Page 26 of Withered

“Take a picture. It will last longer,” I repeat his exact words, which make him chuckle, then add something that will most definitely piss him off. “Should I be talking to you? Last I rememberyou,” I point at him, “toldme,” I point at myself, “not to talk to you before you stormed off.”

It is difficult to concentrate on his face when my eyes keep dropping down to his chest.

He seems unaffected by my harsh remark. “Yeah, about that, I said that because you were too damndelightedto see me.”

His tone is laced with amusement, and his eyes twinkle with humor. I hate that he has this power over me. If his earlier words were not enough, he adds, “You should know better than to hurt a man’s ego, Rose.”

I honestly forgot what he just said. The only thing that caught my attention was my name and how it rolled off his tongue in that thick British accent of his. I’ve heard it before; why does it sound so different this time? I’m getting goosebumps just hearing my name.

“Yeah, whatever,” I say and proceed to close the curtains.

“Wait!” He stops me midway.

“What?” I reply with an irritated tone. I cannot have any more of this conversation because he brings out a different side of me. Something about him makes me something I’m not.

“You’re coming to the party, right?” He asks with no sign of humor or amusement in his tone.

“No. I won’t be going,” I tell him.

A small smirk grazes his lips. “Of course. I knew it.”

A dry laugh spills out of my mouth. “Really? How did you know?”

The smirk on his face widens. “Isn’t it obvious? A prude and a nerd like you would rather stay in than be out partying.”

Something about him saying this makes me angry instantly, and my grip on the curtain tightens. Just because I study a lot and wear glasses to keep my profile low, does that mean I’m a nerd and a prude?

I grit my teeth. “I am not. Thank you very much.”

“Oh yeah? Why don’t you prove it?” At this point, he is taunting me.

I know what he’s doing. He’s getting me all worked up to get a reaction out of me, and I won’t fall for his trick.

“What do you mean by proving it?” I ask about keeping a casual face.

He shrugs and says, “Prove that you’re not a nerd by coming to the party.”

“I’ll pass. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”

“See! This is what I’m talking about. Nerds don’t do parties, and you are one of them. Anyway, enjoy your night.” He chuckles and leaves.

Before I could blink, he was gone. His fleeing habit is more annoying than his words. Can’t this boy wait just a few more seconds?

Nerds don’t do parties, and you are one of them.His words echo in my head.

I groan and grab my phone from the table. I’ll probably regret this later, but this is what I want to do. I won’t let him win. Not this time.

I wake up from my nap feeling all fresh and relaxed. That silly conversation with Jake messed up my head. I quickly shower and search my closet for a dress. I cannot believe I agreed to go to that goddamn party, but what’s done is done.

I remove the cluster of clothes and pick up the red fabric at the back.This is it.It’s a simple red off-shoulder dress that Mom gave me on my birthday. Back then, it was a little loose and went to my knees, but now it reaches my mid-thigh.Perfect.

I text Kristy to tell her that I found a dress; otherwise, I wouldn’t be surprised if she shows up with a pile of clothes of her own and makes me try every single one of them. Not that I mind, but most of her dresses are way out of my league.

I check myself in the mirror after changing into it. The dress embraces my curves in all the right areas and fits perfectly. I comb my hair and leave it alone, only applying a little makeup to my face.

As I put on my heels, the doorbell rings, signaling Kristy’s arrival.

Grabbing my clutch, I run downstairs and stick a note on the fridge informing Mom that I am heading out.

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