Page 5 of Bought For Us

“Nah, I’m the best.” He winks. He really is though.

The drive to school is filled with loud music, Zack’s bad singing, and a belly full of nerves.

When we pull up to the school, I’m instantly in shock.

“You're doing it again,” Zack sighs.

I blink a few times before looking at him. “Doing what?”

“That thing where you’refrozen in shocked awe at the things around you.” He chuckles.

My brows furrow. “How would you know that?”

“I see things, Cora,” he says, his eyes searching mine. “A lot more than you know.”

My heart starts to race as my eyes flick between his. We stare at each other for a moment before someone bangs on Zack’s window, making us both jolt in surprise.

Zack whirls around to see who’s there then curses. “Fucking dickhead.” Zack chuckles.

He gets out and pushes his best friend, Tyler. “Hey, watch it, man.” Tyler laughs. The two of them start to tussle so I get out of the car and awkwardly wait by the front.

Should I just leave and go try to find my classes on my own? Just because Zack and I are friends now, doesn’t mean he wants me hanging around him all the time.

I’m about to leave when Zack calls my name. “Cora. Where are you going?”

“Ah, school?” I joke.

“Wait up.” He grabs his bag from the back. “Sorry about this dickwad.”

“Hey, Cora.” Tyler nods his head at me.

“Hi.” I met Tyler over the summer. He’s a pretty cool guy and doesn’t seem to care that I’ve been tagging along with Zack.

“How was the rest of your summer?” he asks me.

“Not bad. Sad it’s over,” I tell him.

“Oh, come on.” Zack says, tossing his arm over my shoulder. “This year’s going to be life changing.”

“Since when are you a fan of school, Zack,” a voice chuckles. I look over to see a girl approaching us.

“No one asked you, Kimmy,” Zack teases, flipping her off.

She just grins wider. “And no one gives a shit what you think, Zack.”

Zack smirks and rolls his eyes. “Kimmy, meet Cora. My mom’s new husband’s daughter.”

I give him a look. What an odd way to describe it.

“You mean stepsister?” Kimmy laughs and Zack makes a face as if the label doesn’t sit right with him. My heart sinks. Does he not want me to be his stepsister? I thought we were getting along fine.

“Sure, yeah, I guess,” he says, shoving his hands in his pockets. “But, I’d say bestie is a better description.” He gives me a wink. I look away quickly, trying not to blush.

“Hi, Cora. I’m this asshole’s other bestie.” She points to Zack. “And this asshole’s little sister.” She points to Tyler.

“We’re twins.” Tyler points out.

“Ah.” I laugh with a nod.

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