Page 88 of How to Win the Girl

“Should we jump on the bed like they do in the movies?” Drew wonders out loud, still sitting in his chair, not coming near me. It shocking how different the twins’ personalities are—how polite and considerate Drew is compared to his brother. Not that Drake isn’t considerate, he just does it in his own brooding way.

“If we jump on the bed it’s going tosoundlike we’re jumping on the bed, not having sex.” I bite into the apple, juice dripping down my chin. “It’s got to be driving him crazy wondering what we’re doing in here.”

“It’s one-hundred percent driving him nuts,” he muses. “Imagine what’s going through his head right now—he knows thatIknow I don’t actuallyknowyou, so it’s driving him nuts that I’m pretending I know you.”

Believe it or not, his sentence makes perfect sense.

My head tilts to the side. “Do you think I should pretend I have to go to the bathroom to see if he comes out of his room?”

“Should we take bets first to see if he comes out into the hallway?”

I nod. “Totally.”

“I bet he opens his door butdoesn’tcome into the hall.”

“You think?” It’s possible but not likely. “I bet he doesn’t open the door or come out at all. He’s too busy being traumatized.”

Drew stands, going to the door, cracking it open to peer out. “This is fun.”

He’s whispering.

I’m whispering. “Okay close the door and then when I re-open it, I’ll make plenty of noise.”

“But make it realistic.” Drew coaches me. “We don’t want to sound like we’re putting on a show.”

I snort. “This from the guy who suggested we jump on the bed?”

He laughs. It’s a laugh that sounds distinctly similar to his brothers yet very different.

“Ready?” My hand is on the doorknob, and I give it a slow turn. “Wait. Should I close the door behind me so it makes more noise?”

He nods. “Good call.”

Exhale. “Here we go.”

“Moment of truth.” Drew’s voice is hushed. “Go get ’em, Tiger!”

I pull the door open, step out into the hallway with a loud sigh, then slam the door behind me.

“Whoops!”

I stretch.

Yawn.

Saunter the few feet to the bathroom door on the left, standing in front of it for a few heartbeats.

Nothing.

Hm, okay.

I make a show of going inside and flipping on the light; step inside and close the door, standing in front of the sink because I don’t actually have to pee.

Look at myself in the mirror, then run the sink, leaning down so I can pat cold water on my pink cheeks.

Whew, is it hot in here or is it just me and my lies?

My eyes are shining, color high.

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