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“Then why did you ask?”

I laughed and shook my head. Conversations with him were so confusing and weird, but I kind of loved them. “Back to my thing. My dad had a member of our security run a background check on you. I know, he’s a total psycho. I’m so sorry. But he forbade me from going to the dance with you.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, but screw him. I really want to go with you. Can we just meet at the dance instead of you picking me up? My dad will never know.”

“Look at you with the wild streak. I never would have guessed.”

I mean...he kinda should have guessed. I’d let him go to third in a dark kitchen in the middle of homecoming. “As if you didn’t know after what we’ve done with the lights off.”

He smiled. “I guess so. Speaking of which...” He leaned forward to kiss me.

I put my hand on his chest. “I don’t think you want to steal this first.”

“First...what?”

“First person I’ve dated to get beat up by my dad. His classroom is literally two doors down. He could walk out any minute.”

Leo chuckled. “Maybe you can give me another first then. At the dance.”

“I’m not having sex with you in a dark closet, Leo,” I said with a laugh.

“I didn’t know that was even an option. But now that you’ve said it, it’s all I can think about.”

I laughed. “You know that’s my only first left.”

“You are so fascinating.”

“And I’m not ready for that. We can stick to third base stuff only. You’re really good at that.” I felt my cheeks flush.

“I’m fine with that,” Leo said. “And I guess people talk.”

“About what?”

He gave me a weird look. “I’m confused.”

“You’re hilarious. But I really gotta get to class.” I took a step back, but he grabbed my wrist.

“Wait.” He laughed and shook his head. “Want to sit together at lunch?”

“My dad might come in to grab lunch. It’s better if we’re not seen together. Maybe we can meet up after school sometime or something though. I have a hole in my floor so I can sneak out easily.”

“You have a hole in your floor?”

“More of a trapdoor.”

“Seriously, where have you been all my life?”

I smiled. “Text me, okay? I actually can’t think of anything better than sneaking out.”

“But you haven’t given me your number.”

“You’re hilarious. Just use your burner phone. I gotta go.” I turned around and hurried toward Mr. Halifax’s room.

The last thing I wanted was for Mr. Halifax to give me detention today.

Right before I reached his door, the door to the photo development room opened. I kept walking, but then whoever had just opened the door grabbed me and pulled me in.