Girl vs. Boy Band by Harmony Jones Read Free Book Online Page B

was time for her absolute favorite part of the day.

    When Lark had first enrolled at school, she’d been placed in the standard music appreciation course, but it had quickly become clear that she could easily be teaching such a class. When she’d refused to join concert choir or chorus instead, her advisor had suggested a special independent study in songwriting. Lark had been delighted by the opportunity; now three times a week she got to enjoy fifty-five private, uninterrupted minutes in the school’s rehearsal room, strumming away on a guitar and composing original lyrics . . . all for class credit!
    The rehearsal space was only a short walk from the cafeteria, and Lark always had to resist the urge to run there. Today she was especially eager to start writing; seeing Teddy Reese with Alessandra had filled her with envy, and she knew from experience how that could translate into moody lyrics fueled by genuine middle-school angst. But when she turned the corner toward the music room, she stopped dead.
    Leaning against the door of her assigned rehearsal space—looking way too adorable for his own good—was Teddy Reese.
    Lark wondered if she was having some weird reaction to the cafeteria food that was causing her to hallucinate.
    No. Teddy Reese really was standing there, propped casually against the music room door. And from the way he was smiling, it was pretty clear he’d been waiting for her.
    It was all Lark could do to keep from turning and bolting back the way she’d come.
    â€œHey,” said Teddy.
    â€œUh . . . hey.”
    â€œYou’re Lark Campbell, right?”
    Lark nodded.
    â€œI’m Teddy Reese.”
    She managed to stop herself before blurting out an enthusiastic,
I know! Believe me, I know!
“Hi.”
    â€œI was wondering if I could ask you a favor,” said Teddy.
    Anything. Anything at all. Just name it.
“Sure.”
    â€œWell, I take private voice lessons from Mr. Saunders after school some days.”
    â€œReally? From the choir teacher? Um, I mean, that sounds fun.”
    So Teddy Reese was a singer! If he’d been attractive before, he was downright irresistible now. Lark’s heart swelled to think that she and this amazing boy actually had something in common.
    â€œSo . . . have you heard about the talent show?”
    Lark nodded.
    â€œCool. See, I’m hoping to sing in it. Not sure what song yet, but I’m definitely going to sign up.” He crooked a grin at her. “Mr. Saunders mentioned that you’re an awesome guitarist and I was wondering if you were planning to perform in the show.”
    â€œNo.” Lark shook her head emphatically. “I don’t think I can risk another head injury.” The moment she said it, she wanted to kick herself. “Uh, I mean . . . I wasn’t planning on it.”
    â€œThat’s too bad.” When Teddy pushed away from the door and took a step toward her, Lark bit back a gasp. “Is there any way I could get you to consider it?” he asked.
    For a second Lark was afraid this might be some kind of cruel joke, but Teddy’s eyes seemed too kind for that. “W-what are you asking, exactly?”
    Teddy’s grin broadened into a smile. “I really like your accent. Where are you from?”
    â€œJust outside Nashville,” said Lark. “Tennessee,” she added.
    â€œYeah.” Teddy laughed. “I know where Nashville is.”
    â€œOh, right. Of course. Sorry.” Lark wanted to melt into the floor and disappear. Had she really just pointed out the location of one of the most famous cities in America? Now he probably thought she was some kind of idiot.
    â€œAnyway,” Teddy continued, “I was thinking maybe you could play backup for me in the show. Nothing too complicated, although from what Saunders says, I’m sure you could handle it. But I was just hoping for a little