Page 64 of The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad

“No, it’s not,” Colton grinned. “I’m your coach, so it’s my job.”

I guess when he put it like that…

“So, you wanna go out tonight?” My jaw dropped, and Colton laughed at my expression. “Ah, don’t get over excited, Sadie. It’s just so we can cross off a few more things on your list and find you some guy to kiss. No big deal.”

“Oh,” I said, unsure what I felt right then. There was definitely relief, but something else was mixed in there. Something I chose not to exam too closely. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

“Think your mom will let you go?”

I thought about it a second then nodded. “She won’t be home until tomorrow actually. But I’ll call her, and she’ll be okay with it. I’m about 99 percent sure. Mom trusts me.”

“Of course, she does.” He shook his head. “Such a good girl.”

I rolled my eyes at that as Colton turned to look at his brother. Following his gaze, it seemed like Tim really had shown Kyle some basic ballroom steps. I felt my lips turn up at the corners. My BFF was smiling, enjoying himself, and it was obvious the two were having a good time. Curiously, I didn’t feel even a hint of jealousy. I’d long ago accepted the fact that Kyle would never be mine. I just hoped Big Tim had mentioned Little Tim. If he’d led my best friend on…well, ex-ballroom partner or not, we would be having some serious words.

“Hey Sadie.”

I turned my attention to Colton, only to find his eyes already on me.

In a completely serious tone, he said, “Be ready at eleven, and bring your naughty list.”

No matter how many times I asked, Colton wouldn’t tell me what we were doing tonight. He refused to give even the tiniest of details. It was frustrating.Hewas frustrating. But to be honest, I wasn’t really worried. Andthat—the fact that I wasn’t worried—worried me.

I sighed as I glanced over at my cell. I’d gotten off the phone with my mom a couple hours ago, and the conversation had gone like this:

Mom: “Well of course, you can go, Sadie. But where are you going?”

Me: “I’m not sure. Colton wouldn’t tell me, said it was a surprise.”

Mom: “Colton.” A long pause and then, “You’re going out with Colton Bishop again?”

Me: “We’re not going out, Mom. He’s just helping me with a project.”

Mom: “A project? For what class?”

That one had given me a moment’s pause, but I’d finally come up with a great and (mostly) truthful answer.

Me: “Life Sciences. It’s due soon and requires some work we can only do at night.”

She’d been thinking it over—I could practically hear the gears turning in her mind—when suddenly my father was on the phone.

Dad: “Sadie, it’s Dad.”

Me (laughs): “Yeah, I know. Hi Dad, how’s it going?”

Dad: “Going fine. Now, is this the Colton Bishop who removed the screws from your chair in fifth grade and ruined your cupcakes?”

Me: “Yes.”

Dad: “The Colton Bishop who filled our mailbox with Swedish Fish that summer?”

Me: “I’d forgotten about that.”

Dad: “And wasn’t he the kid who punched Sherriff Molina’s son and nearly got expelled? This is the boy you’re going out with tonight? If you ask me, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

There was movement on the other end of the line, and I heard Mom and Dad arguing, but it was muffled. Someone must’ve remembered to cover the receiver. My bet was on Mom. A minute later, she was back on the line.

Mom: “You still there, Sadie? Your dad had to be reminded that Colton was not the only boy in history to nearly be expelled for fighting.”

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