoyed dinner. Cade talked on happily about her doll and what the other three looked like. I was vaguely aware of them, I'd seen the adverts flighted on the television. And being a collectors' item, they did not come cheap. It thrilled me that Rafe was so dedicated to Cade. I watched him from beneath my lowered lashes, as he ate with gusto. He fussed over Cade, ensuring she used her cutlery correctly. He refused Cade having a soda, she was only to have fruit juice. I found it difficult to keep my eye from straying to the view through his shirt, to his beautiful chest. Rafe was listening attentively to something Roger was speaking about. Cade and mom were in conversation about a fashion designer, I was surprised to overhear.

'Katy?' I heard Rafe's teasing voice.

'W__what?' I stammered.

'Would you like more fruit juice,' his eyes teased, as I nursed my empty glass.

'No thanks,' I breathed heavily.

'I think it's time for your surprise now,' mom grinned, nodding to Cook.

Roger rose, and brought out his camera from the cabinet.

Mom switched on additional lighting close to Cade's chair.

In walked Cook, with a chocolate cake with a single candle lit in the centre of the cake.

'Happy birthday,' mom laughed, clapping her hands, and Roger joined in as well. I looked from Cade to Rafe who were flabbergasted. Roger clicked away at their surprised faces. I started to clap as well, wishing Cade happy birthday again.

Eventually she recovered and with a big grin, went over to mom and hugged her for like forever.

My senses were attuned to Rafe. He was very quiet, amazed, speechless. His eyes were appreciative for this special moment in Cade's life. Everybody needs family, a sense of belonging. He was thankful I'm sure for the opportunity for his sister to have a memorable birthday.

'Smile,' I whispered to him, as I saw Roger train the camera our way.

A smile beamed on Rafe's face, he leaned closer to me, placing his arm casually at my lower back, as Roger snapped away.

Roger took lots more photos with everybody before we all retired to bed, after sharing Cade's cake.

Cade wanted to share my bed, even though she could have had the room next to Rafe. I did not mind. Often when April and I have a sleep over, we sleep in my bed, even though there are spare rooms for guests.

I could hear Cade fast asleep next to me. She breathed softly, holding tightly to her Victorian doll. I wondered if Rafe was asleep. I was tempted to sneak downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of hot milk, but I was too afraid. What if Rafe was awake? What if he was in the kitchen, or in Roger's study, or watching television downstairs? It would be awkward. Besides mom and Roger would not approve of Rafe and I hanging out downstairs, even if it was unplanned. I moaned and tossed and turned, and willed my body to fall asleep. I tried counting sheep, which never works. I looked out the window and followed the moon for an whole hour as it moved across the sky. I tried to count the stars, but lost track after like the twentieth star. Eventually some three hours later, I felt myself doze off, and my eyelids shut.

               -end chapter ten-