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“What exactly are we talking about here?” Leo asked. “If you’re asking if you’d like to repeat whatever just happened in the photo development room with me...”

“No.”

“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun. I’ll be your kiss thief if that’s what you want me to be, baby.”

RJ laughed at the expression on my face. “I think if he’s allowed to call you baby I’m allowed to call you baby doll.”

“Just...stop,” I said to Leo. “I can’t go to the dance with you. My dad forbade it.”

“We already talked about that...”

“I don’t hook up with lying convicts!”

Leo laughed. “I didn’t lie, baby.”

“Stop it,” I hissed.

“Why would I stop when I know you like it?”

I groaned. He really was just like RJ. What had I been thinking?!

“Is everything okay over here?” my dad said.

Oh no.

“Pumpkin, what are you wearing? And what is that smell?”

“There was...a toilet explosion. And I was just telling Leo I couldn’t go to the dance with him because he’s a convict.”

“Good,” my dad said. “About the dance thing. What is this about a toilet?”

I ignored him and turned back to Leo. “So...sorry,” I said. “I can’t go to the dance with you. Because of my dad. And that’s final.”

“Whatever you say.” Leo winked at me.

Why was he winking at me? I’d meant everything I’d just said! My dad was right. Leo was a very bad boy!

“Pumpkin, did you want to come eat lunch with me? I’ll call your mom and get her to bring a skirt for you.”

That actually sounded amazing. I turned back toward him.

And Sophie slapped her hand against the side of my neck.

“Sophie, what are you doing?” my dad asked.

I realized I’d probably exposed my hickey when I turned. I was so glad she’d been right behind me to cover it.

“It’s a new trend,” she said. “Choke your bestie at lunch and film it.” She put her other hand gently on my neck and lightly shook me. “Garg.” She laughed awkwardly, but kept her hands around my neck to hide my hickey.

“Right.” RJ pulled out his phone to take a video. “The hottest trend right now.”

My dad sighed. “Kids these days. Don’t hurt each other.”

“Of course not, Uncle James,” Sophie said.

“Okay. Well. I’m going to go grab some food. Thank you for your understanding, Leo.” He nodded at him. And then he squeezed my arm and walked away.

“You’re into some kinky stuff,” Leo said. “I like it. Meet me in the photo development room in twenty?”