Page 317 of Small Town Firsts

I slide my phone from my pants pocket as Summer mutters something under her breath and stomps off to her seat. Quickly, I fire off a text to Emmalyn, hoping like hell she reads it and agrees.

Me

I'm sorry for going against what you said. If you let me take you to lunch, I'll explain then.

Students trickle in while I impatiently wait for Emmalyn to check her phone. I manage to catch her eye and try to telepathically signal to her.

Her nose wrinkles as she looks at me like I've lost my mind. And maybe I have, but either way, she grabs her phone, so I'm counting it as a win.

Emmalyn

I guess. But you better have a good reason for going behind my back.

Not even two seconds later and another text comes through.

Emmalyn

And dessert, too.

Me

Consider it done.

I go to repocket my phone when another text pings. This time from Rob.

Seeing his name flash on my screen fills me with dread. He's unhinged, and if I don't find a way to nip this whole situation in the bud soon, he's guaranteed to become a problem.

Rob

Tick tock, Sterling. Time's running out.

All throughout class, Rob's threats distract me, weighting me down like cinderblocks roped to my ankles. Finally, I can't take it anymore and dismiss everyone twenty minutes early.

Emmalyn remains seated, taking her time putting her things away, until we're the only people left.

"You ready?" I ask as she stands.

"As I'll ever be."

"Good. Let's go."

Today, I take her to my favorite burger place, Slicks.

"What's good?" she asks, as we wait in line to order at the counter.

"Everything. But the truffle fries are where it's at."

We both order a colossal cheeseburger with an order of fries, plus a decadent slice of cheesecake with raspberry sauce for Emmy.

I guide her to a little corner booth, and as soon as her ass hits the seat, she's on me. "Well, let's hear it then."

"Look, I know you asked me not to say anything to her. And I know I disrespected you by doing it anyway."

"You're not so good at apologizing, huh?"

A smirk threatens to break free at her sassiness, but I roll my lips inward, suppressing the urge. "That's because I'm not apologizing, little mouse."

Frustration colors her cheeks pink. "Then why are we here?"

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