Why did that jackass have to sit next to me?
It was almost funny, really. Such a strong reaction to a bunch of shirtless guys.
That just proves there’s something going on with you and Mr. Jackass.
A lot of people would kill for my life, but I didn’t even consider that. I took it – and you – for granted. I’m so, so sorry for that.
And there was no way I could talk about it with Dad. Our version of “the talk” had been him clearing his throat awkwardly for about ten minutes straight as he attempted to explain to me the importance of condoms. I was fourteen, and, needless to say, it was an experience I never wanted to relive.
He sleeps with everything that moves, and his brain is located in his pants – which means it’s microscopic.
I’d skipped the crush kiddie pool and jumped right into the deep, shark-infested ocean of emotions. And, if you’ll forgive the dramatic metaphor, I was a lousy swimmer.
Wesley Rush doesn’t chase girls, but I’m chasing you.
While I’m sure this is going to be a fascinating story,′ I interrupted. ‘I don’t care. I’m having a major parental crisis that sort of outshines your little tantrum, and frankly it seems like my dad agrees with you. I have a party to get ready for, can we do this later?
God really must have had a sense of humor, because if I had to name my biggest turn-on, it was literature. And he had just recommended a book that I didn’t know, that wasn’t taught in school. If I were single, there would be no better pick-up line.
The more my world spun, the more appealing he became. Don’t get me wrong, I still hated him with a passion. His arrogance made me want to scream, but his ability to free me – if only temporarily – from my problems left me high. He was my drug.
I was the Duff. And that was a good thing. Because anyone who didn’t feel like the Duff must not have friends. Every girl feels unattractive sometimes. Why had it taken me so long to figure that out? Why had I been stressing over that dumb word for so long when it was so simple? I should be proud to be the Duff. Proud to have great friends who, in their minds, were my Duffs.
I wasn’t trying to drive you crazy, just to get your attention,” he said. “Lissa, I never tried to use you. Everything that happened between us-I meant it. Including that kiss in the library. I tried to tell you the other day at my house. That this”-he held up our entwined hands-“is more than just a game to me. But...
The thing that really got me, though, was that no one, not even Jake Gaither, had ever called me sexy. Wesley was the first. And the truth was, being with him made me feel attractive. The way he touched me. The way he kissed me. I could tell his body wanted me. OK, OK. So it was Wesley. His body wanted everyone. But still. It was a feeling I hadn’t experienced in... well, I’d never experienced it. It was exciting and empowering.
All of a sudden I wanted to know how the book ended.
Just remember to do what makes you happy, okay? Don’t lie to yourself because you think it’s safer. Reality doesn’t work like that.
Don’t keep things bottled up. It’s not good for you.
Functionality is overrated.
But, Bianca?” He winced and rubbed his jaw. “Next time tell him he should feel free to write a strongly worded letter first. Hell of an arm on that kid.” – Bianca’s father.
Sometimes people surprise you, if you let them.