Classic (Adrenaline Book 1) by Xavier Neal

off. “No. I'll be in. Don't. Touch. Anything.” The conversation consists of a few more grunts as he leaps to his feet. When he ends the call, he sympathetically tilts his head at me prepared to apologize. “I―”
     
    “Go Dad. Someone's gotta save the city from all the criminals.” My playful comment gets a soft smile.
     
    Do I hate how he treats me sometimes? Of course. But he's still my dad. I still love him.
     
    “Nadie―”
     
    “You've got a to-go plate packed in the fridge with instructions.”
     
    “Thank you,” he hurriedly says rushing towards that direction.
     
    “Hope it's worth it!” Nadie calls to him.
     
    “They think we've finally got a break in the Ghost Case.”
     
    Ah. The infamous Ghost Case. Apparently he's some driver that transports things for some man nicknamed The Devil. They don't even know what the Ghost's face looks like because of the mask he wears. However, they figure if they can grab him, they can get a step closer to their main target, The Devil. I don't know much about any of it for obvious reasons, but to my understanding, The Devil is basically a drug lord.
     
    Sweetly Nadie says, “Have a good night.”
     
    “I'll be back―”
     
    “You'll sleep in your office.” Dad's mouth opens to fight when she states, “Just make sure you use that new pillow I got. It's better for your back.”
     
    With a small smile he says, “I will. Thank you Nadie. I...appreciate it.”
     
    Quickly, he rushes out of the kitchen with his food in his hand, the sound of keys jingling the indication he's out the door.
     
    Once he's gone, Nadie turns her face to me, wine glass still clutched. “Well that went better than I thought it was going to.” I simply grin. “Then again, he did get called off to work. I'm sure he'll flip out again at least once more before you actually leave.”
     
    “Definitely,” I agree finally really digging into dinner.
     
    We start eating with a little more ease and let the conversation take it's natural flow.
     
    Typically dinner goes one of three ways. Either the two of us, the two of us and Hayli, or all on my own heating up whatever I find while locked away in my room with homework. Don't give me that look. Just understand why learning to have fun is fucking crucial.
     
    After dinner, I lock myself away with my art books spread across my bed and my semester project paper taunting me from the center of it all. With determination, I flip through books that feature some of my favorite artists trying to figure out a way to make this assignment unique.
     
    I've got one of those teachers who gives you more extra credit for realizing that you shouldn't think outside of the box, but that there is no box at all.
     
    My cell phone vibrates across one of my books. The simple anticipation that it's probably Merrick has me giggling before I even open it.
     
    Yup. Full-fledged giddy school girl, but come on! This is the longest relationship I've had with the opposite sex since I was a junior in high school and discovered guys really don't wanna date the daughter of the man who can lock them away for breaking her heart.
     
    Merrick: For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
     
    A Van Gogh quote. He knows his audience.
     
    Merrick: The stars outside your house in particular.
     
    In disbelief my fingers speed across the screen.
     
    Me: Are you outside?
     
    Merrick: I am.
     
    Not sure if I should label his action brave or stupid, I fly off the bed, and down the stairs, knowing there's no need to worry about Nadie questioning my actions.
     
    She could sleep through the tornado that took Dorothy to Oz.
     
    Opening my front door, I'm still in slight shock to see Merrick leaned against a clean, black car, hands in his pockets, arrogant smile on his face like he doesn't have a care in the world.
     
    “Have you lost your mind?” I fold my arms on my march across my front yard. “Stalking is still