Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 14285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 14285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 71(@200wpm)___ 57(@250wpm)___ 48(@300wpm)
“That one was hilarious. Shame on the jeans, though. Was it Levi’s?”
“For your information, it was 7 For All Mankind. It was also my favorite pair because it was hard finding the perfect jeans for someone with my ass and thighs.”
“What the hell does that mean? Your ass and thighs look perfect.”
Heather looks at me like I just sprouted wings. “My point is, I had to throw that in third period.”
“Damn. That’s an easy fix, you know. You could’ve soaked it in vinegar, then blotted—”
“That’s not the point!” Heather’s voice grows louder, and people from nearby tables turn to stare. Her cheeks turn as red as her lipstick, and she bows in apology. When she faces me again, she jabs a finger in front of my face. “Let’s not forget senior prom when you gave my date two hundred dollars to stand me up.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Guilty as charged but only because I bet on you showing up alone. I won a thousand dollars that night and gave the poor guy two hundred.”
“There’s so much to unpack with that confession, but we’ll get nowhere and I’ve just had enough of your presence.” Heather sighs. “You’ve made my life miserable since we were kids. There’s no way anyone would believe I suddenly fell in love with my bully and started dating you. Nobody would believe I like you enough to bring you home.”
Heather talking about falling in love with me makes my heart slam against my ribcage. Never mind she’s claiming no one will believe us. “I’m a good enough actor, Heather. I don’t know why you’re so against this brilliant plan. It’s a win-win for us.”
“No.”
“And we both know both your sister and your ex hate me.”
“Something we all have in common.”
“So what better way to rub it in their faces than showing up on my arm? Acting all lovey-dovey with the guy they abhor?”
This gives her pause, and finally, FINALLY, I get through to her. When she speaks, her voice doesn’t have the same vitriol as before and has a hint of uncertainty. “You have such a high opinion of yourself, I’m surprised your head hasn’t exploded yet.”
I raise a hand to the bartender. “I know, right? If I met me, I’d date myself.”
“Of course, you would,” Heather mumbles even though I can see the gears turning in her pretty head. She’s considering it, and that’s good enough for me. For now at least. “You have an ego the size of Texas.”
“I’d say Europe, but same same.” The bartender arrives, and I tell him, “A Manhattan for me, and for the lady…?” We both turn to Heather, who waves a hand to decline.
The bartender leaves, and I tap my fingers on the table. “So are we doing this?”
Heather raises her gaze, and it leaves a bad taste in my mouth to see doubt and worry etched on her features. “What’s the catch, Baron? Are you gonna lift my skirt in the middle of the dance floor? Pour a drink on me? I need to prepare myself for whatever craziness you’re planning.”
My heart sinks. I did this to her—made her hate me and question my every action. I deserve this, but that doesn’t hurt any less. “No craziness, Heather. I promise to be on my best behavior.”
A smile plays on her lips. “Your promise means shit. Baron Bishop and best behavior don’t even belong in the same sentence.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, I can send you a dick pic as insurance. If I act like an ass, you have my permission to send it to everyone on your contact list.”
She wrinkles her button nose. “That’s disgusting, and I’m pretty sure half the women in the city already have your dick pic.”
My hand flies to my chest in mock offense. “You offend my modesty, Heather. Take that back.”
For the first time since sitting down, tension leaves her shoulders, and she chuckles—a sound that my whole body responds to. “You wouldn’t know modesty if it hit you in the face.”
My shoulders shake as I laugh. “God, Heather. There’s never a dull moment with you. If you go with me to the party, I guarantee you’ll have the most unforgettable night of your life.”
She stands and smooths her dress. “In a good or bad way?”
My drink arrives, and I raise it to her in a toast. “In the best way.”
2
HEATHER
Baron Bishop has been the bane of my existence way before I understood what hatred was.
Everything I accused him of is true. He made my life miserable at school, but between him and Corinne, my twin sister, he was the lesser evil.
I know, deep in my bones, that I will regret agreeing to this crazy plan. Then again, what do I have to lose? Corinne took every opportunity to embarrass me, and this time was no exception. Even as kids, she liked to take everything that belonged to me. It didn’t matter if our parents gave us the same thing. She would find a way to leave me with nothing.