Fake Boyfriend - Kate Brian by Kate Brian Read Free Book Online Page A

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    Curtis pressed his teeth together and cocked his head to the side. His floppy hair fell adorably across his eyes, and he smoothed it out of the way. "Actually, I can't."

    Lane went hot with disappointment. "What do you mean?"

    "I totally forgot I promised the guys I'd play three on three today," Curtis said, gesturing over his shoulder. "If I don't stay, they've got uneven teams."

    "But what about the exam?" Lane said, feeling lame even saying it.

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    "We still have tomorrow to study," he said. "I can cram."

    Lane felt tears prickling behind her eyes, which made her feel like a total loser. And that just made her want to cry more. She'd been looking forward to this all day long. It was all she'd thought about. But clearly, Curtis didn't care about being with her one bit.

    "Oh. Okay," she said finally, putting her hair behind her ears.

    "Listen, I have a kind of huge favor to ask," he said.

    "What's up?" Lane asked. Maybe the favor at least involved spending some time with him at some point this week.

    "Can you ride my bike home for me?" Curtis asked, biting his lip winsomely. "Jeff's gonna drive me home later, and he just has his Mustang."

    Lane glanced at his mountain bike, which was lying in the dirt nearby. Getting it home wouldn't be a major deal, considering they lived right next door to each other, but it wasn't exactly romantic.

    "Lane?" Curtis prompted, bending a little to look her in the eyes.

    "Oh, uh, sure," she said.

    "I mean, unless you want to stick around and watch," Curtis suggested, grinning. "I could always use another cheerleader."

    For a split second, Lane considered it. If he wanted her to stay, maybe she should. But then she looked over his shoulder and saw that Kim Wolfe and a few other girls from her class were already kicked back in the bleachers, chatting on cell phones and half-watching the guys. It wasn't like it was a special invitation. Apparently, lots of girls were involved.

    52

    "Nah. That's okay," Lane said. "I should probably just go home and study."

    "Y ou're gonna make me feel guilty," Curtis joked. He knocked her shoulder with his fist, and she smiled. Even when she was upset, he could so easily make her smile. "So you'll take the bike?"

    "Y eah. Have fun," Lane said.

    "Thanks! I'll call ya later, okay?"

    "Y ep."

    Curtis turned and jogged toward the court, where the girls in the stands greeted him with hoots and hollers. Lane crouched down and lifted Curtis's bike out of the dirt. As she stood up, the handlebar dragged across the front of her blouse, leaving a big brown smear.

    "Perfect," Lane said under her breath as cheers erupted behind her. "Just perfect."

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    53 * * * * five * * * *

    Vivi walked into her room after track practice to find her brother already sitting at her computer.

    "God! Y scared the crap outta me," she said, throwing her bags down on the floor.

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    "Sorry. History paper," Marshall replied without looking up. Of course. That was her brother. He hadn't even changed after school--he was still wearing the ridiculously preppy polo shirt and khakis he'd worn that day. He'd probably come through the door, had a healthy snack of apples and water, and come right upstairs to work. How they were from the same gene pool, Vivi had no idea.

    "I can't wait until I get my new computer." Vivi threw her duffel bag onto her unmade bed and sat down to peel off her sneakers. "Then you can have this one and leave me alone."

    Marshall tipped his head back in frustration, and his blond bangs fell back from his forehead.

    54

    "Hey! Y hair isn't gelled into a helmet today," Vivi noticed. "What gives?"

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    Marshall's face grew blotchy, and it was clearly taking an effort for him to keep from looking at her. "Just . . . trying something new."

    Vivi stood up and leaned back against her desk next to him to check it out. "It looks nice."

    His blotchiness deepened. "Thanks."

    "So, is Isabelle online?" Vivi asked, gesturing at the