Page 1 of Scarlett and the Kiss Thief

Chapter 1 – Operation Too Hot to Handle

Wednesday

My mom straightened the collar on my blazer. “You look beautiful, Scarlett. Your new uniform fits perfectly.”

“Thanks, Mom.” But it wasn’t just the new uniform that had me standing a little taller. My mom had finally convinced my dad to let me get contacts. It was the first day I was wearing them and they were just as amazing as I’d always imagined. Well, my eyes felt a little dry every time I blinked, but that was beside the point. What mattered was that this was the first time I’d be walking into Empire High glasses-less. And with a short skirt like the other girls. But I had a feeling that if my dad saw me this morning, he wouldn’t be so happy or encouraging like my mom.

I peered around my mom. “Is Liam ready to go? I don’t want to be late.” I didn’t have Mr. Hill first period this year, but I had a feeling he’d still be able to tell whenever I did anything wrong. The last thing I needed was for him to hate me any more than he already did. And if I could get out of the house before my dad saw me, even better.

“Liam!” my mom called. “It’s time to go!”

Liam came down the stairs, his hair still a little messy from just rolling out of bed. I wasn’t sure what his secret was, but he didn’t look nervous. I always got jitters on the first day of school. And the night before. I’d barely slept at all.

Liam looked at me and laughed.

“What?” I touched the side of my face. Had I only put eyeliner on one eye or something? One time last year I’d stayed up late studying and had done exactly that in the morning. I thought I’d never live it down.

“Dad’s going to be so pissed,” Liam said with a laugh.

Oh.He was referring to the makeup and skirt. “Which is why we need to go. Now.” I grabbed Liam’s arm to try to pull him toward the door.

“Not so fast,” my mom said. “I need a first-day-of-school picture.”

“Mom…”

“It’s tradition. It’s your senior year, Scarlett. We can’t break the streak now.”

I sighed and stood next to Liam, forcing a smile onto my face. God, my dad would be down here any minute and I needed to get the hell out of here.

“One more,” my mom said. “I can’t believe it’s your last year at Empire High.” She gave me a big hug. “And Liam.” She turned to my little brother. “Your first year. Are you nervous?”

Liam shrugged. “Nah.”

“That’s the spirit, I guess,” she said with a laugh.

“Great, can we go now?” I asked.

“Yup,” my dad said as he grabbed his keys off the hook. “I’m taking you today.” He turned to me and his smile faltered.

“That’s really not necessary,” I said.

My dad just stared at me. “What are you wearing?”

“The uniform.” I tried to laugh it off, like he was being ridiculous, but my laughter died in my throat as his eyes narrowed.

“She grew another inch so we had to get a new one,” my mom said with a smile and a wink at me.

“Then why is her skirt six inches shorter?” he asked.

“Is it?” my mom said. “I don’t think so. You’re probably imagining it.” She patted his chest and then turned back to us. “Time to go, kids. How about you two race to the car?”

“I don’t think so,” my dad said. “Go change, pumpkin. Now.”

“Dad! We’re going to be late.”

“Go put on your old uniform now. And wipe that makeup off your face while you’re at it.”

Liam started laughing.

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