4 Waxing & Waning Read Online Free Page B

“You really suck.”
    The girl slammed the lid down over the piano keys, casting a dark look in our direction. “Well, I guess I suck.”
    “Admitting it is the first step to recovery,” Kelsey said.
    The sound of laughter drew my attention to the opposite end of the porch, where a striking man with black hair was watching our antics.
    “You find this funny?” I asked.
    The man took a step forward. His hair was long on top and shorter underneath, and his skin was still glowing from his summer tan. He reminded me of a soap-opera actor for some reason. “I do.”
    “Well, she sucks,” Kelsey said, scowling. “She must be tone deaf or something.”
    “I’ll have you know, I took four years of piano when I was in middle school,” the girl said.
    “Your parents should seriously ask about getting their money back,” Kelsey shot back.
    The girl huffed, pushing her way past us as she stormed into the house. When she was gone, only the three of us remained on the porch.
    “I’m Matt.”
    “I’m Zoe,” I said. “This is Kelsey.”
    “Well, other than hating great music, how are you finding your evening?”
    I narrowed my eyes. That was a weird way to phrase a question – especially that question. “Warm.”
    “It’s still summer,” Matt agreed. “It’s nice. We should enjoy it before it gets cold.”
    Kelsey smiled. “I agree. Tell her to stop with the ugly looks on her face.”
    “I don’t think her face could ever be ugly,” Matt said, clearly trying to be charming.
    His attempt was in vain. “I know what you’re trying to do,” I said. “I’m not really interested.”
    “And what am I trying to do?”
    “Well, I would assume it is some variation on separating me from my panties,” I said bluntly.
    Matt shrugged. “I would be lying if I said that idea didn’t … interest me.”
    “Well, I’m telling you the truth when I tell you that it isn’t going to happen,” I replied.
    “And why is that? Do you have a boyfriend?”
    “No,” I said, shaking my head. “That doesn’t mean I’m interested in you.”
    “You could be.”
    “No, she couldn’t.”
    I froze when I heard the voice. W here had he come from? I shifted, my gaze falling on Rafael. He was standing at the bottom of the porch stairs, and he didn’t look happy.
    “What are you doing here?” I asked.
    “Looking for you.”
    “How did you even find me?”
    Rafael ignored the question, his eyes never leaving Matt’s face. “She’s not an option for you.”
    Matt appeared relaxed as he leaned against the railing of the porch, but something had shifted in his demeanor. “I didn’t realize she was claimed.”
    Claimed?
    “Well, she is,” Rafael said. “If you come near her again, I’ll snap your neck.”
    I glanced around, hoping against hope that someone hadn’t heard his threat. “What are you doing?” I hissed.
    Rafael never moved his eyes from Matt. “He’s not what you think he is.”
    Oh, great, another monster. “And what is he?”
    “He’s like me.”
    I frowned, looking Matt up and down. What is it with tan vampires? That should be outlawed. “Ugh.”
    “Ugh?” Matt mocked me. “You seem to like him.”
    “He’s not you,” I said.
    “No,” Matt agreed. “He thinks he’s above us.”
    “Maybe he is,” I said, moving down the stairs. I’d had enough of partying for one night – or maybe forever. Partying never went well for me. You’d think I would learn.
    I tugged on Rafael’s arm, trying to drag him down the sidewalk. “Let’s just go.”
    He ignored me.
    I shook my head, utter contempt for every man on the campus running through my mind. That’s when things got worse.
    “You’re breaking up with me?” Mark was backing away from Paris.
    I shifted my attention to them. “Oh, well, great. It wouldn’t be a true party night at Covenant College without a heart getting broken.”
    “I’m sorry,” Paris said. “It’s not you. It’s me.”
    “Oh, that’s what everyone