Beyond (BOOK 1.5) by Melissa Pearl Read Free Book Online Page A

he needs.
    And I love him.
    The words whistle through my brain. They're so clear and sure; I can't miss them.
    I close my eyes and lightly thump my head against the wall. Bad idea. I rub my temples, willing the familiar headache away. I guess I'm just going to have to see the mayor on my own.
    Checking my watch, I try to calculate how much time I have left before the end of lunch. I could try skipping out again, and if I miss 6 th period, that's no big deal. I could still make it back in time for Dale to take me to physio. I poke out my tongue, hating the idea of physio. I'm so over it. The only good thing about going four times a week is that Dale now works out beside me, presenting me with a decent display of eye candy. I'd be all over him at the end of each session if my body wasn't so wasted from forcing my knee back to its former self.
    My phone dings and I quickly read Dale's message. It's sweet and concerned as per usual, making me smile. But a frown soon appears as I rub my thumb over the locked screen. I slip it into the side pocket of my bag, deciding to reply later when I've thought of something comical to say. Right now, I'm feeling too frustrated.
    I pull in a breath and start off down the hallway. If I am going to get to the mayor's office today, I need to get moving. I start playing with different ways of telling the mayor my story, hating each one. This is going to suck!
    "Nicky, wait."
    Adam's quiet words scuttle down the hallway after me.
    I slowly spin back to face him. His bag is over his shoulder. He's clutching it nervously, tapping his index finger on the shoulder strap.
    I don't say anything, just wait for him to catch up with me. It doesn't take long with his tall strides. He peers down at me, his forehead scrunched with worry.
    "Okay, I'll come."
    My mouth drops open. "You'll come? To talk to your dad?"
    Adam shakes his head. He almost looks as if he's in physical pain. His eyes are so filled with anguish. "No," he whispers. "I'll come with you to talk to the mayor."
    "Are you—I mean, are you sure?"
    He swallows and looks away from me, studying some speck on the wall for a second. His finger is still tapping. The rhythm is steady, but not soothing. He looks like a jittery mess.
    "Yeah, Nicky. I'm sure."
    He sounds anything but. I decide not to let this bother me and turn towards a side door that will lead us to the student parking lot.
     
    We don't say anything as we drive out of the school. I don't know if anyone spotted us. I hope they didn't. I can just imagine the crap storm that would result if word spread that Nicole Tepper was seen getting into Adam Hutton's car. Dale would have a conniption if he knew. He's a pretty forgiving guy, but he makes sure to keep me as far from Adam as he can. He still doesn't trust him.
    I peek a glance at Adam as he turns onto Big Bear Boulevard and starts heading for City Hall. His knuckles are white, his jaw clenched tight.
    "You know, they probably won't let us just waltz into his office."
    "I know." Adam's voice is thin.
    "Do you think you'll lose your nerve if we have to make an appointment or something?"
    "I'm not leaving 'til I tell him." The words only just make it out through his gritted teeth.
    I look out the window, slightly bug eyed. What the hell have I started?
    This is good, right? I mean Adam should have 'fessed up six months ago when this all went down. I'm not being mean by forcing him to do this. I'm not technically forcing him to do it, am I?
    Oh Nicky, shut the hell up! Just think about Dale.
    I force images of the world's best human into my brain, playing with a memory from last weekend when we went for a really flat, gentle hike through the forest near the back of my place. He's determined not to let me fear the environment I nearly died in, so he has been coaxing me to walk amongst the trees. Last weekend was great. My gimpy leg made it further than it ever had without hurting and during our "rest" break, I was thoroughly rewarded on the