Page 42 of Sweetheart

"$10,000," I replied."For a tow and alternator. Oh, and the high cost of labor and parts."

Mr. Bishop chuckled. "Nice touch."

"It did up the believability factor," I said.

"What's your name?"

"Scarlett Kent."

"Ah, so you're Scarlett."

My eyes widened, wondering what he meant.

"My son, Sam, mentioned you'd be coming in," he added.

"Oh," I said and tried to play it cool. "Did he say anything else?"

"No."

I exhaled and shook my head. What had I expected? Sam didn't seem the type to kiss and tell—or to pick up a girl in the middle of the night, drive her home, and then agree to be her list partner. Even if he did, it wasn't like he'd tell his parents about it.

"He called you a friend." Mr. Bishop sent me a small half-grin. "Also, said you were pretty."

"He did not," I said.

Mr. Bishop nodded."He did."

"Well, he obviously just said that to be nice."

"That doesn't sound like Sam," he said. "My son doesn't say things he doesn't mean."

As if he'd heard, the door opened behind me and in walked Sam. His hair wasslightly wet as if he'd just taken a shower.He lookeda littleflushed as if he'd been running—which he probably had during practice. I didn't think I'd seen anyone look so good in sweats and a t-shirt.

"Hey," he said to me, "you're here."

"Yep," I said.

To his dad, he lifted his chin. "What were you guys talking about?"

Mr. Bishopthrew his son a smile. "Nothing much, just getting acquainted."

When Sam looked to me, I said, "Your dad was just telling me how you called me pretty."

"He was?" Sam said.

I nodded.

"Well, then he lied."

My heart fell a bit, but I forced a laugh. "I knew it."

"I said you were beautiful," he said, shrugging like it was nothing, just a fact. "Come on, Dad. Yougotta get the facts right."

"My mistake," Mr. Bishop said, grinning full on now.

"The fumes from the garage must be getting to you."

"Must be."

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