AllFreeNovel Stories worth discovering

Under Rusted Stars

Page 14

by Emily Klepp

“Kate is making me.”

“Did she mention they want the prom King and Queen to come up?” Bodhi asks.

“Cool. So don’t wear a dress with a zipper,” I say, and he laughs. “Is this a trick?”

“No, I think Kate might be up to something, though,” he laughs. “It was her idea.”

“Oh, Lord,” I laugh.

“Are you going to go to court alone?”

“Hell… I don’t know,” I say. “Kate and Luke will get themselves put in jail. So will my parents. I might have to.”

“I can go with you,” he says. “I won’t even need bail money.”

“Do you want to or do you feel like you owe me?” I ask.

“No, I want to,” he says. “You’re a female. I can win you over with food.”

“That is a fair assumption,” I say with a smile.

“Don’t answer or decide right now. Think about it, and if you want someone to go with you, just ask,” he says.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because asking me takes effort that you will only put in if you truly want it and don’t feel obligated because I offered,” he says. “Waiting ensures you actually think about it.”

“Where did that boy go who used to pull my hair and call me names?” I ask with a smile.

“He grew up and learned how to respect women,” Bodhi says, matching my smile. “What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?”

“What do you think my favorite is?” I challenge him.

“Hmm…” he says, looking me over. “Vanilla.”

“Rude!” I gasp. “I am not a vanilla girl!”

“No?” Bodhi asks with a playful smile. My face instantly turns red, and I cover my cheeks, making him laugh heartily. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone, Liv.”

“You just love teasing me. That’s what it is,” I say.

“Tease you? I thought we were talking about ice cream, ma’am.”

“You are a menace, Bodhi!” I declare and playfully push his shoulder, making him grin. “I’m not very picky, but I do prefer savory over sweet.”

“Got it,” he says, still smiling. “I’ll think of something.”

“For what?” I ask.

“Winning you over with food, of course,” he says. I yawn so hard that my eyes water, and he chuckles. “Tired?”

“Yeah. I’ve not gotten a lot of rest lately,” I say. “Knowing he is on house arrest definitely helps.”

“Have you eaten?” he asks.

“Not since the diner,” I laugh.

“Liv, humans have to eat. You know this, right?” he asks.