Something Witchy This Way Comes by Veronica Blade Read Free Book Online Page B

big word. And why would I know about any parties your friends throw?” Hayden had to be losing it if he thought I’d know when went on with his crowd or that I’d want anything to do with them.
     “I figured someone must have told you. But now that you know, do you want to go?”
    “I have no desire to crash her party.” I flipped the page in the textbook, wondering how I’d allowed him to take us so far off our studies.
    “It’s not crashing if you’ve been invited.” He grinned.
    Maybe Hayden only had so much room in his pretty little head and smartening him up had caused an overload, making other vital data go poof. “Where am I going to get an invite? Do they sell them at the local Quick Mart?” I smirked.
    He laughed, his eyes fixed on mine. “I’m inviting you. I’m your in.”
    My mouth dropped open. “Who said I wanted an in?”
    “Don’t you want to see how the other half lives?”
    “Not interested.” I returned my focus to the textbook.
    “A little curious?” He leaned forward but I didn’t look at him. “You can bring a friend.”
    “You’re not thinking this through, Hayden. In what alternate universe would Christina want me at her party?” Being with a bunch of superficial social climbers didn’t sound like my idea of fun anyway. I wondered what was in it for Hayden to have me there. But his mental images eluded me for the moment. What was he thinking?
    “I’ll pick you up and we can drive over together. You’d be safer,” he said as though my objections meant little.
    I didn’t have to wait long to see his thoughts. A flash of us making out assaulted me. Not just kissing — he was lifting me up on a table, my legs wrapped around his hips. My stomach came alive with giant agitated butterflies.
    It wasn’t as if I was all revved up to get married or anything. But the idea of finding a nice guy now who would want that someday didn’t sound horrible. Hayden was not that guy, nor did he want to be that guy. No matter how well he behaved or how hot he was, I could never ever let myself give into the temptation. No matter how powerful his pull on me.
    He’d drawn me in when he kept his promise and watched over me. He wasn’t all bad — but bad enough that maintaining my distance was crucial. “Safer with you ?” I asked. “Are you kidding?”
    Hayden lifted one shoulder. “I thought since we’re studying together, things might be easier on you if everyone thinks I’m interested in more than a hit and ditch.”
    “You mean easier for you .” Because he’d get to act out his fantasies. If I hadn’t seen the inner workings of his mind, I might’ve bought that he was only thinking of me. Of course, just because he wanted to do things didn’t mean he’d do them. Maybe he’d behave like a saint at the party and my hesitation would’ve been for nothing. But satisfying that question would probably land me in trouble.
    “I don’t think hanging out is a good idea. I have plans anyway.” Plans to stay the hell away from him.
    He shrugged. “Think about it. I’ll let her know you might be coming.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
    Hayden
     
    From my car, I watched Tessa drive safely through the school gate and onto the street. A moment later, a silver sedan left the curb and followed. Some days a red Porsche tailed her, other days a black Hummer. I always wondered who sat behind the tinted glass. Good guys or bad?
    Something wasn’t right about that whole thing but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Mr. Linton came on the scene and suddenly Tessa was mysteriously in danger. Coincidence? And I doubted Agent Phillips was really FBI. I had a feeling that when Tessa left the school grounds, she was as safe as a turkey before Thanksgiving.
    I didn’t know where the attack would come from — possibly the agent… or our principal? Or was there someone else I needed to watch for? At least between tutoring, the Halloween party and teaching her how