The Naughty List (The Naughty List #1)(21)

“But why Darren when you’re trying for Christian?” I’d hate to think of Kira going back to her old ways. We’d worked so hard to restore her rep!

She shrugged. “It just happened. Darren sent me a text message, so I called him and … Gosh, Tess. I feel awful.”

“It’s okay,” I said, squeezing her hand. “If anything ever happened with Aiden, I would totally still go after him too.” My stomach turned. I’d never thought of anything happening to me and Aiden before. I straightened my posture and turned on the captain voice. “Just be careful, K. You’re more than a piece of tail. Smitten Kitten slogan.”

She nodded. I’d really hoped she’d get together with Christian, but now I wasn’t sure it was such a good idea. Not when she was obviously still lusting after Darren. Hm. Maybe I should talk to Aiden. Have him see what Darren’s intentions were.

The SOS phone vibrated again. My mouth fell open, and Kira met my stare.

“Another one,” she whispered, her dimples deepening with worry.

“Don’t respond. We’re getting seriously dunked on over here.”

Kira leaned back and touched her chest, staring at me. “But … you’ve never purposely not responded to a message.”

She was right. What was I thinking? “Okay,” I whispered. “Check it, then schedule an emergency SOS meeting for tonight. We’ll meet up after my dinner.” That was if I made it out of Aiden’s house alive. “Can you message the other girls and let them know?”

“On it, Tess.” She held the phone under the table out of Mr. Powell’s view and began texting. Kira loved when I trusted her with top-secret communications. And even though she messed up the last briefing, I still believed in her. One day, I might even let her lead a practice or two. She’d been trying so hard.

After she put the phone back in her purse, she twirled the gum from her mouth around her finger, staring vacantly ahead. It was easy to see why she always got the attention of the boys at Washington High. She was very orally fixated.

I felt a tingle on the back of my ponytailed neck. Blinking quickly, I turned around. Christian sat up straight as my eyes met his. He beamed. I tried to smile politely, then swung to face front. He was making me self-conscious, but I wasn’t sure why. I just had the sneaking suspicion that I needed to keep my distance from him.

Oh, applesauce! I’d have to start after our lunch date.

Veggie burgers. Sigh. Although I appreciated our school’s attempt to promote the vegetarian society, I would have been more appreciative if it tasted even remotely like a burger. Besides, it was served with Tater Tots. I wasn’t sure what food group they fell under.

“So Tessa,” Chloe asked from across the table, tucking her bra strap under the fabric of her tank top. “How long have you been a cheerleader?”

I had hoped when Christian joined us, he’d ask his sister to go to another table, and he did. Only she refused. And took the seat directly across from Aiden. I had my eye on her. And I didn’t want to answer her question. I didn’t start cheering until seventh grade, the month my dad moved out. In fact, I was a late bloomer. Most of the former squad captains had cheered since Pop Warner.

Kira spoke for me. “Tessa was born in the skirt. She’s a natural-born leader. Pure Sex Kitten.” Chloe choked on her milk.

I straightened up. “It’s Smitten—”

“Holy shit.” Chloe laughed in her low, gravelly tone. “Did you just say Sex Kitten?” I clenched my jaw.

“Yeah,” Aiden said, leaning toward her. “It’s a pretty funny story. Everyone calls them that because a few years ago, the Ducks came to town to play us and the point guard found the squad irresistible—especially Tessa.” He turned to me and winked. “So, since they cheer for the Wildcats, he started calling them the Sex Kittens. The name sort of stuck.”

“Ew, it came from my old school?” She laughed and then looked at me. “You know that name is completely offensive, right?”

My jaw was beginning to hurt.

“Yeah,” Leona said from the end of the table. “If I was here then, I would have kneed that Duck in the balls.”

“Inappropriate,” I whispered.

“That’s the thing.” Aiden laughed and turned back to Chloe. “Tessa said if she didn’t let it bother her, it took away the Ducks’ power. That was from Oprah. Right, baby?”

I nodded.

“So she took their power. And I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of our games, but when the Ducks are here, it’s pure entertainment. As soon as the girls stand up on the sidelines, their starting five have all sprung hard-ons.”

“Aiden,” I said, slapping his leg. There was no need to talk like that. Especially in public. Dressed.

“I’m sorry, Tess. I just think it’s hilarious when any guy thinks he has a chance with you.” He grinned mischievously.

Christian coughed and shifted in the seat next to me.

My face tingled. Was Aiden acting possessive? I’d never heard him say anything like that before.

“Don’t be mad,” he whispered, looking over at me. “I’ll be a good boy.” He licked his lips, taunting me. Daring me to be mad at him. Not possible.

“And how long have you lovebirds been together?” Chloe asked, sounding annoyed. My eyes darted to her. I didn’t like her tone.