Page 18 of Fall Fake-Out

The glint in his eye lights up his entire expression. “You’re a cute loser, if that helps.”

I bite back a smile, trying to stop the stupid pitter-patter in my heart. “It might help a little.”

“Stevie!” Ashtyn Ellis runs over to where we’re standing at the fence, causing Wade to jump back.

I must be getting old, because when I wore a tiny cheer uniform, it seemed completely harmless, but when Ashtyn wears it, I feel like I need to find a blanket to cover her up.

“Did you see me blow a kiss to you?” She bounces around in front of us with a huge smile aimed right at Wade.

He looks between us nervously. “I…uh…I must’ve missed it.”

She tilts her head flirtatiously. “Well, you have to be watching me to see it.”

“I’m here to watch the game, which is exactly what you should be doing.”

“But it’s more fun if I watch you.”

My mouth falls open as my eyes narrow into accusatory daggers, pointed at Wade.

He panics, grabbing me by the shoulders, physically moving me in front of him like a blockade. “Don’t you have Miss Langford for English?”

Ashtyn’s excitement drops as soon as she’s forced to look at me. “Yeah.”

“Miss Langford used to be a cheerleader at Autumn Ridge. Isn’t that cool?” Wade’s eyes beg me to talk, but I’m still trying to process everything I’ve just witnessed.

“Oh.” Ashtyn’s clearly unimpressed and steps to the side to see Wade better. She reaches for his arm, and he flinches back, pushing me to the side so she ends up touching me instead of his bicep.

“Uh, the game’s starting.” He points to the expiring clock. “You'd better get back.”

She smiles at him one last time—the kind of smile that has trouble written all over it. “Don’t be a stranger after the game, okay?” There’s a glare in my direction before she runs back to her squad.

I turn around, slapping Wade on the shoulder with every word I say. “What in the Mary Kay Letourneau is going on here?”

“Mary Kay, who?”

“Google it!” I keep hitting his shoulder.

“Hey! Hey!” His hands go up, trying to block my slaps. “It’s not what you think. Nothing is going on. She’s eighteen!”

My expression darkens, and my slaps get harder. “Wade. Byron. Stevenson.” I’m shocked I still remember his middle name.

“Okay, saying she’s eighteen sounded bad.” He grabs my wrists to stop the hits. “But there’s nothing inappropriate going on between Ashtyn and me.”

“But you want there to be,” I snap.

“No! Gross! Is that who you think I am?”

“You tell me, ‘Stevie.’” I say it in the exact same, sultry way Ashtyn did.

“You know what? I’m offended.”

“You’re offended? I’m considering walking over to Officer Roy and turning you in for an improper relationship between a student and a teacher. By the end of the night, you’ll be facing fifteen to twenty.”

His palms go up in innocence. “I know it looks bad, but it’s not my fault. Ever since school started, Ashtyn’s been targeting me. I’m trying to maintain boundaries, but she’s aggressive.”

“Maintain boundaries! Wade, you’re the adult in this situation. Call a meeting with her and her parents, and tell them this behavior is inappropriate and needs to stop.”

“Yes, I’ve thought about doing that, but have you met her mom?”