Kissing in Cars (Kiss and Make Up #1)(55)

And Weston, that big lummox of an idiot, just stands there trying to come up with something to say. Now, I'll be the first to admit he was doing pretty good there for a little bit, fending off Stacy's subtle advances by being a complete dick. But here's what I don't understand: why did he get all weird and defensive when she asked if I was his girlfriend? It's like, what the hell, dude - get over it! She was just asking a question. We're not getting married tomorrow for pities sake - we just went on a one date and we've been flirting for a few weeks.

Big deal.

Immediately I'm glad to be female - how terrible would it be not to have any rational thoughts going through that thick head? And I swear to you, it's taken every ounce of self-control that I have not to whip out my cell phone and text my brother, so he can come beat the crap out of Weston for embarrassing me like this.

I dig deep within myself to force out a laugh, but it comes out low and broken. Which is exactly how I feel. Borrowing one of Jenna's favorite words, I mockingly taunt, "Duh Stacy - Do you think I want to be tied down by a guy who has no life other than hockey? Please, even I'm not that desperate."

Apparently, that's not enough for Jenna, and she nudges me with her elbow. But since I'm not taking her cue, she steps forward dramatically. "You *! You big, dumb *. I trusted you!"

Dear lord. Seriously Jenna?

"Who the hell do you think you are, Weston McGrath, huh? Standing there, looking all hot - Er, I mean, not giving a shit about Molly's feelings. Well, let me tell you something pal, you are the one losing out here. And Stacy, if you're gonna be a two-faced, at least make sure one of them is pretty."

The whole time Jenna is ranting on (besides wanting to both laugh and cry at the same time) my eyes are locked on Weston's, and I looked for any sign that he regrets his words or that he is going to rescind them.

"Jenna, stop," I say, putting my hand on her arm, because she's acting like a dog with rabies. Either that or she's trying to win an Academy Award for Best Dramatic Scene. Because we have an audience, Weston hasn't moved a muscle, and I shake my head gently before saying, "You know... all those times you stand up to people - those jerks you call your friends - now you won't stand and put up a little fight for me? The worst part is I really thought we were friends."

Then, to really drive my point home and to piss him off, I add, "Looks like my brother was right about you."

I turn just in time to see his eyes flash and his nostrils flare as he stares after me.

He's either pissed off - or turned on - and all I can think is good.

But I still want to vomit.





WESTON


Yes.

Yes, I am a f*cking idiot for letting her walk off - are you satisfied?

As Molly walks away, her small sassy friend in tow, Stacy sighs beside me and crosses both arms over her flat chest. "Well. That was only slightly awkward."

"Why are you still standing here?" I ask rudely, grabbing my books and slamming my locker shut. "If I were you, I would walk away before I do something we're both going to regret."

I start walking towards the math wing.

Undaunted and stepping in line with my brisk pace, Stacy is not taking the hint and lets out a short little laugh. "You're not blaming me for your f*ck up back there, are you? Ugh, such a typical guy thing to do. That scene back there," she gestures over her shoulder. "That was entirely your fault."

I stop dead in my tracks and grab her by the arm. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? If you hadn't have pissed me off and pushed all my buttons, I wouldn't have lost my temper."

Her eyebrow shoots up. Slowly she says, "So... let me get this straight. I ask you if Molly's your girlfriend.... Anndd because I've already pissed you off, you get mad and yell that she'll never be your - oh wait. How exactly did you put it? She'll never be your 'damn girlfriend. Do I have it right?"

"Jesus Christ you're a pain in the ass." I can feel my temper rising again, and now we're not alone anymore in the hallway. People are moving from one class to another, or to the lunchroom for fourth period.

"Don't you get it? Like, it doesn't matter if I'm the reason you were mad. Did you mean it? Do you really not care?"

I don't answer. Instead, I stand staring off down the long corridor.

"Answer me." Stacy persists. "Because seriously? If you love her that was a super shitty thing to do."

This gets my attention. "Oh yeah? What about you - aren't you supposed to be her friend?" Sarcasm drips off my tongue.

Stacy shrugs. "Eh. Not really. I just basically sit at her lunch table listening to her and Jenna hold court like they own the place. But whatever." She tosses her long hair over her shoulder, and bumps me in the hip. "So. You better figure it out. "

An understatement if ever there was one.





Chapter Twenty-Eight





MOLLY


"Could you please not talk to me again? It's for a school project." - Maddie to Brian Bossner after their first and only date.



Normally, I am not one to dwell.

I don't pout.

I don't wallow in self-pity.

But there most certainly have been a few occasions when I have made exceptions: