Page 91 of Fall Fake-Out

“Hmm. I’ll have to think about it.” I tap my chin. “Anything I want?”

“Anything, but only if you promise not to tell anyone.”

“They’ll have to beet it out of me.”

“Wade!” She slaps my shoulder.

But my mind’s going wild with ideas, and she can probably see it written across my face.

“Within reason, Wade,” she warns. “Within reason.”

“Okay, okay.”

But I think I’m starting to realize that nothing is reasonable when it comes to how I feel about Ari.

And that’s probably what freaks me out the most.

Ari

My phone buzzes while I'm standing at the copy machine, printing off assignments for later today.

Wade

What time’s the field trip today?

Ari

What?

His response comes immediately.

Wade

The library one.

The one you got approved for your seniors.

Ari

Ten.

Wade

Perfect. I’ll meet you out front at ten.

I frown at the screen.

Ari

Why?

Wade

Because I’m coming. You’re walking thirty teenagers across town. I figured you could use another adult.

My stomach does something deeply annoying, but I refuse to stay in this reaction. I immediately squash it because I can’t be confusing my feelings right now.

He probably just wants to come because Ashtyn will be there.