Page 27 of Sweet Deception

Chapter twelve

Kylie

"Hey!"

I glance up from my textbook as Danny jogs toward me. My gut clenches as I give him a little wave, knowing what I need to do. I'm nervous about it. It's easy to tell a jerk no, but not so easy when it's someone like Danny.

I like him. He's nice. It's why I had a crush on him for so long. I saw the way he interacted with his friends and even some of his girlfriends. He always came off more mature than the other guys. Still, I never thought he would look my way. I'm nothing like the girls he's dated in the past.

"Hey, Danny. How are you?" I stick my notes I'm working on in the textbook and close it to give him my full attention.

He steps over the bench to sit down across from me. Like most of the students today, I chose to study outside, since the weather is unseasonably warm, although a bit windy.

"Did you get everything taken care of yesterday?" He leans on his elbows and tries to keep the wind from pushing his bangs into his eyes.

My gut clenches again as he reminds me of yesterday's events. Secrets have a way of coming out, and it's hard not to wonder if he already knows what I was up to. I hate this paranoia.

"I did." Not knowing what else to say, I just nod.

"Good." His eyes skitter around us before coming back to me. It's obvious he's gearing up for something. "So, the team is having a party at the frat house tonight. Would you like to go? I know you have a lot going on with your dad, but I thought you might like to have a bit of fun."

Damn. I hate when I'm right.

I give him a regretful smile. "I'm sorry, I just started seeing someone and … well, we have a date tonight. But I would love to go to a party sometime. I've never been. Isn't that crazy? Here I am, a senior in college, and I've never been to a frat party." I shake my head, more at my rambling than anything else.

Ugh, this is so awkward. And why did I say I would go later? I don't want him thinking I'm in a casual relationship. The urge to smack my forehead is strong.

"Oh. yeah, anytime. Just … let me know when you want to go." He taps the tabletop in a nervous gesture and looks over at a group of students walking across the lawn.

"So who are—"

"What kind of—"

We laugh, breaking the tension. He gestures to me. "You first."

"I was going to ask if there was something in particular you guys are celebrating or if it's just a party. I don't keep up with football. Did the team win a big game or something?"

He shrugs. "It's Friday."

I laugh. "Yeah, I guess that's reason enough."

"Listen, I gotta go." He swings his leg around the bench and stands, barely looking at me. "Have fun tonight and … I'll, uh, see you Monday."

"Yeah …" I trail off since he's already jogging away.

I sigh. Hopefully, this doesn't mean he's going to avoid me now. I'd still like to be his friend.

***

A faint knock comes from the front door as I'm applying eyeshadow the way Talia showed me yesterday. Cursing, I quickly finish before rushing to find out who's at the door. When I check the peephole, a pretty woman holding a dress bag is waiting on the other side. Assuming she's here for Talia, I open the door.

"Hello?"

She looks up and smiles, sticking her free hand out for me to shake. "Hi! You must be Kylie? I'm Joanna, Luca Morelli's stylist."

"Oh, hi, yeah." I shake her hand, a bit stunned. A stylist was the last thing I was expecting. "Come in." I step back, giving her room before shutting the door. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting you. Luca said he was sending a package."

She laughs. "Leave it to a man to not explain things." She walks over to the kitchen table to lay the dress bag flat, then pulls the zipper down. "This is the dress he's picked out for tonight. I pulled two sizes to make sure we have the right fit. I'll also need to take measurements so I can supply you with the full wardrobe he's requested."

---