Stealing Time Read Online Free Page A

her. For a second, she kissed
him back almost like a reflex. Coming to her senses, like in the
dream, Kate pushed him away. He wasn’t Drew. This was Tyson being
Tyson.
    “What do you think you’re doing?” Tears
filled her eyes as she struggled for control.
    “Showing how much I love you. I’ll never get
another chance before we go our separate ways.” He stepped toward
her, and Kate took another step back.
    “No! Don’t start this again. I thought we had
things settled. We’re friends.”
    “Yes, we’re friends.” Ty wrapped her in a
bear hug and kissed the top of her head. “Friends...for now. One
day, you’ll come to your senses.”
    He let her go and headed back to the dance.
She stood motionless, trying to regain her composure. The last few
months had been just a scam so he could lure her into his trap.
Kate hoped she wouldn’t always be that naïve.
    As she made her way back to the ballroom,
Kate decided she would keep what happened to herself. It would just
cause friction in the group, and tonight wasn’t about that. Kate
noticed Tyson dancing with Erin when she arrived at the table.
    “Good, you’re back.” Drew took her hand.
“Dance?”
    “I’d like to go home.”
    “We still have a half hour. Don’t you want to
stay?”
    Kate struggled with the answer but knew it
would seem odd if they left early. “You’re right. What was I
thinking? I’m just a little tired.”
    “Then we’ll sit here and enjoy the music.”
Drew kissed her hand as his eyes met hers. “Is there something
wrong? I see it in your eyes.” Kate shook her head. “Kate.” Drew
stood up. “Tyson did something, didn’t he?”
    “Tyson always does something, doesn’t he?”
She tried to laugh it off like she was making a joke.
    “If he did...”
    “Drew, no. He didn’t.” Kate turned her head
and felt the tears welling in her eyes again. She couldn’t tell him
that the real Tyson emerged tonight, and she had no idea what he
would do next.
     

 
    Chapter
Three
     
    Senior year seemed to fly by, and Kate had no
idea where the days went. She stood at her bedroom window, gazing
out at the backyard on a sunny June day. The lilacs, a reminder of
Drew’s mother and their wedding, were in full bloom, proudly
showing off their dark purple and lavender colors. The pool was
open in time for her graduation party, its waters sparkling in the
morning sun. Hard to believe she and her friends recently
graduated, and their June parties started.
    Her family and Drew were invited to Tyson’s
party and attended with no problems. It was like nothing ever
happened between the families. Kate was determined to make it work
and raise no suspicions. Her plan was to get through the summer and
finally put some distance between Tyson and her. Strangely enough,
Ty went back to friend mode after the dance, never referencing
their conversation or kiss.
    Tyson’s mom, Mrs. Gray, went a little
overboard making them feel welcome at his party, but other than
that, Kate felt comfortable at their house. It was such a familiar
place, a place where she grew up. She knew where the remotes were
and what cupboard contained the snacks. The couch in the family
room was still the same, a little worn from all the jumping they
were allowed to do when they were younger.
    Mrs. Gray was very tolerant of bad behavior
and most of the time let Tyson have his way. He was an only child,
too, and sometimes Kate was jealous of how he got to do anything he
wanted. He never wanted for toys or money and always wore the
latest fashion. Maybe that’s what helped him land his summer job as
a model. He always knew what was popular and in style plus he was
tall, blonde and good-looking.
    Kate turned away from the window and decided
to get ready for her party—actually hers and Drew’s. They decided
to have a combination party because they knew the same people. Kate
went over the guest list in her head. Lindsey, Jordyn and their
families, the Grays and her mom’s