Fearless by Abby Brooks (best books for 8th graders .txt) 📗

After making sure the coast was clear, I crept downstairs like the stealthiest ninja that ever ninja’d. Morgan, on the other hand, took them at a full gallop. I resumed my perch on Alex’s couch, humming “Tainted Love” as the kitten bumped his head against my hand, visions of perfect butts dancing in my head.

Chapter Fifteen

Alex

I heard Evie let herself into the house as I started the shower, so Morgan singing in the hallway surprised me. No way that dog would be upstairs when someone with perfectly good hands willing and able to scratch his ears waited downstairs. When I cracked open the door and she crouch-ran around the corner, I knew exactly what was going on. I saw her half-naked. She wanted to even the score. I didn’t blame her.

But I couldn’t let her off easy, now could I?

Where would the fun be in that?

I’d seen a boob, so she could ogle my butt cheeks. Seemed a fair enough trade. I strutted down that hallway like I belonged on a billboard, smiling to myself when a tiny, feminine gasp of approval floated along behind me. Under normal circumstances, I’d throw on whatever caught my eye before heading out, but with Evie waiting downstairs, I took a little extra time.

Favorite jeans? Check.

Black T-shirt that hugged my chest and arms? Check.

Fleece jacket that complimented my hair? Check.

Aware I sounded like the type of self-absorbed jackass I detest with the heat of a thousand suns? Check.

Grateful as hell no one could hear my inner monologue as I proceeded anyway? Double check, bolded and underlined, though the grin on Evie’s lips and the blush to her cheeks when I came downstairs made it all worth it.

“Don’t you look nice.” She lifted Larry off her lap and set him on the couch before standing. “Are you sure we’re not on a date? I mean, I think I see hair gel, Prescott.”

I gave her the onceover, then sniffed. “Is that perfume I’m getting?” I wafted the air towards my nose. “I’m pretty sure I’m getting a hint of perfume for this definitely-not-a-date.”

“I mean, maybe I just wanted to avoid smelling like a tequila factory after last night.”

“Sure.” I put a hand on the small of her back and started towards the door. “And maybe I used hair gel because I’m fussy about my appearance.”

If the name of the game was showing Evie my rut, the first stop would be Izzy’s candy shop. When we arrived, the sign in the window read “Closed,” but I pushed through the unlocked doors like I belonged—kind of like I’d done with Evie’s house earlier. I didn’t like the parallel but consoled myself knowing it would be the last time I used the key Ruth gave me.

The bells jangled with our entrance and I added my voice to the mix. “Izzy Prescott! Your brother has arrived, and he requires feeding!”

My darling sister swept out of the back, the annoyance on her face fading when she saw who I had in tow. “I’m all out of genius nuggets,” she said with a smirk for me and a smile for Evie, “but aren’t you two the cutest couple ever? I’m honored you chose to share your first date with me.” Izzy batted her eyelashes and grinned.

After what happened with Candace, dating was off my radar, especially with me being so far behind with work. I folded my elbows on the counter and leaned forward, trying to telepathically remind my sister Prescott men were terrible with relationships. “My new employee has taken on the monumental task of breaking through my writer’s block.”

“My boss informed me this was part of my job description approximately one hour ago.” Evie’s emphasis on the word “boss” was almost as heavy as mine on “employee.”

Izzy eyed us, her gaze calculating the perfect six feet of “not interested” between the two of us. “I see.”

Evie folded her hands behind her and shifted her weight, nodding emphatically. “The first step in my highly scientific approach is getting Alex to show me his butt…I mean rut!” Her eyes nearly exploded, and she covered her mouth with her hand. “His rut. I need him to show me his rut, so we know what to avoid. You know, switch up the energy and see what it unlocks.”

Score one for Prescott.

At least I’d made the right impression by strutting naked back to my bedroom.

Maybe, while I got myself off thinking about her crooked tank top and perfect ass, she’d be pleasuring herself to the memory of my naked backside.

Izzy snorted. “Genius nuggets. Drinks with Austin, Jude, and Jack…if he can find a sitter. Dinner at Overton’s. Walks with Morgan.” She held up a finger with each item, then gave them a wiggle. “There. I just saved you hours of boredom.” Her focus darted over my shoulder and she waved at the window. I turned in time to see Greta Macmillan cupping her fingers to the glass and groaned.

“You two are so busted,” Izzy said with a laugh. “The whole town’ll know you’re dating in the time it takes Greta to post to Facebook.”

“We’re not dating.” Evie and I spoke together, stepping away from each other as if more space between us would cement the fact that we were, indeed, just friends.

Izzy whipped out her phone, grinning as her fingers danced over the screen. “Not according to Greta Macmillan’s Facebook page.” She held out the device to show us a picture of me, leaning on the counter of Sweet Stuff, laughing at my sister’s joke while staring at Evie with something hotter than friendship.

I took the phone and enlarged the photo. “How did she post that so fast?”

Izzy shook her head. “The woman is a social savant. If only she could channel her powers for good.”

Once we were sure Greta had moved on, Evie and I stepped out of the shop into a crisp evening. She shivered as a breeze lifted her hair off her neck and I offered