Infinite (Strange and Beautiful, Book 1) by Brittney Musick Read Free Book Online

dyed, but the messy, shaggy
I-don’t-feel-like-getting-a-hair-cut way he wore his hair made me almost
certain this guy could not possibly care less about styling, let alone dying,
his hair.
    Though his head was tilted down, I could still see his high
cheekbones and, what I had heard described in books many times over as a,
chiseled jaw. Even without seeing his face full on, I knew he was hot, and I
was suddenly thankful for his apparent study of his black Chuck Taylor’s,
because I felt my face grow hot as I realized I’d been staring at him.
    By Skylar’s standards that was probably considered bothersome. I
was torn between whether or not I should be polite and say hello or simply get
my book and flee. I was sure Skylar would prefer the latter, but it would
probably make me look even more freakish and incredibly rude, so as I strode
across the room and over to the magazine rack, I pasted a smile on my face and
said, “Hello.”
    He jumped slightly, as if he hadn’t realized I was there, but he
covered it up quickly as he straightened in his seat, displaying a long torso
as well as an illustration of a Nintendo game cartridge with the words “Blow
Me” underneath on the front of his shirt. I bit back an amused smile.
    “Hey,” he replied, as his eyes, an odd combination of browns,
greens and flecks of gold, flickered down to my hands. Then his full, pink
mouth spread into what could only be described as a breathtaking smile. “Is
that The Perks of Being a Wallflower ?”
    Like an idiot, I looked down at the book. It wasn’t as if I
really needed to check. I knew it was, but I was surprised he knew the book. I
looked back up and nodded.
    “It’s a good book,” he commented.
    “I know,” I replied. Then I wanted to open my mouth and insert
my foot. I know? What kind of answer was that? Now it sounded like I was
trying to be a smart aleck. I felt my face grow hot again and I tried not to
grimace at myself. I hated when Mom made those kinds of faces. She always
looked like she was constipated, and the last thing I wanted was for this hot
guy to think I needed to, but couldn’t, poop.
    I took a deep breath and tried to redeem myself. “I mean, it is
a good book. I’ve read it a lot of times. It’s one of my favorites.”
    The guy smiled, taking my breath away yet again. “Then I guess I
didn’t need to tell you it was good,” he replied. “I’m Jackson, by the way.”
    “I’m Silly,” I said without thinking.
    The confused look that crossed Jackson’s face made me realize he
probably thought I was saying, “I’m silly.” With a name like mine,
introductions could be awkward, so I quickly clarified, “It’s short for
Cecilia.”
    “Oh,” he nodded. “Nice to meet you.”
    “You too,” I replied just as Skylar entered the room, carrying a
glass in each hand, with Scott trailing behind her, nursing his own drink.
    “Hey Silly,” Scott said.
    “Hi,” I replied as Skylar looked me over before turning to
Jackson and handing him a drink.
    “I hope my sister wasn’t bothering you,” she commented as she
sat down on the loveseat next to Scott.
    Jackson shook his head. “Nah, not at all. Actually, I was
probably the one bothering her.”
    “Oh.” Skylar seemed surprised by that statement, but her eyes
landed on me, and they held a hint of annoyance—probably because Jackson hadn’t
given her a reason to bitch at me later, but she shrugged, as if to say, “Well,
okay then,” as she snuggled up to Scott.
    I rolled my eyes as I backed out of the living room without
another word. I felt sincerely sorry for Jackson if he had to sit there and
watch my sister and Scott cuddle.
    I hated public displays of affection. I mean, handholding and a
peck or two on the lips wasn’t so bad, but getting all cuddly in front of
people like that just seemed rude. I thought it was especially wrong to do it
in front of your family. Of course, there was worse. Seeing a tongue down my
sister’s throat or my