He gave me a wry grin. “I hit a nerve.”
“You know, I thought you were a badass when I first laid eyes on you. I was wrong.” My voice rose. “You’re a dick like the rest of the men on this planet.”
Surprise, surprise. Thirty pairs of eyes, including the teacher’s, were now staring at me.
“Ms. Smith.” Mr. Salvatore’s tone was icy. “I suggest you watch your language, and not another word for the rest of the class. This is your final warning.”
He didn’t need to say “or else.” I knew the next step was heigh-ho, heigh-ho, off to the principal’s office I would go. At my last school, I’d lived in the principal’s office, mostly for mouthing off. Physical fights weren’t my thing. Then again, many students over the years had been afraid of me. Some girl I’d befriended once told me it was my confidence. Maybe so. Or maybe it was my height. I was about five foot eight, slender, big boobs, with a face that got the attention of a modeling agent, if that said anything about my beauty.
As pathetic as it sounds, I was saved by the bell.
Students pounded out of the classroom as though they were headed for a Black Friday sale. Funk You pushed to his feet, watching me the whole time.
“You got a name?” I asked. “It’s not fair you know mine.”
His thick lips split into an amazing smile that practically knocked me out of my chair. “Train Everly.”
I thought about asking him why his parents had named him Train, but I had my own issues with my name. Besides, his name was super cool.
I rose, trying to shake off the aftereffects of the explosion that had rocked my body from the minute I laid eyes on him. Then I began yelling in my head.Guys never affect me the way this dude does.
“Well, Hannah Montana. We have beach parties. We don’t dance. We do drink. And if you don’t like music, then you’re not welcome at our parties.”
I clenched my fist as I headed for the door, wanting desperately to go all Muhammad Ali on him even though he had me soaked to my core, but Mr. Salvatore held up his hand when I reached his desk.
I puffed out air as I frowned at Mr. Salvatore. “I know. My mouth. I talk too much. I have to pay attention. And if I don’t, you’ll send me packing.”
Pressing his lips into a thin line, he smoothed his fingers over his mustache. “I give students two chances. You’ve used one today.”
Yippee.I loved rules… not.
I saluted him like a sailor, thanks in part to a military dude who dated my mother. Oh yeah, I had a closet full of male stereotypes that I’d learned a habit or two from. That was how many men my mom had dated.
I dashed out and ran smack into Small Bladder Girl.
Her big brown eyes danced with excitement. “Hi. I’m Elvira. You’re new here.”
I nodded. “Well, Elvira, do you have to pee again?”
She was swaying back and forth as she held her backpack. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry about your head. It looks like it hurts.”
“Nah. I’ll live.” My gaze traveled down the hallway as though imaginary hands had guided my head that way. Train was talking, or more like arguing, with Brad Pitt’s twin.Yum.
Elvira tracked my line of sight. “Which one? Train or my cousin, Austin?”
“Do all the boys in this school look like they belong in Hollywood?”
Elvira busted out laughing.
“I’m Montana, by the way, and don’t you dare make a reference to that Miley Cyrus show.”
She snorted. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I hate when people start singing that Elvira song. My mom loved the Oak Ridge Boys, so I’m stuck with the aftermath of her desires.”
It was my turn to snort. “My mom decided to name me after the state I was born in.”
“It seems we’ll get along just fine, then. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Austin, and you can call Train a dick again. Austin will love to hear that.”
“I’m not so sure Train will,” I said more to myself than to her.
