My Boyfriends' Dogs by Dandi Daley Mackall Read Free Book Online Page A

“Is he real, Bailey?”
    I nodded. “I’ll walk you to the corner.”
    â€œBye, Mrs. Daley of Ukulele,” he called over his shoulder as we walked arm in arm, Adam tagging along behind us.
    â€œI’ll take you up on that refinishing offer!” Mom shouted after us.
    â€œShe’s great,” Went observed.
    â€œAll the Daley women are.”
    At the corner, Went stopped and turned to me, his green eyes intense. I knew it was time for him to go. It was only for the night. We’d see each other in school the next day. But I didn’t want him to leave.
    Adam sat down behind me. “I have a feeling you’ll have to carry Adam home.” I picked up the little dog, kissed his head, and held him out to Went.
    Instead of taking Adam from me, Went didn’t move. I pressed the dog to Went’s chest and smiled up at him. “Here you go.”
    â€œNo,” Went said softly, “here you go.” He placed his hands on my shoulders and leaned down, Adam smushed between us.
    And he kissed me.
    The kiss couldn’t have lasted more than a second, but I could still feel his lips when he took Adam from me and stepped back. “See you tomorrow, Bailey Daley of Ukulele Lane.” He turned and ran, with Adam tucked under one arm like a football.
    I watched until I couldn’t see even the shadow of Went Smith. As I floated back down the street, I was shouting on the inside:
    I am sixteen, with extraordinarily large breasts, a fantastic bod, and hair to die for.
    I am sixteen, with extraordinarily large breasts, a fantastic bod, and hair to die for.
    I am sixteen, with extraordinarily large breasts, a fantastic bod, and hair to die for.
    And for the first time in my life, it felt true.

7
    I got to school early the next day and waited outside for Went. Amber arrived, looking amazing in a pink-patterned top and orange cargos, tied together with this funky orange-and-pink belt. She waited with me for a few minutes. “Maybe he’s not coming.”
    I shook my head hard, discarding that outrageous impossibility. “He promised he’d see me at school. Went wouldn’t break a promise.”
    Amber frowned. “You did hear yourself, right?”
    I glared up at her. She didn’t understand because she didn’t have a boyfriend. “Maybe he’s already inside.”
    We walked to our lockers, and there was Went, talking to Carly by her locker. Carly gave me a prom-queen wave.
    Went turned around, beaming. “Bailey! Morning.” He came over to my locker. I messed up my combination because I couldn’t think with him standing over me, his breath on my neck. “How’s your mom?” he asked.
    â€œGood,” I answered. “Your dad?” I hated being so formal. It was as if the day before had never happened, as if I hadn’t crossed the line, as if there had been no kiss. Carly was calling him. I jerked open my locker, and three books fell out. Before I could get them, Went picked them up. I held out my hands, but he wouldn’t give me my books until I looked at him. “Save me a seat at lunch?” His green eyes were soft and deep.
    I nodded.
    He handed over my books, and the bell rang.
    I watched him walk up the hall with Carly. He stopped and said something to Meagan. He exchanged greetings with the Marlowe twins, gorgeous freshmen who could have passed for juniors.
    â€œCome on,” Amber said. “We’re going to be late.”
    We were in our back-row seats before either of us spoke again. “You know,” I began, trying to be reasonable, “it’s not Went’s fault if Carly flirts with him.”
    â€œThat depends,” Amber said.
    â€œOn what?” I snapped.
    Amber’s eyes grew big. She and I never argued about anything except music. “Never mind.”
    Â 
    I didn’t see Went until lunch, when he was friendly and wonderful to both Amber and me. We’d all