I’m trailing off. The point is that a light is turned on, and I can see a smirk on his face.
“What are you even doing here so soon? You’re not supposed to be here until Monday.” I was planning on stopping there, but it’s bigger than me. “I wasn’t aware prick season started earlier this year.”
I know I’m being an ass and an idiot, but with West, I have to keep myself at, not even arm’s length, butmoon to Saturn length. I have to push him away so he doesn’t even try tocome close to my perfectly curated stone-cold wall protecting my mushy and fragile heart. Because as much as I’d like to deny it, if Jake West wanted and I meanreallywanted to win me over, he a 100% would. I mean, the guy could charm Professor Snape if it came down to it, so who am I to resist all his attractiveness? I’m not blind, but as long as looks are all he has, we’re good. As soon as we come near deep conversation territory… Goodbye self-respect,hello pathetic Madelaine.
Whatever, let’s just also add that it’s also payback for a countless number of stupid and childish pranks I can’t even begin to explain.
“Oh yeah, it started right when you got here.” He flashes me his most ironic, self-satisfied, stupid smile, and I scrunch my nose at him, trying to stop myself from flashing him my finger for the second time in the span of 48 hours.
“Urgh, just get a room already.” Allison complains beside me.
“It’s too early for your aggressive flirting, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Riden pats his best friend’s shoulder.
After the silence settles, the boys just continue on the balcony, not removing themselves and letting us do what we need to do.
“Humm, do you mind?”
“Not at all, just waiting for the next song. If you show me your dance moves, I can show you mine.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes, returning to the laundry at hand.
Allison turns to me with a sly smile and then turns to the boys.
“Come help us.” She instructs, and they shrug.
As soon as they’re out of sight, I smack her arm.
“Ow!” She rubs the spot, and I glare at her. “This is for your own good, Madelaine, youwillthank me later.”
After a minute, the small wooden ancient door that connects my garden to his opens, and the boys greet us with smiles.
I should smile. Be nice.
No, no. That’s flying too close to the sun.
I focus, folding a sheet in what I’m sure is the wrong way. I huff and, like a sniffing hound dog, West senses my despair and teleports to my side.
“Need help with that?”
I almost say yes, but something about his crossed arms and raised eyebrow in amusement makes me be stupid and stubborn.
“Nope, I’m good.”
“I see. You know, as much as I’d like to see you curse at that sheet with the same passion you curse at me, I can’t just stand here and watch you willingly torture it like that.” He covers his mouth, his face nearly breaking.
I know he’s trying to hold back his laughter because, honestly, who wouldn’t? I’m not sure I’ve seen a sheet so badly mistreated by a human folding it.
“I’m fine. And there is absolutely nothing in this world that I would curse at harder than you.”
It seems I just struggle even more. Okay, this is personal now.I’m coming for you, sheet.
“Let me just-” He tries to help me, grabbing the end of the sheet, and I eye him, but nonetheless don’t push him away.
“This one gives you hell. You have to grab that end.” He starts giving me directions as if I’m helping, but it’s all his work. I stand there, slightly thrown off by Westhelpingme and knowing how to fold this sheet sent from hell.
How is that hot?How can it be hot?
As soon as he stops, I take it from his hands, not liking my reaction to him.
“Thanks.” His eyes widen, as he has never heard anything kind coming from my mouth directed at him. But of course, I have to be an asshole. “Who knew you could do a basic task?”
