Page 61 of Twisted Lies

“Professor Harmon has picked you out to mentor.” He laughs my hostility off. “She’s not easy on her students, so her liking you says a lot.”

“And I shouldn’t be likable?” I ask. “I’m not a social disease.”

Bryce sits back as far away from me as his body will go and glares at me. This date is about to end before we can leave the limo. “What’s wrong, Astrid? I was trying to pay you a compliment.”

I release the tension that’s trapped in my shoulders. “I’m sorry,” I mutter and decide honesty is the best tactic. “You know, I’ve never been on a date before.”

Bryce starts to laugh but stops quickly when I don’t join in. Great. More awkwardness because I wanted to open up. “Well, I went all out because it’s for you,” he says, moving closer. “I want to impress you.”

“Why?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“Because I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I wasn’t interested in dating until you showed up,” he replies, “I don’t normally do these things either. Sure, I’ve taken Charlotte to events because she asked or I was expected to. I took it for granted that I would meet someone else. I settled for Charlotte. You probably don’t get it.”

“I get the settling,” I speak thoughtfully. “But my mother discouraged me from dating. She didn’t want me to end up with a kid like her. She never badmouthed anyone I brought home, but she would go on about how men were dogs. She told me all sorts of stories from when she and her friends dated.”

Bryce lifts a brow. “Dare I ask what?”

“No. I’m not going to tell you.” I take off my flats and slide on my pumps. My legs extend an extra mile as I cross them. “Not going to sabotage this date and make you wonder why you asked me out.”

“Good plan.” His fingertips play along the curve of my knee. “You look stunning, Astrid. Watching you walk down the path…” He moves in closer until his breath is on my ear. “Astrid, I’m not toying with you. No matter what Charlotte might want you to think. This is real, and it’s between you and me. It’s only us.”

I squirm a little, pulling away from his side. “We’re not exclusive yet.”

“We will be by the end of the evening.” There’s the confidence that hooked me when Bryce flashes his smile.

Smiling, I sit back and fold my arms over my chest. “I’m going to dream a little while we ride,” I smirk, giving Bryce the eye. “I’m on a date with Bryce Shelton of Stonehaven.” I sigh affectedly. “So this is what rich girls dream about.”

We have dinner outside of Portsmouth at an inn near the coast. A real classy bed and breakfast that’s spotless and bright with floral wallpaper and overstuffed furniture. It’s the type of place where people call ahead and make a reservation. Not the place you happen on when your car breaks down. This place requires effort. Heads turn when we walk into the main dining room, and though we’re young, I’m guessing nobody knows we’re in high school. Stonehaven students don’t give off that kid vibe. Besides, I stopped playing dress-up when I was a kid and enter the restaurant like I belong in the room.

We avoid ordering liquor just in case we’re carded. And we spend the evening learning more about each other as we stare into each other’s eyes. I don’t feel ashamed that I’m sweating Bryce, and Bryce drops his guard, and the snob act disappears completely. I can’t stop smiling at him. I thought I would be nervous, or worse, on the defensive, but I’m okay with him. Maybe he’s the one I should ride off together with after graduation?

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