Never Ever Read Online Free

few self-defense moves in her back pocket, and pepper spray in her purse. Wylie wasn’t afraid to gouge someone’s eyes out if left with no other choice.
    â€œYou seem older.”
    â€œSo do you. What do you know? We already have something in common.”
    â€œHold that thought,” Wylie said.
    She hurried over to Vanessa. “Hot guy and I are gonna get some food. Text me in two hours if I’m not back.”
    â€œNicely done,” Vanessa said. “Be safe.”
    Wylie turned back toward Phinn, but he was waiting by the stairwell, as though he already knew she was coming with him.

    SHE ASSUMED HE’D HAVE A FAVORITE THAI PLACE IN the area or a quaint little wine bar; this was the last spot in the world Wylie had expected him to take her. The lights were far too bright and the restaurant was nearly empty, apart from a few homeless people. She was probably five or six years old the last time she’d eaten here. These days, even when she was out late and starving, she opted to go home and whip up a grilled cheese sandwich instead of heading to their neighborhood McDonald’s. But apparently, the boy with the auburn hair who went by the name of Phinn had a weakness for fast food.
    She sat at a booth, composing a text to her friends that the weirdo from the party had taken her on a hot date to Mickey D’s, but before she could hit Send, he returned with five happy meals and a goofy smile on his face. Wylie’s decision to quit drinking was turning out to be a big mistake tonight. She wasn’t sure how long she could sit across from him, completely sober, under the fluorescent lights of a fast-food franchise.
    â€œI hope you’re hungry,” Phinn said, still grinning. He opened up each happy meal and carefully placed containers of Chicken McNuggets, sweet-and-sour sauce, and French fries and several cheeseburgers on the table. The smell ofthe food took Wylie back to simpler times, but she wouldn’t allow herself to give way to her hunger. They’d watched a documentary about the meat industry in science class a couple years before, and she was still traumatized by it. Phinn, on the other hand, had no qualms about indulging in greasy food and clearly wasn’t shy about eating in front of strangers. Sloppy eating would normally be a turn-off for Wylie, but on a guy this handsome, the loud chewing and the ketchup dripping from his mouth was oddly humanizing, and felt like a sign that he was comfortable around her.
    â€œAre you nervous?” he asked, talking with his mouth full.
    â€œNo,” Wylie lied. “Why?”
    â€œYou’re fidgeting.”
    Wylie quickly sat on her hands, hoping it would help her keep still.
    â€œAnd you’re not eating.” He said it less like an accusation and more like an observation. Wylie tried to respond without sounding judgmental.
    â€œI’m not really into fast food,” she answered.
    â€œI know it’s not healthy. But you have to admit, it tastes pretty damn good.”
    Phinn picked up a chicken nugget, dipped it into the sweet-and-sour sauce, and waved it an inch from her face.
    â€œCome on, take a little bite. You know you want to,” he said flirtatiously.
    â€œReally, I’m okay.”
    â€œYou’re totally grossed out right now, aren’t you? I don’t eat this way all the time. They don’t have McDonald’s where I’m from, so I try to get it every time I’m in the city. It’s kind of a tradition.”
    Wylie stared at him, confused.
    â€œWhere could you possibly live that doesn’t have a McDonald’s? They’re everywhere.”
    â€œI’m from a very small town.” Phinn brought the chicken nugget even closer to her lips. “Come on, one bite. Please. It would mean a lot to me,” he teased.
    Wylie opened her mouth and let him feed her. He was right: it tasted delicious. The bite reminded her brain and her belly that the