Page 9 of The Kiss List

"It's really not," Denton scoffs. "It can be explained in two to three sentences."

I roll my eyes. "Ignore him. He's just being annoying."

Iris lets out another laugh.

We both stare at her.

"What's funny?" I ask with a frown.

"The two of you. You look and sound like a bickering couple. I find it cute."

I gasp dramatically. She didn't just say that. "Take that back."

Denton scowls at me. "Don't act too horrified at the prospect."

Iris is full-out giggling now. Clearly, she finds us entertaining.

"You know what?" Denton snaps, still looking a little annoyed. "We're getting off-track here. There's a party at Jase's tomorrow night. His parents will be out of town so he's taking advantage of it. Con will be there. So you'll get another chance to kiss him. I suggest you show up and make your move." He turns to Iris. "Maybe go with her so she'll be able to pull it off this time." Then shooting me a glare, he picks up his tray and leaves.

"What is his problem?" I mutter, scowling after him.

Iris finishes off her sandwich in one big bite and grins. "Guess we're going to Jason Moss's party."

Chapter 5

"I'm not sure this is a good idea," I say in apprehension, staring at the house across the street through the passenger window of Iris's car.

"Seriously? You couldn't have said that when we were getting ready an hour ago in your bedroom?"

I chew on my cherry-flavored bottom lip, my eyes still fixed outside. "I know. I'm just really nervous."

"You're not obligated to kiss Conrad at this party—you know that, right? No one's forcing you to do it."

"Well, Denton might."

"I'm pretty sure he merely suggested it."

I shift on my seat to face her. "You've seen how determined he looked yesterday."

"Good point. Honestly, I still can't believe he's helping you carry out your plan. Are you sure he didn't ask anything in return?"

I shake my head slightly, careful not to ruin my messy ponytail. "Not a thing. Maybe he's Cupid incarnate or something. That, or he's just really nosy and has nothing better to do."

"Or maybe," Iris draws out, arching a perfectly lined eyebrow, "he wants to get that kiss for himself."

A laugh bursts from my lips. "You're kidding, right?"

She has to be. Because there's no way that's true. I never got that vibe from him. Not even a little bit.

"I mean, think about it. Why does he care so much? His interest doesn't seem normal."

"Maybe because Conrad is his best friend, and he wants to make sure that Conrad won't be taken advantage of or something."

"Uh, what? That doesn't make any sense."

I roll my eyes. "Whatever. Let's just get this thing over and done with. I need to know if Conrad's the one or if I have to cross his name out early in the game."

"Oh, this is a game now?"

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