Page 30 of Say Yes to the Nemesis
“Yeah, yeah. So you keep saying. But here you are.”
I heave a sigh. “I’m not one of your groupies. I’m not even dating material, okay?”
Because I’m not. I’m awkward and too smart and not hot in the way people want. No one has ever picked me. Not really. So why would he?
“Oh yeah? So you’re just waiting for some dream boyfriend to appear out of thin air?”
“I’m waiting for the right person. Someone who respects me. My first boyfriend. My first… everything. And unless you’re volunteering to be a respectful soulmate—which you’re not—I suggest you back off.”
My voice cracks on the word. I wish it didn’t. But there’s a part of me that meant it. That wants it. That wants him to be different, even when I know better.
He tilts his head. “I’m not the right person.”
“Good. Because you’re not even in the running. If you were the last man on earth, the human race would die out before I slept with you.”
“You say that a lot. But you keep showing up when I text.” He smirks at me.
Yeah.Because I’m an idiot.And because some small, masochistic part of me likes pretending I’m important to you, even if it’s just for five minutes in the dark.
“Because you’re manipulative. And I don’t trust you not to blow up my time here by dredging up our past. Whatever this… thing is.”
“There’s a difference between hating me and fantasizing about me.”
“You’re inescapable. That’s not the same as fantasizing.”
“Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”
“There are plenty of women here who want your attention. Just let me exist until the producers send me home. That’s it.”
He cocks his head.
“You do realize we will probably have to kiss at some point?”
My face flames. “What? No we won’t.”
“Yes, we will. This is a dating show. That’s what people do when they’re trying to figure out if they’re compatible.” He squints at me. “Maybe you’ve never done that.”
“I’m not talking to you about this,” I grit out.
“What’s a matter, Chirp? Never kissed anyone before?”
“I’ve kissed people. Jesus. What is this, middle school?”
“I’m not sure that you have.”
“I have,” I growl. “You sure are interested for someone that absolutely shouldn’t touch me lest you risk Jay killing you.”
His smile slides through me like a superheated knife.
“Relax, Wren. You’re Jay’s little sister. You’re innocent. Off-limits.”
“Off-limits,” I repeat.
He shrugs. “Yeah. And I’ve got self-control.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“Believe it or not, I’m doing you a favor.”
