Page 25 of Scarlett and the Kiss Thief

“Gah, boys.” She leaned against her locker and crossed her arms. “So many games with that one. Phase Incest continues.”

“He held my hand. In front of the whole school. That means something.”

“Maybe. What was happening right before he grabbed your hand?”

“I was talking to Jacob…”

Sophie laughed and shook her head. “See? We have him just where we want him. The plan continues. What are you going to wear to the party on Friday night? It has to be sinfully short. And you can borrow a pair of my heels.”

“Technically, I’m grounded.”

“Wait, really? I thought you were joking when you texted me that last night.”

I kind of hoped I had been joking. It had been a really long time since I’d been grounded. But my dad wasn’t bluffing this time. “It’s only for a week instead of a month. But…yeah.”

Sophie waved her hand through the air. “It’s fine. RJ was already concocting an escape plan for you just in case. Can I come over tonight to help you pick a dress?”

I laughed. “Soph, you can’t come over.”

“What?”

“I just told you…I’m grounded.”

“Wait, that includes from seeing me? No way.”

I nodded. “Pretty sure.”

“I don’t think so. I’ll talk to Uncle James…” she started gagging. “Sorry. Reflex from yesterday when I accidentally talked about all the things I wanted to do to our hot new teacher.” She gagged again. “I wonder if I’ll ever be able to talk to him again.”

“You did say some really gross stuff.”

She gagged again. “Stop it.”

“I’m only kidding with you. You didn’t know it was him.”

“Exactly. All those things I said were for someone not related to me.” She dry heaved.

I laughed. “Or maybe there’s a new Phase Incest?”

She grabbed her stomach like she was legit going to throw up. “I’m not gonna be able to face your dad ever again.”

“You’re fine,” I said and rubbed her back. “Breathe. You gotta get over this. Because you have to see him last period.”

“I’ll ditch.”

“You can’t avoid him forever.”

She took a deep breath. “You’re right. Might as well get it over with and see him tonight.”

“Tonight? What about class?”

“No. I’m not doing that. I’m going to the guidance counselor and switching classes.”

“Wait, can I come with you?”

“Miss Hunter,” someone said.

No, not just someone. I knew exactly who said my voice in that disdainful way. I turned to see Mr. Hill staring at me.

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