Page 38 of You Started It

I hold out my hand like a shield. “Spare me the details.”

“I can’t get a C in calculus.”

“Then work harder,” I say.

Ben rises and walks toward me. “Could you help me? Just a couple times a week until I bring my grades up.”

“You’re here because you want me to tutor you?” I know I’m making a disgusted face but I can’t seem to stop myself.

“Well, yeah. You’re the smartest person I know.” He smiles and my facial muscles relax, slightly. Ben Cameron knows exactly what to say to weasel his way into my heart and I hate him for it. Unless…thiscouldbe an excuse to get closer to me. First, hestrokes my hand on the ride. Next, we’re bumping shoulders in the library as we work side by side. It almost seems too good to be true. Too perfect.

“I don’t know,” I say, turning to face the street and sucking in my cheeks to hide a smile. “I’m kind of busy.”

“I’ll pay you,” he says.

I face him again, the wheels in my head spinning overtime. This could be the answer to all my problems. If I tutor Ben, it means spending one-on-one time with him, which will remind him of our strong connection. And if he pays me, I can use that money to put toward paying Axel back. It’s like God is smiling down at me, for once in my pathetic existence.

“I won’t accept any less than thirty dollars an hour,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “Twice a week, to make it worth my time.”

“Whatever it takes.”

“Does Olivia know you’ve come to me for help?”

“I didn’t think it was worth mentioning until you agreed.” He runs a hand through his hair and I swear he’s trying to flirt. Ben never flirted with me before, but I recognize this gesture because Axel does it all the time to annoy me. He loves to get under my skin. (Dream Axel likes to get under my clothes.)

“Jamie?”

“Yeah?” I say, shaking off those confusing thoughts.

“I asked you how Monday after school works?”

“Monday? I think it’s fine.”

“Great. I’ll meet you at the library.” Ben heads to the steps and turns back. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Looking forward to what?” Axel says, coming out of Eli’s car. I didn’t notice them pull up. He doesn’t waste a second slipping into his role of fake boyfriend as he makes his way past Ben and up the steps to where I’m standing, placing a kiss on my cheek. I lock eyes with Axel and then dart them to Ben.

“Remember to bring a calculator and your textbook. Don’t be late.”

“I won’t. Axel.” Ben nods.

“Benji.” Axel nods back.

Ben stops to speak to Eli and I pull Axel into the house, dragging him to my bedroom.

“Sit,” I say, and he sits on the edge of my bed. I close the bedroom door and pull up my desk chair so we’re face-to-face. “Ben asked me to tutor him.”

“Isn’t he supposed to be a genius?” Axel asks, leaning back on his elbows.

“He’s been sick and he’s fallen behind. He also blamed Olivia for being a distraction. Now he’s completely lost in calculus and needs me!”

“Do you believe him?” Axel has one eyebrow raised and it’s clear he doesn’t.

“Does it matter? Our plan is working. He’s come to me when he could have gone to anyone else. And he’s paying me, which means I’ll have your money sooner than I thought.”

“Nice.” Axel leans fully back onto my bed, resting his head against his hands like he’s marking his territory or something. This is just like in my dream. Axel was in my room, acting like his cocky self, and then I tripped and landed on him, making us both fall into my bed and then…

“Jamie?”

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