Daring the Bad Boy (Endless Summer)(31)

After my court appearance, he’d reminded me how much a record could possibly ruin my chances at getting into the university of my choice. College was my ticket out of there. One more year of high school and then I was free—unless I screwed everything up.

Forget that shit. Couldn’t risk it.

“Can I be honest?” I asked Kyle.

He nodded. “Go for it.”

“I don’t think she’s your type,” I told him after I took a second swig and passed him the bottle.

Kyle frowned. “Why do you say that?”

“Because. She’s too…” Sweet. Cute. Nice. Innocent. I couldn’t say any of that.

“Virginal?” Blake supplied for me, making all of them start laughing.

“Totally,” another one of them shouted, nudging Kyle in the ribs. He just pushed the guy off with a shake of his head.

“I could get into that,” he said with a slight sneer, his eyes glassy. “All the ladies love me.”

“Egotistical *,” I muttered under my breath, which only made Kyle laugh louder. At least the guy knew what he was and had no shame.

“Seriously. She’s not your type.” I clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a quick shake. “You’ll try to kiss her and she’ll probably jump a mile.”

“Nah, that’s just if you tried, Fazio, what with that serial killer stare you got going on,” Kyle said. “You need to lighten up, bro. Seriously.”

Serial killer stare? This guy was seriously a jerk. “Whatever, man. Just think twice before you attempt to make a move on Annie. She’s probably not up to your speed.”

I turned on my heel to go, muttering a good-bye to no one, considering not a one of them was listening, and as I rounded the arts and crafts building, I ran smack into a small, soft body.

A small, soft body who reached out and shoved me away from her. Hard.

“Hey, watch it—” I started to yell, my lips clamping shut when I saw who it was.

Annie.

“You all right?” I changed my tone, softening my voice. I didn’t want to scare her. “Sorry about that. I didn’t see you.”

She said nothing. Just wrapped her arms around herself, the hurt look in her eyes telling me all I needed to know without her saying a single word.

I’d bet big money she’d overheard our conversation and all the shitty things I said. All the shitty things Kyle said, too.

Great.

She dodged out of my reach when I tried to grab her arm, her pained gaze turning hostile in a quick second. “Don’t touch me,” she whisper-hissed.

I was at a complete loss as to what I should do. I’d blown it. She’d heard me say he should stay away from her. Had heard us bag on the fact that she was too virginal. That was mean. I couldn’t take any of it back. But at least I could offer her up a bit of advice.

So I did.

“Don’t go meet him,” I told her as she turned away from me. “Ditch him tonight, Annie.”

She paused, glancing over her shoulder at me. “Why should I listen to you? From what I heard, he wants me there.”

“Right. And if you don’t show up, he’ll want you even more.” I was surprised I could force the words out of my throat. “We always want what we can’t have, right?”

Yeah. Wasn’t that the truth? Because right now, as I stood there in front of Annie and looked at her pretty face, I couldn’t help but think…

I want her.

Yet I can’t have her.

“You’re making a valid point.” She lifted her nose into the air, all haughty princess.

“I can give you more pointers,” I told her.

She lifted her brows. “What do you mean?”

“Tomorrow. At your next swim lesson. You want to get with Kyle?” Just saying the words made my stomach churn. Totally over-the-top reaction but hey, I was being honest with myself. If I couldn’t have her, then I could help her with Kyle, and once they ended up together, then I’d leave her alone.

And I needed to leave her alone. She was too…tempting.

Annie nodded, nibbling on her lower lip.

“Then take my advice. Don’t go meet him right now. Not like you’ll get to talk to him much anyway. He’s back there with all of his friends.” My heart was galloping like I just ran a marathon. I didn’t want her hanging out with Kyle. Not tonight. He was already buzzed. What if he made a move on her? I’d never forgive myself if something bad happened to her…

Not that I thought Kyle was a bad guy, but he was drunk. Who knew what he might do?

“Fine.” She sighed and threw her hands up in the air. “I won’t go.”

Relief filled my chest, easing my erratically thumping heart. Thank God she listened to me.

“But you owe me tips. Pointers.” She pointed right at me. “You’re going to help me convince Kyle that we’d be a good match. And you’re not going to tell anyone about this, either. None of this.”

She sure was a bossy little thing. I kind of liked it. Standing straight, I saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”

A little smile curled her lips, but she hid it, her expression turning serious. “Same time tomorrow?”

“Same time tomorrow,” I agreed.