Page 17 of Rumor Has It

He holds his hands up in defense. “I come in peace. I was only pointing out the obvious.”

“Whatever, Reed. I’m late so I have to run.” I pull my arm free and hurry away from him.

He rushes to catch up with me. “I know he’s not taking you to prom.”

“You don’t have a clue and I’m not interested in anything you have to say.”

“So, you believed everything he told you?” He quirks his brow, stopping me dead. “You did. I’m sorry.”

I whirl around, pinning him with a glare. “Will you just say whatever it is you came to tell me?”

“He said he was going to ask you, knowing you’d decline, and he wouldn’t feel guilty about taking another girl.” He leans against the lockers.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I swallow hard against the rising bile, as worry rears its ugly head in fear of what’s about to happen to me.

He drops his head, shaking it. Dramatic much, asshole? “Ask Marla, and when she tells you the truth because Hatcher won’t, come find me.”

“Hang on.” I cover my mouth, pretending to vomit. “I’m okay. It’s funny, though.”

“What’s funny?” Looing up, he tilts his head with a boyish charm.

“Me … coming to find you. You’re delusional.”

He glances around as he steps close to me. “I’m crazy about you, Mackenzie.”

Now, I will admit Reed’s nice looking. He could honestly be Boone’s brother, with the way he wears his hair and dark eyes. But deep down, in the pit of my belly, there’s a violent war raging. I’m pretty sure I’m about to regret this day for the rest of my life.

“Ahhh, so that’s why you made sure no one was listening?” I smirk.

Reed stares at my lips before his eyes flicker to mine. “No, Mackenzie… I don’t care if they watch.”

“Just tell me what you want?” I fold my arms, putting a barrier between us.

“You.” His nostrils flare. “I want you, Mackenzie.”

I move toward the stairs, knowing I need a tardy slip but needing to get away from him. “I don’t understand this game, but I’m not playing.”

“Hatcher has led you on for so long, you don’t even realize how many guys want you.” The way he looks at me makes me uncomfortable. “See there, the smallest amount of appreciation and you’re ready to run.”

“Stop it, Reed.” I hold my hand up when he saunters toward me. “You will never be Boone.”

“Good, I don’t want to be.” His brows furrow. “And I have a feeling you’re glad I’m not.”

“Well, you’re right about one thing, I’m glad you’re not Boone.”

He stands on the step above me, making me lift my chin. “Come find me, Mackenzie.”

“Listen, I don’t have a clue why you’re messing with me, but I don’t believe anything you say about Boone. He would never betray me.”

His eyes roam my body as he bites his lip, releasing it slowly. “Haven’t you been told to never say never?”

“Haven’t you ever been told no?”

The corner of his lip quivers, a smile playing beneath. “Actually, no, and you won’t be the first.”

“Aren’t you Boone’s friend? Oh, obviously not.” I leer.

He half shrugs. “Aren’t you supposed to be? So why wouldn’t I want to go out with you on a date, since you two are only friends?”