AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A hint of her sneaky smile curves her lips. “No way. I don’t want to be the third wheel.”
“You wouldn’t be a third wheel.” I wish she’d change her mind but I don’t want to beg. Not that I don’t want to be alone with Dex, I just hate leaving Libby alone to go on a date. It’s not like me.
She’s sixteen. She can be alone for an afternoon. It’s okay.
I trusther. I don’t trust the rest of the world.
“Em, I’m fine. Honest.” She holds up her hands. “I have plenty of homework and television to keep me occupied. I won’t throw any wild parties.”
I roll my eyes. “I know you better than that, Libby.”
It still feels wrong to choose a date over my sister.
The doorbell chimes.
“I’ll get it.” Libby flashes a devilish grin.
“No way.” I rush past her, my socks sliding over the hardwood floors. Damn, my hiking sneakers better be in the hall closet.
Libby’s hot on my tail all the way down the stairs but throws herself onto the couch in the living room. With her back against the arm, she faces the front door with an evil little grin.
“Well, go on.” She sweeps her hand toward the entryway. “Don’t keep the man waiting.”
Gritting my teeth, I check to make sure it’s him, then practically twist the knob off in my eagerness to open the door.
And there he is. Casually standing on my porch with a small, white paper bag in one hand. Black jeans that fit perfectly and a tight, plain black T-shirt stretched over his chest under an unbuttoned fleece-lined, blue plaid, flannel shirt. No leather vest today. His serious expression melts into a warm smile as soon as our eyes meet.
“Hey, Emily,” he says in the deep, rumbling voice that turns my insides to lava.
“Hey,” I murmur, stepping back to let him inside. “Come in. I just need to find my shoes.”
With his free hand, he reaches out and curls his arm around my waist, drawing me closer. “Let me say hello properly, first.”
I open my mouth to answer but he presses his lips against mine, stealing my words and breath. Caught off guard, I rest my palm against his chest, almost falling against him.
“That’s better,” he says against my lips, pulling away slightly.
“Yes, that’s better,” I mimic, feeling like a cartoon character with love birds chirping and circling my head.
“A-hem.” Libby clears her throat—loudly.
Dex briefly closes his eyes, an amused smile flickering over his face. He tilts his head, staring past me. “Hey, Libby.”
“Hello, Dex. How do my sister’s tonsils taste?”
“Libby!” I whirl around, staring daggers at her.
Dex rumbles with laughter. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us today? I brought an SUV. There’s plenty of room.”
I can’t believe he’d still ask after her tonsils comment.
“No, I’m good.” She pats her laptop. “Full day.”
He holds up the white paper bag. “In that case, how about some study snacks?”
Libby sits up, eyebrows raised, eyes blazing with interest. “You have my attention.”
His free hand curls around mine and he drags me into the living room, stopping at the back of the couch to pass the bag to Libby. “Emily said you like fluffernutters. I saw these and had to get them for you.”
