The Kissing Deadline Read Online Free Page A

water glass
in a two-fingered clasp.
    “You need a new dress, hmm.” Dad drummed his
fingers on the table. “I might be getting a raise if things go well
with the new boss. He’s coming in this weekend to look at
houses.”
    Mom pushed Spencer’s elbows off the mahogany
table. “Is he someone you want to work for?”
    “Definitely. Great guy, nice family. In fact,
he's bringing his son with him. He's just Cassie's age.”
    Warning signs flashed through Cassie’s
brain.
    “How nice, maybe Cassie can show him around.”
Mom gave her a look laden with mom-guilt.
    “Uh…”Cassie didn’t want to hang with the
boss’s spoiled offspring. “No thanks.”
     
    * * *
     
    Cassie dropped her stuff in the back of
biology lab and walked up the middle aisle to Paige’s desk. Paige
wore a t-shirt that read Peace , and a camera strapped around
her neck. Her perfume smelled like daisies.
    “Hi, Paige,” Cassie said. “I want to sign
up.”
    Paige looked up from adjusting a lens. “For
what?”
    “The play.”
    “Oh,” Paige rotated a few more knobs, her
attention on the camera. “You have to be a sophomore.”
    “I am a sophomore.”
    “They’re being really strict about it.”
    “I’m in this class with you,” Cassie said. “I
am a sophomore.”
    “Oh.” Paige handed Cassie the signup sheet
with raised eyebrows. “Okay. Sorry, should have noticed you”
    Cassie scribbled her name on one of the top
lines, trying not to read any of the names ahead of hers. She’d
rather not know her competition.
    Paige eyed her Kiss Me I’m Irish t-shirt. “You know St. Patrick’s Day isn’t for a few weeks.”
    Cassie didn’t answer but her face burned as
she walked back to her chair. She’d never been so glad to sit in
the back row where no one could see her. She propped open her
Biology textbook and leaned into it, obscuring the slogan.
    Sierra beat Mike to their table and turned to
wave at Cassie. Her wave stilled and she pointed a finger at
Cassie’s textbook. Cassie lowered the barricade reluctantly. Next,
she pointed at the scrunchie. Cassie shook her head and resisted
the urge to release her ponytail. Taking her hair down now would
only result in ponytail head. Sierra wouldn’t want that either.
     
    * * *
     
    “Today’s assignment is like ice hockey. One
of you is the stick and one the puck.”
    Cassie stared at Coach Ameen. No one played
ice hockey in Texas. She hoped Brooke understood Coach. She snuck a
look at Brooke. Nope, no clue.
    Amber’s daily argument with Ryan interrupted
Cassie’s thoughts. Their fight was loud today, and Cassie hoped it
wasn’t about yesterday’s note. “You can heat the pool,” Amber
said.
    “No,” Ryan replied firmly. “My parents might
be home.”
    While they argued, Coach Ameen passed out
beakers and chemicals, and muttered sports-related words: off
sides, penalty box, and concussions.
    “How can you not know where they’ll be?”
Amber said. “Come on, a party will be fun. I have a new
swimsuit.”
    “No.”
    Coach Ameen reached the last row.
    “Coach Ameen, I think I should work with
Kristnaldo because I speak Italian. I can help him with the
instructions.” Amber’s that’ll teach you expression was
meant for Ryan. She raised her eyebrows, waiting for Ryan to
protest, but he only stared at her.
    Brooke whispered, “What a shock,
Amber-drama.”
    Coach went back to his desk. “Fine. Switch
partners with Lynn.”
    All gazes swung to Lynn, wondering how she
would take this change. Everyone knew she had a crush on her lab
partner, Kristnaldo.
    “Uh, Coach,” Lynn said, “You know I have to
sit in front or I can’t see.” Lynn’s attempt to stake her territory
impressed Cassie. It was a risky move to buck Amber.
    Heads swiveled to Coach.
    “Slide over then.” Coach waved at the other
front row table, the one by the windows. “Megan, move to the
back.”
    The three girls abandoned their seats, Lynn
with a furrowed brow, Megan with a grin, and Amber