Page 64 of Bookworm

As he stood to his full height, the sounds of his laughter, deep and smooth, poured from his mouth which was stretched in a grin.

"You—" Bo gasped, seeming surprised by his own laughter, before he managed to get himself under control. "Yeah, Kent.I am."

"I didn't know you could do that," I said.

He tried pulling on his typical frown, but his eyes danced with delight. "Guess you don't know everything."

"Apparently not," I mumbled, still staring at his face.

Bo's smile was like some kind of hidden treasure.

Rare, dazzling, and hard to find. But oncediscovered, you wanted to bask in it, thankful for even a glimpse of something so beautiful.

I wondered if I'd ever get to see it again.

Bo was saying something. I was pretty sure it was my name, and I blinked, coming out of my daze.

"Come on," I said, turning before Bo could argue ormake a grab for the books. "Don't want to be late to first period."

Bo kept pace with me easily. "Just so you know, I wasn't calling you weakback there," he said.

I shrugged.

"Wouldn't want anyone carrying my books, girl or guy."Bo's brow scrunched. "Hey, how did you know which ones I'd need? We're not even in the same classes."

Because I have an inside woman in the front office, I thought. But I kept my mouth shut, not wanting to give Ms. Deidre up. I also didn't want him knowing I'd gone through the trouble of getting his schedule.

"Kent?"

"You could just say thank you," I said.

He let out a long exhale.

"Think of me as your private nurse, or wait." I smiled. "Your fairy godmother."

As he placed a hand on my arm, I stoppedand looked up. We were already at his classroom.Other students were still walking the halls. The first bell hadn't rung yet, so I'd have plenty of time to get to my class which was only a few doors down.

"If I need your help, I'll ask for it," Bo said.

I tilted my head.

"Would you?" I asked.

He didn't respond, but I saw his answer as clearly as if he'd spoken.

'No' was practically stamped across his forehead.

"That's what I thought," I said with a sigh, handing over the books. Bocradled themin his good arm. "Have an awesome day, Stryker."

He looked fromthe books to my face. "Thanks, Kent," he saidthen cleared his throat. "Also, sorry about Leif."

I flushed. "Why are you sorry? You didn't release the video."

"Yeah, but still. I know it hurt your feelings."

"Why would you say that?" I asked.

"Because you're into Leif," he said and cocked his chin. "I saw him on your list, remember?"

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