Page 68 of Bookworm

Mrs. Taggart's mouth lifted to one side. "See youin fifth period, Ms. Kent. If you're late, at least I'll know the reason"—when she shot Bo a significant look, I nearly died—"and I'll be sure to check the library first."

I laughed nervously then practically ran in the opposite direction.

My haste was partly due to humiliation. There was no doubt in my mind that Mrs. T had seen the video. Herknowing look and reference to the librarysaid as much. Ugh. Weren't teachers supposed to discouragerumors?

The other part was I hated beinglate. I'dhadenough eyes on me today. I didn't want anymore. Walking into class right as the bell rang, I slipped into my seat, which thankfully was in the back row.Our teacher gave us time to read—usually one of my favorite things—but instead, I did something I knew I'dregret later. It only took a minute to create an account and even less time to find the video of Bo and I kissing.I refused, absolutely refused, to believe that many people had actually viewed the video. There was probably something wrong with the counter, I decided.After watching a couple times, I couldn't stop my gaze from wondering downto my arm. Why had I reacted to Bo's touchlike that?During those moments, I'd been so aware, my skin completelyalive with the feeling. Bo, on the other hand, forgothe was even touching me.

Rubbing my arm, I tried to quell the worry rising in my chest.

But it was no good.

I needed time to think, to be alone with my thoughts.

Unfortunately, that meant I'd have to break the promise I made to Bo.

When lunch rolled around, I didn't go to my usual table. I didn't enter the cafeteria at all.Instead, I made a beeline to the girl's restroom, locked myself in an empty stall, and tried to breathe.

What would Scarlett do in this situation?

My sister always knew the right course of action for any problem.

I could've walked into the lunchroom and askedher in person, but honestly? I didn't want to deal with the onslaught of questions or the stares I knew would come my way, not just from Scarlett but from other students too.So, here I was, trying my bestto solve my own issues.

Just think rationally, Lotte.

Scarlett told me this on countless occasions.

Take the emotions out of it.

I gave a mental nod.

And when in doubt, write it out.

"Okay," I murmured, grabbing my notepad and pen."Here goes nothing."

When I flipped open the cover, a little yellow note slid down to rest on my thigh.I picked it up, skimming the names of my so-called suitors, and shook my head. Five guys, each of them crossed out—except one.

The irony of the suitor being Bo and the situation we currently found ourselves in wasn't lost on me.

Folding the note, I readthe writing on page one. This was where I'd compiledmy list of all the ways I could help Bo.Funnily enough, pretending to be his girlfriend was nowhere to be found.

I shut the notebook, shaking my head. Writing lists was really my sister's thing.I decided to talk myselfoff the ledge instead.

"This really isn't that complicated," I whispered, doing my best to believe the words. "So, you're fake dating Bo Stryker. Big deal. People do it all the time, right?"

Or at least they did in books.

"And yeah, your feelings went a little crazy when he called you his girl and touched you. It's only natural. You've never been withanyone, and he's the first person you've ever kissed. There's no way you'll catch real feelings."

I lifted my chin.

"Don't make it into a thing."

I was helping Bo because of the book slap. He asked me to fake date him to get out of that stupid bet. Now, I was in a pretend relationship with my next-door-neighbor.Simple.Nothing to worry about.

"But it might be best to end it quickly," I muttered.

With that thought in mind, my breath started coming easier, the weight on my shoulders lifting and replaced by calm.Might've sounded strange, but I didn't want to experience love.Not the real, heart-in-your-throat, miss-you-when-you're-gone kind of love. I wanted to experience some things (hence the suitor list). ButIdidn't want to fall. It was one of my number one fears actually. Romance was something Ienjoyed reading about, but I had no desire to get my heart broken.This thing with Bo, the pretending would end eventually. I knew it, and there was some comfort in that. If you knewsomething was coming, you could prepare for it. I took another deep breath and smiled.

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