“Thank you for helping my sister,” he says.I lean forward, mimicking his position. “I’m happy to.”Calliope leans out her window. “STOP FLIRTING AND GET BACK TO WORK.”

“I’m sorry I can’t do more. But happy birthday, Sadie.” He leaned forward and kissed me on the lips.”

“There’s an us?”“As far as I’m concerned…” He leaned forward, his mouth inches from mine, and my pulse spiked. “There’s nothing but us.”

“Breckin shrugs. “I’m new here. And if you haven’t deducted from my impeccable fashion sense, I think it’s safe to say that I’m…” he leans forward and cups his hand to his mouth in secrecy. “Mormon,” he whispers.”

“When would you like to go out with me so we can talk about it?" A grin flirts with his lips.He's got her cornered.And he knows it.Janie chuckles, defeated. "You are such a bastard.""When," he demands. "I promise, all my heart, I'll be your house elf for the rest of my life if I fail to meet you at the appointed date and time." He leans forward. "Promise," he says again. He holds up two fingers.The bell rings.They stand up.She's not answering.He comes around the table toward her and pushes her gently against the wall. Sinks his lips into hers. He tastes like spearmint. She can't stop the flipping in her stomach.He pulls back and touches her cheek, her hair. "When," he whispers. UrgentlyShe clears her throat and blinks. "A-a-after school works for me," she says.”

“In three long strides, Chris was leaning into me, pressing my back up against the building His palms flattened against mine, our fingers interlocking above my head. "Let me uncomplicate things for you." He closed his eyes, leaned his head forward, and pressed his lips against mine.”