Page 27 of The Kissing Booth
‘So what went down with you and Noah?’
‘I yelled at him for being so overprotective. He yelled at me, trying to say he was only looking out for me. I yelled at him some more. You walked in.’
‘He has good reasons though,’ Lee said carefully after a moment. ‘I tried telling you...’
‘Yeah, I know you did, Lee. But that’s different. I mean, you’re my best friend.’
Lee smirked a little. ‘Mm... yeah, but – but Noah has a point. Not every guy is a nice guy.’
‘Yeah, but... but I’m not stupid enough to fall for that.’
‘I’m looking out for you, Shelly.’ He put his hand on my knee and I smiled back at him. See – when Lee put it like that, it was nice. When Noah had said it, I just got mad at him.
‘I know you are. It’s just Noah I have a problem with. He’s just taken it to the extreme. I can survive a date with Cody. You know what Cody’s like. He wouldn’t try anything like that.’
‘Yeah, I know.’
‘Noah obviously doesn’t.’
‘You two were scary earlier, you know. I’m serious.’
‘Yeah, I know you are.’ But I still had to bite back a laugh.
‘Just... at least be careful?’
‘Oh for God’s sake. Hundreds of people go on dates, Lee. You go on dates. It’s not like you try and molest a girl on a first date.’
Lee laughed at that. ‘Third date, maybe.’
‘And that’s why Karen wouldn’t go to the movies with you.’
He laughed again, since we were just kidding around, but when we both sobered up he said gravely, ‘Seriously though, Elle. We don’t want you getting hurt.’
‘I know.’
‘Just be careful.’
‘I will. Chill out.’
‘Promise?’
‘Pinky promise,’ I said, wrapping my pinky finger through his and smiling. Lee’s protectiveness I could handle. I quite liked it, actually. I didn’t mind if Noah was going to act all big-brother and be protective too – but what I didn’t like was that he seemed so against me having any dates at all.
What a jerk.
Chapter 7
THE REST OFthe week passed quickly: we were busy trying to compile a playlist for the booth, painting the banner, collecting all the necessary decorations and making signs and posters. Not to mention everyday things like homework.
And I did my very best to avoid Noah when I was over Lee’s house.
I was still mad at him, and didn’t want another full blown row.
Friday rolled around, and I couldn’t sit still all day. I’d be going to the movies with Cody tonight. I was supposed to be meeting him there at seven. I decided I’d aim to show up for five past. You were meant to try and keep a guy waiting a little, right?
I got home to raid my closet. My hands trembled slightly, and my breathing was shallow. Worries and doubts rampaged through my head, but I refused to listen.
I wanted something that looked good but not desperate. It was just a movie, so I couldn’t go too fancy, anyway. And since Cody wasn’t that much taller than me, heels were out.
