Page 59 of Bookworm

"I need more context."

I sighed. "Bo said he hates most people. But not me. He said hecould never hate me."

Scarlett let out a squeak. "Oh my God, that is so romantic."

I squinted my eyes, thinking she was kidding.

"Seriously," she said. "In broody Bo speak, I feel like that's a declaration of love or something."

I had to disagree.Though she hid it better, obviously my sister and I suffered from the same affliction.Hopeless romantic syndrome.Shaking my head, I focused back in on what Scarlett was saying.

"So, you've been caught up in your feelings all weekend." Scarlett nodded. "Makes sense. You should've discussed this with me sooner."

"Maybe," I allowed, "but no worries. I figured it out."

She lifted a brow.

"Kissing Bo messed with my mind."

Scarlett scoffed, but I went on.

"It's a real thing," I said. "To prove my theory, I searched online—"

"Of course, you did," she mumbled.

"—and the internet did not let me down.I found out that kissing can affect your brain chemistry.Itpromotes feelings of safety and intimacy through the release of neurotransmitters."

"Are you serious?" she asked.

"Yes"—my eyes widened—"it's science, Scar. Oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, all linked to kissing, all chemicals that make you feel good.My research has led me to one indisputable conclusion."

"Oh, I can't wait to hear this," Scarlett said.

Sarcasm practically dripped from her tone, but I didn't let it distract me.

She was my little sister. She hadn't kissed anyone either—that I knewof. Maybe this info would helpher down the road.

"Kissing is like a drug," I said. "One touch of Bo's lipsmade me high. I had a hit, andI'm still experiencing the aftereffects."

Scarlett stared at me.

"Ready to go inside?"

"Sure," she said, but while we were walking toward the school, she shook her head. "You've never done drugs have you?"

"No way," I said. "Have you?"

"No," she said. "But…you know, you'reonly fooling yourself, right?"

"Meaning," I said.

"Lotte, you can't blame your feelings on science. It's okay to admit it. You like the guy. I like him too."

My eyes shot to hers.

"For you," Scarlett added, her eyes twinkling.

"Whatever," I mumbled, dismissing the whole idea. Because Bo and I? We were still as different as night and day. One good conversation and one earth-shattering kiss did not a relationship make. Bodidn't seem to be suffering from the same kiss-induced feels that I was.

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