Page 91 of Rebel Summer

“That’s not what we’re driving.”

Confused, intrigued, and more than a little attracted to Dax Miller, I didn’t even ask questions as I followed him out the door.

Biology Class

Day 35

“I have a question for you,” I began, leaning closer to Dax while Mr. Gray wrote something on the white board.

“I’m all ears,” Dax said.

I stumbled a bit at his interest but pressed on. “Why did the DNA strand go to therapy?”

“What will you give me if I know it?”

“I’ll try not to curse at you in my head as much.”

Dax looked over at me, his mouth open in mockery. “Cursing? I’m shocked at you, Books.”

“Do you know it?”

“Because it had separation issues.”

My eyes narrowed.“How did you know that?”

He tapped at his forehead.

“Did you read the chapters?”

He looked at me. “Do I look like I would read the chapters?”

Dax glanced back toward Mr. Gray, but I thought I detected the faintest spot of color on his cheek.

Dax handed me one of the hoodies as we picked our way down the cracked sidewalk leading to the marina behind his shop.

Without thinking, I pulled it up to my nose and sniffed. The smell of cinnamon and sweet cologne settled over me.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle being drowned in the scent that left me suddenly craving an obnoxious mechanic, but it looked like I’d have to do my best.

We put on the sweatshirts at the same time we reached the entrance, our heads turning toward a voice in the darkness.

“Are you stepping out on me, Dax Miller?!” It was a shaky voice, almost hard to hear over the sound of the fireworks popping off at random. Two older women sat on a balcony at the retirement center, across the grass from Sunset Repairs. This must be the famous Virginia, who by all accounts had developed a healthy crush on Dax.

“Isn’t it your bedtime, Virginia?” Dax called back.

“I’m waiting for you to come tuck me in.”

A delighted smile crossed my face as Dax covered his forehead briefly with his hand and let out an embarrassed chuckle.

“Go ahead and tuck her in,” I whispered. “I’ll wait.”

His brows raised. “Is that how you want to play? Fine by me.”

“What?” I asked.

Before he could answer or clue me in, Virginia called out again. “Who is that girl?” Her voice crackled as she threw a hand over her brows like she was trying to block the sun even though it was pitch black outside.

To my surprise, Dax threw his arm around my shoulders, tugging me against his side. “Sorry, Virginia! This one’s been chasing after me all summer, but you’re still my number one!”

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