Page 98 of The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad

“Betty,” I breathed, “you’re a genius.”

“I had a great subject,” she shrugged then rested her hands on my shoulders. “Now, you go out there and believe in your beauty and yourself. Once the video’s up, I can’t wait to watch your dance over and over.”

I nodded then went out in search of the boys—but before I could find them, I ran into Big Tim and Little Tim. They’d both come down to help with the video. With the flood lights and spotlights they’d brought, the studio looked like an actual film set.

“It’s awesome to see you guys,” I said, hugging each of them in turn. “Thank you so much for doing this.”

“How could we not?” Little Tim said with a smile. “You’ve helped us tons of times, Sadie. It’s only right to pay it forward.”

“First,” Big Tim said, “Sadie, you look awesome. Second, that pencil skirt is giving me life. Third, this whole sexy librarian look really works for you. Kudos.”

Little Tim nodded. “The lighting’s all set up. It’s going to frame you and your partners like a dream.”

“Speaking of which, do you know where Colton and Kyle are?” I asked.

Big Tim nodded to the corner of the room. “I think Kyle’s in the bathroom, and Colton’s over there talking to your parents. P.S. They are looking so fine.”

“My parents?” I repeated, following his eyes, spotting Colton on the other side of the studio. Mom and Dad were nodding at whatever he said, but I couldn’t imagine what they were talking about. As I watched, Colton smiled at my mom who smiled back, and then he shook hands with my dad. A moment later, he disappeared into the bathroom, but I definitely wanted in on that conversation.

Making my way across the floor, I stood in front of my parents.

“Hey,” I said, crossing my arms. “So, what was that all about?”

Mom and Dad stared at me, pride shining in their eyes.

“Nothing much, we were just talking with Colton,” Mom said, her smile dreamy. “He really is a nice boy.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Dad said and ran a hand along his neck, “but yeah, I guess the kid’s not all bad.”

I nearly swallowed my tongue—Dad wasn’t the biggest fan of teenage boys. He’d taken forever to warm to Kyle, and he’d been my best friend forever. Plus, I knew for a fact Dad had never liked Colton.

“What brought on this change of heart?” I asked him.

“Well, if he’s helping my baby girl, I have to like the kid a little. Right?” Dad said.

“Right,” I said slowly, though I got the distinct feeling I was missing something.

Before I knew it, Mom had grabbed me in a tight hug. “You look stunning, baby.”

“You do look beautiful,” Dad agreed. “It’s kind of scary.”

“Thank you,” I said, smiling at them, “for saying that and for supporting me, even if my dreams are way out there.”

“Always,” Mom said, giving me another squeeze.

Colton and Kyle came out of the bathroom, and my parents left just as the guys stepped up to me. Big Tim had been right. They were looking fine in their t-shirts and jeans. Seriously, how was it that guys could rock such a simple look and make it a girl’s fantasy come to life? One glance at Colton in his fitted black tee, and I was done for. As his eyes skimmed my outfit, I had to fight the urge to fan myself.

“Library chic,” Kyle said with a grin, rocking his plain white tee, while Colton looked me up and down. “I dig it, Sadie. You look phenomenal.”

“Same to you guys,” I said as Colton’s eyes finally came to rest on mine. Betty must’ve gotten to them, too, I realized, because his ocean eyes were even more pronounced. The guyliner was totally unfair and unnecessary. Colton was already too attractive for his own good. He’d taken in everything from my hair to my white button up, the red corset peeking out, black skirt and stockings to the black high heels, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “Thank you so much again for being a part of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Yeah, you could’ve,” Kyle said, “but it’s cool that you included us.”

Colton remained silent until Kyle nudged him.

“Yeah,” Colton said and cleared his throat. “You look nice.”

My smile fell.

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