The Year of Second Chances (A Sunnyvale Novel Book 3) by Jessica Sorensen

direction. “But seriously, I’m kind of wondering if maybe Garth was out here to keep an eye on you.”
    I slant forward to put the bowl on the table. “Why?”
    “I’m not sure yet.” He tickles my shoulder blades as he scoots closer to me. “But I’m kind of thinking maybe it has something to do with those texts you’ve been getting.”
    I nearly drop the bowl. “You think the texts are connected to the murder case somehow?”
    His fingers find the back of my neck and begin gently massaging the knots in my muscles. Okay, I so could get used to this.
    “I’m not sure yet, but what I am sure of is that your mom might be innocent, which would mean two things.” He holds up one finger. “One, the killer’s still out there.” Another finger pops up. “And two, someone could’ve very likely framed your mom, and you’re her daughter, so …”
    The truth of his words steals my next breath.
    He could be right. The killer could be someplace close, watching me, messing with me. But why? What do they want from me?
     

Chapter 8
    Isabella
     
    “Are you nervous?” Kai asks me with concern as he fiddles with the volume on the stereo.
    We’re sitting in my car in the school parking lot with the pale pink morning sky stretching above us. I’m rocking a cute outfit: black jeans and a maroon off-the-shoulder top, along with boots and a choker. My hair is in a braid, and my lips are stained a fiery red. Kai told me I looked really, really good, but I don’t think even a nice outfit is going to distract the entire school from the fact that they know my mom’s in jail for murder.
    “Kind of.” I watch people lollygag around in the parking lot and along the outside quad in front of the entrance doors.
    He gives my hand an encouraging squeeze. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anyone do anything or say anything to you.”
    “I really want to believe you, and I think your heart’s in the right place, but …” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip until it stings. “I don’t think you can control an entire school.”
    A conspiratorial grin spans across his face. “Wanna bet?”
    I reach for my bag in the backseat. “Um … With that look on your face, no.”
    He winks at me. “Just you wait. No one’s going to bother you. I promise.”
    I nod, wanting to believe him. However, I’m not sure even Kai has the power to persuade an entire school to keep their mouths shut. Although, he does look cute today, rocking dark jeans and a grey, long-sleeved shirt. His hair is messy, but in the sexiest way possible, so maybe he’ll be able to coax some of the girls in my school … and a couple of guys, too.
    Hitching my bag over my shoulder, I haul my scaredy-cat behind out of the car and meet Kai around the front. The feeling of his palm against mine brings me a hint of ease, but my legs wobble like Jell-O as we make our way across the parking lot and toward the school.
    “Everyone’s staring,” I whisper, wanting to shrink inside myself.
    Kai sketches his thumb across the back of my hand. “Hey, did I tell you that there’s this guy coming to look at my car? I guess he has the same model and needs a bunch of parts.” He lifts his free hand with his fingers crossed. “Fingers crossed that shit works out.”
    A thankful smile graces my lips as I realize what he’s doing. “Thanks for trying to distract me. And I’ll keep all of my fingers and my toes crossed all day. Maybe even my eyes.”
    He grins, softly tapping my nose with his fingertip. “I’d rather you not keep your eyes crossed. They’re way too pretty.”
    My cheeks turn cherry gumdrops red. Dammit! Am I ever going to get over this embarrassment? He’s just giving you a compliment for heck’s sake.
    Smiling, Kai opens the school door and tows me in with him as he enters the crammed hallway. And just like that, my giddiness fizzles as everyone turns to gawk and people start whispering.
    I feel like I’ve time traveled back to junior year when Hannah