Page 81 of Bookworm

Bo stared at me a moment then held out his hand. "I agree—but I still think your rules are stupid."

As I put my hand in his, warm tingles raced up my arm.

I liked the feeling entirely too much.

And that, I thought, is exactly why we need those stupid rules.

CHAPTER 14

My sister looked at me like I was crazy.

"So, you're in a fake relationship? With Bo Stryker? And you told him you don't want to kiss him again?" she asked after I'd explained everything.

I nodded. "Pretty much."

She shook her head with a scoff. "Lotte, I don't understand you."

"That's okay," I said, "I don't understand myself half the time either."

"If you like the guy—which you obviously do," she said before I could cut in, "why are you pulling away?"

"I told you, Scar. We're just faking."

"Uh huh."

"It'll all be fine."

"Will it, though?" she asked.

"It will," I said with more assurance than I felt.

"For the record, it's clear Bo likes you too, if that's what you're worried about."

It wasn't clear at all, and I was worried. I couldn't decide whether I wanted Bo to be interested or not. But I didn't argue. My sister would debate just about anything if given the chance, and I was already tired from a sleepless night, dreams of Bo running wild in my mind.

Scarlett sighed. "I'm here if you need me."

"Thanks," I murmured.

As we parted ways, I headed for Bo's locker.My intent was to carry his books again. But before I could get there, two guys who looked like they'd just been in a fight were sprinting up the hall, coming directly at me. I flattened myself against the wall just in time. Shaking my head, I turned back—and saw Bo reach down to helpsomeone to theirfeet. The kid looked like a freshman from his slightly nervous expressionto his gangly body which hadn't quite grown into itself yet. He blinked up at Bo then took his hand, standing back up on wobbly legs. Bo bent down again, scooped a pair of glasses off the floor, and handed them to the kid who now stared at him with something akin to hero worship.Before he left, Bo reached into his locker and passed the kid a bright bluepiece of paper.

The freshman nodded, started walking, and another guy joined him thensaid, "Do you know who that was? Bo 'Iceman' Stryker literally just saved your ass!"

"I know," the kid said. "Those other guys didn't stand a chance."

"What'd he give you?"

"A flyer, said I could take a class at The Academy for free."

"Martial arts is so cool," his friend said.

"Right? I heard Bo's a triple black belt or something."

They kept going until I couldn't hear, but it was clear Bo had fought backon the freshie's behalf. Gah. How was I supposed to keep my feelings in check when he did kind things like that?

Bo caught sight of me, standing frozen a few feet away, and lifted his chin.

"Hey," he said.

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