Perfect for You(6)

“You two are lifers. I get that.”

“Then who?” The only other person I’m always with is Ash.

Noah raises an eyebrow. He doesn’t need to say Ash’s name. We both know that’s who he’s talking about.





Chapter Three


For a moment, I’m too shocked to say anything. Is Noah really saying I shouldn’t be with Ash? As far as I know, Noah has never hung out with Ash. He doesn’t know him at all. How dare he even hint at me breaking up with him?

“Look, I’m sure he’s a nice guy, so don’t get me wrong. You two just don’t go together.”

If Noah didn’t sound so sincere, I’d jump out of the car, moving and all, but he has this look on his face like he’s concerned for me. “I don’t get it. What are you saying?”

“He’s not part of the crowd you belong in.”

I don’t have a crowd at all. I thought that was the whole point of this conversation. “What’s wrong with the football players? Ash is the quarterback and the captain. He can’t get any higher up than that.”

“Sure, but when you’re the captain of a team that sucks, it doesn’t amount to much.”

I open my mouth to defend Ash, but the truth is, the team is awful. Only a handful of guys can actually play. The rest are just there to say they’re part of the sport. Treemont has never really had a good football program, no matter how much the coaches push and make the guys practice.

“Ash is good. If he had more than one good receiver, maybe—”

Noah holds his hand up in defense. “Hey, I’m not trying to dis your boyfriend. I’m just saying you could do better.”

Now, I wish I didn’t agree to go with him. This is a mistake. “You don’t even know me—or Ash. How can you say I can do better?”

“I know you don’t have good taste in guys.” He glances at me quickly before turning into the water park. He parks the car in the rear lot and cuts the engine.

I sit there and debate calling a cab to take me home. I don’t want to be here anymore. I don’t want to listen to him criticize Ash or my taste in guys.

“Look,” Noah unhooks his seat belt and turns to me, “I know what happened between you and Derrick.”

Of course he does. Just about the entire school knows about that. “So?”

“So, that kind of proves you aren’t great at picking guys to date. Although,” he smiles, a warm smile that makes his eyes light up, “you are here with me now, so there’s hope for you yet.”

I want to be angry. I want to tell him to leave me alone. But he’s looking at me like I’m…well, like I’m someone he could see himself dating. Before I know it, I’m turning red, judging by the warmth in my cheeks.

“Come on. Let’s go have fun. School starts in a week and summer will be officially over. You can worry about who to hang out with then. For now, let’s enjoy the present company.”

I’m still not sure about any of this, but it’s like I have no control over my actions. My brain says one thing, and my body does another. It’s taking all my effort to stay glued to the seat.

“Don’t make me throw you over my shoulder and carry you in there. I’m getting that race down Tube Mountain one way or another.” His teasing tone, combined with the dimple on his cheek, does me in.

“Carry me over your shoulder? Now I know you’re just being cocky.”

“Oh, really?” He gets out and keeps his eyes locked on me as he walks around the front of the car and opens my door. “Come on.” He motions me toward his outstretched arms.

“No way. You’re crazy.” I playfully smack his hands away, but he dives into the car and grabs me around my waist. I’m laughing so hard I can’t fight him. He pulls me out, crouching down low so that I’m draped over him. I’m not sure how he manages to get my seat belt off and me over his shoulder, but he does. He shuts the door, locks the car, and heads to the ticket booth.

Everyone is staring at us. “Okay, you’ve made your point. You can put me down now.”

“Not until we’re inside. I’m not trusting you to cooperate.” He pays admission for both of us, making it feel even more like a date.

“Hey, I have money on me, you know.”

“Where? In your bikini top?”

I smack his shoulder. “No! The back pocket of my shorts.”

“Is that an invitation to help myself?” Without seeing his face, I know the dimple is back.

“Don’t even think about it. Now, put me down.”

“Yeah, Noah, put her down.” I turn my head to see Emma Ryerson, one of Noah’s friends. She glares at him accusingly. “You didn’t call me back.”

“I was busy.” He sets me down and I fix my tank top, which is bunched up, exposing my mid-drift.

Emma eyes me and smirks. “I see that. Who’s your friend?” I’m not surprised she doesn’t know my name. We’ve gone to school together our whole lives, but to people like her, I just don’t exist.

“You know Meg Flannigan.” Noah gives me a wink.

“Not really. You two have been hanging out, huh?” Emma asks.

“Coach begged me to help her improve her game.”