Page 40 of Bookworm

"I really didn't," I said.

"Looked like you put a lot of effort into that basket, Kent," he said.

"Only a minimal amount"—I shrugged—"see you later, Stryker. Enjoy the extra calories."

I waved, leaving Bo on his doorstep, and went inside, my mind already churning.

Despite my flippant attitude, I was determined to make amends.

Bo mayhave a slight concussion. His wrist wouldn't get better for another few weeks, and I was responsible. There was nothing for it.

This apology would require more than sweets.

Now, I just had to brainstorm and figure out my next steps.

#

Scarlett wasn't any help.

When I told her about the incident, she started laughing then laugh-crying and didn't stop until we were at school.

"So you book slapped him?" she said finally. "Lotte, I just can't. It's too freaking funny for words.Too bad you didn't capture it on video."

"You're the worst sister ever," I said sweetly. "Now, what should I do?"

Scarlett shrugged. "You already took him the basket, right? Heaccepted and said it was fine."

"Yeah, but can't you see? It's not. The scales are still unbalanced."

She gave me a look.

"Scar," I said, "he gave me the most amazing first kiss."

"Which you neglected to tell me until now," she put in. "And I'm supposedly the bad sister?"

Ignoring her, I went on. "He gave me something priceless. And I gave him a bookcussion and sprained wrist."

"Did you just make up a new word?" she asked.

"Yes," I said and lifted my hands, "it's a mashup of the words book and concussion."

"Makes sense."

"I know, but Scarlett, please. Help me! I really want to help him."

She thought for a moment. "What about more kissing?"

I blinked. "More kissing…are you crazy? Stryker justdidthat to help me out of a crap situation. I'm sure he still dislikes me as much as he ever did."

She gave me a look, and I couldn't help but remember the way Bo stared at me as we lay on the ground together, our faces only inches apart. But…

"Maybe even more now," I said, "since the whole knocking him out with a book thing."

"Did he lose consciousness?" she asked.

"Well, no."

"Then technically you shouldn't say 'knocked out'. It'sconfusing and inaccurate.Plus, I think you're just saying it that way to make yourself feel worse. So…"

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