Crushing on the Wrong Joshua by Sarah Adams Read Free Book Online Page A

well as a few other students.
    Giggles and chuckles sounded from her classmates, but Amber didn't join in. She locked her eyes to the blank side of her quiz and focused on breathing. Her cheeks were flushed and she wanted to run. Why did Mr. O'Bannon have to jump to assumptions and announce them to the rest of the class?
    The timer sounded and the class passed up their quizzes. Amber didn't look up at Mr. O'Bannon when he collected the quizzes from her row. She didn't look up at all until it was time to copy her homework assignment down. When the bell finally rang she darted from the room only to run into Tamara who was waiting outside of class for her.
    “What is wrong with you?” Tamara asked, helping Amber catch her balance.
    “Nothing, let's go,” Amber sighed, “Let's just get to drama!”
    “Okay,” Tamara squeaked, as Amber grabbed the crook of her arm and forced her to follow along.
    “O'Bannon is such a jerk!” Amber sighed when they entered the empty drama classroom.
    “Damn,” Tamara said shaking her head after Amber filled her in, “He really said that? What did the guy say? Was he smiling or…?
    “I don't know,” Amber said.
    “What? How do you not know?” Tamara asked.
    “I didn't look at him after that. I didn't look at anyone. I was too embarrassed, Tamara!” Amber said.
    “Shh!! Keep your voice down,” Tamara scolded, “It doesn't look bad on you at all. It looks bad on Mr. O'Bannon for being such an asshole.”
    “Please never say that around my dad,” Amber thought to herself.
    “I know. It's just, well, I acted like a total wet noodle. I mean I didn't even look up when Mr. O'Bannon was doing the lecture,” Amber sighed.
    “No, you'll be fine. If he doesn't mention it, don't bring it up either,” Tamara said.
    “Will that work?” Amber asked.
    “Usually does,” Tamara laughed.

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
    “Amber!” her dad shouted from downstairs.
    She forced her eyes open and looked at the clock.
    “It's only eight,” she muttered, shoving her head under the pillow.
    “Amber,” her dad said again. He was closer this time, maybe right outside the door, “Tamara's on the phone. She wants to know if you want to hang out today?”
    “No,” Amber said, “I want to sleep!”
    “I'll tell her you'll call her when you wake up,” her dad chuckled.
    Amber had been up late the night before reading the newest book in her favorite fantasy series. She rolled over and closed her eyes and waited for sleep to reclaim her. Twenty minutes later she groaned and forced herself from bed. She stumbled into the bathroom, silently cursing her bladder for being so demanding.
    “Breakfast?” her dad asked when she arrived in the kitchen.
    “Chocolate milk,” Amber muttered and sat down.
    “Sorry to wake you up, kiddo, I thought maybe you two had made plans or something,” her dad said pouring her a glass of milk and adding the chocolate syrup into it.
    “Not your fault,” Amber muttered, “Tamara knows not to call me before noon on a Saturday unless we have plans.”
    “I think she was just bored,” her dad laughed, “or trying to get out of a shopping trip with her mom.”
    “More likely wanted to drag me along,” Amber rolled her eyes, trying to blink away the morning fog that wouldn't release her brain.
    “Misery loves company, kiddo,” he chuckled.
    “Misery deserves to be alone,” Amber muttered and took a bite of the buttered toast that had appeared in front of her, “Thanks for the toast, Dad.”
    “Not a problem, kiddo,” he said, “I'm going to lunch with the guys today. Will you be okay here by yourself?”
    “No, I'm going to throw an epic house party,” Amber chuckled.
    “Are you going to invite Joshua Nelson?” he asked.
    “Maybe,” Amber rolled her eyes.
    Amber didn't call Tamara back on Saturday. She had forgiven her BFF for stealing her precious weekend sleep, but wasn't in the mood to chat. Amber spent most of the day lying in bed staring at