Page 24 of Bookworm

"So…Leif George?" he said. "Didn't think you'd be into jocks."

"Yeah well," I said, "that's not why I like him. He just seems kind."

Bo grunted at that.

"If my streak holds, I'll strike out with him too. Like I said, it hasn't been going well. Turns out I'm terrible atattracting men, hence the crossed out names."

"Maybe they're the ones striking out with you," he said.

I blinked.

Did he really just…give me a compliment?

Bo tilted his head. "Would've been cooler if it was a voodoo list."

"Of all the men that wronged me? I'll keep that in mind for next time, Stryker."

I gestured to him.

"So, how's the bet going?" I said, making sure to keep my tone light so he'd know I was joking. "Anyone manage to melt that icy heart of yours?"

Bo's face tightened.

"That bad, huh?"

"Girls keep coming up to me. Trying to get me to talk. One even asked me to, and I quote, hook up." He faked a shiver. "It's a nightmare."

I bit back a laugh. "Sounds horrendous."

"Exactly," he said then ran a hand down his face. "It's like it's open season, and I'm the one being hunted."

"Good luck, Bo. You seem fit," I said, patting his shoulder. "I bet you can outrun them all."

Footsteps sounded, and before I knew it, two girls had joined us.

"Bo Stryker, you are a hard man to find," Elana Rigglesby said then nodded to me. Her eyes went back to him a moment later. "So, I think you're cute.Do you want to go on a date sometime?"

I blinked. Wow, she made that look so easy.

No stuttering or doubt.

Elana just did the thing.

I was impressed.

Bo on the other hand looked very uncomfortable.

"Why don't you come out with both of us?" Portia Lowe said, grinning as Elana threw her a smirk. "We could all go to the movies or dancing. It'll be so much fun!"

As she reached for him, Bo stepped back, and her brows lifted in surprise.

"Uh…I…no, thank you," he finally said.

I watched it all in wonder. I'd never seen Bo act like that before. He was always so sure of himself.

"Gotta go," he muttered, walking away as the bell rang. "See you, Kent."

"Bye," I said to his back.

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