Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“You’re more important than a hookup.”
His cheeks stripe pink. “Aw, see? You can say schmoopy things.”
I feel a strange twinge in my gut. “Only with you.”
He averts his gaze. “Well, I’m not sure I’d return the favor. If a guy even gave me the time of day, I’d drop you like a hot potato.”
I laugh. “Now we’re talking. More of that confidence. And wear those nice new clothes.”
His lip quirks. “You’re just trying to get on my mom’s good side.”
“Always.” I wink. “And your parents love me for it.”
His mom and stepdad are awesome and have always been supportive of our friendship. Our moms even chatted a handful of times at school events. I always wished my mother could find a good guy like Mrs. Reid has instead of always choosing awful men.
“Don’t I know it,” Austin mutters. “You’ve charmed the pants off them. Okay, ew, that didn’t sound right.”
I chuckle as I reach out my hand. “Do we have a deal, Austin Reid?”
He only hesitates briefly before he takes my hand. “Deal, Daniel Exon.”
I hum happily to myself all the way back to Poli House. Why do I feel super excited about this? Maybe because I’ve tried to convince Austin for so long that he deserves guys fawning over him, and now I sort of get to show him what it might feel like in my own way.
10
AUSTIN
When my cell pings with a text from Dex the next night, I’m confused.
Are you named after anyone in your family? he asks.
O…kay, I’ll play along. No. How about you?
Dex is short for Daniel Edward Exon, which was my great-grandfather’s name.
Cool, I respond as if I don’t already know that. Though I’ll admit, I forgot about the familial part. Are you high?
No, why do you ask?
I roll my eyes. Because we’ve known each other since middle school?
You must have me mixed up with another guy you’re going on a date with. We just met on campus.
I stifle a laugh so as not to disturb Kael, who’s studying for a quiz.
Oh, you’re right. I have so many guys vying for my time. I must’ve gotten all of you confused.
Well then, I better get moving on charming you so I can beat out all the others.
I snort. That almost sounds like one of your cheesy pickup lines.
What cheesy pickup lines? I bet your birthday is October 10. Because you’re a ten out of ten.
I make a face at my screen. But I also can’t help the smile pulling at my lips.
So cringe. Was that on the fly? Because it’s awful.
Guess I’ll have to up my game. In the meantime, what’s your middle name?
I sigh. Edward.
Mine too! See? We have something in common.
What made you think we wouldn’t? I tease since I’m the one who started that conversation after the flower fiasco.
No reason. Just thought we might be polar opposites. When I first started noticing you on campus—don’t think I’m a stalker!—you were always reading something. I’m not into that unless it involves laws and policies, which is boring, I know. But at least I found something I’m interested in and excel at.
Despite it being a game we’re playing, the idea of someone noticing me in that way sends a thrill through me.
How about charisma? I ask. I can see you excel at that too.
Now you’re making me blush.
I roll my eyes because Dex is not one to be embarrassed about his powers of persuasion—with men or politics.
Was it my charismatic personality that swayed you to date me? he asks.
Maybe. You’re also easy to talk to, which doesn’t surprise me.
You are too. I like getting to know you, and I’m excited to hang out.
I’m looking forward to it, I admit.
Good. See you soon. Night.
Night.
I gape at my phone like a fool, not understanding why my stomach has this fluttering feeling. But maybe it’s because if I close my eyes, I can picture having this back and forth for real with someone if I only developed the confidence.
“Okay, why are you grinning at the ceiling like an idiot?” Kael asks me. He tosses aside his notebook and sighs. “Please, spill the tea. I’m tired of studying.”
Am I still smiling? Suppose I can’t help it when thinking about this scenario with Dex.
I lift my phone. “I have a date.”
Kael squeals. “You do?”
“Uh-huh, and the guy who asked me out has been quizzing me to get to know me better.”
“Oh my God. I’m so excited for you!” He narrows his eyes. “Wait, why am I only hearing about this now?”
“It only just happened today. I’m so in my head about it, and you’re studying. I didn’t want to—”
“Stop it this instant! You can always interrupt me with something like this. Tell me everything right now.”
I feel guilty only giving him a half-truth. But I’ll admit saying it aloud like it’s real feels so satisfying.