The Stand-In Boyfriend (Grove Valley High #1)(15)

“I’m not going to pretend date a guy you like.”

She rolls her eyes. “Everyone likes him, not just me, but it’s not even like that, not in a way that’s obtainable. Besides, we both know I’m in love with someone different every month.”

I laugh. “But Chase Mitchell is your constant, ever since we were freshmen.”

“Mine and everyone else’s. Anyway, I care more about you than some unrequited crush.”

I smile. “I love you too, Soph.”

She grins. “So you’ll do it?”

I shrug my shoulders, my thoughts drifting back to Jessie…to his broad shoulders and his quick laugh, his curly hair and easygoing smile…to how happy it made me on Saturday when he actually noticed me and then how utterly crappy I felt when he picked Courtney over me. I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I can’t keep feeling like this.

“Livy?”

I look back at her, but I don’t have an answer. Fake dating Chase Mitchell…I just don’t think I can do it.



I’m walking to chemistry for my final class before lunch. My head is still totally confused about Chase’s proposal this morning, and I’m trying to pretend I’m not noticing the extra looks I’m getting in the hallway.

“Break my heart, Chapman.”

My head snaps to the right and I see Brendon has appeared next to me. “Huh?”

He grins. “Well you know I called dibs on you on Saturday, but then I hear Chase goes behind my back and gets there first.”

I stop walking and face him, confused. “What?”

He laughs at the look on my face. “I’m messing with you—although I am pissed at him. Can’t blame the guy though, not when you look like you do.”

Oh God. Is he talking about this rumor Sophie mentioned? Evidently it’s gaining traction. “Wait, back up—what are you talking about?”

“Saturday night—you hooked up with Mitchell.”

My eyes widen in horror. He’s one of Chase’s best friends and he thinks this? Everyone must think it’s true. I am going to kill Chase. “No, no, that’s not what happened. Who told you that?”

He starts to laugh. “You don’t have to deny it, Chapman. Many a woman has bowed down to Mitchell’s charms, the lucky bastard.”

“But, honestly, that’s not what happened. Who told you that?”

He shrugs. “Everyone’s talking about it. Didn’t you spend all day together yesterday too?” He checks his watch then sends me a wink. “I gotta go. Let me know when Abigail gets her claws back into him and you’re free.”



The bell rings for lunch and Mr. Donaldson finally stops talking. We haven’t done a single lab all class, just took notes while he talked at the front, lecture style. I stretch out my fingers, which are stiff from the solid hour of writing I’ve just done, stand, and pack my notes into my bag. I glance over at Aaron to say bye and I’m glad to see him waiting for me at the end of our table. He slid into class just as the bell rang so we didn’t even have time to greet each other, and I definitely didn’t get a chance to interrogate him about his idiot best friend allowing rumors about the two of us to circulate. He has a shit-eating grin on his face. Two guesses as to what he finds so funny.

I raise an eyebrow and sling my bag over my shoulder, refusing to say anything. I step out from behind my desk and promptly collide with Brett Sanderson—easily the smartest kid in our grade—sending his books to the ground. I apologize profusely and help him gather his things while Aaron just watches in amusement. I still don’t say anything as Brett disappears, and when Aaron and I leave the room together, he falls into step beside me.

He doesn’t even last five seconds. “So…”

I glance over at him, taking in his laughing eyes and shiny white teeth. “So?”

He stops and looks at me. “So was he good?”

He bursts out laughing as I bump him as hard as I can into the nearest locker.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” I shake my head but can’t help a small smile. Aaron is infectious; no one can genuinely stay mad at him for long. “I just want to know one thing.”

I sigh and stop to face him, students diverting around us on their way to the cafeteria.

“Were you just using me to get to my best friend?”

“Aaron!” I go to shove him again, but he manages to dart out of the way, his laughter ringing out loudly. I turn back to him, glaring hard.

He looks like he’s going to keel over he’s laughing so hard. He must see how irritated I am because he starts to pull himself together. “Okay, I’m sorry. I promise I’ll stop now. I just couldn’t help it.”

I sigh. “Did you know people are saying we hooked up at your party on Saturday? Everyone keeps looking at me!”

“Know? At least five different people have asked me about it today.”

Oh God. “What did you say?”

“Duh—yes, of course.”

“What?” My hand flies out to hit him in the stomach. “You know we didn’t, right?”

“Oh, I know it’s not true, but everyone else thinks it is.”

“Jesus Christ! Why does everyone think this?”