The Pandora Project by Heather A. Cowan Read Free Book Online Page A

fall a little bit harder.
    “Oh, Paige doesn’t mind, do you?”
    Again, before I can come up with a suitable retort, John answers for me, “I mind. And as a matter of fact, I am already busy Friday night. Paige and I have plans.” Yep, I love him. He smiles warmly at me and my heart actually stops before racing away.
    Ashlynn has never had reason to feel one way or another about me. I stay out of her way and because I pose no sort of social threat, she leaves me alone. I guess John being interested in me makes me a social threat. Her eyes narrow and for the first time she looks at me as something more than scenery. She laughs as if John wanting to do something with me is the funniest thing she has ever heard. “The ice princess doesn’t do anything with anyone besides Lexi,” she says as she again tries to put her hand on his arm.
    I inhale in shock, I didn’t know people think of me as cold. I always assume people think I am shy because of my condition, actually I just assumed no one thought of me at all. She isn’t done with me yet. She lowers her voice to a stage whisper and says, “We are all pretty sure she is a lesbian.”
    I feel my eyes fill with tears, not because I am sad, but because I am mad. “Well, Ashlynn, I hate to break your heart, but you can’t have her because she is mine.” And with that he grabs my hand and pulls me toward my car. I look back just in time to see Ashlynn’s hands clench into fists.
    The blood racing through my body exhilarates me and makes me slightly light headed. The combination shock of John claiming me as his, turning the tables on the most popular girl in school and holding my hand is enough to undo me. Holding my hand, and no one is bursting into flames! It’s too much for me and I can’t stop the tears from rolling down my cheeks.
    When we reach my car he finally turns to me, “Why are you crying?”
    “I really don’t know.” I wipe my tears away and try to smile, “I hope things do work out between us because you just sealed your fate at Painted Rock High.”
    He wipes an errant tear away, leaving a trail of heat across my already fiery cheek. “I’m really not worried about that.” He leans in close. I can’t believe I am going to let him kiss me. I am finally going to kiss someone! How do you do it? Lexi mentioned something about a circular motion…I am all prepared for what will surely be the best moment of my life to this point when I realize he is whispering quickly in my ear.
    “Please listen to me, we need to go somewhere we can talk. When we are done kissing, invite me over to your house.” He kisses me just below my ear which makes my stomach dance and sends chills all the way down my back and makes it impossible for me to process what is going on.
    I try to ask him but he covers my lips with his, “Please trust me, take me home,” he says while our lips are mashed together. I think our tongues connect as we are both trying to talk, but I am not sure. As far as first kisses go, I don’t know if this can count.
    He pulls away and I search for my keys. I can’t take him home! This is everything we have been preparing for; everything we have been dreading. As I pull open the door, he reaches again for my hand; this time I jerk back.
    “I’m sorry about that,” he tries to look sheepish. “I thought you wanted me to kiss you.” I can tell by the look in his eyes that he doesn’t want me saying anything about his whispered pleas.
    “It just wasn’t what I expected.” What did I expect, for anything in my life to be normal; for a great guy to actually like me? Good first kisses are saved for Beauty, not the Beast.
    “I was hoping you could show me around town, where do high school seniors hang out around here?” He is begging me with his eyes and trying to sound casual. This is exactly the kind of crap Dad is always warning me about. I will never live this down; if we survive it at all.
    “Ashlynn is probably better suited to show