THEPRACTICEBOYFRIEND

CHRISTINABENJAMIN

CROWNATLANTICPUBLISHING

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Anyreferencestohistoricalevents,realpeople,orreallocalesareusedfictitiously.
Othernames,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductoftheauthor’simagination,andanyresemblance

toactualeventsorlocalesorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyany

means,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise,withoutwrittenpermissionofthe

publisher.

Allrightsreserved.

PublishedintheUnitedStatesbyCrownAtlanticPublishing

Version1.1

January2017

ToalltheboysI’velovedbefore.

he ping of her online chat window startled Hannah Stark from her studies. She

quicklymutedherlaptopandpulleduptheconversation—rollinghereyeswhenshe
sawwhoitwasfrom.

techE:HeyIthoughtyouwereatschool???
Str8-A:Iam.Stalkmuch?
techE:Justwonderingwhatmylittlegeniusisdoingonline.
Str8-A:Research.Theinternetisawondrousthing.Youshouldcheckitout.
techE:Internet’sgotnothingonme.Butforreal,what’sup?Youditchingclass?
Str8-A:No.IfyoumustknowI’minthelibraryworkingonmygradspeech,butit’s
hopeless.NothingIwriteisremotelyrelatable.
techE:Whatdoyourfriendssay?
Str8-A:Ihavenofriends,remember?
techE:Whydon’tyoudosomethingaboutthat???
Str8-A:Yeahinthe4weeksofschoolleft?
techE:It’snevertoolatetostart.Youcandoanythingyousetyourmindto.
Str8-A:Thanksforthepeptalk,Dad.Nowscram.You’remakingmelooklame.

ANNAH

SCANNED

the stuffy library of her overly priced prep school. Luckily no one

seemed to notice she’d been chatting online with her dad. But that was the problem,
wasn’t it? No one ever noticed her. Case in point—why she had no friends and had
spentthefirsthalfofherlunchperiodchattingwithhertech-geekdadwhoroutinely
hacked her computer to check for viruses. Basically he was spying on her. But he
couldn’thelpit.Itwassortofhisjobbeinginthebizandall.

Hannah stretched her stiff muscles before deleting another perfectly good

graduation speech. There was one month of school left and she was already done—
coasting on autopilot. She was first in her class, graduating with honors and her
associate degree. The last thing she had to do was write the speech she’d give as the

classvaledictorian.Butforsomereasonthattaskeludedher.

The more YouTube videos she watched of glossy-eyed seniors giving stellar

speechesthatendedinaneruptionofapplausethemoreHannahrealizedshe’dfinally
foundsomethingthatheracademicmindcouldn’tsolve.Thelegendaryvaledictorians
thathadgonebeforeherallhadsomethingHannahdidn’t—alife!

Shegroanedandmassagedhertemplesinfrustrationbeforeopeningablankword

document.Sheneverhadtroublewriting.Itwasherspecialty.Evennow,sheknewher
writing wasn’t really the problem. The problem was that she couldn’t make herself
believeanythingshewrote.Shecouldn’trelatetoherclassmates.Sheneverhad,andit
seemed absurd that suddenly they’d want to hear anything she might have to say
regardingfondmemoriesandbrightfutures.Shedidn’tmakeanywiththem.

Sadly, Hannah hadn’t really made any memories in high school at all—outside of

hereducation,ofcourse.Butnoonewantedtohearabouthermathmedalsorwriting
awards. They didn’t care that she was the youngest student to ever be accepted into
Brown’sbusinessschool.Theydidn’tcarethatshe’dbeenofferedfullridescholarships
to play tennis at six schools. They wanted to be reminded of the good times they’d
shared and how their bonds formed at Stanton Prep had molded them into strong
individualsreadytotakeontheworld.Buthowcouldshesayallthosethingswhenshe
didn’tbelievethemherself?

Shefeltlikealiartalkingaboutcarefreemomentsandwildmemoriesthatledtothe

precipice of their brave new future. Her classmates all knew she was a fraud on that
front.She’dnevergottentoknowthem.She’dbeenafraidtoletthemlooktoodeep.

ThemoreHannahtriedtoforceherselftocomeupwithsomethingtosay,themore

anxiousshefelt.Howhadsheletherentirehighschoolcareerpassherby?Thatwasjust
it.Shelookedathighschoolasacareer.She’dforgottentobeateenager,tofallinlove,
get her heart broken, forge friendships, share adventures, make poor choices, then
learnfromthem,cherishingthosebondsandmemoriesforever.

The tightness in Hannah’s throat told her tears were coming. This was it. She’d

finallylost.SchoolhadalwaysbeenacompetitiontoHannah.Havingthebestgrades,
thehighesttestscores,anundefeatedtennistitle,themostacceptanceletters,beating
everyoneoutforthecovetedvaledictoriantitle.She’ddoneitall.Buttheentiretime,
shewasalwayslookingoverhershoulder,waitingforsomeoneorsomethingtobest
herandsnatchawayherperfectrecord.Thefactthatitwassomethingassimpleasnot
indulgingheradolescencethatwasherundoingmadeHannah’sbloodboil.

Her father’s encouraging words replayed in her mind. Maybe it wasn’t too late to

start.Shemadeuphermind.Therewasnowayshewasgoingtolosenow.She’dgiven
upallthosefoolishteenageexperiencessoshecouldbethebest.Howwasitfairthat
what she’d given up to achieve perfection now made her feel like she was somehow
incomplete?

Hannah straightened her spine and slammed her laptop shut. She took a deep

breath. She would not let this stupid speech unnerve her. There was no reason she
couldn’t have it all. Who said she couldn’t be studious and popular? She would resort
backtohertriedandtruetechniquesforsuccess—studyingandpractice.

Howhardcoulditbetofitin?Tobeanaverageteenager?She’dnevertried,butshe

hadfourweekstocraminanentirehighschoolsociallife.Hannah’sfatherwasright.If

anyonecouldachieveit,Hannahknewitwouldbeher.Shewasdeterminedandwhen
shesethermindonagoal,shealwaysachievedit.

tep1:Immersion

Hannahreasonedshejustneededtoimmerseherselfintoaclique,studythemand

thenjoinin.Maybeshecouldevenhandleadifferentcliqueeachweek?Shescanned
thequaddecidingwheretostart.Itwaslunchthisperiodandthelushgreengroundsof
StantonPrepweredottedwithclustersofstudentsenjoyingthethawedspringweather.
There were the jocks, freaks, geeks, flunkies, and of course, on the bridge that
overlookedthecampus,weretheGoldens.

TheGoldenswerethepopularkids.SomeoneatStantonPrepcoinedthetermlong

ago,donningallthetrustfundbrats,socialites,andcelebrityoffspringastheproverbial
golden children. Born with more than a silver spoon in their mouth, these social
climbersmadetherulesatStanton.

Everyone wanted to be, date, or kill one of the Goldens. Knowing exactly where

they’dbeatthishour,Hannahzeroedinonthem.Theyalwaysheldcourtonthebridge
atlunch.Everyonepassedunderiteachdaytoenterandexittheircampus,givingthe
Goldenstheperfectviewoftheirkingdom.

Hannahheardlaughtercomingfromwhatherfellowclassmatessnidelyreferredto

as the Golden Gate Bridge. She gazed studiously at the bright clothing and shiny hair
pepperingthestonebridge.That’swhereshewouldfocus.TheGoldenswouldbeher
Everest.Ifshecouldcrackthemshecouldgainaccesstoanycliqueintheschool.

Gameon.

TEP

2:Recon

Hannahpickedupherbaggedlunchandmovedclosertothebridge,settlingdirectly

belowaclusterofthreegorgeousseniorgirls.SavannahHuxley,MadisonCarmichael
and Blakely Anderson. They were all yammering on excitedly about something.
HannahsilentlychewedherPB&Jlisteningintently.

“Madi...really?IthinkyoucandobetterthanVeraWang,”Blakelyscoffed.
“What’swrongwithVera?”
“Nothingifyoudon’tmindlookingoutdated.”
Madison’sperfectlyglossedlipspartedinshock.“Veraisclassic!”
“Yeah,classiclastyearmaybe.”

Savannahpipedup.“She’sright,Madi.YouworeVeralastyear.”
“Butshe’saclosefriendofDaddy’s.Ifeelbadwearingsomeoneelse.”
“ThisisthelastCohlball.It’stheculminationofourhighschoolreign.Ourdresses

needtobeperfection,”Savannahadded.“Thisishowwewillberemembered.”

Harrison Cohl’s masked ball! That was it. That was Hannah’s ticket to high school

socialsuccess.HarrisonCohlwasoneoftheGoldens.Okay,moreliketheGolden.His
parents, Alastair and Evelyn Cohl, were powerful politicians. They’d divorced over an
alleged affair when he was a child but still worked together, each holding power
positions in Boston’s governing party. The Cohl’s practically owned the state—a title
theirsonswerehappytotout.Andwithapoliticalsafetynetlikethat,theCohlboysgot
awaywitheverything.Includingthrowinghedonisticpartiesfullofunderagedrinking,
sexanddebauchery.

The Cohl boys were legends at Stanton Prep. They basically built the Golden

dynasty.Andtheirfamouscrownjewel? Their not-so-secret, secret masked balls. They
were held at a different location every year at the end of the semester. And you
couldn’tgainaccessunlessyouweregivenacovetedkey.OfcourseHannahhadnever
been invited. She was pretty certain that the Goldens didn’t even know she existed.
HarrisonCohlcertainlydidn’t.HewastheyoungestofthefiveCohlboysandhewould
begraduatingwithHannahinafewweeks.Butnotbeforethrowingonelastlegendary
party.

If Hannah could get an invite to the ball she would have no trouble making wild,

carefreememorieswithherclassmates.Shereinedinherexcitementandfocusedback
onthebickeringgirls.

“I’m going to be photographed more than a Kardashian when I show up on

Harrison’sarm,”Blakelymussed.

“NotifIbeatyoutohim!”Savannahsneered.
“Ohplease,likeeitherofyouhaveachance?”
“Andyoudo,Madi?”
“I didn’t say I did. But you know Harrison always goes dateless so he can play his

games. It’s half the fun of wearing a mask. Never knowing who’s with who . . . the
allureofbeddingastranger...it’sallsoromantic,”Madisonsighed.

“Oh god, Madi, give it a rest. It’s not like you’re going to meet prince charming.

Besides,everyoneknowsyou’vesleptwiththewholeseniorclassbynowsonoonewill
benewtoyou,”Blakelyretorted.

Savannahlaughed,butMadisonjustsmiled.“IguessI’mjustahopelessromantic.

Andhowelseisaprincesstofindherprincewithouttryingthemall?”

Thethreegirlslaughed.
“Butseriously,Ihopethere’llbesomenewbloodatthisball,”Blakelywhined.
“Wellweknowwhowon’tbethere,”Savannahsmirked,
HannahfollowedSavannah’slineofsighttotheslouchedfigurethatstrolledunder

the Golden Gate with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans. His dark, shaggy
locksfelllikecurtainsoverhisfaceasiftryingtohidehisidentity,butitwasnouse.
EvenifheworeamaskeveryonewouldknowCodyMatthews.

“Killanyonetoday,Cody?”Blakelycalled.
Codyflippedheroffwithoutlookingbehindhim.

HannahshookherheadatBlakely’scruelty.ItwastruethatCody’sgirlfrienddied

when he crashed his car. He’d been driving home from one of Harrison’s parties. He
was drunk and lost control of the vehicle, slamming into a tree. It was quite the
scandal, but not just because of the DUI. That happened quite often at Stanton. But
Cody’sgirlfriend,Elena,waspregnant.TheywerebothGoldens,buthadbeendropped
withalarmingspeedoncethepregnancyrumorcaughtfire.

The snickering above called Hannah’s attention back to the vicious girls on the

bridge.Shewonderedhowtheycouldbesocrueltooneoftheirown.Howdidtheynot
seethattheycouldfalljustasquicklyasCodyhadundertherightcircumstances?

“Idon’tknowwhatElenaeversawinhim,”Savannahscowled.
“Ido.Tall,darkandhandsome,”Madisonquipped.
“Anddangerous,”Savannahadded.
“Thatjustmakeshimsexier,”Madisonpurred.
“Well you can forget about it. Harrison would kill you if he sees you flirting with

him.Besides,it’snotlikehe’llbeattheball.”

“Iwouldn’tbesosure,”Blakelyreplied.“Hestillhashiskeyfromlastyear.”
“Onlybecausehewaslockedupinrehab.There’snowayHarrisonwouldhonorhis

key.”

“He’d have to. There’s only two rules . . . a key gets you in, and your mask never

comesoff.”

Hannahsmiledtoherselfasaplanstartedtounravelinhermind.

tep3:FormulateaHypothesis(aka:ThePlan)

The more Hannah eavesdropped on the Goldens the more she realized that she

didn’thaveenoughtimetoinfiltratethemandgetaninvitetotheballonherown.She
only had four weeks and as she looked around at the other cliques on the lawn she
realizedthey’dhadfouryearsandstillhadn’tfoundawaytoclimbthesocialladderto
high school royalty. That just meant she’d have to come up with a different strategy
anditjustsohappenedhisnamewasCodyMatthews.

Facts:Codypossessedakey.AndCodyowedHannah.
After returning from rehab at the beginning of the school year, Cody was

dangerously close to flunking out of Stanton. Being a tutor in every subject, Hannah
was assigned to catch him up. He was still wrecked from losing everything he cared
about—hisgirlfriend,hisfriendsandevenhisspotonthebasketballteam—sogetting
himtofocushadbeenachallenge.HannahoftenwonderedwhyCodyevencameback
toStanton.Itwasn’tthatshedidn’tthinkhewassharp.Buttherewereplentyofgood
schools where his scandalous reputation might not have followed. When she asked
himaboutit,hesaidhebelievedsinsshouldbepaidfor.

She wasn’t really sure why, but Hannah lost sleep over that comment. She knew

Cody must wrestle more than a few nasty demons after what happened to his
girlfriend,Elena.Buttoforcehimselftorelivethepaineverydaybyfacingherfriends
atStanton...itseemedtoocruel.

Everyone blamed Cody for Elena’s death. And the police report claimed it was his

faultsincehe’dbeendrivingdrunk,sotherereallywasnootherargument.Butstill,it’s
not like Cody planned to kill Elena. He loved her. Hannah remembered how
inseparablethey’dbeenasacouple...Codyalwaysdotingonher,Elenacheeringat
his basketball games. It was sad that their love story ended in a drunken car crash.
HannahknewCodywishedhecouldtakeitback.Oratleastthat’swhathisquoteinthe
paper implied. He’d said he’d do anything to take back what happened to Elena. But
that didn’t change the facts. Elena was dead and the students at Stanton Prep were
happytoremindCodythatitwashisfault.

RumorsswirledaroundCody’sreturn.Everyonethoughthewouldbesenttoprison,

orjuveeatleast.Buttoreturnwithlittlemorethanastintinrehabandasuspended
driver’slicenseseemedlikeaslapinthefacetoElena’sfriends.That’swhattheGoldens

had become—Elena’s champions. Even though they dropped her the moment they
foundoutshewaspregnant,afterherdeaththey’dadoptedherbackastheirsaint,if
onlytocurseCodyfurther.

Harrison,who’dbeenCody’sbestfriend,wasthecoldest.Asthebasketballcaptain,it

washisdecisiontokickCodyofftheteam.Butstrangelyanotherrumorsurfacedthatit
wasHarrison’sfather’slegalteamthatgotCodyoffwithsuchalightsentence.Itmade
nosensetoHannah,butthenagainshedidn’ttrytounderstandthestrangeoperating
oftheupperechelon.

WithsomuchdramasurroundingCody,itwasn’tanywonderwhyhecouldn’tfocus

on his studies. Hannah eventually took pity on him and passed him with C’s on his
makeupexamssohecouldrejoinhisclasses.He’dgraciouslythankedherandinhis
ownwordshadsaid,“Ioweyouone.”

“Timetocallinthatfavor,Cody,”Hannahmurmuredtoherselfasshegatheredher

thingsandheadedafterhim.

tep4:ExecuteThePlan

Hannahhadn’tbeenabletolocateCodybeforethebellrangandclassesreclaimed

her for the remainder of the day. But she didn’t worry . . . she plotted. She knew
exactlywherehe’dbeafterschoolandheadedstraightthere.Hannahsmiledwhenshe
caughtsightofhimwalkingslowlydowntheroadtheyshared.Hisbackpackwasslung
overoneshoulderandhehadearbudsin,unabletohearherapproach.

Theywereonasecludedroad,farawayfromthebusytrafficnearStanton.Hannah

hadspecificallywaitedintheparkinglotfortwenty-sixminutesbeforestartinghercar
and making the drive home. She passed Cody every day walking home from school.
Sheknewthiswouldbethebesttimetocatchhim—whenhewasalone,awayfromthe
pryingeyesoftheGoldensandgossips.Herplanneededtoremainsecretifitwasgoing
towork.

Andjustassheplanned,Codywasnowonlyaboutamilefromhishome,andhalfa

milefromherown.Shepassedhimandpulledontotheshouldercuttinghimoff.She
couldseehisstartledlookinherrearviewmirror.Shetookadeepbreath.“Youcando
this, Hannah.” After her pep talk she rolled down the window and waited for him to
approach.

CodystoppednexttohernavyVolvoandleaneddowntolookinather.Hisbrown

hairfelloverhisgolden-browneyes,blockingthelightthatfilteredinthroughthetree
canopyabove.

“Hey,Cody,”Hannahsaidcasually.“Doyouwantaridehome?”
“Nothanks.”
“Idon’tmind,”Hannahpersisted.“Imean,it’snotrouble.”
“Youpassmewalkinghomeeveryday,Hannah.Whatmadeyoustoptoday?”
The venom in Cody’s voice sliced Hannah with guilt. He was right. She saw him

every day and never offered him a ride before. “I . . . You’re right. I’m sorry. That
wasn’tverykindofme.I’musuallysolostinthoughtIdon’tseewhat’srightinfrontof
me.ButI’mtryingtochangethat.”

“Startingwithme?”Codyaskedsuspiciously.
“Okay,fine.Ineedyourhelpwithsomething.Canyoujustgetinthecar?”Hannah

barkedimpatiently.

“Thereitis,”hesaidlettingasmirkshow.

“What?”
“Missdirectandtothepoint,HannahStark.”
“Excuseme?”
“Oh, don’t be ashamed of it. It’s how you get your straight A’s and stay above us,

right? I actually admire it. It’s refreshing compared to all the fake, two-faced snobs I
dealwithalldayatStanton.”

“Idon’tthinkI’maboveyou!”
“Don’tyou?”
Hannahwassilent.Didshethinkshewasabovehim?Shewasplanningtousehimas

atooltogetwhatshewanted.Butshesortofwasabovehim.Codywasbarelypassing,
had no license, a dead girlfriend and a DUI. If he was going to insist on categorizing
thingsthen,yes,shewasabovehim.

CodywasrightandHannahwasonthevergeofadmittingthatwhenheopenedthe

backseatofhercarandthrewhisbagin.Hemarchedaroundtothepassengersideand
gotin.

“Let’sjustgetthisshowontheroad,okay?I’vegotthingstodo.”
Hannahlookedoverathissmugface.Shewaswrongtoassumehewasashattered

soul.HestillheldtheairofaGolden—entitled,bothered,bored.Thiswasn’tgoingtobe
as easy as she thought. But Hannah never backed down from a challenge and she
wasn’tabouttostartnow.

tep5:Blackmail

Hannah put her car in drive and spoke clearly without moving her eyes from the

road.“Youowemeafavor,Cody,andI’mheretocollect.”

“Whatdoyouwant?”
Straighttothepoint...good.Hewasn’tdenyingheowedher.
“IwantyourkeytoHarrison’sball.”
Hannahkepthereyesontheroad,butshecouldfeelCodystaringather.Afterafew

momentshestartedtolaugh.

“You’reactuallyserious,”hesaidbetweenfitsoflaughter.“YouwanttogotoaCohl

ball?You?”

Hannah gritted her teeth, hating his insulting tone. “You want to graduate, don’t

you?”

Hislaughtertrailedoffandshefelthiseyesburningintoher.
“IfIdivulgethatyoudidn’tactuallypassyourmakeupexamsyouwon’tgraduate.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”Codyaskedflatly.
“Ialreadytoldyou.ThekeytoHarrison’sparty.”
“Why?”
“That’snotimportant.”
“Fine,butthekeywon’tmatter.Youwon’tfitin.”
“Thenyou’lltellmewhatIneedtoknowsoIdofitin.”
Codychuckled.“It’snotsomethingIcanexplaininonecarridehome,Hannah.”
“Fine,thenI’lldriveyoutoandfromschooluntilyou’veexplainedeverything.”
Codyscrubbedhisfaceinfrustration,realizingeachtimeheopenedhismouthhe

seemedtobemakingthingsworseforhimself.“Theinnerworkingsofthepeopleand
things that happen at Harrison’s parties wouldn’t make any sense to you. You won’t
enjoyit.”

“Why?”
“Because,you’renotlikeus.”
“Youmeanthem,”Hannahshotback.“You’renotaGoldenanymore.”Itwasalow

blowandsheknewit,butCody’scockyattitudewaspissingheroff.

“Yeah.Them.”Codyrepliedquietly.Hewassilentforawhilebeforehespokeagain.

“It’snotabadthing,Hannah.They’renotgoodpeople.Youdon’twanttobelikethem.”

“Youdon’tknowwhatIwant,Cody.Youdon’tevenknowme.”
“You’reright.Idon’tknowyou.ButIknowHarrisonandhiscrew.Ifyoushowupat

theballthey’llpickyouapart.”

“MaybeIdon’tcare.”
“Whywouldyoupossiblywantthatabuse?”
“That’snoneofyou’rebusiness.Allyouhavetodoisgivemethekeyandfillmein

onwhatIneedtoknowtofitin.”

“Hannah,makingyoufitinisn’tpossible!”
“ThenIguessyouwon’tbegraduating.”
“Christ,Hannah!I’llgiveyoumykey,butIcan’tguaranteewhotheficklepricksat

Harrison’spartywilldecidetostompon.”

“Fine.Thekeyandyourbesteffort.”
“Fine!”
“Sowehaveadeal?”
“Yes.It’sadeal,”Codygroaned.
Hannahsmiled,lookingatCodyforthefirsttime.“Perfect.Thatwasn’tsohard,was

it?”

Heshookhishead.“Imighthavebeenwrongaboutyou.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Extortionsuitsyou.You’remoreliketheGoldensthanIthought.”

tep6:BeginTraining

ThenextmorningHannahpulledupoutsideCody’smassivehouseandbeepedthe

horn.Afterfiveminutesofwaitingshegrewimpatient,turnedhercaroffandstormed
upthestonesteps.

“Ifhethinkshecanblowmeoffhehasanotherthingcoming,”Hannahmutteredto

herself.Shepushedthepewterdoorbellandlistenedtothepleasantchimingresonate
throughthehouse.

Cody lived in an impressive three-story New England style house. Everything was

stone, white or covered with weathered cedar shakes. It was colossal compared to
Hannah’s modest two-story just up the road. Her family wasn’t poor by normal
standards,butcomparedtoCody’sfamilyandtherestoftheGoldens,shewasapauper.

Hannahsteppedbacktolookupatthewindows,wonderingwhichonewasCody’s.

She let out a low appreciative whistle taking in the beauty of his home up close.
Hannah could admire the architecture, but she would never understand the need for
such a huge home. From all the media coverage after his DUI, Hannah knew Cody
didn’t have any siblings and he lived in this home with only his father, Thomas
Matthews, a corporate attorney for a ritzy hotel chain. According to the newspaper,
Cody’s mother, Tabitha, divorced after some family scandal and remarried when he
was only six. She moved to New York with her new husband and had two children,
whom Cody never met. The reporter’s angle was that Cody had abandonment issues
thatledtohisrecklessways.

All of the stories surrounding Cody’s arrest whirled through Hannah’s near

photographic mind as she gazed at the palatial house. She shook her head. It didn’t
matter how regal the home looked, Cody would never escape his reputation in this
town.

Hannahwasabouttopressthedoorbellagainwhensheheardthelockstumbling.

Thedoorcreakedopenslightlyandashort,thinmaninagraysuitpeeredoutather.
NotMr.Matthews. Hannah knew his face from the news. Maybe a butler? Did people
reallyhavethose?

“MayIhelpyou,miss?”
“Um,yes.I’mheretopickupCodyforschool.”
Themanlookedperplexedasheglancedathiswatch.“It’s5am.”

“Yes,wellIhavetennispracticebeforeschool,sothisiswhattimeIleave.”
Themanblinkedandopenedthedoorwider.Hemadeasweepinggesturewithhis

arm, ushering her inside. Hannah tried not to gawk at the lavish interior of Cody’s
home but the magnificent winding staircase and massive chandeliers dazzled her.
Whensherealizedhermouthhungopeninaweshequicklysnappeditshutandturned
backtofacethesharplydressedman.

“CodyandImadearrangementstoridetoandfromschooltogetherfortherestof

theschoolyear.”

“Oh.Iapologize,butMasterCodydoesn’tusuallyinformmeofhisplans.I’mafraid

hemaystillbeasleep.Wouldyouliketometowakehim?”

Hannahsighed.“That’sokay.Icandoitmyself.Canyoupointmetohisroom?”
Theman’snervouseyesgrewlarger,buthenoddedandledthewayupthewinding

stairs.Hannahpassedseveralmaidsdressedinpalegrayuniforms,dustingorpolishing
theobsceneamountofornamentalknickknacks.Hannahnoticedhowsterilethehouse
feltasshefollowedthebutlerdowntheechoingmarblehallways.Nearlyeverythingin
Cody’shomewaswhite.ItremindedHannahofanemptyhospital.Howcouldanyone
feelcomfortablehere?

Thebutler’svoicepulledherfromherthoughts.“MasterCody’sroomisthelaston

theleft,”hesaidgivingacurtbowbeforeretreatingbackdownthehall.

Strange. Hannah thought the butler would have at least walked her to the door.

With how formal everything was it seemed like he should have announced her or
something.WhatifCodywasn’tevenhome?Wouldshejustbelefttowanderthehouse
andshowherselfout?

Hannahcheckedherwatch.5:05.Notgood.Shewasbehindschedule.Shewouldbe

latefortennispracticeatthisrate.Frustrationdrovehertomarchforwardandknock
onCody’sdoor.

Noresponse.
“Jerk,”shemutteredtoherself.Itwasdayoneandhewasalreadypissingheroff.

ButHannahdidn’tgettowhereshewasbygivingupeasily.Shetwistedtheknoband
bargedintoCody’sroom.

Itwaspitchblackinsidewiththecurtainsdrawnandshetrippedoverpilesofthings

that littered the floor. She heard soft snoring from the bed and muttered expletives
underherbreathasshemadeherwaytothecurtains.

“Rise and shine,” she called loudly as she flung them open letting the watery pre-

dawnlightfilterintotheroom.

“Whatthe—”Codyhissed,boltinguprightinhismassivebed.
“Goodmorningtoyoutoo.”
Codyrubbedhiseyeslikehecouldn’tbelievethem.“Hannah?”
“Youoversleptandnowwe’rebehindschedule.Grabyourthingsandlet’sgo.”
“Whattimeisit?”hegrumbled.
“Timetogotoschool!Wehaveadeal,remember?Itstartstoday.”
“Iremember,”hemuttered.
Codypulledthecoversbackrevealinghistonedbody,hisfinerassetsbarelycovered

byhisbrightorangeboxerbriefs.Theywerethefirstsplashofcolorinthehouseand
Hannah’seyesshotstraightforhishealthybulge.

Blushburnthercheeksandsheturnedawaysoquicklyshetrippedoverthepileof

clothesonthefloorandfellflatonherass.

Cody’s soft chuckling only made her cheeks hotter. He was standing over her

offeringhishandtohelpherup.Sherefuseditandgottoherfeetherself.“Putsome
clotheson,please”shebarked.

“Jesus,Hannah.I’mwearingunderwear.Calmdown.”
“We’relate,”shesteamed,ignoringhiscomments.
“Fine.Givemefiveminutes.”
Cody disappeared into the adjoining bathroom suite and shut the door. She heard

thetoiletflushandthentheshowerturnon.Shelookedforsomewheretositdown,but
just about every square inch of Cody’s room was covered in clothes. How could
someone with so many maids have such a disastrous room? Hannah decided the bed
seemedthesafestplacetowait.Shesmoothedthecomforterandperchedontheedge.
A minute later the shower squeaked off and Cody emerged from the bathroom,
glisteningwith only a towelwrapped low around hiswaist. Hannah averted her eyes
and stood up abruptly. Mistake. Cody must’ve been walking toward her when she
lookeddownbecauseshesmackedstraightintohiswetchest.Shegaspedashisarms
wrappedaroundhertosteadyher.

“Shit,didyouchugapotofcoffeebeforeyougothereorsomething?Whyareyou

sojumpy?”

“I’mnotjumpy.I’mjustnotusedtobeingaccostedbyhalfdressedmen.”
Codysnorted.“Wow,you’veneverseenanakedguybefore,haveyou?”
“Idon’tseehowthat’sanyofyourbusiness,”sheshotbackcrossingherarmsand

takingastepbackfromhim.

“You haven’t! Hannah, this is the shit I’m talking about. You’re never going to

surviveHarrison’sballifyoureactlikethiseverytimeyouseeahalfnakedguy.”

“There’sgoingtobenakedguysthere?”
“Hannah,whatdoyouthinkgoesonatHarrison’sparties?”
“Idon’tknow...dancing?”
Anothersnort.“Thisisn’tPrettyinPink.”
“What?”
“Letmeguess,you’veneverseenPrettyinPink?”
“No.Butit’syourjobtoteachmehowtofitin.I’msureifIjustpractice—”
“Youcan’tpracticehavingalife,Hannah.”
Thatcommenthurtmorethanshecaredtoadmit.Shesquaredhershouldersand

walked to the door. “Get dressed, Cody. I’ll be in the car. And hurry up, because we
apparentlyhavealotofworktodo.”

hedrivetoschoolwastense.NeitherHannahnorCodyspokeuntiltheyarrivedat

Stanton.Hannahpulledthroughthegateandpassedthestudentparkinglot.

“Wherearewegoing?”Codyasked.
“SportsAnnex.”
Codycockedaneyebrowather.
“Ihavetennispractice.”
“At5:30inthemorning?”
“No,at5:00inthemorning.Youmademelate.Sotomakeupforityou’regoingto

returnmyserves.”

“Thiswasn’tpartofourdeal.”
“OurdealwasyouridetoandfromschoolwithmeandtellmeeverythingIneedto

know.Sinceallyou’vedonethismorningisflashme,insultmeandmakemelatefor
practice,Ithinkyou’regoingtoreturnmyservestomakeituptome.”

Codyletoutanexacerbatedsigh,butfollowedHannahfromtheathleticlottothe

tenniscomplex.

“Whereiseveryone?”heaskedwhenhescannedtheemptycourts.
Hannahwasalreadystretching.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Therestofthetennisteam?”
Hannahlaughed.“You’relookingatthetennisteam.”
“Youcomeouthereallbyyourselftopractice?”
“Yes.”
“Where’syourcoach?”
“Youdon’tknowmuchaboutmytennisrecord,doyou?”
Codyshrugged.
“Ihaven’tbeencoachedsinceIwastwelve.I’mrankednumberoneinthestate.”
Codysmirked.“Ofcourseyouare.”
“Youdon’tbelieveme?”sheasked,offended.
“No,Ibelieveyou.You’renumberoneateverythingyoudo,aren’tyou?LittleMiss

Perfect.”

“I’mnotperfect.”
“No,I’mprettysureyou’reperfectcomparedtome,”Codymuttered.
“True. I don’t have a DUI and I’ve never been to rehab,” Hannah retorted while

stretching out her hamstrings. She was busy pondering the other things she’d never
donewhensheheardthemetaldoortothecourtsslamshut.Shelookedupjustintime
toseethebackofCody’sgreenarmyjacketashestalkedtotheparkinglot.

Hannah was on her feet in no time, sprinting after him. She caught up to him

quicklyandgrabbedhisshoulder.

“Hey!Whereareyougoing?We’renotdone.”
“Oh we’re done, Hannah. I’m not doing this. Take your stupid key and leave me

alone,” Cody yelled angrily pulling a skeleton key from his pocket and jamming it in
Hannah’shand.

“Whyareyousoangry?”Hannahaskedinshock.
“Because.Youjustwaltzedintomylifeyesterdayandtookover.Youthinkyouhave

mepegged?Somerichfuckup,right?Everyoneelsehasexploitedme,sowhynotyou?
I’ve got news for you, Hannah, you don’t know me. And I don’t owe you anything,”
Codyshoutedbeforestalkingaway.

“Wellyouobviouslydon’tknowmeeitherifyouthinkforonesecondthatIwon’t

turninyourrealtestscores,”Hannahshoutedafterhim.

Cody halted. His back stiffened and he marched back to Hannah. “I didn’t ask for

yourpity,”hehissed.“YoudecidedIwasn’tworthyourprecioustimeandpassedme
allonyourown.”

“That’s not why I did it. And besides, who do you think the administration will

believe?”

“Whyisthissofuckingimportanttoyou?”
“Because you’re right, okay? I’ve spent my whole life trying to be perfect and I’m

terrified that it’s cost me a life! I only have a few weeks left to make the high school
memories that I thought weren’t important! I’m sorry I had to blackmail you but I
don’t even have a single friend here. I don’t know anyone who will help me,” she
whispered.

Cody scrubbed his large hands over his face and sighed. “Well that’s the first real

thingyou’vesaidtome,sowe’llcallitprogress.”

“Soyou’llhelpme?”
“Yes. But on three conditions. You have to be truthful with me, do what I say

withoutquestion,andweworkquickly.IhavethingsIneedtodo,too.”

“Deal!”

odyshook his head as he watched Hannah walk back to the courts, her tight little

skirt hugging her ass as she marched ahead of him. Shit. This girl was going to be
troubleandhedidn’tneedanymoreofthatinhislife.

He pretended not to watch Hannah stretch, but it was impossible. Her body was

effortlesslyfit,nodoubtfromyearsoftennis.Herlonglegswentonformiles,strong
andnimble.ShebenttotouchhertoesandCodytookasteadyingbreath.Down boy.
This one’s not for you. But no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t deny his
attractiontoher.Hannahwashott.Buttherecouldneverbeanythingbetweenthem.
Good girls like Hannah Stark didn’t date world-class losers like Cody. Plus even if he
thoughthehadachanceinhellwithher,she’dnevertakehimseriously.Thebesthe
couldhopeforwastohavealittlefun.Ifhejustplayedalonghecouldgetthroughthis.
Thenhe’dgraduateandleavethisplacefullofghostsbehind.

ONE

STRETCHING

,Hannahunlockedtheutilityroomattachedtothecourtsandgrabbeda

spareracketforCodyandabucketofballs.

“Here,”shesaidhandinghimtheracket.“Thisoneshoulddo.Doyouknowhowto

play?”

“I’veseenitonTV.Doesn’tlooktoohard.”
ItwasHannah’stimetoarchaneyebrow.“I’llgoeasyonyou.Justtryandreturn

myserves.”

“Don’tgoeasy.Iplaybasketball.IthinkIcanhandlealittletennisball.”
“Youusedtoplaybasketball,”sheremindedhim.
“Lessonnumberone.Don’tcorrectpeoplewhenthey’rewrong.”
“But—”
“Rulenumbertwo.Don’taskquestions.”
Hannahsighed.“Soyou’retellingmethatpeopleliketobewrong?”
“No,peoplewanttoberight.Butmoreimportantlytheydon’twanttobecalledout

whenthey’rewrong.EspeciallytheGoldens.”

Hannahnodded.
“Let’smakethisinteresting,”Codysmirked.“YouserveandforeveryballIreturn

youansweraquestion.”

“Whydo—”
“Rulenumbertwo!”
Hannahsighed.“Don’taskquestions.”
“That’sright.Besides.IneedtogettoknowyoutofigureoutwhatI’mdealingwith.

Unlessyou’reafraidI’lltarnishyourperfectrecord,tennispro.”

“You’reon.”AcoysmiledancedacrossHannah’slipsasshestretchedherarmhigh

andreleasedapowerfulserveatCody’shead.

“Shit!”Codydoveoutoftheway.“Youknowwe’reonthesameteam,right?”
Hannahlaughed.“Howaboutyougettoaskaquestionevenifyoudon’treturnmy

serve?”

“Justserve.I’llbereadythistime.”
“Suityourself.”
Hannah reached up again and slammed another ball Cody’s way. He barely

managedtododgeitandstayonhisfeet.Sheknewhewasnowherenearreturningany
ofherservestoday.“Atthisrateyou’renotgoingtogettoaskanyquestions.”

“Fine.Whyareyousogoodattennis?Isityourpassion?”
Hannahrolledhereyes.“No.MydadtaughtmetoplaywhenIwasfive.Hesaidit

wouldhelpmymentalfocus.”

“Anddoesit?”
“Yes.It’staughtmeprecision,focus,boundaries,dedication,strategy,howtospotan

opponent’sweaknessanddeconstructthem.Likeyou,you’reweakonyourleft,”she
saidbeforeslamminganotherservetohisleftside.

“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeanyfunatall.”
“Isn’tbasketballthesame?”
Codylaughed.“Godno.Ilovebasketball.It’slikepoetryandmusic,andwhenyour

teammatesareallplayinginsync,it’slikemagic.”

“That’s an unrealistic description. Basketball is a sport. Not poetry or music. And

there’snosuchthingasmagic.”

Cody groaned. “How is it possible that you’re good at everything except having a

normalconversation?”

“Mycommunicationskillsaremorethanadequate.”
“That’swhatImean.Noonetalkslikethat,Hannah.TheGoldenssureashelldon’t.”
“Okay.Thenteachmehowtheytalk.”
“Onestepatatime.I’mtryingtofindoutwheretostartwithyou.”
“Fine.Nextquestion.”
“Haveyoureallyneverseenanakedguybefore?”
“Whydoesthatmatter?”
“Rulesoneandtwo,”Codyquippednarrowlymissingthetennisballheswungfor.
Hannahrolledhereyesandsighed.“Fine.NoI’veneverseenanakedguy.Noguy

haseverseenmenaked.I’veneverhadaboyfriend.I’veneverbeenkissed.I’venever
beenonadate.Anythingelseembarrassingyou’dliketoknow?”

“Hannah!Howisthatpossible?”
“Idon’tknow?You’retheonewho’ssupposedtohavetheanswers.”
“Areyoustraight?”

“Yes!”
“Areyousure?”
“Ithinkso.”
Codysigheddeeplyandwipedhisforehead.Hemarcheduptothenetandbeckoned

Hannahtojoinhimbycurlinghisfingerather.Whenshemethimhereachedacross
thenetandpulledhertohim,roughlylockinghislipswithhers.Hannahgaspedinto
his mouth in surprise. Cody took that as an invitation to shove his tongue down her
throat.Sheshovedhimoffandslappedhimhard.

“Whatthehellwasthat?”sheyelled.
Hesmiled,rubbinghischeek.“Justchecking.”
“Forwhat,cavities?”
“Toseeifyou’restraight.”
Hereyeswidened.“And?”shedemanded,handsonherhips.
“Imeanyou’redifficulttotalkto,superconceded,butyou’renothopeless.Nowyou

canevensayyou’vehadyourfirstkiss.”

HannahscowledatCody.
“Relax.You’reprettyandthatusuallyexcusesallkindsofflaws.”
“Flaws?AndIamnothardtotalkto.”
“Hannah, if you want help you have to be open to the truth and that might mean

criticism.”

“Icanagreetothat.Butweneedastrategy.Itjustfeelslikeyou’repickingonme.”
“You mean like I’m sizing up my opponent to spot their weaknesses?” he said

mockingly.

Hannahfrowned.
“Relax.Unlikeyou,I’mlookingforyourweaknessessoIcanhelpyoufixthem.”
“Thatisthedeal.”
“So,let’sstudytheevidence,brainiac.You’veneverhadaboyfriend.Neverbeenon

adate.Youhadtoblackmailmetogetapartyinvite.Andyouonlyjusthadyourfirst
kiss.”

“How...howwasit?”
“What,thekiss?”Codyaskednottryingtoconcealhissmile.
Hannah felt her cheeks flush, but she needed to know. She shoved down her

embarrassmentandnodded.

“WellIcantellitwasyourfirstkiss,”hesmirked.
“Isthatbad?”
Codywinked.“Nah.Nothingalittlepracticewon’tfix.”
“Practice.”Hannahrepeatedthewordslowly.Practicewassomethingshecoulddo.

Somethingshewasgoodat.Hell,shewastheposterchildforpracticemakesperfect.
“Andyou’llhelpmepracticekissing?”

Hefeignedfrustration.“IfImust.”
“Soyou’llbelikemypracticeboyfriend?”
Codyrolledhiseyes.“Whydogirlsinsistonlabelingthings?”
Hannah cocked her head in confusion. “Labels help clarify things. It’s something

bothmenandwomenuseequally.Ibelievewomentobethesuperiorofourspecies,
soperhapsthat’swhyyouassumewomenuselabelsmoreoften?”

“Itwasajoke,Hannah.Butwhydon’tyougetyoursweetcheeksbackonthecourt,

tennispro,andI’llshowyouthesuperiorspecies.”

HannahblinkedwhileCodyretreatedtohiscornerofthecourt—ballandracketin

hand.

“By the way, that’s how normal high school students speak,” Cody added with a

smirk.Hebouncedtheball,gettingreadytoserve.

“Bringiton,”Hannahcalled.
“That’sit.Youalmostsoundhuman.”
IfitwaspracticeCodywanted,that’swhathe’dget.Hannahwaspreparedtokickhis

buttonthetenniscourtandthenkisshimallnight!Nothingwasgoingtogetintheway
ofherplan.

ShetookaswigofherwaterbottleandspunhertennisracketwaitingforCodyto

serve.Hesenttheballsailingfaroverherhead.Shelaughedoutloudwhenitflewover
thefence.

“Thatwasmypracticeshot,”Codycalled.
“There’snodoover’sinlife,Cody.”
“You’vegotthatright,”hemutteredpickingupanotherballandlobbingitacrossthe

net.

Hannahsmiled.Thiswastooeasy.Sheputsomebackspinonitandfireddirectlyat

Cody.Hedoveoutofthewayandshecouldn’tsuppressherlaughter.

“Youstillwanttoserve?”shetaunted.
“Ok champ. You proved your point. You own the tennis court. But we’ll see how

goodyouarewhenyou’reonmycourts.”

“Idon’tplaybasketball.I’msureI’llbeawful.”
“Ithoughtyouweregoodateverything.”
“I’mconfidentIcanmasteranythingwiththerightamountofpractice.”
CodyrolledhiseyesandHannahglancedatherwatch.
“Lastquestion.I’vegottoshowerbeforeclass.”
“Alright. Why is going to Harrison’s party so important to you?” Cody asked as

Hannahslammedaballinhisdirection.

“BecauseIwantHarrisonandtherestofourclasstoseeme.IwanttobeHannah,

the girl, for once. Not Hannah, the genius that no one talks to unless they need help
withhomework.Iwanttodosomethingwildandcarefree.Iwanttomakememories.”

“Whereisthissuddenurgecomingfrom?”
“You sound like a psychologist,” Hannah said wrinkling her nose as she squinted

intotheharshmorningsunlight.

“Myshrinkwouldbesoproud.”
“Youseeapsychologist?”sheasked,soundingsurprised.
“Youkillyourgirlfriendandtrynotneedingashrink.”Cody’sjovialmoodvanished.

“Ithinkthat’senoughfornow.”

odywalkedback to the main campus alone. Hannah promised to shower quickly,

buthedidn’twanttowait.Hewantedtogetasfarawayfromheraspossiblebeforehe
lostit.Asalways,attheslightestmentionofElena’sdeath,hisself-loathingkickedin.
He’d been battling this crippling depression for a year but nothing seemed to lighten
theleadweighthecarriedinhisheart.

Strangely, sparring with Hannah allowed him to forget his pain momentarily. But

whenshe’dheadedtothelockerroomtoshower,Codywasleftalonewithhisthoughts
and the pain came rushing back tenfold. It was almost crueler—chastising him for
forgettinghissinsforeventhebriefestofmoments.

Distance and solitude were the only things that helped. Something Cody worried

wouldbecomehardertofindwithHannahinhislife.

ANNAH

SPOTTED

Cody on the quad and ran over, waving her cell phone to get his

attention.“Didyougetmymessage?”sheasked.

“Yameantherelationshipsfordummieslist?Yeah,Igotit,”Codyfrownedstaringat

thebulletpointlistHannahsenttohisphone.

“It’sthelistofpracticeboyfriendtasks.Doyouhaveanyotherstoadd?”
“Uh,no.”
“Haven’tyoubeenworkingonastrategy?”
“No,Iwasactuallyinclassforthepastfewhours.”
“Doingwhat?”
“Doingclasswork,Hannah!We’renotallgeniuses.”
“Yousaidyouwantedtoworkquickly.Iassumedyoumeantyou’dbefocusedon

this.”

Codyrolledhiseyes.“Iam.Allweneedtodoisgetyounoticed.Startabuzz,that

kindofthing.”

“Okay,howdowedothat?”
Codyglancedaroundthecampus.HiseyeslandedontheGoldenGate.Itwasfullof

Goldensenjoyingtheirlunchesandgossiping.“Comewithme.”

“Wherearewegoing?”HannahprotestedasCodydraggedherbythearmtoward

thebridge.Hesqueezedharderandsheyelpedhisname!

“Cody!Stop!”
That’s it. Just a little bit further. He glanced up and smiled, noting he’d gained the

attentionofmorethanafewGoldens.Hannahwasanaturalandshedidn’tevenknow
it.CodytuggedharderknowinghowHannahwouldreact.

“Isaidstop!”sheyelleddiggingherheelsintotheground.
Codystoppedpullingherandshenearlyfellbackward.Hetooktheopportunityto

catchherwhileshewasoffbalance.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandlockedhis
lipswithhersferociously.Shegaspedandwentlimpforamomentbeforecomingto
hersensesandplayingrightintohishand.Shewallopedhimwithaslapthatmadehim
seestars.Codysuddenlyknewwhyshewassogoodattennis.Hannahhadanarmon
her!

“Whatthehellwasthat?”shescreeched.
Codyshruggedandsmirked.“Justabitoffun,”hewhispered.
Hannahwasfuming.ShetookoffbacktowardtheschoolandCodyyelledafterher.

“Ah,comeon,dollface.Don’tbemadatme.YouknowIcan’thelpit.”

Hannahdidn’tlookback,butCodydid.Hisplanhadworkedflawlessly.TheGolden

Gatewasfullofslackjawedstudents.

twasafterschoolbythetimeCodyfoundHannahagain.Shewaswaitingforhimin

her car looking none too pleased when he swung his lanky body into the passenger
seat.

“Hey,dollface,”hegreetedher.
“Thatwasn’tfunny,Cody.We’repracticingtoproveapoint,notjustsoyoucanget

offwheneveryouwant.”

“Ya know, you’re pretty good at slinging insults for someone who isn’t good at

talking. And for your information, I wasn’t gettingoff. I was getting you the attention
you need. The whole Golden Gate saw us kiss and then you slap me. That instantly
givesyoupointsintheireyes.”

“Really?”
“Really.TheGoldenshatemeafter...welleverythingthathappenedlastyear.”
“SobecauseIslappedyou,they’lllikeme?”
“It’s a step in the right direction. They’ll definitely want to talk to you to get the

gossip.”

“Sowhatdowedonow?”sheaskedpullingoutoftheschoollot.
“Takearight.”
“Buthomeis—”
“Hannah!What’srulenumbertwo?”
“Fine.ButI’llbeabetterdriverifIknowwherewe’regoing.”
“Shopping.Youneedtodressthepart.”
“What’swrongwithhowIdress?”
“Nothing,ifyou’rerunningforcongress.”

ANNAH

’

DISMAY

,CodywasdirectinghertotheluxurydistrictintheheartofBoston,

nottheoutletmallshewasusedtodoinghershoppingat.Shecringedwhenshepulled
uptoNeimanMarcusandthevaletopenedthecreakingdoortoherrust-bittenVolvo.
It didn’t fit in with BMW’s, Audi’s and Mercedes that lined the glowing glass-fronts of
theposhstreet.

“Idon’thaveanycash,”HannahhissedwhenCodycamearoundtoherside.

He winked at the valet and simply muttered, “Matthews,” before taking her hand

and leading her into the gigantic department store. “You don’t pay the valet here. It
goesonyouraccount.”

“Oh,” Hannah murmured, suddenly feeling like she didn’t have a clue how the

Goldenslived.

A petite brunette clerk rushed up to Cody the moment they were inside the

glitteringdepartmentstore.“Mr.Matthews!We’vemissedyou.Andwhoisthis?”The
woman’sperfectlysculptedeyebrowarchedasshetookinHannah.

“Hello,Bianca.Thisismygirlfriend,HannahStark.”
“Girlfriend!” Bianca barely recovered her composure. “Good for you,” she added

softly touching Cody’s arm. “It’s about time you start dating again.” Then she turned
herattentiontoHannah.“MissStark,it’sapleasure,”Biancapurred.

HannahsmiledpolitelyandshookBianca’sperfectlymanicuredhand,sensingshe

wasn’t pleased in the least to be touching Hannah. She really couldn’t blame the
delicate sales woman. She looked like she’d been meticulously steamed and pressed.
Therewasn’tacreaseanywhereonher,includingherplastic-likecomplexion.

“What can I assist you with? Are we shopping for anything in particular today?”

BiancaaskedassheeyeballedHannahwithdistain,probablywonderingwheretostart.

From her scuffed loafers to her clearance rack cardigan, Hannah felt like a street

urchin compared to the patrons in Neiman Marcus. Even the mannequins seemed to
belookingdownather.

LuckilyCodysavedher.“We’llbedoingourshoppingonourowntoday,”hereplied

graciouslyandtuckedHannah’shandunderherarm,pullingherawayfromBianca’s
judgylittleeyes.

“Doyounotusuallydoyourownshopping?”Hannahaskedwhentheywereoutof

earshot.

Codysnorted.“Bianca’smyfamily’spersonalshopper.Icomeinonceayeartohave

mymeasurementstakenandthenshejustsendsthingstothehouseforme.”

“Seriously?That’sridiculous.”
Heshrugged.“You’retheonewhowantstobeaGolden.Thisishowit’sdone.”
Hannah noticed that Cody didn’t say it was how he did things. Did he really not

considerhimselfaGolden? Maybe the kids at school had kicked him out of their little
elitistclub,butitseemedtherestoftheuppercrustwasstillhappytotakehismoney.
Shesigheddeeply.Perhaps she’d underestimated how difficult it would be to crack the
Goldens.

“Is this really necessary,” Hannah groaned as Cody navigated the racks of

mesmerizingapparelwithease.

“Notmuchofashopper,areya?”
Hannahfrowned.Shewasn’topposedtoshopping.Itwastheblindingpricetagsthat

weremakinghersweat.

As if sensing her distress, Cody laughed. “Come on, I have a feeling we’re gonna

needapick-me-upifwe’regonnagetthroughthis.”

“S

TARBUCKS

?”

“WhatdidyouthinkImeant?”
RememberingoneofCody’searlierlessons,Hannahkepthercommentstoherself.

He probably didn’t want to hear that she’d assumed he meant drugs or something
illegalwhenhementionedapick-me-up.

Theystoodinlinelisteningtoobnoxiouscoffeeordersbeingslungatthebaristalike

someforeignlanguage.

“Whatwouldyoulike?”Codyaskedastheyapproachedthecounter.
Hannahstaredattheboardinwonder.Whatlanguagewasthis?Someofthewords

wereinItalian,someEnglishandfranklysomejustseemedmadeup.

“Um,Idon’tknow.Idon’tdrinkcoffee.”Hannahadmittedsheepishly.
“What? Hannah, are you Mormon or something? Because I draw the line at

destroyingyourreligiousfaith.”

“No.I’mnotMormon.Butit’sgoodtoknowyouhavesomemorals.”
“Areyousure?Nocoffee,nosex,nofun...”
HannarolledhereyesandelbowedCodyintheside,whichonlymadehimlaugh.
“HowdoesMissPerfectstayuplateandstudywithoutcoffee?”
Hannahscoffedathisdig.“Idon’tneedcoffee.It’sadrugyouknow?”
Codysmirked.“Wellit’sonedrugyou’regonnahavetogetusedtoifyouwantto

minglewiththeGoldensoutsideofschool.SpottingthemwithouttheirStarbucksand
cellphonesgluedtotheirhandsislikespottingBigfoot.”

“Fine.Canyoujustordermesomethingmild?”
Codylaughed.“AndhereIthoughtyouwantedtobewild.”
Whenitwastheirturntoorder,heaskedfortwovanillalattes.Thebaristalooked

gratefulforthesimpleorderandquicklyservedthem.Theyretreatedtoahigh-topin
thecornerofthecoffeeshopandsippedtheirlattes.

“Sowhat’dyathink?”Codyaskedgesturingtothecoffeemug.
“It’sdelicious.Icanseehowpeoplegetaddictedtothese.”
“Iknewyou’dbealattegirl.”
“Isthatagoodthing,orareyoumakingfunofmeagain?”
“It’snotreallyathing.It’sjustyou.You’resovanillalatte.”
“Youmeanmildandboring.”
“Yousaidit.”
“You’reright.Iamboring.Butthat’swhyIhavetodothis.Ihavetherestofmylife

to be boring vanilla-latte-Hannah. Harrison’s party is my only chance to be wild-and-
free-Hannah.”

“What,Brown’snotknownforitswildpartyscene?”
“HowdoyouknowI’mgoingtoBrown?”
“Everyone knows you’re going to Brown, Hannah. The school posted it on the

bulletin board freshman year,” Cody teased. “It’s been up there so long it’s turning
yellow.”

“Oh.”
“Don’tworry,you’llhaveyourwildandcrazynight.Wejustneedtogetyousome

newclothes,createsomemorebuzzaboutyoudatingabadboyandyou’llbeGolden.”

“Haha,veryfunny.”

“Lookatyou!Alreadypickinguponmysarcasm.Perhapsthere’shopeforyouyet.”

Codygrinnedandstoodup.“Comeonlet’stakethesetogo.”

HeledHannahtothecountertogettogocupswhenaswirlofpinkcashmereand

glossyblondehaircutthemoff—SavannahHuxley.

“Iorderedaniced,halfcaff,ristretto,venti,four-pumps,sugar-free,cinnamon-dolce,

soy,skinny,latte,nowhip.Thisisclearlynotsugar-free!”

“WasthatevenEnglish?”HannahwhisperedtoCody,wholaughed.
Hearingtheirlaughter,Savannahwhirledaroundabouttodirectherwrathatthem.

ButhermouthhungopenwhenhereyestookinCody,andthenHannah.

“Ohmygod,Codyand...Hannah,right?”
Hannahnodded.
“Ididn’tknowyoutwowereanitem.”
“That’sbecauseyouweren’tsupposedto,”CodyrepliedtakingHannah’shandand

draggingherquicklyfromthecoffeeshop.

“Whatdidyoudothatfor?”Hannahhowledwhenthey’descapedSavannah’sglare.

“Thatwasmychancetotalktoher.”

“Lessonnumbertwo.Alwaysleavethemwantingmore.”

annah’sdayhadgottenstrangerafterthecoffeeshop.Shesomehowsteppedintoa

strange subculture that she didn’t know existed. One where torture was disguised as
pampering, shopping the sales was taboo and being spotted with an empty glass of
champagneinhandturnedclerksintotrackstars,racingtofillyourglass.

Cody had been able to politely decline—with his reputation and all—but Hannah

gaveinafterCody’stauntsaboutbeingwildandfree.

Atleastshecouldcheckunderagedrinkingoffherlist,shethoughtwhilesippingthe

delightful bubbles. She was convinced it was the only reason she survived her first—
and hopefully last—eyebrow wax. The mani-pedi was almost enjoyable, but Hannah
ranfromthespawhentheyexplainedwhataBrazilianwaxwas.

Shecurrentlysatmotionlessatthemakeupcounterwhiletwoartistsperfectedher

flaws. Hannah found it funny that she’d never noticed her flaws before, but after
Roderick and Hector pointed them out and quickly caked the right makeup or lotion
overthem,shewonderedhowshe’deversurvivedwithoutthem.

“Voila!You’reperfection,darling!”Roderickexclaimedafteranhourofprimping.
Hannah was stunned when she saw her refection. She looked just like Bianca—

polished and plastic. “Thank you,” she said in awe raising her hand to touch her
flawlessskin.

Hectorslappedherhandaway.“Notouching!”
“Youlike?”RoderickaskedCody,whowasbusytexting.
Helookedupforamoment.“Yes,verymuch.”
“Whataccountwillwebeputtingtheproductsontoday?”Hectorasked.
“Matthews,”Codyreplied.
“Splendid.”
RoderickhandedHannahagiganticshoppingbagfullofcosmetics,creams,spritzes

andstrangelookingapplicators.Howwassheevergoingtoreplicatetheirmasterpiece
onherown?Shekeptherconcerntoherselfandthankedthem,lettingCodyleadher
away.

“Comeon,dollface,yournewwardrobeawaits,”hedeclaredsteeringherthrough

thebrightlylitaislestoadoorwaylabeled‘fittingrooms’.

“Mustyoucallmedollface?”
“DoyoupreferMissPerfect?Ormaybesweetcakes,snookums—”

Hannahhuffed.“Nevermind.Dollfaceisfine!”
“Great,thenontothefittingrooms,dollface.”
Cody’sgrinwasinfectiousbutHannahwasexhausted.Itwasalready7pm.Shewas

normallyinbedby8or9atthelatestandshestillhadn’teatendinner.

“Dowehaveto?”shegroaned.
“Yes!Howareyounotlovingthis?It’syourPrettyWomanmoment.Ithoughtthat

waseverygirl’sfantasy?”

“Iwasalreadyaprettywoman,thankyouverymuch!”
“No!PrettyWoman...themovie.”
Hannahstaredathimblankly.
“JuliaRobertsandRichardGere?”
Shejustblinkedinconfusion.
“You’rekiddingme!You’veneverseenPrettyWoman?”
“I’m not really into movies. Unless it’s a historical documentary. They fascinate

me.”

Codyshookhisheadinamazement.
“What?”
“You’rethestrangestgirlI’veevermet.”
“SoallgirlslikethisPrettyWomanmovie?”Hannahasked.
“Yeah, it’s about a prostitute that gets hired by a lonely rich guy who buys her all

theseexpensivethingsandtheyfallinlove.”

“Sotherichguyhastobuytheloveoftheprostitute?Thatsoundsterrible!”
Codylaughed.“Wellwhenyousayitthatway...youjusthavetoseeit.I’madding

movienighttoyourresearch.StartingwithPrettyWoman.Andthenthere’ssometeen
moviesyoushouldwatchtolearnhowtotalklikeanormalhuman.It’llhelpyouspot
whenguysarebeingcreepsandgirlsarebeingfaketoo.”

Hannah’sfacelitup.“That’sabrilliantidea.”Shepulledherphonefromherpurse

and opened her notes app, ready to write down movie titles. “Pretty Woman. What
else?”

“Calm down, Spielberg. Just come over this weekend and we’ll have a Netflix

marathon,causeyou’regonnaneedmycommentary.”

Shenoddedandslippedthephonebackintoherpurse.
“Nowgetinthereantryonsomeclothes,”Codycommanded,noddingtotherowof

whitedoors.

“Butwedidn’tpickanyoutyet?”
“What’dyouthinkIwasdoingthewholetimeyouweregettingpampered?”
“Playingonyourphone?”
“IwastextingBianca.Shefilledthefittingroomwitheverythingyou’llneed.”
“Whathappenedtodoingourownshopping?”
“I didn’t want to hurt her feelings,” he said with an apologetic smirk. “Now quit

stalling and try on your clothes. And you better show me everything. I’m not letting
anyboringkhakisorfrumpysweatersslipby.”

“Cody,it’snotthatIdon’tappreciateallofthisPrettyWomanpampering.”Hannah

loweredhervoicetoawhisper.“ButIcan’taffordtobuymyclotheshere.”

“It’sonme.”

“But—”
“Lessonnumberthree.Neverdeclineyourboyfriend’sgifts.Besides,you’rehelping

me.”

“How?”
“Mydadfeelslessguiltyforneverbeingaroundwhenhebuysmethings.He’llsleep

easierwhenheseeshisNeimanMarcusbillthismonth.Nownomorearguing.Getin
there.” He slapped Hannah’s ass and she yelped, but made her way into the fitting
room.

Theentireroomwaswhite—walls,doors,mirrors,floors.Itwasblinding.Itwasthe

largestfittingroomHannahhadeverseen.Awhitewing-backedchairwithanottoman
judgedherfromthecorner.Nexttoitwasasilverdoorbelllabeled‘assistance’.Hannah
glancedatthelongrackfilledwiththeclothesBiancahadpickedout.Thiswasgoingto
takeallnight!

Hannahsuddenlyfelttheneedtositdown.Luckilyahugewhitetufted-benchwith

silver legs had been provided. It was over six feet long! How many people were they
expectinginthefittingroomatonce?

Hannahlookedupandshookherheadattheornatechandeliersparklingaboveher.

Shewassooutofherleague.

Shetookadeepbreathandfannedthroughtheclothing,settlingonwhatshewas

mostcomfortablewithfirst—apairofdarkjeans,whitelinenshirtandacamel-colored
blazer.Theskinnyjeanswereskintightandbendingherkneeswasastruggle,butthe
rich fabric of the buttery blazer and the finely tailored shirt made up for her
discomfort.Hannahgazedatherreflectioninawe.Shelookedlikeamillionbucks.In
one afternoon she’d gone from high school nerd to the beautiful, confident career
womanshelongedtobe.

She slid her feet into a gorgeous pair of herringbone Tory Burch flats and had to

restrain herself from skipping back to the posh white waiting area, where Cody was
waiting. When he gazed up from his phone he frowned. Not what Hannah was
expecting.

“Ugh.”Codygaveathumbsdown.
“What’swrongwiththis?”
“Theclothesareperfect,it’sthewayyou’rewearingthem.”
Cody was on his feet, pulling the hem of Hannah’s blouse from her jeans and

unbuttoningittoherbreastbone.Whenhishandgrazedherchest,sheslappedhim.

“Don’t get me wrong, l like the whole feisty thing, but it might sell the whole

boyfriendthingbetterifyoucouldrefrainfromslappingmeeverytimeItouchyou,”
hewhispered.

“I’m sorry. It’s just my instinct. I’m not used to having people touch me. I’m not

sureIseetheappeal.”

“Seriously?”
“Idon’tknow.I’veneverhadaboyfriend,remember?Ijustneedtopracticemore.”
CodysighedanddraggedHannahbacktothefittingroom.
“Whatareyoudoing?”
“Practicing.”

“Y

ou’renotsupposedtobeinhere.”

“Sayswho?”Codyasked,lookingaroundthemassivewhiteroomandlocking

thedoorbehindhim.

Theywerecompletelyalone.Hannahgazedatthe‘assistance’buttonandfoughther

urge to push it repeatedly as Cody moved closer to her. He popped the collar of her
shirtandblazer,tyingablueandgoldChanelscarfaroundherthroat.Heranhishands
downherbody,unbuttoningtheuntuckedbottomofherblouse.

Hannah’spulsepoundedinherearsasCody’shandscontinuedtheirpathdownher

legs.Heslippedoffherflatsandheldapairofclassicredpumpsup.Sheslippedherfeet
inandhestooduptoexamineher.

He scratched his chin. “Better,” he said placing his hands on her hips to spin her

towardthemirror.“Andyouhaven’tslappedmeonce.”

Hannahwasgratefulforthemakeupstaininghercheeks.Ithelpedhidethemassive

blushheatingherbodyfromCody’stouch.Hewasright.Sheneededalotmorepractice.
Andshecouldsuddenlyseetheappealofhavinghishandsalloverher.

“Memorizethisoutfit.You’rewearingittoschooltomorrow.”
“Ican’t.Wehaveuniforms.”
“Wearyourskirtinsteadofjeans,andyourvestundertheblazer.”
Hannahswallowedandnodded,nervousatthethoughtofnotfollowingtheStanton

dress code to the letter. But Cody was right. That’s how the Goldens dressed—mixing
andmatchingpartsoftheiruniformswithposhstatementpiecesthatprobablycosta
fortune.

“Next,”hesaidhandingheradressbeforelounginginthewing-backedchair.
“Youwantmetochangeinfrontofyou?”
Codysigheddeeply.“Hannah,you’retheonewhowantedtopractice.Youneedto

becomfortablewithyourselfandyourbody.Ifyoucan’tgetundressedinfrontofyour
boyfriendhowareyougoingtobeabletohandleyourselfatHarrison’sparty?”

“Right. I forgot about that bit,” she said biting her lip nervously. “Are you sure

there’sgoingtobenakedpeoplethere?”

“There’salwaysnakedpeopleathisparties.”
“Oh...”
“Lesson number four. Any good high school party is about three things. Getting

drunk,gettingnakedorgettinghigh.”

ODY

TOOK

one look at Hannah’s petrified doe eyes and almost called the whole stupid

thingoff.Thepoorgirlhadnoideawhatshewasgettingherselfinto.Harrisonandthe
restoftheGoldenswouldeatheralive.Andforwhat?Toproveapoint?Hannahdidn’t
needtoproveanythingtoanyone.EspeciallytheGoldens.Shewastoogoodforthem
anyway.Toogoodformetoo,Codyremindedhimself.Butbeforehecouldsayanything
shewasundressing.

Histhroatdriedupcompletelyashewatchedhershrugoffthethinwhiteshirt.
Shit! She was hot. He’d gotten a glimpse that morning, but that body! Tennis was

goodtoher.Codywashavingtroublerememberingwhyhewasstillsittinginthechair
insteadoftearingherbraoff.ThatwasuntilHannahtriedtopeeloffherskinnyjeans
andfellover,nearlytakingthewholerackofclotheswithher.

Codyrushedtohelpher.“Youokay?”
“Sure.What’salittlemoreembarrassmentfortoday?”
Helaughed.“Don’tworry.I’mprettysureit’simpossibletolooksexywhiletaking

offskinnyjeans.”

“Let’smakethatarule.Don’ttakeskinnyjeansoffinfrontofothers.”
“How about this? Rule number five. Let your boyfriend take off your jeans,” he

winked tugging her feet free from the stretchy denim that was strangling her ankles.
Takingherhandshepulledhertoherfeet.

“Thanks,”shesmiledandthenseemedtorealizeshewasstandinginfrontofhimin

nothingbutherbraandunderwear.Shesquealedandgrabbedadressfromtherack,
tryingtocoverherselfup.”

“Hannah,stop.Youhavenothingtobeembarrassedabout.You’rebeautiful,”Cody

saidsoftly,findinghemeanteveryword.Shewasstunning,smart,sexy,funny...He
was suddenly having a hard time keeping his hands off of her. He didn’t want to be
practice.

Getyourheadoutofthegutter,Codymentallyscoldedhimself.Sheiswayoutofyour

league.

He mentally checked himself and took a step forward, and tugged the dress, but

Hannahheldtight.

“Hannah,youdon’tneedtocoverupwhoyouare.Lessonnumbersix.Ifyoucan

faceyourfearsinyourunderwearyoucanconquertheworld.”

Shescoffed.“Easyforsomeonecompletelyclothedtosay.”
Codyarchedaneyebrowandshruggedoffhisgreenarmyjacket.Hepeeledoffhis

blackv-neckt-shirtandkickedoffhisshoes.Hewasstartingtounbucklehisbeltwhen
Hannahloosedabreathloudly.

“Fine!Youprovedyou’renotshy...you’reconqueringtheworldorwhatever!”
“Yourturn,”Codyordered.
Hannah balked, fear chilling her flushed skin. Cody moved toward her, slowly

tuggingthedressfromherhands.Shestoodbeforehiminherwhitebraandpanties.
Theywereplainascouldbe,buthedidn’tgiveashit.Allhecouldthinkaboutwasthe

perfection that was hiding beneath them. Hannah was visibly shaking as Cody took
anotherstepcloser,pressinghischestintohers.Hannah’sbreathcaughtinherthroat,
herbrightblueeyeswidening.

RACTICE

!Hannahremindedherself.Don’tfreakout.Thisisjustpractice.

But she couldn’t help it. She was freaking out. Her body refused to listen to her

mind. All she could see was the gold flecks in Cody’s light brown eyes smoldering
throughhisdarklashes.Herheartpoundedagainsthischest,herbodyshakingasshe
watchedhisdeliciouslipsmovetowardhers.Sheclosedhereyes,willingherselfnotto
besonervous.

HannahnearlyjumpedoutofherskinwhenCody’sbreathtickledherear—hotand

close.“Hannah,IpromiseIwon’teverhurtyou.”

Shetrembled.
“Lookatme.”
Her eyes flew open and she stared at his handsome face. Something changed. He

didn’tlooksmugorsarcastic.Helooked...kind...sincere.Hewasadifferentperson
alltogether.Onethatshewassuddenlydrawntoward.

Cody’svoicewasfirm.“You’reinchargehere,okay?”
Shenodded.
“Tellmewhatyouwant.”
Hannah’sbreathcaughtinherthroatwhenhepulledhercloser,runninghishands

seductively down her sides. Her body came alive in a way she’d never experienced
before,pulsingwithheatanddesireasherchestpushedagainstCody’s.Shestiffened
andmeltedallatonceunderhistouch.Shecouldn’tbelieveshewasstandinginsuch
close proximity to him in nothing but her underwear. And she didn’t hate it. That
thoughtaloneterrifiedher.

“Hannah,tellmewhatyouwantmetodo.”
Shenodded.
Hesmirked.“Thatmeansuseyourwords.”
Therewasthemockeryshewasusedto.
Sherolledhereyes.“Idon’tknowwhatIwant.That’stheproblem.I’mnogoodat

this.”

“You’re doing fine. You’re just wound up. You need to chill. What do you do in a

tennismatchwhenyouneedtostaycalm?”

Sheshookherhead.
“Tellme.”
“No.You’regoingtomakefunofme.”
“IpromiseIwon’t.”
Shesighed.“Ibreatheandmakementallists.”
Codycockedaneyebrow.
“Don’tjudge,itworks.”
“Okay,giveitawhirl,”hesaidpullingherclosertohim.
Herbreathhitchedinstantlywhenhepressedhisbodyintohers.

“Breathe,”Codyremindedher.
She closed her eyes and took a deep steadying breath and mentally repeated her

mantra.

Keepyoureyeontheprize,Hannah.
Getthekey.
Gettheguy.
Makememories.
Highschoolperfection.
When she opened her eyes, Cody’s handsome face filled her vision. God, he was

gorgeous.Hannahbegantosecond-guessherdecisiontochoosesuchanattractiveboy
topracticethesethingswith.BeingthisclosetoCodymadeitimpossibletofocus.She
hadtoclosehereyesandstartherlistalloveragain.Thistimesheremindedherselfof
whohewas,traininghermindtoseetheboywithnofuturewhoowedher.

Thistimewhensheopenedhereyes,herheadremainedclearandsheknewexactly

whatshewanted—perfection.Shewouldsettlefornothingless.

HEN

ANNAH

OPENED

her eyes she looked different, confident. Her technique had

worked.

“Whatdoyouwanttopractice,Hannah.Theball’sinyourcourt.”
Shelookedupathimassertively.“This,”shewhispered,wrappingherarmsaround

hisneckandkissinghim.

It only took Cody a second to respond. His arms circled her slender waist and he

kissed her back with passion. Hannah parted her lips, teasing his tongue with hers.
Codyeagerlyansweredbypressingherharderagainsthim,nearlypullingheroffher
feet.

She stood on her tiptoes and wound her fingers through his thick dark hair. He

groaned into her mouth and her body responded. Her heat rushed to him, her heart
hammeringagainstCody’serratically.Hishandsgrippedhertightly.Shewaslikeaball
ofrubberbands,hecouldfeeleachtouchwindingtighterandtighter.

Hannah leaned into Cody as his hands roamed down to her hips. She moved her

trembling fingers down his bare chest and timidly hooked them into the waist of his
jeans.Butassoonasshetouchedhisscorchingskin,hismusclestensedandhepulled
away,breakingthefranticspellthey’dbeenunder.

Cody’seyeswerewideashewatchedHannahnervouslytouchherlips.
“Wasthatgood?”sheasked.
“That’senoughfortoday,”Codysaidgrabbinghisclothes.“Getdressed.I’llmeetyou

inthecar,”hegrumbledbeforestormingfromthefittingroom.

He left Hannah gaping at him in shock. The sound of the slamming door barely

audibleabovetheturmoilscreamingbeneathhisveins.

annahlay on her bed wondering what the hell she’d done wrong? The ride home

with Cody had been awkward and silent. After he fled from the fitting room like he
discoveredshehadsmallpox,shestumbledaroundtryingtofindherclothesamongst
the expensive apparel littering the floor. It didn’t seem right to leave the gorgeous
fabricslyingaroundsoHannahdidherbesttohangthembackup.

A million thoughts had raced through her mind as she tidied up the fitting room.

The most prevalent one was that kissing her was probably some sort of cruel and
unusual form of punishment for Cody. He was used to beautiful, well-practiced girls.
Maybeaskinghimtobeherpracticeboyfriendwasn’tfair.Heowedher,butshewas
starting to feel like she was taking things too far. With how fast he’d bolted she was
worriedshewascausinghimtobephysicallyill.

Theoddthingwas,beforehe’drunout,shehadfeltsomething.Kissinghimdidn’t

seemlikepracticeatall.Itfelt...right.Morethanright,itwasamazing.Hannahhad
neverexperiencedsucharushofnervousexcitementbefore.

Shetouchedherlipsatthememoryoftheirkissandsighed.Shewasbeingstupid.

Shecouldn’tpossiblyhavefeltanythingforCody.That’swhyshe’dpickedhim.Hewas
safe. She’d never fall for someone as screwed up as he was. And she was certain he
didn’tfeelanythingforher.He’dbarelysaidtwowordsthewholecarridehome.He
was already up the stairs to his massive house when she shouted, “pick you up
tomorrow.”

Hisonlyresponsewasawave.Hedidn’tevenbothertolookbackather.
“Ugh!Whatajerk!”
Hannah sat up and punched her pillow, frustrated that her plan was falling apart

becauseCodywasbeingaflake.Allhe’ddonewasforcefeedhercaffeine,subjectherto
torturous primping, make her take her clothes off, tell her she needed new ones and
thenleftwithoutlettinghergetany.Sheremindedherselfshedidn’tpickhimforhis
charm.Shewasjustgoingtohavetosuckitupandtryharder.Shewasn’tgoingtolet
CodyMatthewsstandinthewayofherperfecthighschoolrésumé.

RESSED

in her favorite oversized gray sweatshirt from Brown and plaid pajama

bottoms, Hannah hunched in front of her computer screen. She was studying
graduation speeches again when she heard the doorbell ring. She didn’t flinch. She
knew her father would answer. He was a night owl. Running his own tech company
allowedhimtoworkfromhome,butthatmeantheprettymuchworked24/7.

Hannahglancedattheclock.Odd.Whowouldbestoppingbysolate?Itwas10pm.

Waypastherbedtime!Butshewastoorestlesstosleep.Stupidvanillalatte!

Theknockatherdoorstartledher.
“Hannah?”Herfather’svoicecalledsoftlyinthehallway.“Areyouawake?”
Shestrodetothedoorandcreakeditopen.“I’mup.What’sgoingon,Dad?”
“A currier just delivered a bunch of bags for you,” he said holding up six gigantic

silver bags. Each one with the words, Neiman Marcus, printed on the side. “There’s
moredownstairs.”

“Oh!”Hannah’sheartskippedasshegrabbedthebagsfromherfather.
Codycamethrough!
“Thanks.”Hannahquicklystashedthebagsinherroomandrandowntothefoyer

withherfathertrailingbehindher.ShespottedthreemoreNeimanMarcusbags,halfa
dozengarmentbagsandashort,widewhitebagwiththewordsLAPERLAstampedon
thesideinboldsilverletters.Therewasanenvelopeattachedtothehandlewithher
nameonit.

“Whatisallofthisfor?”herfatherasked.
“School project,” she snapped, scooping up the bags and running back up to her

bedroom.

Hannahlockedthedoorandbreathlesslylookedattheseaofdepartmentstorebags

covering her floor. Wheretostart? She went to the LA PERLA bag first since she was
most curious about the note. Maybe Cody was apologizing for running out on her.
Maybe he really was sick. Oh god, maybe it was too hard for him to be around all the
champagne.Therewasabottleoniceinherfittingroom.She’dbeendrinkingit.Didshe
tastelikechampagnewhenshekissedhim?

She fumbled with the envelope praying she hadn’t inadvertently sent him back to

rehab.

‘Toconquertheworld.’-C
Hannahflippedthecardoverandpeeredintotheemptyenvelope,butthatwasit.

Therewasnothingelse.Sheunwrappedthewhitetissuepaperinsideandpulledoutan
extremely lacey, extremely see-through, sexy black bra. Hannah’s cheeks burned
scarletwhenshepulledoutthematchingpanties—thongsofcourse.Thebagwasfullof
sixmoreidenticalsetsinwhite,paleblue,softpink,nude,redandgray.

“Holy hell!” Hannah exclaimed when she caught the price tag on the skimpy

panties.Shescannedtherestofthelingerieanddidaquickcalculation.Shegaspedout
loud.Therewasover$5000inunderwearsprawledoutonherbed!

“Thisisinsane,”shewhispered.
She pawed through the rest of the bags, pulling out the lavish items and carefully

laying them on her bed. Cody purchased every item from the fitting room! It was a
smallfortune.ItwouldcoverherentiretuitiontoBrown—notthatshewaspayingto
gothere.She’dneverbeabletoaffordBrownifshehadn’tgottenafullscholarship.But
that wasn’t the point. It was the principle. It made no sense to Hannah to spend that

kind of money on clothes! No wonder it was impossible to reach Golden status at
Stanton.IfitrequiredshoppinghabitslikethistherewasnowayHannahwouldever
earnawayinonherown.

As dedicated as she was to her cause, Hannah was starting to feel uncomfortable

withherandCody’sarrangement.Atthisrate,shewasgoingtobetheonewhoowed
him.

“Not going to happen,” she muttered grabbing her phone. She tapped out a quick

texttoCodyandhitsend.

GOTTHEBAGS.WAYTOOMUCH.I’MSENDINGTHEMBACK.–HANNAH

BUBBLE

APPEARED

onherscreen.Codywastextingback.

RULE#2.LESSON#3.–CODY

“H

CAN

SHOVE

hisridiculousrules,”Hannahmutteredhittingthecallbutton.

Codyansweredonthefirstring.“Hello,dollface.”
“Cody, they’re going back. All that stuff cost way too much money. I’m not

comfortablewithit.”

“So you’re okay with blackmail, but you draw the line at expensive apparel?” he

mocked.

“It’s absurd to spend that much money on clothes! And I can by my own

underwear,thankyouverymuch.”

“Ohgiveitarest,Hannah.YougotoStantonforChristsake.Youobviouslyhavethe

means,sostoppretendingtobeoffendedbywealth.I’moverthewholeinnocentbit.
Andeveryoneknowsyoucan’treturnlingerie,sodealwithit.”

Hannahwasspeechless.
“Hell-o?”Codytauntedwhenshedidn’treply.“Youstillthere?”
“Yeah,”wasallshecouldmanage.
“Good. Then I expect to see you dressed accordingly tomorrow morning and put

yourgamefaceonsowecangetthisoverasquicklyaspossible.”

Click.
HannahsatinstunnedsilenceafterCodyhunguponher.Shewasn’tusedtobeing

caughtoffguard.Butwhathadsheexpected?NooneknewsheattendedStantonPrep
forfree.Herfathercouldneveraffordthesteeptuition,buthewantedthebestforher
and always led by example. She still remembered the day he’d told her that he’d
enrolledherinStanton.“Ifyouwantsomething,youmakeithappen,”he’dsaid.

Whensheattendedherinterviewwiththedeanshe’dfoundouttheonlywayshe’d

beenallowedtoattendStantonwasbecauseherfatherdonatedhiscompany’ssoftware
for the entire campus so she could attend for free. She felt horrible, knowing that he

wasgivingawayhishardworkforfree.Plus,itmadeherfeellikeanintruder.Evenasa
sixthgrader,sheknewthatifherpauperstatusgotaroundatStantonshe’dneverfitin.
Soshekepttoherself,focusedonacademicsandmadesurenooneeverlearnedher
secret.

Hearing Cody say she had money should have eased her nerves. It was further

proofthatshe’dsuccessfullymanagedtosurviveStantonwithoutanyoneknowingshe
couldn’t afford to be there. So why was it bothering her so much? It wasn’t so much
Cody’sstatement,butthewayhe’dsaidit.Implyingthatbecauseshehadmoneythat
shedidn’tneedtovalueit.Shehatedthevenomousentitlementinhisvoice.

Hannahsquaredhershouldersandwalkedtoherclosettomakeroomforhernew

wardrobe.What’sdonewasdone,shethought.IfCodywasgoingtobepigheadedand
arrogantshewasn’tgoingtolettheclothesgotowaste.She’dcallitaninvestmentin
herfuture.AndaremindertonotturnintoaGoldeninherquesttoconquerthem.

ShefoldedCody’snoteandputitinherdeskdrawer,beforehoppingintobed.
“Toconquertheworld,indeed,”shegrumbledswitchingoffthelight.

odyfeltbadafterhehunguponHannah.Butjusthearinghervoiceonthephone

was enough to make him lose his resolve to continue their charade. After the fitting
room incident he’d decided he was done. Graduating wasn’t worth the emotional
turmoilhe’dgonethroughtoday.He’dnearlyhadapanicattackonthecarridehome.
He was barely holding it together as it was. The last thing he needed was some girl
messingwithhisheadandsendinghimstraightbacktorehab.Allthatwoulddowas
makecertainhedidn’tgraduatewithhisclassmates.

But did he even care? The kids he’d known since grammar school, and considered

his friends, dropped him like a bad habit the second being his friend became
inconvenienttotheirsocialstatus.Soscrewthem.Hedidn’tneedthem.Hedidn’tneed
anyone.

MaybehecouldjustgethisGED.Buthedismissedthethoughtinstantly,knowingit

would kill his father. He wasn’t around much, but he’d sacrificed a lot to make sure
Cody had every opportunity—including his marriage. Cody wasn’t quite sure what
happenedbetweenhisparents.Hewassoyoungwhentheydivorced.Butitwasclear
thatCodywasanunpleasantreminderoftheirfailure.Hecouldn’tletthemdownby
addingmorefailure.He’dalreadydoneenoughdamage.Itwastimeforhimtogrow
up.

Codyhadbeenmorethanhappytogothroughthemotionsforthenextfewweeks

sohecouldputhishighschoolnightmaretorestonceandforallandmoveon.That
wasuntilHannahscrewedeverythingup.

Howhardcoulditbe,Cody?Givethegirlyourkey,dressherup,introducehertothe

douchebagsthatwillbeatthepartyandyou’refree.Allyouhavetodoispretendtocare
abouthelpingherforafewdays.

“Pretend!”hescoldedhimself.
He didn’t think it would be hard. Sure she was hot, but so was every girl at his

school. But none of them were, Elena. None of them knew him or gave a shit about
him.Noonecouldfixwhatshehadbroken.

Elena’s death had destroyed him and after rehab Cody vowed he would never let

anyoneinagain.AnditwasworkingjustfineuntilfuckingHannahStark,withherbig
doeeyesandperkyinnocentbreastsofferedherselftohimonasilverplatter.Hedidn’t
needthisshit.Hadn’thebeenthroughenough?

By the time he’d gotten out of Hannah’s car Cody had convinced himself that he

didn’t care if she got her perfect high school experience or if he didn’t graduate. But
then he checked his phone. Mistake. The socialsphere was a twitter with talk about
CodyandHannah.

Spottedatschool.
SpottedatStarbucks.
Definitelysleepingtogether.
Didyouhearhegotherpregnanttoo?
Howlongbeforehekillsher?
OMGshedeservestodie.Haveyouseenhowshedressed?
Whataslut.
Anditwentonandon.Codywaslividbythetimeheputhisphonedown.Hepaced

backandforthinhissterile,emptyhome.

“Thisisallmyfault.”
WhythehelldidhethinkhecouldhelpHannahinfiltratetheGoldens?
Surehe’dbeenoneofthem.Butinthetimehe’dbeenawayhe’dquicklyforgotten

how ruthless they were. They would never accept her. And now that he’d practically
drawn a target on her back by pretending to date her, he’d ensure that the last few
weeksofhighschoolwouldprobablydestroyher.

“Notthistime.”
He’dbedamnedifheletthosebastardsdestroyanotherinnocentlife.Codyblamed

the Goldens and their stupid secret parties for tearing him and Elena apart. That’s
where they’d been the night of their stupid fight. The night they’d gotten drunk and
saidallkindsofthingstheycouldn’ttakeback.Thenightshe’ddied.

Cody picked up his phone and texted Bianca. Then he’d taken a long shower and

plottedrevenge.Whenhe’dgottenouthisphonewasbuzzingwithtexts.

OnefromBianca.
OnefromHannah.
Texts he could handle. But then she called. And her sincere voice sent shivers

through him. He was right back in the fitting room. Hannah half naked, doe eyes
staringupathimaftertheirelectrifyingkiss,askingifshewasgoodenough.Shit! He
neededtogetheroutofhishead.Thelastthingheneededwastogofeelingsomething
foragirllikeHannah.Heneededtogetoffthephone.

He’dbeenharshwithher.Butthatwastheonlywaythiswasgoingtowork.Cody

neededtostaydisconnected.

he next morning Hannah skipped up the massive stone steps to Cody’s house

wearing one of her new, and ridiculously expensive, workout outfits courtesy of
Bianca’sfinetasteandCody’sdeepwallet.Underneathit—herlaceyLAPERLAlingerie
clungtoherskinlikeitwasdesignedforherbodyalone.Hannahhadtoadmit,maybe
therewassomethingtopayinganobsceneamountforclothing.Becauseshecurrently
feltlikeshecouldconqueranything!

She rang the doorbell with confidence. When the butler answered, she smiled

brightly.“Goodmorning.”

“HereforMasterCody?”
“Yes.I’llshowmyselftohisroom.”
ItseemedallCodyneededwasagoodnight’ssleepbecausehewasinagreatmood

whenHannahwaltzedintohisroom.Freshoutoftheshower,hewaswearingnothing
butatowel.Hannah’seyesdartedstraighttohisglisteningabs,followingthesculpted
V-shapemusclesthatdisappearedbeneaththetowel.

“Dollface!”heexclaimedwhenshewalkedin.“Youlookravishing.”
“Wellyou’reinagoodmoodthismorning.”
“Wellit’sabeautifuldayforextortion.”Cody’ssaidgivingheradazzlingsmilethat

carved dimples into his cheeks. “And besides, why wouldn’t I be in a fantastic mood
withyouinmylife?”

DespitehissarcasmCody’sgorgeousfeaturesmadeHannah’snervesflutter.“Idon’t

know, maybe because the last time I saw you, you couldn’t get away from me fast
enough.Andyouwererudeonthephonelastnight.”

“Youcan’texpecteveryonetobeasperfectasyou,Hannah.”
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Don’tworryaboutit.Myhead’sinthegame.Nowwebettergetgoing,dollface,”he

added in an exaggeratedly snooting voice. “We don’t want to be late for tennis.” He
smirkedpullingthetowelfromhiswaisttotouslehishair.

Hannah got an eye full of Cody and tried to stifle her shock as she ran from his

room.

“Meetyouinthecar,”hecalledafterhernoteventryingtosuppresshislaughter.

ANNAH

SAT

in the car trying to regain her composure. What was Cody’s deal? He was

like Jekyll and Hyde. She’d never encountered someone with so many mood swings.
Maybeitwasbecauseofhisdrinkingproblem.Hadhefallenoffthewagonagain?She
hadn’t wanted to bring it up, but if it was going to get in the way of her success it
neededtobeaddressed.

Cody slid into the passenger seat of Hannah’s car and frowned. “Pull up to the

garage,”heordered.

“Why?”
Codyarchedhiseyebrowandsighedinexacerbation.
“Fine,”Hannahgrumbled.
Shedrovepastthehousetoatwo-story,six-baygarage.ItwasbiggerthanHannah’s

house! Cody hopped out and punched a code into the keypad and one of the doors
soundlessly slid open. He disappeared inside and then popped out dangling a set of
keys.

“Youdon’thavealicense,”Hannahremindedhim.
“Yes, but you do,” he smiled. “Park that rust bucket behind the garage. You’re

drivingmycar.”

“W—”
“Becausebeingseeninyourcarisn’tdoingeitherofusanyfavors.”
Hannah begrudgingly parked her old Volvo behind the garage in the plentiful

parking.Bythetimesheluggedherbackpackandtennisgeararoundfront,Codyhad
pulledhiscarout.

HannahnearlydroppedherbagsatthesightofCodysittinginthepassengerseatof

his purring black Range Rover. The windows were down and he was chewing on the
corner of his sunglasses as the early morning sunlight flickered across his chiseled
features.Helookedlikehewasmodelingforaphotoshoot.

Focus,Hannah!
CodypoppedthehatchandHannahthrewherbagsinthebackoftheSUVandan

eeriethoughtcreptintohermind.HadElenariddeninthiscar?Sheknewitwasn’tthe
car she’d died in. The news had repeatedly flashed images of the totaled sports car.
Perhapsifthey’dbeendrivingthiscar,Elenawouldstillbealive.Itwasbuiltlikeatank.

She slipped into the driver’s seat and the soft leather upholstery seemed to wrap

aroundher.Codyreachedacrossandhitabuttononherdoor.Hannah’sseatsmoothly
repositionedhersoshecouldreachthepedals.

“Wow.Thecarknowshowtoadjusttoitsdriver?”Hannahasked,impressed.
AdarknessfelloverCody’shandsomefeatures.“No.ThosewereElena’ssettings.”
“Oh.”
“Justholddowntheprogrambuttonandit’llresettorememberyou.”
She did as she was told, but Cody’s pleasant mood had evaporated, filling the car

withawkwardtension.Hannahhatedthatshe’dhitasorespotwithCodyagain.He’d
seemedlikehewasactuallywillingtoplayalongthismorninguntilshe’dpissedhim
offwithherquestions.Well,sincehewasalreadymad...

“Aboutyesterday,”Hannahstarted.“I’msorryaboutdrinkinginfrontofyou.That

wasinsensitive.”

“Why?”

“Becauseofyourproblem.IwasdrinkingchampagnebeforeIkissedyouandthat

wasthoughtless.Itwon’thappenagain.”

HannahcouldfeelCodystaringather.Andthenheburstintohystericallaughter.
“Hannah,doyouthinkyourchampagnekissesaresomesortofkryptonite?”
“Idon’twanttobethecauseofarelapse.”
Codysnorted.“Idon’thaveadrinkingproblem.”
“Isn’tthatwhatpeoplewhohavedrinkingproblemssay?”
“Iwasn’tatrehabfordrinking!”Codygrumbled.
“Thenforwhat?”
“Hannah, enough with the twenty questions!” Cody shouted. “You’re the one who

needsmyhelp.Let’sfocusonyourproblems,notmine.”

HannahpulledoverandturnedonCody.“You’reright.I’mtheoneinchargeofthis

relationshipandIwouldappreciateifyouwouldtreatmewithrespect.”

“You’retwistedifyouthinkthisisarelationship,Hannah.You’reblackmailingme

togotoaparty.”

“Youagreedtohelpme.Areyougoingbackonyourword?”
Cody stared at her, hard, as if he was trying to make up his mind. “No. But I’m

renegotiating.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“It means this is now a partnership, not your dictatorship. It’s the only way this

worksandwebothgetwhatwewant?”

“Andwhatisitthatyouwant,Cody?”
“Don’tworry.Itwon’tgetinthewayofyourplans.”
“I’m not comfortable helping you accomplish something that you won’t tell me

about.”

“Takeitorleaveit,Hannah.”
“I’mnotbluffing.I’llreportyouractualtestscores.”
Codyshrugged.
“Fine!” Hannah put the car in gear and continued their drive to school in silence.

Shedidn’tcarewhatCody’smotiveswere,aslongasshegotwhatshewanted.

HAT

DID

WANT

CodyaskedhimselfthatquestionoverandoverduringtheirsilentdrivetoStanton.

HethoughthewantedtostickittotheGoldens.Tofindawaytogetbackatthemfor
how they’d treated him and Elena, and for what they were saying about Hannah
behindherback.He’dbeensoangrylastnight.Whatgavethemtherighttotreatpeople
thewaytheydid?HerefusedtostandbyandwatchtheGoldensruinanotherlife.He
wantedtoprotectHannah.Butthemoretimehespentwithherthemoreconfusedhe
became. Maybe Hannah didn’t need protecting. She was fearless and stubborn. She
wasn’t the least bit intimidated by him. In fact, she challenged him, and it was
infuriating.

He actually enjoyed slamming tennis balls at her during their morning practice

session. It was a great way to get his frustrations out. He even returned a few serves

shockingthehelloutofher.

“Notbadforabasketballplayer,huh?”heteased.
“Former,”shereplied.
“Badsportsmanshipisn’tagoodlookonyou.”
Hannahrolledhereyesandfiredashotathishead.
Codynaileditandwhoopedincelebration.“That’sthreeinarow.”
“Areyoukeepingscore?”
“Yeah,aren’tyou?”
Shedidn’treply.
“That’sthreemorequestionsyouhavetoanswer.”
“Clock’sticking.”
“Tellmeaboutyourfamily.Doyouhaveanysiblings?”
“No.It’sjustmeandDad.”
“Hmm.”
“What?”
“Sortaexplainswhyyou’rearobotwithoutagirlyboneinyourbody.”
This time it was Hannah who closed up. She dropped the ball she’d been about to

serve and stomped over to her bag, shoving her racket in and slinging it over her
shoulder.

“Whereyagoing?”
“I’vehadenoughpracticeforthismorning.”
“Iwasjustkidding.Wellsortof,butcomeon.Ifyoucandishityougottabeableto

takeit.”

“I can. Insult me all you want, Cody. But leave my family out of it.” She stormed

awayheadingforthelockerrooms.

odywasleaningagainsthiscarwaitingforHannah—annoyedthatshehadthekeys

andhewaslockedout.Whatthehellwastakinghersolong?Hewasabouttobargeinto
the locker room to move her along when a girl walked out. He did a double take,
drinking in the long stems, high heels, short skirt and tailored top. Cody barely
recognizedher.HannahlookedlikeGoldenroyalty—anditmadehimshiver.

ANNAH

STRUTTED

across the parking lot looking like a plastic version of herself. She’d

spentwaytoomuchtimeinthelockerroomslatheringoneverycosmeticinthebag
fromNeimanMarcus.ShewasnoRoderickorHector,butshestillmanagedtoachieve
thedesiredlook.Sheworehernewblazer,shirtandstilettosalongwithpiecesofher
Stantonuniform.

Cody’sfaceworealookofworrywhenshewalkeduptohim.
Hannah immediately doubted herself and looked down to see if she’d missed a

buttonorsomething.“What?”sheasked.“DidIscrewsomethingup?”

“No.”Codyclearedhisthroatandsnappedoutofwhateverthoughtshe’dbeenlost

in.“Youlookfine.”

HereachedforHannah’sbagsandhelpedherstowtheminthebackoftheRange

Rover.

“RememberwhatIsaid,”Codyremindedwhentheydrovetothestudentlot.“The

Goldensaregoingtowantgossipfromthesourcesoyouhavetobeprepared.”

“I know, I know. Tell them I felt bad for you, you’re a charity project, blah, blah,

blah.”

“It’simportantthattheythinkyoudon’tlikeme.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard,” Hannah said smiling sweetly. “You did spend all

morninginsultingme.I’lljustthinkofthat.”

Codysmiled.“Iwasjustreinforcingmypoint.”

ODY

MADE

Hannahparkinthebackcornerofthebustlingstudentparkinglot.

“I don’t want anyone to scratch it,” he reasoned buffing an invisible spot off the

hoodwithhissleeve.

“Atleastwhenwedrivemycarwecanparkanywherewewant,”Hannahtaunted.
“You’reright,dollface,”Codysaidslinginganarmoverhershoulderastheywalked

towardtheschool.“Yourcarismuchbetter.Imeanitridessoniceandthepaintjobis
veryspecific.Rustchicwasthelookyouweregoingfor,right?”

“Hey! You’re the one that said it draws attention,” she ribbed, ducking out from

underhisarm.“Ithoughtthatwasourgoal?”

“Yes.ButIbelieveIclearlysaiditdrewthewrongkindofattention.”
“Yeah,well—”
“Lookout!”CodyshoutedgrabbingHannah’sarmandyankingheroutofthepath

ofaspeedingMercedes.

Shedroppedherbagandthesoundofscreechingbrakesfilledtheairassheclungto

Cody’schest.Shecouldfeelhisheartpoundingagainsthersashesteadiedheronher
feet.GoodLord,she’dalmostbeenhit.Codysavedherlife!

He was frantically running his hands over her, as if in disbelief that she was

unharmed.

“I’mokay,”shewhispered,wantingtoquietthepanicinhiseyes.
ThedriverofthesilverMercedescouperolleddownhiswindowandhunghishead

out,slowlyremovinghissunglasses.ItwasHarrisonCohl.

Hannah looked back at Cody and his panic had morphed to rage as he charged

towardtheMercedes.

“Jesus,Harrison!Watchwherethefuckyou’regoing!”Codyyelled.
Acrowdofonlookerswasgathering.
Harrison looked right through Cody to Hannah. “You okay, lovely?” he asked

smoothly.

Shenodded.
Harrisonwinked.“Noharm,nofoul,”hepurredtoCody.
“Youcouldhavekilledher,”Codyhissed.
“Yes,andthenyou’dhavetwodeadgirlfriends,”hewhispered.“Youreallyshould

bemorecareful,”HarrisonsaidgivingCodyachillinggrinbeforedrivingaway.

Hannah,slowlyapproachedCody.Hewasvisiblyshaken.“Comeon,”shewhispered

slipping her hand in his and pulling him away from the crowd of students in the
parkinglot.“Ithinkwe’vegottenenoughattention.”

annahreassuredCodyforthethousandthtimethatshewasokaybeforeheagreed

toleaveherinthelibrary.Shedidn’thaveclassuntilafterlunchandsincediscovering
herlaptophadsmashedaftershedroppedittoavoidgettinghitbyHarrison’scar,the
librarywastheonlyplaceHannahcouldgetanyworkdone.Notactualschoolwork—
she’d been done for weeks. But she was busy studying her tennis opponent for her
matchonSaturday.

She’dbeenaloneforlessthenfiveminutesbeforeMadisonCarmichaelapproached

her.“Hannah,right?”

Hannahnodded.
“Iheardwhathappenedthismorning!Areyouokay?”
“Yes.I’mfine,butmylaptopwasn’tsolucky.”
“Ohno.Doyouneedanewone?I’dbehappytoletyouborrowmine.”
Hannahlookedskepticallyatthegorgeousbrunette.Shewasevenprettierupclose.

“Thanksfortheoffer,butIjustsignedthisoneoutfromtheschool.”

“Oh,right,”Madisonsaidlookingatthelaptoplikeamoron.“Iloveyourblazer,”she

added,sittingdownatHannah’stable.“Inevernoticedhowcuteyoudressedbefore.”

Hannah shrugged. Madison apparently interpreted it to mean she could ask more

questions.

“SodidCodyMatthewsreallysaveyou?”
“Yeah.Iguesshedid.”
“Areyoutwo...dating?”Madisonasked.
“Idon’tliketoputlabelsonthings.”
Hannahsmiledtoherself,thinkingCodywouldlaughifheheardherquotinghim.

“ThetruthisIjustfeelbadfortheguy.”

Madisonsnorted.“Yeah,he’satotalfuckup.”
HannahcringedatthecrueltyinMadison’svoice.Shenodded.“Yeah,Iguess.But

hejustfollowsmearoundlikealostpuppy.”

“I get it,” Madison said. “He is hot. But just be careful. Hanging around with Cody

isn’tgoodforyourreputation.”

“Iknow.IwasgoingtoditchhimalreadybutI’msortofjustusinghimforhiskeyto

themasquerade.”

Madison’smouthfellopen.“Harrison’sparty?”

“That’stheone.”
“Really?”AgrinsnakedacrossMadison’sprettyface.“Yaknow,Icouldprobablyget

youyourownkey.Thenyouwouldn’thavetodragCody’sdeadweightaround.”

“Oh,Idon’twantyoutogothroughanytrouble.”
“Notroubleatall,”Madisonsaid,standing.

“Y

SAID

WHAT

?”Codygrowledfromtheirspotonthelawn.

“Ididwhatyousaid.Whyareyougettingsomad?”Hannahaskedtakingaswigof

thevanillalatteCodyboughtherforlunchfromtheirprivatecampuskiosk.

“Ididn’ttellyoutomentionourplan!”
“Thebestlieisatrueone.”
“What?”
“IfIcangetmyownkeytotheparty,thenIwon’thavetosneakinusingyours.It

meansthatthey’llwantmethere.That’sthewholepointofthis.Makingactualfriends
andmemoriesinmylastfewweeksofschool.”

“Hannah,Ihatetobreakittoyou,butyoudon’tjustdressprettyonedayandget

invitedintotheGoldensinnercircle.They’reuptosomething.”

“Likewhat?”
“Idon’tknow,butIthinkwe’reabouttofindout.”
HarrisonCohlwassaunteringtowardthemlookinglikehe’djustwalkedoutofaGQ

ad. “Hannah, darling. I just heard your laptop was damaged in our little run in this
morning.Isthistrue?”

“Well...Imean...yes,but,”sheblushed,realizingshewasstammeringlikean

idiot.

“Wellthatwon’tdo.What’syourhomeaddress?I’llsendareplacementovertoday.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I have a computer at home. And my father always has

extraslayingaround.”

“Nonsense.Iownuptomyresponsibilities.”HarrisonsaidglaringatCody.“Where

shallIsendyournewlaptop?”

“Shesaidshedoesn’twantanythingfromyou,”Codygrowled.
“Doeshealwaysspeakforyou?”HarrisonaskedlookingatHannahwithconcern.
HannahglaredatCody.“No,Imakemyowndecisions.”
“Good. You see, Cody, I’m simply dealing with my indiscretions like a gentleman.

Whenyoubreaksomething,youshouldoffertorepairit.Notgetitdrunkanddriveit
intoatree.”

Cody snapped. He was on his feet in an instant. He had Harrison by the throat,

rammedagainstthetrunkofthemassiveoakthey’dbeensittingunder.Harrisonheld
his arms up in surrender, as Hannah tried uselessly to pull Cody away before he got
himselfexpelled.

“Youdon’tgettotalkabouther,”Codygrowled,furyradiatedoffhiminwaves.
“Or,what?You’llkillmetoo?”
“Stopit!”Hannahyelled,finallyshovingherwaybetweenthem.
ShekeptonehandonCody’sheavingchestwhileHarrisonsmoothedouthisblazer.

“Becareful,Hannah.I’dhatetoseehimruinanothersweetgirl.”
Harrison shook his head and walked away, as the rest of the campus stared at

HannahandCody—cellphonesouttocapturethewholeembarrassingscene.

NochancetheGoldensdidn’tknowwhoHannahwasnow.

odygrabbedhisbagandstormedtotheparkinglot.Heneededtogetthehelloutof

thereorhewasgoingtoloseit.Harrison’ssickeninggrinbroughtCodybacktohislast
night with Elena. Harrison’s words echoed through Cody’s head. God I love taking
thingsfromyou.ThememoriesmadeCodyseered.HarrisonwasthereasonCody’slife
wasfuckedrightnow.Deepdownheknewit,buthecouldn’tproveit.

Hekeptpumpinghislegstryingtoputdistancebetweenhimandtheschoolbecause

hecouldfeelitcoming.Hisbreathingwasraged,hisheartracing.Codyscarcelyheard
Hannah’svoicecallingafterhimashechargedthroughtheparkinglot.Hespottedhis
carandreachedintohispocket.Shit!Hannahstillhadthekeys!

Codywalkedbehindthecarandleanedagainstittryingtocalmhimselfdown.He

pressed the palms of his hands into his eye sockets until his saw spots. It wasn’t
helping.Hecouldfeelhismusclesgoingrigid.Hetookinashakybreathandstartedto
listthingstokeephiminthepresent.Heneededananchortokeephimfromslipping
backintothenightmaresofhispast.

“Friday,May12

.Calculusexam.1:30pm.Hannah...”

“Cody?”Hannah’svoicedriftedtohisears.Hecouldfeelhersoftlykneelingnextto

him.“What’swrong?”

“Pleaseleave,”Codygroundoutthroughhisclenchedjaw.
“No.Tellmewhattodo.”
“Hannah...”hebegged.“Please,leavemealone.”
HeheardthecarunlockandHannahputhershoulderunderhisarmdragginghim

tohisfeet.

“Comeon.Let’sgo,”sheurged.
“Where?”
“Anywhereyouwant.”
Heballedhishandsintofistsandtriedtogethislimbstorespond.Hefinallygotin

thecarwithHannah’shelp.Sheracedaroundtothedriver’ssideandbuckledhimin.

“Tellmewheretogo,”shebegged.
“Idon’tknow,”hegrowled.
“PicksomewherethatmakesyouhappyandI’lldriveyouthere,okay?”
Codytookadeepbreathandclosedhiseyes.
“Cody!”Hannahyelled.“Openyoureyesandgivemedirections.”

Hiseyesflewopenandhelookedattheroad.Hannahwasalreadyoutoftheschool

parkinglot.“HiddenHallowDrive.”

“Idon’tknowwherethatis.Rightorleft?”
“Right,”Codyanswered.
Hannahturnedright.HerhandreachedforCody’sandsqueezed.“Nowwhat?”
“LeftonPowellRoad.Twomilesahead.”
Shesqueezedwarmthbackintohisfingersandwhispered,“I’mwithyou.”

heyweresittingonthegrass,theirbacksrestingagainstthegrilloftheRangeRover

staringoutoverthelushgreenpasturesofthehorsefarmbelow.Theyhadn’tspoken
since they got there. Hannah sat quietly next to Cody, their shoulders touching,
offeringhersilentsupport.

“Howdidyouknowwhattodo?”hefinallyasked.
“Mymomusedtohavepanicattacks.”
“Why?”
“Isthereawhy?”Hannahasked.
Codyshrugged.“Formethereis.”
Hannah searched his exquisite features, waiting for him to share more. But Cody

clearlyseemedtormentedbytheideaofsayingmore.Tosavehimfromsufferingshe
begantalking.

“Idon’tknowwhatitwasformymother.IalwaystriedtobeperfectsoIwouldn’t

triggerherattacks.Butitdidn’tmatterifIwastheperfectdaughter.Intheendsheleft
usanyway.Iwaseight.”

Cody finally looked at Hannah. It felt like he was seeing her for the first time. His

browneyesglowed—thesunlightcatchingthetinyflecksofgold,makingthemdance
like fireflies. There was so much sorrow on his beautiful face that Hannah barely
recognizedhim.“I’msorry,”hewhispered,takingherhandinhis.

Hannah swallowed hard, staring at Cody’s hand and feeling his warmth and

sincerity.“Thanks.”

“It’snotyourfaultshehadpanicattacks.”
Hannahsmiledsadlyandpulledherhandaway.“Youdon’tknowthat.”
“I do. We do it to ourselves. No one causes it. It’s just our inability to sort out

reality.”

“Iheardmymothertellmyfatherthatwemadehersick.”Hannahsaidquietly.She

couldfeelCodystaringatherbutshecouldn’tmeethisgaze.Instead,shelookeddown
atthegroundandtoreupalongbladeofgrass,wrappingitaroundherfinger.Shegave
a sad laugh. “She couldn’t stand the sight of us. And then she left us. What else am I
supposedtotakefromthat?”

CodygrabbedHannah’shands,stillingherfidgeting.“Idon’tknow.Itwasprobably

somethingbetweenyourparents,becauseIfinditprettyhardtobelievethatsomeone

couldn’tstandthesightofyou.”HetuckedastraypieceofhairbehindHannah’sear,
smilingkindly.

She tried to return his smile, but her heart hurt. Hannah never spoke about her

mother. She tried not to think about her at all, because all it did was make her feel
inadequate.

“Thankyou,”Codysaidsoftly.
“Forwhat?”
Nowitwashisturntolookattheground.“Forhelpingme.”
Hannah hated the serious tone their conversation had taken. It felt too . . . real.

Today had gotten off track and she needed to right it. “You’re welcome.” Hannah
nudgedCody’sshouldertryingtolightenthemood.“Sowhythisplace?”

“Itjustmakeseverythingbetter.”
“That’sallIget?”
“Icamehereaftermyparentsgotdivorced.”
“Oh,I’msorry.”
Codyshrugged.“It’sokay.Itwasalongtimeago.”
“Buthow’dyouevenfindthisplace?It’sinthemiddleofnowhere.”
“I used to come here when I was a kid. My parents had horses at the stables and

theywouldletmecomeoutherewiththehoundstoplacatemybeggingforadogof
myown.”

“Whycouldn’tyouhaveadog?”
Codysighed.“Toomessy.”
“Icanseethat.”
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Well,yourhouseiskindof...sterile.”
“Sterile?”
“Yes. It looks like a museum. I’m actually surprised you’re allowed to live there.

Yourroomistheonlythinginthehousethatisn’tperfectandwhite.”

Codyburstintolaughter.“Please...don’tholdback.”
“Sorry,”Hannahblushed.
“No. It’s honestly refreshing. I hate my house. It’s huge, but it’s always empty.

Everythinghastobekeptjustso,butforwhat?It’sjustmeandmydad.Andhe’snever
there.Itmakesnosense.”

“Thegrassisalwaysgreener,”Hannahsighed.
“Youjustcalledmyhouseasterilemuseum.”
“Yes,butIdidn’tsayIwouldn’tlivethere.Wecantradeifyou’dlike.Ihaveadog,a

clutteredhouseandmydadisalwayshome.”

Codylaughed.“Careful,Imighttakeyouuponit.”
“So, it’s Friday. We blew off school . . . what do you want to do for the rest of the

day?”Hannahasked.

“Idon’tknow.Butgoingtomysterilehouseandbeingaloneisn’tappealing.”
“Okay. How about we go to my house, play with Custard, and start my movie

tutorial.”

“Custard?”
“Mydog.”

“YounamedyourdogCustard?”
“Iwaseight!”
Codylaughedandstoodup,pullingHannahwithhim.“It’sadate.”

heir conversation was easy on the way to Hannah’s house. And Cody noticed she

was getting more comfortable driving the Range Rover. She even dared to open the
sunroof.HesmiledashewatchedHannah’shairdanceaboutinthebreezewhileshe
animatedlytoldhimaboutCustardthedog.

It seemed he’d finally found something that she was passionate about. It was the

firsttimehe’dheardherresponsesnotsoundlikeanautomatedreadingofWikipedia.
Henotedtheadorabledimpleshehadinherrightcheekwhenshelaughed.Hefound
himselfabsurdlyjealousoftheoutpouringoflovethatCustardconjuredinHannah.He
couldn’twaittomeetthefurballandsizehimup.

ItturnedoutitwasimpossiblenottolikeCustard.Thechubbycorgigreetedthemat

thedoorwithexcitedyipsandtailwagging.ItwasMr.Starkthatneededcoaxingfrom
Hannah.

“Dad,I’mhome.”
Therewasamuffledresponsefromsomewhereintheclutteredhouse.
“Ibroughtafriendfromschoolover.”
Anothermuffledgrunt.
“I’llberightback,”HannahsaidapologeticallybeforedisappearingwithCustardhot

on her heels. Cody couldn’t help but smile as he watched the little dog jog adoringly
afterHannah,hisshortlegstrippingoverthemessofwiresandbooksthatcoveredthe
livingroomfloor.

Cody’s eyes absorbed the cheerfulness of Hannah’s home. It was small, but

exploding with color and life. Every mismatched piece of furniture was covered with
eitherbooks or framed portraitsof Hannah smiling brightlyback at him. There were
framed diplomas, trophies and knickknacks everywhere—globes, antique clocks and
modelcars.Cozyblanketsofdifferentsizesandcolorsdrapedthebackoftheeclectic
chairsandsofas,invitinghimtositandstayawhile.Thereseemedtobenorhymeor
reasontothedecoratingstyleofthehouseandCodylovedit.

HewassmirkingandshakinghisheadwhenHannahreappearedwithtwobottlesof

water.

“What?”sheasked.
“Nothing,” he replied coyly. He followed her up the stairs to her bedroom and

laughedwhenheenteredtheroom.“Nowthisismorelikeit.”

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”sheasked,handsonherhips.
“Toseeintoonesroom,istoseeintotheirsoul.”
“That’snotaquote,”Hannahscoffed.
“Wellitshouldbe.IwasstartingtothinkIhadyouallwrong,butthisroomisyou,

downtotheperfectlypressedvanilladrapesandmatchingcomforter.”

“I like order. You saw the rest of my house. It’s a bit . . . busy. I find I’m most

productiveinacalmenvironment.”

“Youmeanblandenvironment,”Codyteasedtossingtheplainestbeigepillowhe’d

everseenatHannah.

“Hey!”
Custardbarkedandpromptlyleapedontothepillowmakinghimselfcomfortable.
Hannah crouched down and scratched his neck before giving him a kiss on the

head.“Don’tyoulooklikealittleprince,”shecroonedinachildishvoice.

“Morelikeafatoldking,”Codyjoked.
HannahmockedinsultandtriedtocoverCustard’sgiganticears.“Don’tyoulistento

thegrouch,Custard.He’sjustjealous.”

Custard barked in agreement and Cody laughed. “Alright, we haven’t got all day.

Let’sgetthismoviemarathonstarted.”

ANNAH

STARTED

OUT

TAKING

NOTES

,buthalfwaythroughPrettyWomanshegaveup.

“I can’t believe you Pretty-Womaned me at Neiman Marcus! This movie is

ridiculous!”

“It’saclassic,”CodyarguedloungingonherbedwithCustardtraitorouslycuddled

nexttohim.Onebellyrubwasallittookandhe’dbeenlayingpawsupnexttoCodyfor
theremainderofthemovie.

“Howisaprostitutefallingforarichguyaclassic?”
“It’slikeamodernCinderella.”
NowitwasHannah’sturntothrowapillow.“Thisisthemostchauvinistic,unlikely,

degrading...”

“Isn’tthatwhatfairytalesare?”Codylaughed.
Hannahsighed.“Yes,andIsupposethat’swhyI’mnotafanoffairytales.Butthisis

stillaterriblemovie.”

“Noway!IlovePrettyWoman.”
“Oh,please!AreyoutellingmeifyouwereRichardGereyou’dfallforher?”
“Sheknowscars.That’shot.”
Hannahrolledhereyes.
“Andshe’seasytotalkto.PlusIlikeallherrandomfacts.”
“Randomfacts?”
“Don’t think I didn’t see you checking the length of your foot,” Cody taunted,

playfully grabbing Hannah’s feet. “It’s true, you know? Your foot is as long as your
elbowtoyourwrist,”hesaidskimminghisfingersteasinglyoverhercaptivefeet.

Shesquealed,interror.“No!”
“Issomeoneticklish?”

Sheshookherheadfervently,butherflushedcheeksandwideeyesgaveheraway

and Cody lunged. He and Custard ganged up on her, pinning her to the bed and
ruthlesslyticklingher—Custard’swetnosewormingitswaytoherearsandneck.

“Omigod! No! Stop!” Hannah’s protests and squealing laughter peeled through the

room,mixedwithCustard’sbarkingandCody’staunts.

HannahtriedtofightbackbutCodywasn’tnearlyasticklishandhispreciseattacks

toherthighsandribsturnedhermusclestojelly,leavingherbreathless.

Codystraddledher,kneesoneithersideofherhips.Shesquirmedandhelaughed,

weaving his fingers with hers as she tried to fend him off. She was suddenly
mesmerizedbythejoyonhisbeautifulface.ThiswasthesecondtimetodayHannah
wasseeingbehindtheveil—therealCody—notthedark,broodingboyhewantedthe
worldtosee.

Herhearthammeredinherchest.Hannahstilled,hercheeksrosyasshegazedat

her reflection in his dark eyes. Cody stopped moving too. His face was inches from
hers,hiswarmbreathmixingwithhers.Codypushedherhandsaboveherhead,their
fingersstillintertwined.Shelickedherlips,tremblingattheconfusingemotionsracing
throughher.

Suddenlythisdidn’tfeellikepractice.Butitdidn’tfeelwrongeither.

annah’sshinyblondehairwassprawledoutonthebedlikeacrown.Codywantedto

touchit.Hewantedtotouchallofher.Hewantedtoburyhimselfinherbeautyand
driveawaytheremainingdarknessthathadtriedtodrownhimtoday.Buthecouldn’t.
Notwithoutconsequences.Notwithoutscrewingeverythingup.Butjustthesame,he
couldn’tpullhimselfawayfromHannaheither.

Watchingherlickherdelicatepinklipssentshockwavesstraighttohiscore.Hewas

losinghisresolve.Andthenshebitherlip,lookingathimwithastrangemixofdesire
and fear. Shit, pull away, Cody. But he couldn’t. He was transfixed in the moment,
powerless to her will. How was this beautiful creature untouched? Was that the only
reasonhewantedher?

Hannahblinkedasthoughshe’dheardhisthoughtsandletgoofhishands.Good,he

thought.Pullawayfromme,becauseI’mtooweaktodoitmyself.

Butinsteadofpushinghimoff,Hannah’shandssettledoneithersideofCody’sface.

Sheslidonehandintohishairmakinghimshudderandclosehiseyes.Herotherhand
delicately traced his jaw until she reached his lips. He parted them and exhaled her
name,butsheswallowedhiswords,pressingherlipstohis.

Thekissignitedasparkthatthreatenedtocombusteverythingaroundthem.Cody

sighedintothekissandletgoofhisfinalounceofrestraint.He’dbeenholdingontohis
darkness for over a year and Hannah had been slowly poking holes in his armor,
shining in bits of light. But it wasn’t enough to sustain him. He’d had a taste and he
wantedmore—neededmore.

Theirhandschasedeachother,greedilystrippingawaytheclothingkeepingthem

apart. Cody fisted his hands in Hannah’s hair, kissing her desperately. And from the
wayshekissedhimback,itwasevidentthatthiswasnolongerpretend.

Shit!Stopthisrightnow,Matthews.
Buthecouldn’t.NotwhenHannahwaslayingbeforehimlookinglikeanangelin

thelingerieheboughther.

Toconquertheworld,indeed.
CodywasconvincedtherewasnooneontheplanetwhocouldresistHannahwhen

shewaslookingathimthewayshewasrightnow.Fullofhopeandpromises.Codyhad
no doubt that if he let her, Hannah would take away his pain and self-loathing. He
knewhecouldburyhimselfinhergoodnessforawhile.Butwouldshebejustanother

Band-Aidorcouldshereallyhealhim?Andhowbadwouldhedestroyherintheprocess?

He didn’t have time to contemplate. A sharp knock at the door broke them from

theirtrance.Hannahquicklyjumpedtoherfeetandthrewonanoversizedsweatshirt
and pajama pants that were conveniently resting on her desk chair, while Cody
scrambledintohiskhakisandt-shirt.

ANNAH

QUICKLY

CHECKED

her reflection in the mirror and smoothed her hair down. She

lookedatCodywhowasnowsittingonthebedlookingabitshellshocked.Custardwas
sitting at his feet wagging his tail. Hannah creaked the door up to see her father’s
anxiousface.

“Hey,Dad.”
“Everythingallrightuphere?IthoughtIheardyelling.”
“Yeseverything’sfine.JustwatchingmoviesandplayingwithCustard.”
Herfathertriedtopeeraroundherintotheroom.“Dad,dowehaveanypopcorn?”

sheaskeddistractinghimfromthedisheveledappearanceofherbed.“Weneedmovie
snacks.”

“Yes.Theairpopisinthepantry.”
“Great!Canyouhelpmegetitdown,”sheasked,movingintothehallandtugging

herfatherwithher.Henoddeddistractedly.“Cody,queueupthenextfilm,I’llbeback
inaminute,”shecalledoverhershoulder,desperatelyhopinghe’dstillbetherewhen
shegotbacktoherroom.Thehauntedlookonhisfacethemomentbeforeherfather
interruptedthemworriedher.

odypacedHannah’sroomandchastisedhimselfforlettingthingsgotoofar.Getit

together,Matthews. Today had snowballed. The best thing he could do was leave and
pretenditneverhappened.Denial—thatwassomethinghewasgoodat,somethinghe
waspreparedfor.Unlikethis...whateverthiswas.Herubbedhisfaceinfrustration.
HowthehellhadHannahStarkdisarmedhim?

Heneededtoleavebeforethingsgotevenmoreoutofhand.Codymovedaround

the room collecting his articles of discarded clothing. He found his tie lying across
Hannah’s desk. He marched over to snag it and glanced at the open notebook it was
restingon.CodyblinkedindisbeliefashereadHannah’sscrawlingpenmanshiponthe
page.

EEP

youreyesontheprize.

1. Getthekey.
2. Gettheguy.
3. Makememories.
4. Giveepicgraduationspeech.
5. Checkhighschoolperfectionoffmyrésumé.

“Practicemakesperfect.”

SNORTED

.“Andshethinksfairytalesarefuckedup.”

MaybeCodywaswrong.Hannahdidn’tfeelanything,shewasjustusinghim.That

wastheirdeal,afterall.Hesighed,hismindmingledwithamixofdisappointmentand
relief. He needed to get over it. Whatever moment he thought he had with Hannah
hadn’tbeenreal.Anditdidn’tmatter—hewouldn’tlethermatter.

AfterElena,hevowednottoletanyoneinagain.SowhatifHannahwasusinghim.

Atleastshewasupfrontaboutit.Codyhadusedplentyofpeople.Thiswasprobablyjust
karmicpayback.Besides,wasn’theusinghertoo?Playingtheirtwistedgamewasbetter
thanfacingthedarkpainthatcamecrashinginwheneverhewasalone.

Cody looked back at the notebook and smirked. Maybe they could both get what

theywanted.Shecouldbehisdistractionandhecouldbeherwhippingboy.

ANNAH

PADDED

BACK

intotheroomwithahugebowlofpopcornandCustardatherheels.

“Sorry,” she grimaced once she’d closed the door. “I told you, my dad is always

here.”

Codyshrugged.“Iorderedpizza,”hesaidwithoutlookingupfromhisphone.
“Oh.Okay.”
Hannah studied Cody for signs of the boy she’d been kissing earlier. But it was

obvioushewasgone—onceagainreplacedwithanaloofimposter.Shesighed,telling
herselfitwasbetterthisway.

“Shall we continue with your education?” Cody asked, finally putting his phone

downandlookingatherwithhispiercingdarkeyes.

Hewassittingonherbedinhissoftgrayt-shirtandrumpledkhakis,hisfeetbare.

Howwasitpossibletolooksocasualandsexyatonce?Codythreadedhishandsbehind
hishead,exposinghisperfectabsandHannahswallowedhard.

“Um,Idon’tthinkthat’ssuchagoodideawithmydadhere.”
Cody smirked. “I was talking about the movie,” he said gesturing to the television

with the remote and pressing play. “Besides, you’re showing improvement. You can
cross kissing and foreplay off your list. I guess practice really does make perfect,
doesn’tit?”hemocked.

Hannah hated the haughty detached tone of Cody’s voice. But what had she

expected?That’swhyshe’dchosenhim.Hewasagrade-Aasshole.Wellthatandhe’s
the only one she had enough leverage over to blackmail. Sure, they’d shared a rare
moment of companionability and even chemistry, but that’s all it was—a fluke,
probablybroughtonbythepost-endorphinsofhispanicattack.

“I told you I was a quick study,” Hannah quipped grabbing her notebook and

climbingontoherbed.“What’supnext?”

“CruelIntentions.”
HannahshookofftheeeriefeelingthemovietitleinvokedandcalledCustardupto

sit between them. Going forward, a barrier would be necessary. Caring about Cody
Matthewswouldn’thelpHannahachievehergoals.

annahenjoyed the twisted teen film more than she’d expected. It was better than

Pretty Woman at least. But Cody was notably agitated. Perhaps watching the love
interest get killed by a car hit too close to home. Hannah felt bad, but then she
remindedherselftokeepherfeelingsoutofit.

“So do girls really do that?” she asked when it was over. “Practice kissing and sex

witheachother?”

“Idon’tknow,Hannah.You’rethegirl.”
“Yes, I am a girl. But I’m normal. I need you to tell me what’s normal for the

Goldens.”

“Theydoalotoffuckedupthings.Thismovieisbasicallytheiranthem,andIdon’t

meantheendingwheretheyallwakeupandfeelbadfortheshitthey’vedone.They’re
connivingassholeswhogetoffonpowerandmanipulation.Youshouldfitrightin,”he
mutteredgatheringhisthings.

“That’suncalledfor,Cody.Wehaveadeal.”
“Yes,Iknow.Youwon’tletmeforgetit.”
“Wellwhereareyougoing?IthoughtweweregoingtowatchMeanGirlsandCan’t

HardlyWait?”

“I’mdonefortoday.Wecanpickituptomorrow.”
“Ihavemytennismatchtomorrow,”Hannahcalledafterhim.
CodywasalreadyoutthefrontdoorwhenHannahcaughtuptohim.“Wait,Ihave

todriveyou.”

“It’samile,Hannah.IthinkIcanhandleit.”
“Butmycar’satyourhouse.”
Hewasalreadyinthedriver’sseat.“I’llpickyouuptomorrow.”
“Ohsoyou’retakingmetomytennismatchatthecrackofdawn?”shetaunted.
Cody sighed and slumped his head against the steering wheel before finally

unbuckling his seatbelt. He slid out and walked around to the passenger seat,
grumblingthewholeway.

“Can you give me a minute to change?” Hannah begged. “I’m sort of in my

pajamas.”

CodyflickedhiswristdismissivelywithoutlookingatherandHannahretreatedto

switchherplaidpajamabottomsforyogapants.Sheswoopedherhairupinamessy

bun and stuffed her feet into her favorite converse before jogging out to the Range
Rover.

Cody’s head was in his hands when she approached. Hannah picked up her pace

worriedhewashavinganotherpanicattack.

“Youokay?”sheaskedwhenshegotin.
“Fine,”Codygrumbledrubbinghistemples.
“Areyousure?”
“I’m not that fragile, Hannah,” Cody barked. “Can you just drive me home and

retrieveyourcar?”

Hannah almost made it the short drive to Cody’s without caving in, but the

flashbacksofhermother’sdepressionandpanicattackspulledatherheartstrings.She
knew Cody wasn’t fine. Hannah was sensitive to the signs. Agitation, mood swings,
deep breathing, shaking, headaches . . . He’d displayed them all on the drive. She
refusedtodonothingandletthissicknessstealsomeoneelse.

“Cody,Iknowthemovieupsetyou.Wecantalkaboutitifit’llhelp.”
“Itwon’t.”
Good,headmittedhewasupsetatleast.“IbetI’mcheaperthanyourtherapist,”she

grinnedtryingtolightenthemood.

“Letitgo,Hannah.”
“No,Cody.Youcan’tkeepthingsbottledup.That’swhatmymomdidand—”
“I’mnotyourmother!”heyelled.
“Iknowthat.AndI’mtryingtomakesureyoudon’tbecomeher.”
CodystaredatherwithangerandconfusionasHannahpulledintohisdrivewayand

parked.

“I lied okay. My mom didn’t just leave. She killed herself! She took a bath with a

bottleofpillsandleftusasweetlittlenotethatsaidsheneededtoleave.”

Cody’seyeswerewideandfullofpain.“I’msorry,”hesaidsoftly.
“Don’tbesorry.Bebetterthanshewas.Youcan’tleaveyourproblemsbehind.You

needtodealwiththemorthey’lldrownyou.”

CodyshookhisheadandHannahcouldseehisself-loathing.
Sheputherhandsonhischeeksandgrippedhisfacehardmakinghimlookather.

“Cody,you’renotalostcause.”

Hisfacewassoclosetohersshecouldfeelhisbreath.WhenHannahlookedathim

shesawtheboyhekepthidden.Theonewhostillpossessedgoodness.Heleanedhis
foreheadagainsthersandforamomenttheybothheldtheirbreath,shoulderingeach
other’spain.

When Cody opened his eyes, they were dark. He caught a tear from Hannah’s

cheek. “Some people aren’t worth saving,” he whispered slipping from her grasp and
exitingthecar.

Hewasupthestonesteps,disappearingintothehousebeforesheeventurnedthe

caroff.Hannahswipedthetearsfromherface,angrythatthoughtsofhermotherstill
heldsuchpoweroverher.

Cody was wrong. He was worth saving. But what could she do? He wasn’t hers to

save. Hannah trudged to her car and drove home in echoing silence, with only her
melancholythoughtstokeephercompany.

henHannaharrivedbackhomeherdadwaswaitingandhedidn’tlookhappy.

“WereyoudrivingaRangeRoverwhenyouleft?”
“Yes.It’sCody’s.”
“Idon’twantyoudrivingsomeoneelse’svehicle,Hannah.”
“Hedoesn’thavealicense,Dad.”
Hannah’sfatherlookedperplexed.“DoIevenwanttoknow?”
She hated lying to her father. It was their one rule. He was analytical and never

reallyoverreactedorgotupsetaboutthings.Hejustwantedtobeaccuratelyinformed.

“Dad,doyourememberhearingaboutCodyMatthewsinthenews?”
Heshookhishead.
“Hegotinthatcaraccident...andhisgirlfrienddied.”
Herfather’seyesgrewwithrecognition.“Theywerestudentsatyourschool.”
“Yes.Codystillis.”
“Hannah,Idon’tlikethis.”
“Dad, it’s not a big deal. We’re working on a project together for school and I’ve

offeredtogivehimridessincehecan’tdrive.Wetookhiscartoday,butIwon’tdoit
againifyoudon’twantmeto.”

Her father cut his eyes suspiciously at her. “And what about, H?” he asked. “Is he

partofthisschoolproject?”

“H?”
HerfatherpickedupawhiteboxthatHannahmissedamongstthedailyclutterof

items waiting to be carried up the stairs. It was a Macbook Air, with red handwriting
scrawledacrossthetopofthebox.Problemsolved.Callmeifyouneedanythingelse–H.
Aphonenumberwasscribbledbeneaththenotealongwithatinyheart.

Hannahlookedatherfather’ssuspiciousglareandgroaned.Thiswaspreciselywhy

she’daskedHarrisonNOTtosendheralaptop.

“Dad,ItoldhimIdidn’tneedit.”
“Who’sitfrom?”
“HarrisonCohl.”
That was a name he did know. Hannah’s father provided the Cohl’s security

software for their computer. Well at least he used to, before they’d been elected to
governmentpositions.Losingtheiraccounthadbeenabighittohisbusiness.

“Ishemockingyourcomputer?”heaskedinastonishment.“BecauseIcantellyou

rightnow,it’sfarsuperiortothistoy!”hemutteredwavingtheMacbookaround.

“No!Dad.IbumpedintoHarrisonintheparkinglottodayanddroppedmylaptop.

Thescreensmashedandhefeelslikeitwashisfaultsoheofferedtogetmeanewone.
I told him it wasn’t necessary,” Hannah replied trying to soothe her father’s
uncharacteristichostility.“He’sjusttryingtobenice.”

“Wedon’tneedhischarity.”
“Iknow,Dad.I’mgoingtocallhimandreturnit,okay?”
HerfathernoddedandhandedHannahtheslimwhitebox.“Pleasedo.”
Hannahsighedasshewatchedherfatherdisappearbackintohisstudy.Todaywas

not her day. She trudged up the stairs with the Macbook, already typing Harrison’s
numberintoherphoneandshootinghimatext.

THANKSFORTHELAPTOP.
ITWASVERYGENEROUS.
BUTICAN’TACCEPT.

ANNAH

PAUSED

BEFORE

HITTING

SEND

.Shecouldn’tpissHarrisonoffifshestillhopedtogetan

invitetohisparty.Sheaddedtohertextmessage.

MYFATHERALREADYREPLACEDIT.
DON’TWANTTOHURTHISFEELINGS.
BUTTHANKYOU–HANNAH

IMMEDIATE

RESPONSE

CAME

THROUGH

ATLEASTKEEPMYNUMBER;-)–HARRISON

ANNAH

BLUSHED

andtextedbackasmileyface.

GLADIBUMPEDINTOYOU–HARRISON

LAUGHED

.Bumped?Wellthatwasonewaytolookatit.

LOL–HANNAH

CALLIFYOUNEEDME–HARRISON

OK–HANNAH.

ANNAH

SHOOK

her head at the strangeness of her day. She’d finally gotten Harrison’s

attention.Itwasn’thowshe’dplannedit,butshecouldadjust.Theimportantthingwas
heknewwhoshewasandseemedtobeflirtingwithher!Nowthatshehadhisnumber
she could talk to him without his Golden army watching—judging. If she watched
enough rom-coms she should be able to charm the pants off him. She had Harrison
rightwhereshewantedhim.Highschoolperfectionwasinsight!

Sowhywasitthatshecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutCody?
Shecouldn’tshakethenaggingfeelingthathewashurtingandshewasprobablythe

only one who knew, or cared. Hannah picked up her phone and tapped out a quick
message.Yes,sheknewCodywasn’theractualboyfriend,buthewasstillhumanand
sherefusedtositbyandlethimsuffersilently.Sheknewtoowellwhatthatfeltlike.

JUSTCHECKINGIN–HANNAH

FTER

TEN

MINUTES

ofrelentlesslycheckingherphone,Hannah,tappedoutanothertext.

ShetriedadifferentapproachthistimesinceCodyapparentlypreferreddenialrather
thandealingwithhisissues.

DOYOUWANTTOCOMETOMYTENNISMATCHTOMORROW?–HANNAH

ELIEF

FLOODED

her when she saw the text bubble pop up. Had she really thought he’d

harm himself? Perhaps she was overreacting, but that was par for the course when
suiciderunsinyourfamily.

ISITABOYFRIENDDUTY?–CODY

NO.IT’SAFRIENDDUTY–HANNAH

WE’RENOTFRIENDS–CODY

WORDS

STUNG

, but she knew he’d meant them to. Hannah fleetingly thought Cody

would be a worthy chess opponent. He had a tactical mind. But she wasn’t pushed
awaysoeasily.

COMEON.DON’TBEASHEEP–HANNAH

SMIRKED

at her clever retort, knowing he’d be proud she was quoting Cruel

Intentions.

IHAVEPLANS–CODY

LIAR–HANNAH

ANNAH

FINALLY

GAVE

upwhentherewasnoresponseafteranhour.Shefloppedintobed

andturnedthelightoff,determinednottoletherboytroubleconsumeherdreams.

ow this was some karmic crap! Hannah rubbed her hands together to keep warm

beforetryingtheignitionagain.Anothercoldfronthadrolledthroughovernightand
theapponherphonesaiditwascurrently39degrees!Hercarhatedthecoldalmostas
muchasshedid.Shesaidasilentprayerandturnedthekeysagainonlytobemetwith
aweakclickingsound.

“Great!Justgreat!”
Hannahcheckedthetime.HerdadwouldalmostbeinNewYorkbynow.Heleftat

dawn to drive to a conference for the weekend. She hated to call him. He worried
enough as it was, and after the drama with Cody and Harrison yesterday he’d been
hesitanttoleaveheratall.Hannahgrabbedherbagandraninsidetogetoutofthecold
whileshetriedtosolveherissueoffindingaridetohertennismatch.Shecouldcalla
cab,butitwouldbeexpensive.Thematchwasalmostanhouraway.Hannahmentally
calculatedthefarethereandbackandfrowned.Codyitwas.Shedialedhisnumber—
therewasn’ttimefortheirtextchessgamesthismorning.

Codyansweredonthefirstring.Hisvoicelow...short.Shewassurprisedhewas

evenawakethisearly.

“Hannah?”
“Hey.”
“Whatdoyouwant?”
“Canyouprettypleasetakemetotennisthismorning?I—”
Hannah’swordsdroppedoffwhensheheardafemalevoicecallingCody’snamein

thebackground.Cody’smuffledvoicespokeawayfromthephone,assuringwhoever
waswithhimthathe’d,‘berightthere.’

“Thisisn’tagoodtime,Hannah.ItoldyouIhaveplans.”
Thenhedisconnected,leavingHannahdazedanddeflated.
Shetookadeepbreathandcollectedherself.Shecouldn’tbemad.Codywasn’ther

realboyfriend.Hewasallowedtoseeothergirls.Andtobefairhe’dsaidhewasbusy
today.Maybehe’dactuallysoughthelplastnightintheformofafriend?Ormorethan
afriend,Hannahthoughtrecallingthesultrysoundofthegirl’svoice.Ugh,whatdidit
matter?Hannahdidn’thavetimetoworryaboutCodyandtheirmessedupgames.She
neededtogettohertennismatch.

Her eyes settled on the white Macbook box on the foyer table. Perhaps fate was

smilingonherafterall.

Hannahdialedanothernumberwhilenervouslychewingherlip.
Harrison’ssleephuskedvoiceansweredafterseveralrings.“-lo?”
“Harrison?It’sHannah.Stark.”
“Hannah?”
“Yes, I’m sorry to call so early, but you said if I ever needed anything . . . if that

offer’sstillgood,Iwouldreallylovetotakeyouuponitrightnow.”

HannahhadastrangesensationHarrisonwassmilingontheotherendofthephone

whensherelayedherfailedattemptstogettohertennismatch.Heagreedtodriveher
andsaidhe’dbethereintwentyminutes.

ANNAH

HEARD

tires on gravel and glanced at her watch. Harrison was prompt. She

collected her tennis bags and rackets, grabbing the Macbook as she locked the house
behindher.Shenearlydroppedherbagsalongwithherjawwhenshecaughtsightof
theslickblacklimoinherdriveway.ThewindowloweredandHarrisongrinnedoutat
her.

“Morning!” he called raising a champagne flute and flashing a devious smile.

“Ready,Ace?”

The driver swiftly stowed Hannah’s bags and ushered her into the limo. The rich

leatherinteriorwaswarmandinviting,justlikeHarrison’ssmile.Hannah’sskintingled
with nervous excitement. She’d never been in a limo before. And with the door shut
andpartitionraisedshefeltabitlikeacagedanimal—alionandalamb.

Harrison slid closer to Hannah and offered her a champagne flute. “May I serve

you?”

“Thankyou,butIcan’tdrinkbeforeamatch.”
“It’sonlyorangejuice.”
Hannahraisedhereyebrowsuspiciously.
“Oh,mine’samimosa.Butdon’tworry,Ibroughtanotherbottleforlatersowecan

celebrateyourcertainvictory.”

Hannah took the orange juice and sniffed the glass tentatively, while Harrison

studiedher.

“My,my,aren’twedistrustful.ButIguessthat’stobeexpectedwhenyouspendso

muchtimewithCodyMatthews.Youprobablyhavetopolicehisdrinkinghabit,don’t
you?”Harrisonleanedin.“Don’tworry.I’mnothinglikehim.Icanhandlemyliquor
andifnot,”hewinked,“Ihaveadriver.”

HeclinkedglasseswithHannahanddownedhismimosa.
“Whatdoyouseeinhimanyway?”Harrisonaskedrefillinghisglass.
“Idon’treallywanttodiscussCodyrightnow.”
“That’sright,hestoodyouup.”Harrisongaveanotherwolfishgrin.“Well,hisfollyis

myfortune.”

Hannahnearlysnorted.“Ihaveafeelinghewon’tbehappyIgotaridefromyou.”
“You don’t need his permission to talk to me, Hannah. We’re just friends, aren’t

we?” Harrison asked, taking her hand. But the way he caressed it and the sinister

twinkleinhiseyetoldherHarrisonworeamaskjustlikeCodydid.Butwarningbells
wentoffinHannah’sheadwhenHarrisontouchedher,tellingherhismaskhidthings
fardarkerthanCody’s.

It suddenly felt like there wasn’t enough air in the car. Hannah rolled down the

windowandletthebitingcoldclearhermind.Sheneededtochangethesubject.

“Iwantedtothankyouforthelaptop,butIbroughtitwithmetoreturntoyou.”
“Idon’tmindreplacingit.”
“Iknow,butmyfather—”
“Yes, yes. You already mentioned he replaced it,” Harrison said waving away her

argument,“ButIstilldon’tseewhyyoucan’tkeepboth.”

“Ireallycan’t.Computersaresortofhisthing.He’dbehurt.”
“Whataboutmyfeelings?”
Hannahsmiled.“Ithinkyou’llbejustfine.You’retougherthanyoulook.”
“Hey!”Harrisonmockedinsultandplayfullynudgedhershoulderwithhis.“That’s

whateveryonethinksyouknow?ThatI’mrichandspoiledandwithoutfeelings.”

“Idon’tthinkthat?”Hannahrepliedworryingshe’dactuallyinsultedhim.
“Good.”HesmiledandtuckedHannah’sarmunderhis.
Harrison was staring at her, his blue eyes piercing hers hungrily. He ran a finger

downhercheekandsheshivered.“I’msogratefulIdidn’tharmyouintheparkinglot.
Ifeelterribleaboutit.Pleaseletmemakeituptoyou.”

“Honestly,Harrison.Itwasn’tabigdeal.Andyou’remakingituptomerightnow.”
Harrison pouted. “Giving you a ride hardly makes us square.” His blue eyes

twinkled,luringherin.“Letmetakeyouonadate.”

Hannah swallowed, she’d suddenly forgotten how to speak. This was what she

wanted.Wasn’tit?AdatewithHarrisonCohl.Ifshecouldpullthisoffshecouldgether
ownkeytotheball!

Harrisontookhersilenceasrejection.
“Forgiveme.IwashopingyouandCodyweren’tthatserious,but...”hesighed.“I

knowit’snotmyplacetosayso,butyoucandomuchbetterthanCodyMatthews.He
doesn’thaveagoodreputation.”

“Iknowallabouthisreputation,”Hannahsaidabittoodefensively.
Harrisonsmiled.“Ofcourse.”
“Whatdoyouhaveagainsthim?Ithoughtyouusedtobefriends?”
“Wewere.ButthatwasbeforeIrealizedhowrecklessCodyis.Ijustdon’twantto

seeyougethurt,Hannah.”

“I’mnotfoolishenoughtoletsomeonelikeCodyhurtme.”
“That’swhatElenathought,”Harrisonsaidquietly.
“What?”
“I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.It’sjust...”Harrisontrailedoff.
“What?”
“ShecametomeaboutCody.Thedayoftheaccidentthey’dhadaterriblefight.She

was covered in bruises, Hannah. Elena was terrified of him. I never should have let
themleavetogether.IfonlyI’ddonemore.I...Hannah,Ivowednottositbythenext
time.”

AcavernofemptinesscarvedahomeinHannah’schest.CouldCodyreallyhavehurt

Elena?Hestillseemedsowreckedbyherloss.Andinthefewglimpsesshe’dgottenof
Cody,he’dshownheragentlevulnerabilitythatsheneverwouldhavesuspectedwas
capableofviolence.Hannahsuddenlysawthemassiveflawinherplans.She’dtaken
bothCodyandHarrisonatfacevalueandnowfoundherselfamongmonsters.

“Hannah,pleasekeepthistoyourself.I’venevershareditwithanyone.”
“Youdidn’ttellthepolice?”
“Ididn’tseethepoint.Itwouldn’tchangeanything.ElenawasdeadandCodywas

arrested.Andhonestly,Iwasashamed.”

“ButyourfamilyhelpedCody?Theirlawyersgothimaslaponthewrist!”
“Like you said, we used to be friends, Hannah. It’s hard when someone you care

aboutbetraysyou.”

Itcertainlyis,shethought,bitingherliptoholdbackthetears.Howhadshenotseen

throughCody’slies?Hannahhadfeltbadforhim—losinghisgirlfriend,abandonedby
hisfriends,disownedbyhisteam.Buthe’ddoneitalltohimself.

“Promisemeyouwon’ttellanyone.EspeciallyCody.He’snotstable,Hannah.Ifhe

hurtyoubecauseofsomethingIsaid...”Harrisonturnedtowardher,movingcloser.
Hiseyeswereshiningandhisfingerstrembledashetouchedhercheekpullingthem
even closer together. Their foreheads touched and Hannah held her breath. Was
Harrisongoingtokissher?“Please,Hannah.Promiseyouwon’tsayanything.Icouldn’t
dealwithit,ifhehurtyou.”

“Ipromise,”shewhispered.
Herphonebuzzedinherlapandtheyjumpedapart,thespellbroken.
Hannahlookeddowntosee,Dad,flashacrossthescreen.Shescrambledtoanswer

it.“Hey,Dad.”

“Hi,honey.Justcheckingtoseeifyoumadeittoyourmatch.”
“Almostthere.”
“Areyoustilldriving?”
“Yep.”
“You’renotsupposedtobeonthephonewhileyoudrive.”
“Iwouldn’tifyouweren’tcalling,”sheremindedjokingly.
“Okay.Justtextmewhenyougetthere.Iloveyou,Hannah.”
“Loveyoutoo,Dad.”
Hannahdisconnectedandfelthercheeksflush,slightlyembarrassedthatHarrison

witnessedherdorkydisplayofaffectionwithherfather.

“Sorryaboutthat.Heworries.”
“It’ssweet,”Harrisonrepliedgenuinely.“Myparentscouldtakealessonfromyour

father.”Hereachedforherhand.“Sotellmeaboutthistennismatch.”

odystuffedhishandsinhispocketsandsunkfurtherintothestiffcollarofhiswool

peacoat.Thefrigidmorningairturnedhischeeksredandhisfingersstiff.Althoughhis
bodyshiveredagainstthecold,Codywelcomedthenumbingfeeling.Heonlywishedit
couldreachhisheart.

Staring at Elena’s tombstone always crippled him, but it was something he made

himselfdo.Codywasundertheimpressionthatifhecoulddesensitizehimselftothe
pain,itwouldgoaway.Butit’dbeenoverayearandeverytimehevisitedhergravehe
feltliketheworldwascavinginbeneathhim.Hestaredatthesinglewhiterosehe’d
placedunderherheadstone’sinscription.

ElenaHarlowMichaels

1999–2016

“Deathleavesaheartachenoonecanheal,

loveleavesamemorynoonecansteal.”

WORDS

GUTTED

HIM

. They summed up his ruined life in one perfect sentence. He felt

the darkness come, swift and consuming as he struggled to force himself to breathe.
Sometimeshewishedhisbodywouldgiveupandhewouldjustcollapseandlaythere
nexttoElenaforeternity.Butwheneverhetriedtogiveintothetemptation,hisheart
rememberedthe pain she’d inflictedand how she’d selfishlyleft Cody alone with her
betrayalandnoonelefttobeangrywithbuthimself.

Codycollectedhimself,repeatinghismantraofthingsthatkepthiminthepresent,

rescuinghimfrombeingswallowedbyhispast.Hesmiledwhenherealizedhe’dadded
Hannah’snametothelist.Apangofguiltplaguedhimashewalkedbacktothewaiting
car.He’dbeenshortwithherthismorning.ButhewaswithMarci,Elena’ssister,and
onlyfamilymemberwhostillspoketohim.Hehadtostayonhergoodsideinorderto
getintotheprivatecemeteryplotifhewantedtocontinuehisritualofself-torture.

Marcibarelytoleratedhimasitwas,somentioninghe’dhavetoreschedulevisiting

Elenatotakehisfakegirlfriendtohertennismatchwasn’tanoption.Theirridetoand
fromthecemeterywassilent,asalways.MarcidroppedhimoffathishouseandCody
thankedherfortheride,agreeingtonextmonth’svisit.

Codystoodonthecoldstonestepsofhisporch,watchingMarcipullaway.Hefelt

the emptiness creeping back in, threatening to take hold. He looked at his uninviting
front door. Home was the last place he wanted to be. He checked his watch. Hannah
wasprobablyathertennismatch.Maybeifheshowedupwithflowersandbeggedher
forgiveness she’d still be willing to talk. God knows I need some sort of distraction, he
thought.Theincreasingneedtodrinkordosomethingtodullthepainwasgnawingat
him.

The heaviness of the keys in his pocket called to him. Sure, Hannah’s house was

onlyamileaway.Hecouldwalkit.Heshouldwalkit.Buthedidn’twantto.Itwasa
coldandmiserableday.Theheavygraycloudspromisedrain.Codygrabbedthekeys
andjoggedtothegarage.Heslidintothedriver’sseatoftheRangeRoverandgripped
thewheel.“It’sonlyamile,”heremindedhimself.

herestoftheridetothetennismatchwentbyquickly.Hannahwassurprisedwith

the ease she and Harrison conversed. He was much more down to earth than she’d
assumed.Andhesurprisinglyfollowedtennis,sosheactuallyenjoyedchattingstrategy
withhim.

WhentheyarrivedatthecourtsHarrisongaveherakissonthecheekandwished

her luck, saying he’d be watching from the stands. It made her nervous to have him
there.Theonlypersonwho’devercometohertennismatcheswasherfather.

Harrison’swordsinvadedHannah’smindthewholetimeshewarmedup.Especially

thepartaboutCodybeingunstable.ShehadalreadywitnessedCody’smoodswingsand
panicattacks.ButdespiteHarrison’swarning,Hannah’sheartstillbrokeforCody.He
needed help. She knew better than anyone what happened when someone tried to
battletheirdemonsalone.Butshe’dbeenthroughthisbeforeandasmuchasitkilled
her, Hannah had to harden herself against Cody. She couldn’t let herself be dragged
downintohisworldofdepression.Shewastooafraidshemightnotsurviveit.

UCKILY

,themomentthematchstartedHannahwastransportedbackintohercomfort

zone.Thecourtwasherrealmandshewasincontrolthere.

The match was over quickly. Hannah won. Her opponent was a joke. Hannah

strategicallyscheduledhermatcheswiththeeasiestattheendoftheseasontohelppad
her ranking—not that she needed it. She secured the state amateur title with today’s
winandthepursewouldbeahugehelpwiththerestofhercollegeexpenses.

Shefeltbutterfliesathersenseofaccomplishmentwhenhernamewasannounced.

Herdreamswereallwithinreach.

SheheardHarrisoncheeringhernamefromthecrowdandshetrottedover,unable

tocontainhergrin.

“Waytogo,Ace!”hesaidwrappingherinanaffectionatehug.
Hannahlaughed.“Thanks.ButI’mallsweaty,”shesaidwrigglingoutofhisgrasp.
“I’mnotcomplaining.”
Hannahblushed.“LetmeshoweroffandI’llmeetyouatthecar.”

PROMISED

,Harrisonwaswaiting,bottleofchampagneinhand.

“Toyourbigwin!”
HannahgiggledlikeaschoolgirlwhenHarrisonpoppedthebottleandcoatedthem

inthestickybubbles.

“Sorry,”Harrisonlaughedwipingthechampagnefromherhair.
“It’sokay.It’salreadywet.”
Harrisonstillhadhishandsinherhair.“Youlookedhotoutthere.”
Hannahtookabigswigofchampagne.
“I’vealwayswantedtodateatennisgirl.Lovemeansnothingtoyou,right?”
Hannahrolledhereyesathischeesypun.
“Okay,okay.I’msureyou’veheardthatonebefore.Butseriously,howdoyoulike

youricecream?Softserve?”

Hannahlaughed.“Ohmygod!I’veneverheardthatonebefore!”
“Really?”
“No!OfcourseI’veheardit.Kissmyace,I’dhitthat,Showmeyourbackhand.I’ve

beenplayingtennissinceIwassix.IthinkI’veheardthemall.”

“Wellitwasworthatry,”Harrisonlaughed.“Ilikeyouthisway.”
“Whatway?”
“Funandsmiling.Youalwaysseemsoseriousatschool.”
“I wasn’t aware you paid attention to me at school,” Hannah challenged, still

smiling.

“Ofcoursenot.Youdon’tgiveanyoneachance.”
“AreyouimplyingI’mstuckup?”
“Ifthetennisshoefits...”Harrisonsmirked.
Hannahplayfullynudgedhim.“Iamnotstuckup.”
“Proveit.Letmetakeyouout.”
“Weareout.”
“Onadate.”
“Whatkindofdate?”
“Whateverkindyou’dlike.”
“Well . . . you do owe me for almost running me over. It’s going to have to be a

reallynicedate.”

“How about dinner tomorrow to prove you’re not stuck up. And . . .” Harrison

reachedintohispocketandpulledoutabronzeskeletonkeywithapurpleribbontied
toit.“Thisistomakeupfortheparkinglot.”

Hannah’seyesgrewasshereachedforthekey,butHarrisondidn’tletgo.
“Cometomypartywithmenextweekend.Asmydate.”
“Alreadyplanningourseconddate?”Hannahasked,tryingtoplayitcoolalthough

herheartwaspounding.“Ihaven’tsaidyestothefirstone.”

“Youwill.”

ody arrived at Hannah’s without an issue. He’d been right to drive. The rain had

already started coming down. He jogged to her front door and knocked. Custard’s
excitedbarksweretheonlyanswer.

“Where’s Hannah, boy? Is she still at tennis?” Cody asked Custard through the

windowpanenexttothedoor.

Hewaggedhistailandpawedattheglass.
“Youwanttocomeout?”Codyasked,checkingthehandle.Locked.
Hefeltaroundthetopofthedoorframeforakey.Thenhecheckedunderthemat.

Bingo. Cody unlocked the door and Custard pounced on him, licking and wagging his
tailinaflurryofaffection.

Cody couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re quite the guard dog, Custard. I see you’ve

beentrainedtolickintruderstodeath.”

HeputthekeybackandgrabbedCustard’sleashfromitshookinsidethedoor.He

tookthedogforashortwalkaroundthehousesohecoulddohisbusiness.Therain
hadturnedintoafinemistthatchilledCodytothecore.Itwasthekindofdampness
that only a hot shower could rid you of. Somehow he knew showering in Hannah’s
house while no one was home would be frowned upon. Cody sighed. Maybe he
shouldn’thavecome.Helookeddownattheadorablefurballstaringupathim.Hewas
justassoakedasCody.

Glancing around the porch Cody spotted a blanket lying over the side of an old

woodenrockingchair.HepickeditupandstartedtodryCustard’scoat.

“Thisisoursecret,”hesaidhopingthewetdogsmellwouldn’tclingtotheblanket.

Whenhe’dfinisheddryinghimheletCustardbackinside.“There’snoneedforyouto
freeze to death.” But the little dog immediately turned to see why Cody wasn’t
following him. “Sorry, pal. I gotta wait out here.” Custard whined and pawed at the
glassagain.“Nope.Idon’tcarehowcuteyouare.”

But Cody was all talk and Custard sensed his weakness. A few more seconds of

whiningandCodywasbackatthedoor.“Fine,butI’mstillnotcominginside.”

CustardhappilyjoinedCodyontheporchandsettledonhislaponcehesatdownin

oneoftherockingchairs.“Thisbetternotgetmeintrouble.I’malreadyinhotwater
withHannah.”

CustardbarkedandCodylookeduptoseeablacklimopullintothedriveway.

Shit.

“W

ERE

YOU

EXPECTING

COMPANY

?”Harrisonasked.

Hannah stiffened when she saw Cody’s car in her driveway. Custard’s yapping

caught her attention. She barely caught a flash of his tawny fur running toward the
limobeforeshewasoutthedoor,screamingfortheworldtostop.

“STOP!STOP!”
Thedriverslammedonthebrakesbutnotsoonenough.Hannahroundedthefront

ofthecarandcrumbledtoherknees.Custardlaywhimperingonhisside.

“No! Please, no. Custard!” Hannah sobbed as she gently buried her face in his fur.

“Howdidyougetout,baby?”shewhispered.

Hannahwassureshe’dlockedthedoor.Sheandherfatherwerealwayscarefulto

make sure Custard couldn’t get out. Since he was a puppy, chasing cars had been his
vice.They’dalwaysbeenextraprecautiouslivingnearabusystreet.

Hannahstrokedhisdampfurandwhisperedsoothingwordstothedog,placinghis

headinherlap.ThedriverandHarrisonkneltbyherside.

Codyran toward them, painetched across his palefeatures. “Shit! Hannah, I’m so

sorry.Hewassittingwithmeontheporchand—”

“Youlethimout?”sheinterruptedincredulously.
“I...wewerewaitingforyou.I—”
“Whyareyouevenhere?”
Harrisoninterrupted,ignoringCodycompletely.“Comeon,Hannah.Weneedtoget

himtothevet.”

Shenodded,turningherbackonCodyandhelpingHarrisonliftCustard.Theygently

placedhimonthebackseat.Hannahcrawledinandsatonthefloorsoherheadwas
levelwithhis.“Iloveyou,Custard,”shewhispered.“You’regoingtobeokay.”

Harrison got in, with Cody on his heels. “I think you’d better sit this one out,” he

warnedCody.

“Iwanttohelp.”
“You’vedoneplenty.”
“Hannah,”Codypleaded,“I’msosorry.Pleaseletmecomewithyou.”
“Gohome,Cody!”
Harrisonpulledthedoorshutandtheyspedaway,leavingCodyaloneintherain.

odydrovehomeinstunnedsilence.Thewindshieldwipersrhythmicallywhispering

allthewronghe’ddone.Hishousewascoldandempty.Histhoughtsechoedaround
him as he grabbed a bottle of Jack on his way to his room. He kept the lights off. He
didn’twanttoseehimself.Codyturnedonhismusicasloudashecouldtodrownout
his thoughts and then uncapped the Jack, swallowing the liquid—praying it would
drownyearsofregret.

ODY

LOOKED

AROUND

,uncertainofthetimeorwhatwokehim,buthisroomwasbathedin

darkness and silence. He jumped when his bedside lamp flicked on and the world
slowlycameintofocus.Hannahstoodfeetfromhim,hereyespuffyandhairundone.

Everythingcameflashingback.
Cody slid from the bed and crashed to his knees, throwing his arms around

Hannah’swaist.“I’msosorry.Hannah,Inevermeanttohurthim.”

Sheshovedhimoffwithdisgust.“Areyoudrunk?”
“I...yes,”headmittedshamefully.
Hecouldn’tlietoher.Notafterwhathe’ddone.Helookedupatherandcouldsee

hate simmering in her blue eyes. His heart cracked wide open. He knew it wouldn’t
matterwhathesaidtoHannah.She’dgivenuponhim,justlikeeveryoneelse.Andhe
couldn’tevenblameher.

“Whywereyouatmyhouse,Cody?”
“Iwantedtotalk...andapologizeforthismorning.”
“Soyouthoughtbreakinginandlettingmydogloosewasthebestplan?”
“No.He—”
“He’sgoingtobefine,bytheway.Thanksforasking.”
“Heis?”Codystoodupclingingtoaglimmerofhope.
“He has a few broken bones but there’s no internal bleeding so the vet said he

shouldbefine.”

“That’ssuchgoodnews.”
“Yes,Custardwillbefine,butwe’renot.”HannahpulledtheskeletonkeyCodyhad

givenherfromherpurseandplaceditonthebedsidetable.“We’redone,Cody.”

“Butwhatabouttheparty?”
“I’ll be going with Harrison. He gave me my own key. I don’t need yours. I don’t

needanythingfromyouanymore.”

“Hegaveyouakey?”
“Yes.Soyoudon’thavetopretendtobemyboyfriendanylonger.”
“Hannah,don’tgotothatpartywithhim.Youcan’ttrusthim.”
“Funny.Hesaidthesamethingaboutyou.”
“Hannah—”
“Look, I just came here to return your key and tell you I’m done with our

arrangement. Please leave me alone, Cody.” Hannah stormed out of Cody’s room,
leavingherfragrancebehindtoeataholethroughhisheart.

What did he expect? He was a fuck up and everyone knew it. And now, so did

Hannah.

Codysatontheedgeofhisbedbeforeslidingtothefloor.Hishandsoughtoutthe

bottleofJack.Itwasalmostempty.Aproblemheplannedtoremedy.Heknewthere’d
benosolutionatthebottomofit.Butitseemedthelesserofalltheevilshecouldthink
ofatthemoment.

annahdeferred her dinner plans with Harrison. Truthfully, she’d lost her taste for

her twisted game. After what happened to her dog, she wasn’t sure she cared about
conqueringtheGoldens.Shedidn’twanttoinvolveherselfanyfurtherintheirmessed
upworld.

SheandherfatherbroughtCustardhomefromthevetMondaymorning.Hannah

stayedhomefromschooltohelpcareforhim,convincingherfatherthatwithonlya
fewdaysofschoolleft,shewasn’tmissinganythingimportant.

Harrisonwassurprisinglysweetthroughthewholeordeal.Hebroughtoverflowers

andahuge,fluffypetbedforCustard.Heevenofferedtocookdinnerforherandher
fatherratherthantakingherout.Hannahgraciouslydeclinedandpromisedtogoout
todinnerwithhimlaterwhenthingscalmeddown.Herfatherhadbeennearhysterics
after hearing about the events that led to Custard’s accident. He wasn’t too keen on
havingHarrisonaround.

WhenHannahinevitablyreturnedtoStantononTuesday,thecampusseemedlike

analienplanet.Harrisongreetedherintheparkinglotwithsomethinghot,delicious
and caffeinated from Starbucks. He put his arm around her and walked her to class.
Savannahandherminionsgaveherhugsbetweenclassesandfeignedconcernofher
‘poor, sweet’ dog—whom they’d never met. They made sure Hannah knew they were
thereforherandthattheyweren’tshockedCodywastoblame.

Atlunch,HarrisonwaswaitingtowhiskHannahuptotheGoldenGate,wheremore

people she didn’t know suffocated her with fake concern. She couldn’t believe she’d
ever envied the Goldens. Yes they swam in the beautiful gene pool and had limitless
trustfunds,butnowthatshewasontheinsideshecouldseehowhollowtheywere.
TheonlyonewhoseemedtohaveanysubstancewasHarrison.Hewasactuallyreally
sweet.Hemadeapointtowalkhertoandfromclass,heboughtherlunchandrescued
her from conversations that turned to Cody bashing—which was often. Luckily Cody
hadn’tbeenatschoolallweek,soHannahwassparedfromavoidinghim.

OnThursdayherluckranout.
Cody walked under the Golden Gate, his hands stuffed in his pockets, head down.

ButSavannahandtherestoftheGoldensweren’tgoingtolethimgobyunscathed.

“The dog slayer lives,” Savannah called loudly. “See, Hannah. I told you not to

worry.Youcan’tkillacockroach.”

Codystoppedwalkingandslowlyturnedaround.
Keepwalking,Hannah willed. She didn’t think she could stomach a full on Golden

assault. And from the looks of Cody, neither could he. He was unshaven and dark
circlesclungunderhiseyes.

Codyglaredupatthem,hispainedeyesstingingHannah.“You’renotoneofthem,

Hannah.Youneverwillbe.”

“Andneitherareyou,”Blakelyscathed.
“Don’t try to drag Hannah down just because you fucked up your life and now

you’renothing,”Savannahhissed.

“Let’s leave Hannah out of this,” Harrison said, possessively pulling her closer to

him.

Cody bristled at the intimate gesture before shaking his head. “You’re better than

them,Hannah,”hecalledbeforeskulkingawayfromthejeeringcrowd.

INALLY

THE

SCHOOL

day was over. Seeing Cody looking so disheveled turned Hannah’s

stomach sour and she’d been counting the minutes until she could flee campus. She
justwantedtogohometosnuggleCustardandshuttheworldout.Shehatedthatshe
hadahandincausingCodymorepain.Hewasalreadysuffering.Sheknewdeepdown
hehadn’tmeanttohurtCustard.She’dseenthewayCodywaswithhim,playingand
roughhousing—itwasloveatfirstsightwiththem.Andifshewashonest,seeingCody
babblebabytalktoherdoghadungluedsomethinginherheart.Italsomadeherdoubt
Harrison’sstoryofCody’sviolentpast.

Hannahknewshe’dbeentooharshwithCody.She’dbeencaughtupinthetrauma

oftheaccidentandthenherdayswerefilledwithhisex-friends,morethanhappyto
stoke her resentment. But it wasn’t an excuse. She needed to apologize. Hannah
massagedhertemplesasshewalkedtohercar.Codywasright.Hewarnedherthatshe
couldn’tgettooclosetotheGoldenswithoutbeingpoisonedbythem.

She was just getting to her car when Harrison called her name. She turned to see

himjoggingtowardher.Hisfacewasglowingwithasmarmysmilethathergutrefused
totrust.Suddenlyshewantedout.Thisgamehadbeenaterribleidea.

“Hey,beautiful.Youweren’tleavingwithoutsayinggoodbye,wereyou?”heasked

displayinghisbestpout.“Ithoughtwecouldfinallyhaveourdatetonight?”

“Oh,Idon’tthinkI’mupforittonight.”
Harrisonlookedgenuinelycrestfallen.“I’msorryabouttoday...withCody.”
Hannahwasmomentarilystunnedbyhisperception.Butshewastiredofthedread

thathadbeenfollowingheraroundthelastfewdays.Sheneededtoendthis.Cutties
andputherlifebacktonormal.Plain,boring—vanilla.

“Harrison,Ireallyappreciatehowkindyou’vebeen,butIdon’tthinkthisisgoingto

workout.”

“What?Whynot?
“We’refromtwodifferentworlds.”
“Differentworlds?”
“Comeon.Youcan’ttellmeyoudon’tseeit.Youliveinanotherstratosphere.”

“Igetit,”hesneered,“YouthinkIliveacharmedlife,justlikeeveryoneelse.”
“Ididn’tsaythat—”
“Well let me tell you, Hannah. It’s not all been a fairytale. I’m just a guy and I

thoughtwehadaconnection.IthoughtI’dfinallyfoundsomeonewhodidn’tseemeas
atrophyoraprick.ButIguessIwaswrong.”

“No,Harrison.It’snotlikethat.Ijust...”
“Youjustwhat?”hegrowled.
“I have a hard time believing someone like you could actually like someone like

me.”

Harrison’s face softened and he took Hannah’s hands. “I don’t know how I never

sawyouuntilnow,butIcan’tletyougo.”

HisblueeyesboreintoHannah’sandshewavered.
“Listen,you’vebeenunderalotofstress.Youdeserveabreak.Webothdo.Let’sget

away from all of this and see if there’s really something between us. Without tennis
andvetsandStanton.Letmetakeyoutodinner.”

“Justdinner?”
“Yes.Justdinner.”
Hannah’s heart fought her gut. She looked at the ground to hide her internal

struggle.

Harrisongentlytuggedherchinsohecouldseeherface.“Look,Idon’tknowwhat

this is, but I’m willing to explore if you are. Worse case you get a nice dinner.” His
perfectteethblazedapracticedsmile.“Ipromisetotakeyousomewheregreat.”

Hewashandsomeandcharmingandhewasdirectingallofitather.Hannah’sinner

goddesswasdoingbackflipsandpromisedtokillherifshedeniedherselfadinnerdate
withareallifeprincecharming.“Fine.”

“Great!I’llpickyouupatsix.”

tsixo’clocksharpHarrisonpulledupoutsideHannah’shouseinawhiteMercedes

G-class.Atleastitwasn’tthelimo,Hannahthoughtgratefullyasshekissedherfather’s
cheekandranoutthedoorbeforehecouldbadgerherwithmorequestions.It’dbeen
hardenoughtoconvincehimtolethergotodinnerwithHarrison.Butitappearedhe
evenstartedtowinherfatheroverafterallthekindnessHarrisonshowedthemafter
Custard’saccident.

HarrisonopenedthecardoorforHannahandshehoppedin.
“Howmanycarsdoyouhave?”sheaskedstudyingtheroomyinteriorenviouslyas

hepulledaway.

He laughed. “They’re sort of my father’s obsession. We’ve got quite a collection if

you’dliketoseeitsometime?”

“Maybe.We’llseehowtonightgoes.”
Hegaveheranotherdazzlingsmile.“Ithinkyou’llbeimpressed.”
“Someone’sfeelingconfident.”
“Well,Ididpulloutallthestops.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“You’llsee.”
“Wearegoingtodinner,right?Ihaven’teatensincelunchandI’mstarving.”
Harrisonlaughed.“Good.You’reprobablybetteroffonanemptystomach.Itcanbe

abitofabumpyride.”

“What?”
AsHannahaskedthequestion,theyturnedofftheroadandapproachedagatewith

acallbox.Harrisonrolleddownthewindowandpunchedinacodeandthegatebegan
toopen.Theyrumbledupthedrivetothetopofahillcoveredinlightsandindustrial
lookingsheds.Itwasaprivateairport!

“We’re having dinner in Boston, right?” Hannah asked trying to conceal her mild

panic.

“Yes.Sortof.Comeon.”
Harrison parked and led Hannah around one of the large white buildings. A tiny

white helicopter glowed under a pool of light and Harrison waved to the two men
standingbesideit.

“Ohmygod!Isthathowwe’regettingtodinner?”

“You’retheonewhosaidIliveinadifferentstratosphere.”Hewinked.“Justkeeping

thefairytalealive.”

RIDE

to dinner was amazing. Seeing Boston at sunset from the sky was one of the

most beautiful sights Hannah had ever experienced. As promised, it’d been a bumpy
ride and she clung to Harrison unable to contain her squeals when her stomach
droppedwiththeturbulence.He’dsurprisedherbylaughingandholleringrightalong
withher,squeezingherhandandpointingoutsomeofhisfavoritelandmarks.

ThehelicopterrideremindedHannahoftheterrifyingridesatthefair.Theonesshe

couldneverbringherselftobraveasshesatenviouslywatchingcouplesclingtoeach
otherwithanequalbalanceoffearandloveastheirworldspunoutofcontrol.Shewas
finally seeing that’s what relationships were—finding someone to hold onto in the
chaosandhopingtheywouldn’tletgo.

Theirawe-inspiringflightendedwithHannahandHarrisonlandingsafelyonagiant

yacht. Hannah recognized it instantly. It was a fixture at Boston Harbor, dwarfing all
theothervessels.At126metersitwashardtomiss.Hannahshadedhereyesreading
the vessel’s name. Coalescence. She’d grown up seeing it at the harbor; always
assumingitwassomesortofritzytouristcruiseline.

“We’rehavingdinnerhere?”sheaskedbewilderedasHarrisontookherhandand

helpedheroutofthehelicopter.

“Yes.Anddon’tworry,we’restilltechnicallyinBoston.Wewon’tleavetheharbor.”
Heledhertotheemptycreamandgraylounge.Acozytablefortwohadbeenset

upnexttothemassivewindows,givingthemagorgeousviewoftheglowinglightsof
theharbor.Aloudblastfromtheship’shornstartledHannahandshenoticedthelights
ofthecitybegantomoveastheydriftedaway.

Shegazedaroundattheemptylounge.“Arewegoingoutbyourselves?”
“The crew’s on board. But yes, no other passengers.” Harrison took note of her

shock.“Unlessyou’reuncomfortablebeingalonewithme.”

“No,it’snotthat.It’sjust...youdidn’thavetorentoutthewholeboatjustforus.”
He smirked and looked down, cheeks reddening. “I didn’t rent it. It’s my father’s

yacht.”

“Oh.Coalescence!Igetitnow.IguessIshouldhaveputthattogether.”
Harrison grinned and signaled for the waiter who appeared out of nowhere. He

pouredthembothmineralwaterandbroughtmenus.

Hannah was at a loss for words. She knew the Cohl’s were wealthy, but this was

beyondcomprehension.Theywerehavingdinnerontheirownfloatingcity.Howcould
shehaveanythingincommonwithsomeonewhocouldarrangethisonawhim?

“Thiswastoomuchwasn’tit?”Harrisonaskedafterorderingforthemboth.
“No.I...”shedidn’tknowwhattosay.Dinneronaprivateyachtwasn’tsomething

Hannahwaspreparedfor.

“Shit.Hewasright.”
“Who?”
“Don’tgetmad.”

“Aboutwhat?”
“IaskedCodyaboutyou.”
“What?”
“He and I aren’t exactly friends but I wanted to make sure you guys were over

beforeIaskedyouout.Heassuredmetherewasnothingbetweenyou.”

ApangofhurtpiercedHannah’sheart.Nothing,that’swhatshewastoCody.
“Iaskedfordinnertipsandhesaidtoplayitcool,thatyouwouldn’tlikeanything

fancy.”

“WhatdoesCodyknow?Icanbefancy!”sheblurtedout.
Harrisonhelduphishandsinsurrender.“I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavebroughtitup.

It’sjustIdon’twanttostartoutonthewrongfoot,keepingthingsfromyou.”

GuiltdriedHannah’sthroatandshetookagulpofherChardonnay.Itdidn’thelp.

Theoakyflavortastedliketreebarkslidingdownherthroat.“WhatelsedidCodyhave
tosayaboutme?”

“Nothing. Honestly, let’s leave Cody out of this. I think we’re doing pretty well on

ourown.”

They made small talk through dinner, but Hannah’s mind kept snapping back to

Cody.She was impressed hehadn’t told Harrison abouther ulterior motives. But she
would have to talk to Cody and swear him to secrecy, because she was starting to
actually like Harrison. And she didn’t want Cody to ruin things. Plus, a tiny part of
HannahhatedthatCodyhadbeendiscussingher,likeanoldcoathewaspassingoff.
Callingherordinary,notsomethingtodressupandtakeout.

AfterdinnerHarrisontookHannahonatouroftheyacht.Shewasamazedatthe

extravaganceofitall.

“Amovietheater?Seriously?Whoneedsamovietheaterwhenyouhaveviewsof

theocean?”sheaskedastheytouredtheprivatetheaterroom.

“Andyouhaven’tevenseenthebestview!Comeon,”HarrisontookHannahbythe

handandpulledherexcitedlybehindhim.HewaslikeakidatChristmasontheyacht.
Itwasobviousthathewaspassionateaboutthewaterashespoutedoffnauticalwords
thatmeantnothingtoHannah,andfilledherheadwithstoriesoftheexoticplaceshe’d
sailedto.

Perhapsitwastheintoxicatingluxuryoftheyachtormaybethewine,butHannah

couldn’thelpherself,sheletherimaginationrunwildandshetrottedafterHarrison.
Why couldn’t this fantasy world be true? Maybe he really did want to spend time with
her.Maybethey’devensailtoadventurousplacestogether.

They burst into a two-story room and Hannah gasped at its unfathomable beauty.

Floortoceilingwindowsframedtheposhwhitebedroom.Aplushkingsizedbedrested
in the center of the clear second floor balcony. Harrison pulled Hannah up the clear
spiralstaircaseandploppeddownonthebed.

Hepattedthespotnexttohim.“Thisiswhereyougetthebestviews.”
Hannah sat down on the edge of the bed and sighed taking in the rainbow of city

lightsreflectingoffthewater.“It’sgorgeous.”

HarrisonfloppedontohisbackandlookedupatHannah.“You’regorgeous.”
Sheblushedashereacheduptostrokeatendrilofherblondehair.
“Yousurpriseme,Hannah.Notmanygirlsdo.”

“Icansaythesameaboutyou.”
Harrisonrosetohiselbows.Theirfacesinvadedeachother’sspace.Hannahcould

feel the warmth of his breath on her lips. Their eyes met for a moment, just before
their lips did. Hannah let Harrison take control, allowing herself to be lost in a
momentaryflurryofpassion.Lips,tongues,hands—allfumblinginahungrydesirefor
eachother.WavesofheatradiatedthroughherasHarrisontoreoffhisshirtandpulled
hers away too. He kissed her again, pressing her into the bed, his body firm against
hers.Hetuggeddownherbrastraps.Theintimacymadeherfreeze.Shewasn’tready.
Itwasallgoingtoofast.

“Wait,”shebegged,breathlessly.
“What’swrong,”Harrisonpanted.
“Don’tyouwanttotalkmore?”
“Ilikeitbetterwhenwedon’ttalk,”hepurredtrailingkissesdownhernecktoher

breasts.

She pushed him away and vaulted off the bed, pacing near the stairs like a caged

animal.

“Hannah?”
“I’m sorry. I thought I was ready for this, but I’m not,” she choked out. Her face

reddenedwithembarrassment.

Harrison climbed off the bed and padded over, her shirt in hand. “Here,” he said

softlytuggingitbackoverherhead.“Wedon’thavetodoanythingyoudon’twantto,
Hannah.I’mjusthappytospendtimewithyou.”

“Really?” she asked looking up timidly, her head poking through the neck of her

clingywhitesweater.

Harrisongrinnedandkissedhermessyhair.“Really.”Heputonhisshirtandtook

Hannah’s hand. “Come on. We’re heading back to port and you have to see the stars
fromtheobservationdeck.”

annahandHarrisonsnuggledontheobservationdeckunderathickwhiteblanket

whiletheywatchedthestarstwinkleoverBoston.Hannah’snosewasfrozenandher
cheeks rosy from the chilled salt air, but she found herself reluctant to leave the
warmthshe’dfoundnestlednexttoHarrisonwhentheyarrivedbackatthemarina.

He’d surprised Hannah by being a complete gentleman, saving the night by not

letting her embarrassing inexperience ruin his mood. She expected him to be pissed
thatshedidn’tputoutafterhiselaboratedate,butheseemedtogenuinelybehavinga
goodtimeinhercompany,contentwithkissingunderthestars.

HEN

THEIR

DATE

wasoverandHarrisonwalkedHannahtoherdoorheaskedwhenthey

coulddoitagain.

“SoIdidn’ttotallyscrewthisup?”sheasked.
“Hannah,whatdoIhavetosaytogetyoutotrustme?”
Shesighed.“I’msorry.It’sjustyou’retoogoodtobetrue.”
“Icouldsaythesamethingaboutyou.”Hekissedherlightly.“Saywecandothis

again?”hewhispered.

“Okay,okay.IthinkIcansufferanothereveningonyouryachtifImust.”
Harrison picked her up in a delighted embrace and she giggled. “That-a-girl,” he

jokedkissingheragain.“Bytheway,Iwon’tbeatschooltomorrow.Ihavesomelast
minutearrangementstoattendtobeforethepartyonSaturday.”

“Whatkindofarrangements?”
“Youmustallowmetokeepsomeofmymystique,”hejoked,bowingandbacking

awaytowardhiscar.

Hannahcouldn’thelpbutswoon.Shewassmitten!Howdidthishappen?
“Youarestillmydatetotheball,right?”hecalledbacktoher.
“Ifyou’llstillhaveme.”
Hegrinnedwickedly.“Iwouldn’thaveanyoneelse.”
“ThenI’llmeetyouthere.”
“Don’tbelate,Cinderella.I’llbetheoneinthemask.”
Hannah waved after Harrison as he drove away, then quickly let herself inside.

Leaningagainstthefrontdoorforsupport,sheclosedhereyesandsighed,relivingthe
deliciousmomentsofherdate.

“Havefun?”
Hannah’seyesflewopen.Herfatherwaspeeringatheroverhisreadingglasses.He

wascamouflagedamongthebooksandblanketscoveringhislap.

“Wereyouwaitingupforme?”
“YoubetIwas.”
Hannahrolledhereyes.“Yes,Ihadfun.Harrisonwasagentleman.”
“Where’dyougo?”
“Dinner,”shepausednotwantingtolietoherfather.“Onthewater.”
“I’mgladyouhadfun.Nowgotoyourroomandneverdateagain.”
“Daaaad,” she groaned, marching over to give him a kiss on the head. “I have to

growupsometime.”

“Iknow,”hegrumbled.“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”
Hannahsmiledandmadeherwayupstairswantingtoavoidafatherlylecture.Her

fatherwasrarelydoting,butshestillhatedthefeelingofsuffocationitbrought.Sheand
her father normally had a functional relationship. They worked more like colleagues
than parent and child—tackling tasks like groceries, household chores and
appointmentslikeefficientbusinesspartners.Butboyswereanewdivisionanditwas
apparentherfatherwasn’tonboardwiththatventure.Theonlyothertimehe’dbeen
thisneuroticwaswhenHannahlearnedtodrive.

Hannahshoweredquicklyandfloppedintobed.Itwaslate,butherbodyhummed

withexcitement.EverytimesheclosedhereyesshepicturedHarrison’sflawlessbody
pressedintohers.Hisdeliciouslipsignitingfireeverywheretheytouched.

Howhadsheletsuchaperfectmomentpassherby?
Hannah cursed herself for being a virgin. She’d wasted so much time focusing on

academics and accolades that she’d missed out on the adventure and affection of
adolescence. Tonight was proof of that. She’d been right to want to explore her
freedominthetimeshehadleft.Iftonightwasanyindication,Harrisonwastheright
guytofillinwhathereducationwaslacking.Andthethoughtofitwasexhilarating.

Herphonebuzzedandshepickeditup.

AREYOUSTILLAWAKE?–HARRISON

YES–HANNAH

ICAN’TSTOPTHINKINGABOUTYOU–HARRISON

ANNAH

ROLLED

OVER

,kickedherfeetexcitedlyandscreamedintoherpillowasbutterflies

riotedinherstomach.

Sothisiswhatallthefussisabout?
Hannah’sheartsoaredandherlungsfeltcrushed.Injustonedateshe’dfallenfor

HarrisonCohl—andshe’dneverfeltbetter.

Hannahrolledbackoverandgrabbedherphone,textingasmileyface.

X–HARRISON

X–HANNAH

ANNAH

FELL

asleep with the phone clutched to her chest, her inner goddess glowing

enoughtolighttheentirecityofBoston.

“S

o the party’s tomorrow night!” Savannah purred. “What are you going to wear,
Hannah?”

WithHarrisongone,arrangingthefinaldetailsforhisparty,Hannahfoundherself

sittingontheGoldenGatewithSavannah,MadisonandBlakely.SheateherPB&Jwhile
they sipped their juices. They were cleansing. Apparently they fasted for 36 hours
before any posh event and were appalled that Hannah didn’t know proper starvation
etiquette.

“I’mnotsure.Ihaven’thadtimetoreallyshop.I’msureI’llfindsomethinginmy

closetthough.”

AllthreegirlsputtheirgreensludgedownstaringatHannahlikeshe’dsaidshewas

planningonshowingupnaked.

“Youcan’tjustwearanythingtoaCohlball!”Madisonwhispered.
“It’samasquerade.Youdoknowthat,right?”Blakelysneered.
“Ofcourse.”
Savannah piped up. “I have an idea! Why don’t you all come to my place tonight

and we’ll try on our dresses for the party. Hannah, you can shop in my closet,” she
offeredsweetly.“Ihaveplentyofmasksfromprioryears.”

“I’llsupplythecocktails!”Blakelyadded.
“Cocktail party!” they sang in unison, clinking their juice glasses together, leaving

Hannahtofeelliketheoutsidershewas.

ANNAH

GAWKED

asshepulleduptoSavannah’shouseafterschool.Shewouldneverget

used to this kind of ostentatiousness. Savannah’s home was almost a carbon copy of
Cody’s McMansion and Hannah found herself wondering if they were doled out once
youreachedacertaintaxbracket.

AtleasttheinteriorofSavannah’shomewasmoreinvitingthanCody’s.Colorfulart

ingaudygoldframeshungonthewalls,brightfloralarrangementsgracednearlyevery
surface and blaring music danced toward Hannah from somewhere upstairs. A staff
memberledhertoSavannah’sroom,whereshe,BlakelyandMadisonwerelounging
aroundintheirexpensiveunderwearsippingchampagneamongthecarnageoflavish

dresses.ItseemsthecontentsofSavannah’sclosethadexploded,andexhaustedbythe
ideaoftryingonanythingelsethegirlsturnedtogossipandbooze.

“Hannah!I’msogladyoumadeit,”Savannahshoutedoverthehousemusicpassing

aglassofbubblyherway.“We’dbeguntothinkyou’dstoodusup,”shepouted.

“No,Ijusthadtogohomefirst.Clearitwithmydad.Youknowhowitis.”
Allthreegirlscockedtheirheads,perplexedbyHannah’scomment.Theyreminded

Hannahofcatswatchingafishtank.Apparentlytheconceptofparentalcontrolwasn’t
somethingtheyworriedabout.

Hannah told her dad she’d been invited to Savannah’s to work on plans for the

commencement ceremony. She hated lying to him and rather than trying to explain
her father’s complex parenting style to the girls, Hannah decided to drown her guilt
withasipofchampagne.

Itwasdivine!Hannahactuallysighedoutloud.
“Iknow,right?”Blakelygrinned,toppingoffherownglass.
“So,whatdoyouwanttoweartotheball?”Madisonasked,pointingtothepilesof

dresseslyingaboutSavannah’soverlymagentaroom.

“I don’t know. Which ones are you girls wearing?” Hannah asked taking another

swigofliquidcourageinanticipationoftryingondressesinfrontoftheGoldens.

They were already raking their eyes over her in a predatorily way. She suddenly

foundherselflongingforCody’sfashionadvice.He’datleastbeenconstructivewithhis
criticism.Somehowsheknewthesegirlswouldn’tholdback.

“Oh, we ordered our dresses from our favorite designers months ago,” Savannah

repliedwithahaughtylaugh.Shegrabbedagarmentbagfromhercloset.

“Yeah,likewe’dwearofftherack,”Blakelyscoffed.
The girls each pulled long slinky gowns from the garment bag. Savannah’s was

unsurprisinglymagenta,Blakely’sashimmeringjadeandMadison’s,classicblack.

“Wepulledoutacoupleoptionsforyou,butfeelfreetohaveatit,”Savannahsaid

motioningtohercloset.

Hannahgulped.“Okay.Thanks.”Sheenteredthecavernousclosetandtriednotto

drool.

“So,” Madison pried. “You never told us how your date with Harrison was last

night.”

“Oh,itwasgreat,”Hannahrepliedalittletooeagerly.
ThegirlsgiggledandHannahpoppedherheadoutofthecloset.“What?”
“Oh nothing, it’s just we’ve heard that swoon before,” Savannah laughed. “A Cohl

hascharmedthepantiesoffanotherone.”

“Noitwasn’tlikethat,”Hannahdefended.
“Sure...”
“Noreally,wejusthaddinner.”
“Where’dhetakeyou?”Blakelyaskedtryingonapairofsilverstilettos.
“Hisyacht.”
“Hisyacht!”Madisonexclaimed.Savannahelbowedherfortheoutburst.
“Okay you can give up the innocent act,” Blakely scathed. “If you’ve been on his

yacht,you’reaCohl-hole.”

“Awhat?”

Savannahlaughed.“That’swhatwecallthegirlsthathavesleptwithoneoftheCohl

boys.”

“Yeahandyouhavethatlook,”Blakelyaccused.
“Takesonetoknowone,”Savannahteased.
“Omigod!Ihaven’tsleptwithanyone!”Hannahblurted.
Theroomstopped,alleyestargetedher.
“Areyouavirgin?”Madisonwhispered.
Shit! Hannah downed the rest of her champagne, stalling. There was no use lying

now. It was probably written all over her face anyway. Maybe she could get some
adviceoutofit.Butitwasgoingtotakealotmorechampagne.Hannahheldouther
emptyglassandnodded,bitingherbottomlip.

The girls erupted with shrieks and laughter. But to Hannah’s surprise they didn’t

seemtobelaughingather.Theyactuallyseemeddelighted.

“Well then, we’re going to help you make tomorrow a night you won’t forget!”

Savannahgrinned,handingHannahanotherglassofbubbly.“Comeongirls!Forgetthe
dress.She’llbefocusedongettingitoffanyway.”

“Orjustgettingoff!”Madisongiggled.
For the next hour they refilled Hannah’s glass while filling her head with the do’s

and don’ts of first time sex. And they weren’t bashful. Savannah pulled up videos on
YouTubeandBlakelyevengaveanimateddemonstrations.Hannahfeltlikeshe’dbeen
throughsexbootcampbythetimetheyweredone.Theyreallyseemedtotaketheir
mission,whichthey’ddubbed,‘BananaforHannah’,seriously.

SheshouldhavecomehereandleftCodyoutofit.
“What’sthisaboutCody?”Savannahasked.
Ohshit!Hadshesaidthatoutloud?
Hannah’sheadwasswimming.Shesetdownheremptychampagneglass.
“Cody?”
“YoujustsaidyoushouldhaveleftCodyoutofit.”
“Idid?”
“Yes,” Savannah pressed. “What’s the deal with you two anyway? I thought you

weredone.”

“Yeahandnowweknowyouweren’tusinghimforsex,”Madisonchimedin.
“Shame,”Blakelyaddedindifferently.“Heisaloser,butitwould’vebeennicetouse

himtopopyourcherrysoyoudon’truinHarrison’sItaliansheets.”

“CodyandIaredone,”Hannahsaidhopingtoendthesubject.“Imeantherereally

wasn’tanythingtobeginwith.”

“Areyousure?”Savannahasked,hericystarepinningHannah.
“Yes.”
“Good.CauseI’dhatetoseeHarrisongethurtifyouweren’tseriousabouthim.He’s

oneofourdearestfriendsyouknow?”

Hannahgulpeddownherfearandnodded.
Savannahsighed.“Itoldyouitwasjustgossip,girls,”shemusedturningtoadmire

herreflection.

“What’sgossip?”Hannahasked.
“OhyouknowCody.He’sjustrunninghismouthaboutthetwoofyou.”

Hannah’sbloodwentcold.“What’shesaying?”
“Iwouldn’tworryaboutit.I’msurenoonewilltakeanythinghesaysseriously.”
“God,you’resoluckyHarrisonalmosthityouwithhiscar,”Madisonadded,smiling

sweetly.“OtherwiseyouwouldstillbeslummingitinwastevillewithCody.”

“Yeah,” Hannah whispered, her vision tunneling. How much champagne had she

drank?

Blakely snorted. “Too bad Harrison didn’t hit Cody with his car. Then we could

forgetabouthimalready.”

“IthinkIshouldgohome,”Hannahblurtedout.
“Blakely,you’veupsether!Youalwaystakethingstoofar,”Savannahscolded.She

put her arm around Hannah and steered her into the en suite bathroom. “I’m sorry
aboutthat,sweetie.”Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Youlookalittleflushed.You’re
notavirgintoalcoholtoo,areyou?”

“No.Ijustfeelalittlelightheaded.”
“Good, because I’d hate for you puke on my bathroom floor.” Savannah giggled.

“HowaboutIgiveyouaridehome.Idon’twanttotakeanychancesofyougettinga
DUIandmissingyourbignighttomorrow.”

“Mycar—”
“I’llhaveoneofourstaffreturnittomorrow.”
“Oh,Idon’twanttoimpose.”
“Nonsense.Comeon,thegirlscanentertainthemselvesforawhile.”
Whentheywalkedbackintothebedroom,MadisonandBlakelyweretradingstories

aboutthelegendaryconquestsoftheCohlboys.Theirshrillvoicesdidnothingtoease
Hannah’sdizziness.Shewantedtogohomeandlaydown.Allthistalkabouttomorrow
wasoverwhelmingher.

“I’m taking Hannah home,” Savannah announced to the room, scooping up the

silvergownthey’dpickedoutforher.

“Bye,”thegirlspurredinunison.

SOON

SavannahpulledoutofherdrivewayshetookHannah’shandandwhispered

hurriedly. “Listen, I didn’t want to say too much in front of the girls—they can be
gossipy—butCodyhasbeenspreadingviciousrumorsaboutyou.”

“What?Why?”
Savannahshrugged.“Ireallythinkitmightbeinyourbestinteresttonipitinthe

budbeforewordgetsaroundattheball.”

“Buthow?Theballistomorrow,”Hannahmoaned.
“Shit,you’reright.Oh,Hannah,I’djusthateforHarrisontofindout.Youtwoareso

cutetogetherandhecouldreallyuseasweetgirllikeyou.”

Hannah closed her eyes feeling angry and tired. Just when things were starting to

line up for her, Cody was going to ruin it all. This was her payback for blackmailing
him.SherubbedhereyestogetsomeclarityandSavannahmistookitforcrying.

“Mygod,don’tcry!Wecansolvethis.”
“How?”

“WhatifItakeyouoverthererightnow?”
“ToCody’s?Now?”Hannahglancedatthedashdisplay.“It’s10o’clock.”
“So,it’sFridaynight.Doyouwanttofixthis,ornot?”
“WhatdoIevensaytohim?”
“Idon’tknow.Justtellhimtoleaveyoualoneandstopspreadingrumors.Codyand

Harrisonhavearockyhistory.Youdon’twanttoletthiscatchfire.”

“ItwouldhelpifIknewwhatkindofrumorshewasspreading.”
“Hesaidhesleptwithyou,alright!”
“What?”
“Ididn’twanttohavetosayitbecauseIknewyou’dbeupset.”
“ButIdidn’tsleepwithhim!”
“Iknow.Ibelieveyou.It’sHarrisonwehavetoworryabout.”
AfteranawkwardsilenceSavannahdrawledoutasentence.“Youknow...itreally

isashameyouhaven’tsleptwithCody.”

“Why?”
“Well,IthinkBlakelywasright.It’dtaketheedgeoffthingswithHarrisonandthen

Cody’srumorswouldn’tberumors.Itmightshuthimup.”

HannahglaredatSavannah.“I’mnotsleepingwithCodytoshuthimup.”
“Itwasjustathought!”
SavannahpulledintoCody’sdriveway.Thehousewasdarkasusual.
“So you go do your thing. I’m gonna head downtown. The girls just texted. They

decidedtogotoBarNone.Ourfavoritecollegebandisplaying.Theyaredrool-worthy!
Justtextmewhenyou’redoneandI’llcomebackandgetyousoyoucancomeparty
withus.”

“Thanksforallyourhelptonight,Savannah.Ireallyappreciateit.ButI’mallpartied

out.Ionlyliveafewblocksaway.Icanwalkit.”

“Areyousure?”
“Yeah,thiswon’tbepleasant.I’msurethefreshairwilldomegood.”
“Okay, well text me later. I wanna know how it went.” Savannah blew her a kiss.

“OhandI’llsendyourdressoverwithyourcarinthemorning.Seeyoutomorrow.”

HannahwatchedSavannah’ssportysilverMercedeszipoutofCody’sdriveway.She

turnedtowardthedoortookadeepbreathbeforepushingthebuzzer.Ittookherthree
triestohitit.Allofthisstressmusthavebeenmakinghervisionhazy.Sheneededto
getthisover.JustlikerippingoffaBand-Aid.Shewouldmakehimanewdeal.Keephis
mouthshutortheschoolgetshistestscores.

AVANNAH

WAS

BARELY

outofthedrivewaybeforeshetappedoutatextmessage.

WORRIEDABOUTHANNAH.SHE’SDRUNK–SAVANNAH

HIT

SEND

,andgrinnedlikeaCheshirecatwhenshesawanimmediateresponsepop

up.

WHERE–HARRISON

“T

HIS

GOING

tobefun,”shesaidtoherself.

CODY’S–SAVANNAH

WTF!!!–HARRISON

ody sat on his floor, bottle of Jack between his legs, while he attacked his game

console. He was blaring the volume through his headphones and taking out his
frustrationsthebestwayheknewhow.Okay,almostthebestway.Hewasstillrelying
heavilyonhisoldfriend,Jack.Hewasafairbithammered,butitwasFridaynight,and
at least he was channeling his anger at the war game currently raging on his plasma
screen.

That’s why when he felt a hand on his shoulder he nearly pissed himself. Cody

jumpedtohisfeetspillinghalfthebottleofJackonthecarpet.Herighteditandwhirled
around trying to get his eyes to focus in the darkness. He must have been more
snockeredthanhethought,becauseitappearedthatHannahwasstandinginhisroom,
lookingroyallypissedoff.

“Hannah?”heaskednotbelievinghiseyes.
“Howdareyou?”sheyelled,sloppilyshovinghim.
“Areyoudrunk?”Codyaskedtakinginherwobblyappearance.
“Oh,you’reonetotalk!”sheshoutedmovingtopushhimagain.
She lost her footing and collided with Cody. It was more force than he was

anticipatingandtheybothtoppledontohisbed.

“Letgoofme!”shehowled.
Codyheld his arms upin surrender but couldn’thelp from bursting into laughter.

“Honestly,what’swrongwithyou?You’retheonethat’sontopofme.”

“Youneedtotakesomeresponsibilitytoo,Cody,”Hannahslurred,stillnotmoving

fromherspotatophim.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“IalwayshavetocleanupyourmessesandI’moverit.I’moveryou!I’vetoldyou

thatbefore.Nowpleaseleavemealone!”

“Didyouseriouslycomeoverhertotacklemeandtellmetoleaveyoualone?”he

asked,histemperflaring.“Becauseyou’vemadethatclear,Hannah.Youdon’tneedto
kickmewhileI’mdown.”

“That’snotwhatI’mdoing.”
“Then what are you doing?” Cody growled, fighting his body’s reflex to hers. Her

legsstraddledhishipandherhandspressedintohischestforsupport.Hecouldn’tstop
staringathereyes.Theywerewildwith...hedidn’tknowwhat.Wasitlust?Ordidhe

justwantittobe?

Sheleanedcloserandherlonghairbrushedhischeek.“Idon’tknow.”
Cody brushed her hair away, following the strand to her cheek. Her face was hot

andsheletoutthetiniestgaspwhenhetouchedher.Itwashisundoing.Hisrestraint
unraveledandhepulledherlipstohis,meetinginafuriouscrashofpassion.Hecraved
her in a way he didn’t understand. She was the only thing that could drown out the
hurtandhecouldn’tgetenough.Hewantedtowraphisbodyinhersuntiltherewas
nothingleftbetweenthem.He’dknownitthemomenthesawherinthefittingroom—
shebaredhersoultohimandthat’swhatterrifiedhim.Hannahwaspureandperfect,
andheknewhewouldruinher.

ANNAH

STRIPPED

her clothes away feverishly, while Cody fisted her hair, keeping her

closetohimwithtremblinghands.Hiskissdevouredher,settingsomethingloosedeep
insideher.

Shewantedthis.
Notlikethis.
Sheneededthis.
Notlikethis!
Hermindandbodywarred,butherinvadinghormoneswonout.Codygroanedinto

her mouth when she slipped her hand under the waistband of his thin lounge pants.
Her power over him was intoxicating. The more she touched the more he needed,
whisperinghernamelikeasecretprayer.

Shesliddownhisrigidtorso,beggingherhandstomemorizehisperfection.Before

she could reach her target Cody hauled her back to him, his eyes wide and pleading.
“Hannah.”Hesaidhernamesternly.“Idon’tthinkweshoulddothisrightnow.”

“Areyouserious?”
“Areyou?”
“Yes.Iwanttodothis.”Shepushedpassedhisguardandkissedhimagain,luring

himinwiththecoaxingrhythmofherhipsandlips.

“Shit,Hannah.”Heflippedherontoherbackpinningherbeneathhim.“Iwanttodo

thissobadly.Youhavenoidea,”hegroaned.“Butthisisn’tright.You’redrunkandyou
...youhateme.Thisisn’thowitshouldbe.”

“I’mnotdrunk.Ihadafewglassesofchampagne.”
“You’vehadmorethanafewglassestodullhatetolust.”
“Idon’thateyou,Cody.”
“Isawthewayyoulookedatmeafterthevet.Youhateme.”
“Imaynotalwaysunderstandyou,butIdon’thateyou.Believeme,I’vetriedandI

should.But—.”

“Whatdoyoumeanyoushould?”
“Don’tplaydumb.Iknowyou’vebeentalkingaboutme.”
“Towho?”
“Doesitreallymatter?”
“Yes!”

“Harrisonandothers.”
“WhythehellwouldItalktoHarrison?”
Hannahshookherhead.“DoyoureallythinkI’mnotfancy?”
“What?”
“That’swhatyoutoldhimdidn’tyou?ThatI’mjustplainandcasual.ThatIcouldn’t

possiblyenjoybeingspoiled?”

“Hannah!Ineversaidthat.I’veneversaidanythingaboutyou.Toanyone!”
“I find that hard to believe when Savannah told me just tonight she heard you

sayingweslepttogether!”

Codypushedhimselfoffthebedangrily.Hepaced,runninghishandsthroughhis

hair. He turned back to Hannah, his temper barely caged. “They’re lying to you,
Hannah.Thisiswhattheydo.Theyfuckwithpeopleforfun.Theygetoffonit.Iwould
neversaythataboutyou.”

“Whynot,it’sjustsexright?It’snotabigdeal.”
“That’sjustit,Hannah.Itisabigdeal!It’ssupposedtobeabigdeal!”
“Notforyou!I’msureyou’vedoneitathousandtimes.”
“I haven’t!” Cody shouted grabbing Hannah’s arms roughly as trying to force

understandingintoher.

Hannah’sheartpoundedasshetriedtowrapherfuzzymindaroundwhatCodywas

saying. “Haven’t . . . as in ever?” She stared at the blazing truth in his eyes, barely
aware she was only wearing her bra and panties. Her efforts remained on staying
uprightandmakingsenseofwhatCodywassaying.Shecursedherselffordrinkingso
muchchampagne.Everythingwasswaying.

“ButIthought...IthoughtElenawaspregnant...”shestammered.“Cody,what

areyousaying?”

“Elenawaspregnant.Butitwasn’tmine.That’swhatourfightwasaboutthenight..

.” He couldn’t finish his sentence. His eyes darted around the room looking for
somethingsolidtoclingto.WhentheysettledonthebottleofJackhemovedtowardit,
knockingbackahugegulp.

“Howdoyouknowitwasn’tyours?”
Cody laughed and sank down onto the bed. “Because I never had sex with Elena.

I’veneverhadsexwithanyone.ShewascheatingonmebecauseIwantedtowait.”

“What?”
He took another long swig and shook his head. “That’s right, Casanova Cody is a

fraud.”

“Doyouknowwho...whothefatheris...was?”
Codygrimacedandcollapsedbackontothebedinfrustration.
HannahsighedthinkingCodywasdonewiththesubjectuntilsheheardhisvoice,

barelyaboveawhisper.“I’vegotaprettygoodidea.”

She leaned back on the bed, bringing her face close to his. “Have you ever told

anyone?”

He continued to stare at the ceiling. “I can’t prove anything. And who’s going to

believeme.I’mjustanotherfuckup.”

“Butit’sthetruth.”
“Itwouldn’tmatter.”

“Itwouldmattertome,”shesaidsoftly,slippingherhandintohis.Hepulledaway

and sat up again. Grabbing for the Jack on the nightstand. Hannah sat up too. She
watchedhimtakeanotherlongdrinkfromthenearemptybottle,tryingtograspthese
revelations.“Cody,itmightmattertoalotofpeople.LikeElena’sfamily.Yourfamily.”

Hesnorted.“Thanksbutyoudon’thavetosaythat.”
“I’mnotjustsayingit.You’rebeingblamedformorethandrivingdrunk.Everyone

thinks you got her pregnant and then killed her to get rid of the problem. Don’t you
wanttosettherecordstraight?”

Cody laughed a bit hysterically, prompting Hannah to take the bottle from him.

“You’regonnaneedit,”hesnorted.“Youreadyforthebestpart?Iwasn’teventheone
driving. I’d been drinking but I still knew enough not to get behind the wheel. But
Elena...shewaswastedandscreamingaboutthepregnancyandherlifebeingruined
and saying everything was my fault. She just wanted to get away from it all.” He
laughedsadly.“Idon’tblameher.Shewasscaredandlashingout.Iwasjusttheclosest
target.Wehurttheoneswelovethemost,right?”

AsoberingthoughtdraggeditsicyclawsdownHannah’sback.
No.Itcouldn’tbetrue.Noonewouldsufferashehadif...if...
“Cody,ifyouweren’tdrivingthatnight...”
“ItwasElena.Shewashysterical.I’ddrivenustothepartyandshewantedtoleave.

ItoldherIcouldn’tdriveandshejustgotinmycarandstartedtodriveoff.Icouldn’t
lethergolikethat.Notbyherself.Ijumpedinandbeggedhertocalmdownandtalkit
out,butshewouldn’thearme.She’djustworkedherselfup,yaknow?”Cody’sshaking
hands scrubbed at his face, wrestling with the crippling truth. “I loved her. I just
wantedtobethereforher.”

Hannah’s hands shook as she covered her mouth, fighting the taste of bile at her

realization.“Elenawasthedriver.Shecrashedandyoucoveredforher.”

Cody’s voice was strangled to a whisper. “When we hit the tree, we were both

thrownfromthecar.ShewasalreadydeadwhenIfoundher.Killedonimpact,they
said. When I crawled over to her she was so ruined. I just didn’t want her to suffer
anymore.Herreputationwastrashedbythepregnancy,shedidn’tneeddrunkdriver
addedtoherheadstone.Whenthepoliceshowedup,itwasmycarsotheyassumedI
wasthedriver.”

“Andyounevercorrectedthem?”Hannahaskedincredulously.
“Ilovedher.Youdostupidthingsforlove.”
Hannah’svisionwascloudedwithunfathomableragetowardElena.
ElenacheatedonCody.
Elenagotpregnantbysomeoneelse.
Elenadrovedrunk.
Elenacausedtheaccident.
ElenanearlykilledCody.
Elena.AllofitwasElena’sfault.
AndElenaleftCodytodealwiththefalloutasifhecausedit.
“Cody,whoelseknowsthis?”
“Justyou,”headmittednonchalantly.“Guessthat’sprettymessedup,huh?”
HeliftedthebottleofJackandHannahgentlystoppeditfrommeetinghislips.

“That’stheunderstatementoftheyear,”shescoffed.
CodylaughedandpassedHannahthebottle.“Youlooklikeyoucouldusethis.”
“Cody,wecanfixthis.Weneedtogotothepolice.You’vebeenwrongfullyaccused

—”

“Leaveit,Hannah.What’sdoneisdone.”
“Howcanyousaythat?Thisisyourlifewe’retalkingabout.”
“Right,mylife.”
“Well if you want to keep it a secret, fine. But I’m not living with your ghosts.”

Hannahgotup,quicklygatheringherclothes.

“Don’tyoudare!”Codybellowed.“Youdon’tgettobeallhighandmightyandfuck

upmylifejusttoclearyourconscience.”

“Lookaroundyou!It’salreadyfuckedup.”
“Exactly.Sojustleaveitalone.”
“No!Notwhenwecanfixthis!”
Codythrewthebottleinfrustration.“Noteverythingneedstobefixed,Hannah!We

don’tallneedtobeperfectlikeyou.”

Anger spiked in her heart. “I’m not perfect, Cody. But at least when I make a

mistakeIadmitit.Youhavemadeahugemistakeandit’shurtingeveryonewhocares
aboutyou.”

“Noonecaresaboutme!”
“Ido!”shescreamed,herfacewildwithheartbreak.“I’vetriedsohardnotto.ButI

careaboutyou,Cody.AndIhatethatyoucan’tseethat.”

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, baring their souls. It was too much for

Hannah. She needed to get out. She was suffocating from the pain that had been
unleashed in Cody’s room. She tried to push her way passed him but he blocked her
pathtothedoor.

His hands slid up her arms, agony painted his gorgeous face as he gently brushed

Hannah’shairback,whisperinghername.“I’mnotworthit.”

Tearsburstfromhereyesandshepushedhimawaytryingforthedooragain.
“I’mnotlettingyouleavelikethis,Hannah.”
“Cody,Iwanttoleave.Imeanit.”
“Not until you promise me you’ll sleep on this. All of it. We can talk tomorrow.

Whenwe’renotso...messedup.”

“Thiswillstillbemesseduptomorrow.”
“Exactly.”
“Cody,ifyoumakemekeepthissecrettherecanneverbeanythingbetweenus.It’ll

ruineverything.”

Codyshookhishead,sighingwithsadness.“Don’tyougetit.That’swhatIdo.Iruin

things.Itriedtowarnyou.”

Hannahchokedbackhersobs.“IwishI’dnevermetyou.”
Just then the door flew open, shoving into Cody’s back pushing him into Hannah.

Theybothstumbledback,clingingtoeachothertostayupright.

Harrison’sfacetookinthescene.Hannahhalfnakedclutchingherclothes,cheeks

streaked with tears. Cody shirtless and reeking of booze, his paws all over Hannah’s
paleskin.Harrison’srageerupted,hailingprofanityandfists.

Hannahscreamed,buthervoicedissolvedintothedinoftheirbrawlingbodies.
“Stop, please stop!” she wailed as they scuffled around the room overturning

everythingintheirpath.

“Shedoesn’twantyou!”Harrisongrowled,levelingCodywithapunch.“Whycan’t

youevergetthatthroughyourthickskull?”

“I know that!” Cody yelled scrambling to his feet only for Harrison to knock him

intoawall.

HeshovedhisforearmintoCody’sthroat.“Soyouthoughtyou’dgetherdrunkand

forceheranyway,yousickprick.”

“Ididn’ttouchher!”Codygasped.
“Isawyourhandsalloverher!”
“Itwasn’tlikethat.”
Foramomenttheboysstoodstill,insomesortofegotisticalstandoff.Hannahsaw

her chance and pushed her way between them “Harrison. Please. He didn’t hurt me.
It’sallamisunderstanding.Ijustwanttogohome.Canyoutakemehome?Please?”

Harrisonsnappedoutofhisfuryandrecoveredhiscomposure.HeletgoofCody,

who crumpled to the floor like a rock. Harrison smoothed his clothes. His mouth
quirkedintoatightsmileashesmoothedHannah’swildhair.“You’reokay?”

“Yes.Canwepleasego?”
“Sure.Grabyourthingsandmeetmeinthecar.”
Hannahhesitated.
“I’mrightbehindyou,”Harrisonassuredher.
HannahgaveCodyaconcernedlook.“Areyouokay?”
Codynodded.
“I just need to discuss something with Cody, man to man. I promise. No more

fighting.”

UnabletofighthernervesanylongerHannahfledtothecar,hersobschasingher

thewholeway.

NCE

ARRISON

WAS

suretheywerealoneheturnedtoCodyandgavehimasmuggrin.

“You’repathetic,Matthews.”

Cody didn’t respond. He was busy sopping up the blood that trickled from a cut

abovehiseye.

Harrison walked closer towering over Cody. He knelt down and handed Cody a

handkerchief from his pocket. Unable to resist a final dig, Harrison leaned in so he
could whisper in Cody’s ear. “You never learn.” Harrison laughed and patted Cody’s
shoulder.“Ialmostadmireyouforit.Butintheendtheyalwayschooseme.”Harrison
stoodnoteventryingtorestrainhissmirk.“Hannah’sminenow.”

Hesaunteredtothedoor,givingCodyonelastlookbeforeleaving.“Youcankeep

thehandkerchief,”hecalled.“We’llcallitamemento.”

arrisonpulled up to Hannah’s. The ride home had been tense—Hannah’s sobs the

only sound over the engine. Once in her driveway, Hannah grabbed the door handle
readytomakeaquickexit.“Thankyouforbringingmehome.”

“That’sit?”
Hannahsighed.Shejustwantedtonighttobeover.Ithadspiraledintosomesortof

bad dream. And from the way her vision blurred she wondered if maybe that’s all it
was.Ifonlyshewerethatlucky.

“Hannah,whatwereyoudoingatCody’s?”
“Canwetalkaboutthistomorrow?Ireallydon’tfeelwell.”
Harrison’s jaw muscles twitched with restraint. He looked like he wanted to say

somethingbutdecidedagainstit.“Sure.Getsomesleep.I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

Relievedtofinallybealone,Hannah’sbodysagged.Shebarelymadeittoherroom

before she sank to her knees. She crawled to her bathroom and threw up as sobs
rackedherbody.

Shespentmostofthenightcurleduponherbathroomfloor.Herheadwasspinning

andherlungscouldn’tseemtogiveherenoughair.Shecouldn’tgetCody’swordsout
of her head. How could he be so stupid? He’d let his love for a dead girl ruin his life!
Noneofitwashisfault.He’denduredprobation,rehabandviciousrumors...allfor
what?TosaveElena?Whywouldheevenwantto?Elenacheatedonhim.Shethrewhis
loveaway.

Hannah’s heart broke—partly for Cody and partly for herself. She’d been drunk

tonight,butinthedarknessofhistruth,she’dfoundherown.Shewasunabletodeny
herfeelingsforCody.Everytimethey’dkissedortouchedherbodyrespondedinaway
she couldn’t explain—an explosion of desperation and completion. But none of it
matterednow.Thesecretsbetweenthemcouldsnuffoutthefiercestofbonds,letalone
avulnerablebudoffledglinglove.

Hannah dragged herself to bed, her head swimming with the events of the night.

Everytimesheclosedhereyes,shesawCody’sface—defeatedandraw.Nowonderhe
thought no one cared about him. The people who were supposed to always let him
down. His parents, his girlfriend, his friends. But Hannah made up her mind, she
wouldn’tbeanotherdisappointmenttohim.Maybehecouldn’tseeitnow,buttelling
thetruthwouldsethimfree.

She glanced at the clock. It would be hours before she could do anything to help

Cody.Shepulledherpillowoverherhead,willinghermindtolethersleep.Thismess
wouldbewaitingforherinthemorning.AndHannahwantedaclearheadwhenshe
toldherfathereverything.Hewouldknowwhattodo.

ody woke with a splitting headache and a crushing ache in his chest. He’d finally

sharedhisdarksecret.Butithadn’tchangedathing.Ifanythinghe’donlymanagedto
pushHannahfurtheraway.Good.She’ssaferthisway,hethought.Butthenhefound
himselfwondering,ifthatweretrue,whydidithurtsobad?

Watching her leave with Harrison hurt worse than any of the physical blows he’d

taken. He couldn’t get the image out of his head. Cody took a long shower, replaying
theeventsofthenight.Hewisheditwereassimpleaswashingitalldownthedrain.
Butitneverwas.Anddespitethedisastrouswaythenightended,Codydidn’tregretit.
There had been fleeting moments with Hannah that felt real. He closed his eyes,
relishing the way their bodies had fit together. Mouths, hands, skin—all molded
perfectly,liketwohalvesofasingularunit.Liketherewasonlythetwooftheminthe
worldandnothingelsemattered.

It had never been easy like that with Elena. They had an inevitable chemical

attraction,butthey’dalwaysbeenfightingtofit,likemagnetsofoppositecharge.

The water finally ran cold, pulling Cody back to reality. He exited the shower,

grimacing as he gingerly patted himself dry. His whole body hurt and his face was
swollen thanks to Harrison mistaking it as a punching bag. The makings of an epic
shiner had already started blooming around his blood shot eye. He looked dreadful.
Thelasttimehe’dseenhimselfsobeatupwasafterthecaraccident.

Cody’s mind flashed back to the gruesome memories that haunted him from the

night that changed his life—Elena’s broken body, the weight of her motionless in his
arms,theblood.Therewassomuchblood...

A wave of nausea hit Cody like a tsunami. He braced himself over the toilet and

heaved. But his stomach was empty. For once, he was grateful he’d filled it with
nothingbutJack.

HestaredhisreflectiondowninthemirrorandfoundhimselfthinkingofHannah—

wonderingwhatshesawwhenshelookedathim.Howhadhelethergetsoclose?To
seeunderhiscarefullyfabricatedexterior?Abittersweetsmiletwitchedthecornersof
hislips.Whowashekidding?He’dneverbeenabletofoolHannah.She’dalwaysseen
him.ItwasCodywho’dbeenblindsided.Heneversawhercoming.

Heclosedhiseyes,lettingtheimageofHannahwashoverhim,invadinghismind—

quietingitwithhersoftfeatures.Hepicturedtheconcerninhereyesasshehesitated

to leave him last night. She’d been worried about him. But then Harrison stepped
betweenthem,cuttingoffCody’sviewofthesteadyblueseaofHannah’seyes.She’d
beenreachingouttohim,offeringhimalifelinetokeephimafloat.Andhe’dpushed
heraway.

Clarityseizedhim,andCodymadeasnapdecision.Hewasn’treadytothrowinthe

toweljustyet.NottobeatHarrisonintheirtwistedcompetitionthathadgrownfrom
childhoodrivalryintosomethingdangerous,butforHannah.Andforanychancethey
mighthavetogether.

Cody dressed quickly and padded his way to the kitchen to remedy his empty

stomach.Thecooktookonelookathisbruisedfaceandleftthekitchen.Thestaffhad
seen him like this before and they knew the drill—stay out of the way. He threw
togetherasandwichanddownedacokeonhiswayoutthedoor.

HeneededtoseeHannah.Theyhadthingstodiscuss.

ight knocking at Hannah’s door pulled her from her slumber. Sunlight filled her

bedroom. Her body caved to exhaustion and she’d slept much later than she’d
intended.Shesatupinbedlettingthegroggyveilofsleepliftfromhermind.

“Hannah,”herfathercalledoutsidethedoor.
Justthepersonshewantedtosee.
She opened the door and her face fell. Her father’s features were devoid of his

normalmorningcheer.Helookedextraordinarilyupset.“Getdressedandcomedown
stairs,please.Weneedtotalk.”

“Dad?What’swrong?”
“There’ssomeoneheretoseeyou.I’dlikeyoutoaskhimtoleave,andthenweneed

tohaveaseriousdiscussion.”

“Who?”
“CodyMatthews.”
Hannah’sheartpoundedtolife.“Whatdoeshewant?”
“He won’t say. I’ve asked him to leave and he’s refused. I’m hoping you can talk

somesenseintohim.Ifnot,I’llbeforcedtocontacttheauthorities.”

“Dad!”
“Bequick,Hannah.”
Her father closed the door and she leapt to action, throwing on her Brown

sweatshirtandblackleggings.Shepeeredoutthewindowbutcouldn’tseeCody.Nocar
either.Hemusthavewalked.Shetookaquicksurveyofherappearance.Shelooked
likehell.Hereyeswerepuffyandtheghostsofrunmascaraclungbeneaththem.She
splashedcoldwateronherfaceanddidherbesttorubthesleepandsorrowfromher
eyes.

Sherandownstairsandskiddedtoastopinthehall.Herfatherstood,armscrossed,

by the front door. Through the glass Hannah could see Cody’s silhouette, perched on
thefrontsteps,hisshouldersslumped.

ShepushedthecreakingdooropenandCodystood.
“Hey.”
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“I wanted to talk to you . . .” he paused and looked passed Hannah to where her

fatherhadfollowedherouttotheporch.

Sheturnedtohim.“Dad.CanIhaveamomentalonetospeakwithCody?”
Herfatherspokeinhushedtones.“Idon’tlikethis,Hannah.Helookslikehe’sbeen

inbrawl.I’mnotcomfortableleavingyoualonewithhim.”

“Please,Dad.Justgoinside.Youcankeepyoueyeonusthewholetime.”
“Fiveminutes,Hannah.AndthenIwanthimgone.Imeanit.”
Hannahwaiteduntilherfatherwasinside,thedoorshutfirmlybehindhimbefore

walking over to Cody. She took his hand and walked him down the stairs away from
theporch.Shetrudgedsilentlythroughthespringgrasstoheroldswingset.Askeleton
of her youth, it sat rusting in the rose garden a few yards from the house. It was in
perfectviewofthelargepicturewindowinthelivingroom,whereHannahwassure
her father would be watching, but it would ensure their conversation wouldn’t be
overheard.

HannahperchedonaswingandnoddedforCodytodothesame.
“Whyareyouhere?”
“Iwantedtoapologizeforlastnight.”
“Yousaidthatalready.”
Codylookeddownathisshoes,scuffingthemintothesoftearth.
“We have five minutes until my dad calls the police so I’d advise you to say

whateveryoucametosayandthenleave.”

Cody’sheadjerkedup.HestaredintoHannah’seyesandsheheldhisgaze.“Don’tgo

tothepartytonight,Hannah.”

Shelaughed.
“I’mserious.Ihaveabadfeelingaboutit.Idon’twanttoseeyougethurt.”
“Alittlelateforthat,don’tyouthink?”
“Inevermeanttohurtyou,Hannah.”
“Ifthat’sall,Ithinkyoushouldleave,”Hannahsaidstanding.
Cody stood too and took her hands pleadingly. “Please, Hannah. If you’re set on

goingletmegowithyou.”

“I’mgoingwithHarrison.”
“He’splayingagame,Hannah,andit’snotgoingtoendwell.”
“Noteverythingisagame.IthinkHarrisonactuallycaresaboutme.”
“You’retoosmarttobethatstupid,Hannah.”
HannahrippedherhandsfromCody’s.“Isee.Justbecauseyoudon’twantme,no

onedoes?”

“No!That’snotwhatI’msaying.”
“Thentellme,Cody.Whatareyousaying?”
“Idon’tknow.Ican’texplainit,butIknowHarrison’susingyou.”
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to cry in front of him. “Of course,” she

whispered.“Becauseit’sunthinkablethatsomeonecouldactuallyfallforme.”

“Hannah—”
“Leavemealone,Cody.”Sheturnedtoleave,butheblockedherpath.
“Fine.KeepmysecretaboutElenaandyou’llneverseemeagain.”
“I’mnotmakinganypromises.Idon’toweyouanything.”
ThefrontdooropenedandHannah’sfatherwalkedontotheporch.Hisfacelooking

likeateakettleabouttowhistle.Shefledbacktowardherhouse,straightintohisarms.

Shelethimfoldheruplikeafrightenedchild,whileheglaredatCody,whowiselykept
hisheaddownandwalkeddownthedrivewayandoutoftheirlives.

WALK

HOME

waslongforCody.Theweatherhadturnedagreeableandthesunshine

and birdsongs only worsened his mood. He scowled as the world around him went
merrilyonwhileleavinghiminthesameinsufferablespot—alone.

Atleasthe’dtriedwithHannah.
True, he hadn’t exactly had a chance to share his feelings, but there was nothing

moretodo.He’dscrewedupagain.Heknewalostcausewhenhesawone.Helooked
inthemirroroftenenough.

annah’sfather held her tight. He stroked her hair like he used to when she was a

child. He’d calmly held her hand while she spilled her guts about the last few weeks
withCodyandHarrison.Shetoldhimeverything,eventheunflatteringthings.Thelies,
thedrinking,theblackmailandupcomingparty.ButmostlyshetoldhimaboutCody.
Sheconfidedherfleetingfeelingsforhimandherabruptheartbreakoverthegravityof
hissecretsandwhatreallyhappenedwithElena.

“WhatamIgoingtodo?”
“Hannah,I’msorryyou’regoingthroughallofthis.Iknowgrowingupisinevitable,

butsometimesIfearImayhaveshelteredyoufromtheworldtoowell.”

“Dad,thisisn’tyourfault.”
“Iknow.”Hesighed.“I’mnothappyaboutsomeofyourdecisions,butIamgrateful

thatyouwerebraveenoughtotellme.Iwantyoutoknowyoucanalwaystrustme,
baby.”

“Iknow,Dad.”Hannahhuggedherfathertighter.“ButwhatdowedoforCody?”
“Honestly,Idon’tknow,Hannah.It’snoteasytohelpsomeonewhodoesn’twantto

behelped.”

Hannahsawthepaininherfather’seyesandknewhewasthinkingofhermother.
“But I can’t do nothing. It’s wrong to keep this all bottled up. I think it will haunt

me.”

“Letmethinkonitforabit.IhavesomefriendsIcanaskforlegaladvice.”
“Howlongwillthattake?”
“Hannah,youneedtounderstandthisisn’tsomethingwecanfixovernight.”
“Iknow,butIfeellikeI’mgoingcrazyjustsittingheredoingnothing.”
Herfatherexhaledslowly.“Ican’tbelieveI’mgoingtosaythisbutdoyoustillwant

togotothepartytonight?”

“You’llletmego?”
“Doyoustillwanttogo?”
“Yes.Iknowthisdidn’tstartoutright,butIthinkIactuallymightlikeHarrison.”
“Doyoufeelyoucantrusthimandmakeresponsibledecisions?”
“Yes.”
“AndCodywon’tbethere.”
“No.”

“ThenIthinkadistractionmightbethebestthingforyou.”
Hannahsquealedandhuggedherfathertight.
“ButIwanttoknowwhereyouare,whoyou’rewithandyou’retobehomebyten.”
“Dad,thepartydoesn’tstartuntilten!”
He grumbled something under his breath about kids these days. “Fine, midnight.

Butyou’retotextmeeveryhour.”

“Iwill.”
“Imeanit.I’mnotaboveshowingupthereifyou’relate.”
“Iloveyou,Dad,”Hannahsaidkissinghimonthecheek.
“Iloveyou,too.”

ANNAH

RETRIEVED

herborroweddressfromhercar,whichhadbeensafelyreturnedas

promised. There was even a delicate black mask in the bottom of the garment bag.
HannahgrabbedherphoneandsentSavannahaquicktexttothankher.

STILLCOMINGTONIGHT–SAVANNAH

YES–HANNAH

IMPRESSED.
HEARDH&CGOTINTOITLASTNIGHT–SAVANNAH

ANNAH

SIGHED

.Of course the gossip was already swirling. She was honestly impressed

withthewaythestudentbodyatStantonkepttheirfingersonthepulseofperil.Itwas
liketheycouldsmelldrama.

DEETS–SAVANNAH

ALLGOOD.
FILLUINTONIGHT–HANNAH

UBETTER–SAVANNAH

ANNAH

CLICKED

offherphoneandputitonthecharger.Itwasaboutdeadafterbeingleft

inhercarallnight.Sheheadedtotheshowerandturnedherattentiontogettingready
forherfirstandlasthighschoolparty.

IDUREALLYDRUGHANNAH–SAVANNAH

ODY

GLARED

HIS

PHONE

. It had been going off all afternoon. He was doing his best to

ignoreitbutSavannahandherminions,wouldn’tleavehimalone.

THAT’SANEWLOW.EVENFORU.
NORESPONSEFROMTHEGUILTY.
WONDERWHATHANNAHWILLSAY?
ITOLDHERNOTTOGOTOYOURPLACELASTNIGHT.
BUTSHEBEGGEDANDBEGGED–SAVANNAH

UBROUGHTHERHERE–CODY

SHELOVESU.
ISAWITINHERPATHETICFACE.
YOU’RESUCHAHEARTBREAKER–SAVANNAH

LEAVEHERALONE–CODY

YOUFIRST–SAVANNAH

DOUGETOFFONTHIS–CODY

GUESSUHAVEN’TSEENFB?
IT’SNOTJUSTME–SAVANNAH

ODY

FLIPPED

OPEN

his laptop and pulled up the secret Stanton group everyone used to

post the most gruesome gossip. His stomach dropped when he saw Hannah’s name
lightingupthefeed.Shehadaprivatesocialprofilesonoonecouldtagher,butthat
almostmadeitworsebecausepeoplewhereusingherfirstandlastname.Thetheme
of the defaming posts were mostly against Cody. Claiming he got Hannah drunk and
lacedherdrinkswithdrugssohecouldtakeadvantageofher.Harrisonwasofcourse
castasthehero,swoopinginandsavingHannah.AndbeatingCodytoapulp.

AdarkpicturebegantoworkitswayintoCody’smind.Savannahhadalwaysbeena

jealousbitch.She’dcausedtroubleforhimandElenainthepast.Anditwasalittletoo
convenient that she brought Hannah to Cody’s house last night and Harrison just
happenedtoshowup.ThentherewasthewayHannahhadbeenacting.She’dadmitted
to drinking some champagne but everything about her manner seemed off—over
stimulated. Had he not been so drunk himself, Cody would have seen it sooner.
Hannah was high. He didn’t know on what, but he’d been to enough of Savannah’s
partiesovertheyearstoknowshelovedtoplaypharmacist,mixingupherownspecial
‘candy’asshecalledit.

Cody’s blood pressure soared. He stormed into his closet and grabbed his tux. He

wasthroughlettingtheGoldensruinpeople’slives.Hewasmorecertainthaneverthat
somethingtwistedwasabouttogodownatHarrison’spartyandtherewasnowayhe
waslettingHannahwalkintoitalone.

annahcheckedtheaddressshe’dbeentextedforwhatfeltlikethehundredthtime.

The location of the party was only revealed a few hours before it started, per Cohl
tradition. The whole family certainly had a flare for the dramatic. It wasn’t that
surprising to hear the party would be hosted at the Cohl country manor house, but
afterdrivingdownawoodeddirtroadfornearlytwentyminutesHannahbegantofeel
herskinprickle.Andshewasn’tsurewhetheritwasfromnervousexcitementtosee
Harrison or something more sinister. She’d never been comfortable with the idea of
beingfarfromcivilization.Thatwasalwayswherethingswentwrong...wellatleast
inallthebooksshe’dread.

TheGPSalertedhertoturnoffthedirtroadontowhatcouldonlybedescribedasa

path.She’dalmostdecidedtoturnbackwhenshecametoamassiveirongate.Itwas
wideopen,invitingherin.Andinthedistanceshecouldseelights.

She drove through the gate and ventured a little further up the path. The trees

finally gave way, opening up to reveal a gorgeous two-story colonial brick home,
complete with white pillars and climbing ivy. It was right out of a storybook. Well,
except for the bumping base that spilled across the immaculate lawn that now
resembledacarpark.

Shewasintherightplaceallright.
Hannahdroveacrossasmallbridgeandaroundthecircledrive,wherehercarwas

valeted.She walked up thepolished flagstone steps andstared at the black menacing
double doors. There was no one to greet her and when she tried the handle it was
locked.Immediatepanicfloodedherheart.

Hadshebeenluredoutherasajoke?
Butthensheremembered—thekey.
Hannahpulleditfromhertinyblackclutchandnervouslysliditintothekeyhole.

Sheclosedhereyesandofferedupasilentprayerbeforeturningit.Afaintclickechoed
aroundherandthedoorswungopen,usheringherintoanotherworld.

SothiswasaCohlBall?
AfeelingofAlicediscoveringWonderlandovertookHannah.Shecouldimmediately

seetheallure.Shefeltlikeshe’dbeenwhiskedintoasecretworldthatonlytherichand
beautiful were privy to. Masked figures in exquisite gowns and tuxedos dotted the
blackandwhitecheckeredfloors.Theirwhispersandlaughterroseabovethescratchy

wailof‘20sParisianmusicwhiletheyindulgedthemselvesincocktails,musicandthe
unparalleledpleasurestheCohlManoroffered.ThescenewasastrangemixofGatsby
andEyesWideShut.

AtwingeofpanicgrippedHannahassheglancedaroundforfamiliarfaces.
Howwouldsheeverfindanyoneamongtheseaofmasks?
She was about to start wandering from room to room looking for Harrison when

she heard his voice. She looked up and saw him gallantly descending the grand
staircase. His charming smile disarmed her. It was dazzlingly white in contrast to his
darkmask.

HetookHannah’shandandbowed,brushinghislipsagainstherknuckles.Blissful

excitementracedtoherheart.

“Youlookravishing,”hemurmuredspinningheraroundtotakeinthefullbeauty

of her shimmering silver sheath gown. It was simple, but its barely-there spaghetti
strapsandopenbackmadeitfeeldaring.

Hannahgiggled,feelingridiculouslygirlyassheallowedHarrisontopullherintohis

armsandgiveherachastekiss.

“I’msogladyoucame.Iwasworriedthatyouwouldn’tafterlastnight.”
“Metoo,”Hannahadmitted.“TurnsoutmydadthinksIneedadistraction.”
Harrisonsmirked.“Ilikethewayhethinks.”HekissedHannahagain,leavingher

breathless.“Wellnowthatyou’rehere.Thepartycanstart.”Hetookherhand.“Come
on,”heurged.“Let’sgetyouadrink.”

“OhIpromisednodrinkingtonight.”
Harrisonwinked.“Iwon’ttellifyouwon’t.”
He didn’t give Hannah a chance to protest, leading her through rooms of

intoxicating grandeur, stopping to make small talk when necessary. They entered a
smallroomthatglowedwithsoftbluelight.Themusicwasweakerandmaskedfigures
lazed about, draped over low-backed couches and upholstered chairs. Some were
indulging in each other, while others just seemed to be staring into space. The scene
reminded Hannah of the opium dens she’d read about. And one glance at the bar
explained why. It held more than liquor bottles. A gilded sign, donning it the ‘Candy
Bar’ gleamed back at Hannah as her eyes raked over martini glasses full of pills and
powdersofvaryingcolors.

Harrisonmadehiswaybackfromthebarwithtwoglassesinhishands.Hehanded

Hannahthechampagneflute,whilekeepingtherocksglasswithswirlingamberliquid
forhimself.

“OhIreallythinkIbetternot.Ihadenoughofthislastnight.”
“Wouldyoulikesomethingelse?”Harrisonasked,ahintofsomethingsinisterinhis

voice.

Hannahwasbeginningtohatethemasks.ItmadeitimpossibletoreadHarrison’s

featuresandthatmadeheredgy.“Maybeawater?”

Harrisonglancedbackatthebarandfrowned.“Ididn’tthinktostockthebarwith

water.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I’m not really that thirsty,” Hannah said trying to hand the glass

backtoHarrison.

“Ithoughtyouwantedafundistractiontonight?”Harrisonasked.

“Ido.”
Hegrinned.“Good.Thenhangontothechampagne.Youmightgetthirsty,”hesaid

extendinghisarmtoHannah.

She threaded her arm through his, just wanting to leave the hedonistic room

behind.

“Comeon,”Harrisonsaid.“Iwanttogiveyouthetour.”

odysteeledhimselfashewalkeduptothefrontdooroftheCohlmanor.

Ofcoursethiswaswherethepartywas.
The last time Cody had been there was the night Elena died. Tonight’s drive had

been a battle of wills for Cody as he barreled down the dark roads that haunted his
memories.TheonlythingthatkepthimgoingwasHannah,andhisneedtoprotecther
fromwhatevercruelgametheGoldenswereplaying.

He tried his key in the door and breathed a sigh of relief when the lock tumbled

granting him entrance. Cody walked into his own personal hell. Memories exploded
likeflashbulbsinhismindhashedesperatelyfoughttobreathethroughthecrushing
paininhischest.He’dhadsomanygoodtimesatthishousewithElena,Harrisonand
theGoldens.Butallofthatwaserasedinonenight,andanindelibledarknesswasleft
onhissoul.

AshrillvoicebrokeCodyfromhisnightmare.
“Welllookwhoitis?”
HelookeduptoseeSavannahsneeringathimunderherfrillypinkmask.
“Youmustbeconfused,wescheduledthetrashpickupfortomorrow,Cody.”
Codywaswearingaclassictuxandplainblackmask.Helookedidenticaltoevery

otherguyattheparty,buthe’dbeenfoolishtothinkhe’dslipbyunnoticed.Savannah
hadasixthsenseforsniffingoutweaknessestoexploit.She’dlockedontohimlikea
bloodhound.

“UnlessyouhavesomedogstorunoverIthinkyoushouldleave,”shehissed.
CodysnappedandgrabbedSavannahbythearmelicitingashriekfromher.
“I’dbehappytoo,butnotwithoutHannah.”
“Didn’tgetenoughofherlastnight?”
“What’syourroleinthis?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Cuttheshit,Savannah.Iknowyou’retheonewhogotHannahdrunkandhighand

senthertomyhouselastnight.Justwhatthehelldidyouthinkwasgoingtohappen?”

“Youtellme.You’rethemurderingdrunk.”
“Sothat’syourgame.Youwantheroutofyourway?”
“Yousaidit,notme,”Savannahhissed.
“Doyoureallythinkyou’renevergoingtogetcaught?Onetimeyou’regoingtogo

toofarandsomeone’sgoingtoOD.”

“Icanonlyhope,”Savannahgrinned.
Cody’sgriptightenedandhersmiledissolved.
“Ohcalmdown.Itwasjustalittleharmlesscandy.IfyouaskmeIdidherafavor.

She’swaytoouptight.”

Cody took a steadying breath, telling himself to walk away because Savannah was

wearing his already thin nerves to nothing and all he wanted to do was knock her
pearlyveneersdownherthroat.“Justtellmewheresheis.”

Savannah shrugged. “Haven’t seen her, sorry.” She slipped around Cody and

slitheredawaytorejointheparty.

Codyrippedoffhismaskinfrustration.Therewasnosensehidingnow.IfSavannah

knewhewashere,sooneveryonewould.Maybethatwasgood.Maybeitwouldflush
HarrisonoutquickerandhecouldfindHannahandgetthehellout.

annahfoundherselfintheeight-baycarriagehousethathadbeenconvertedintoa

garage to house the Cohl’s precious collection of luxury cars. She rather enjoyed the
manortoursofar,marvelingattheamazingartworkanddécor.Herfavoriteareahad
been the back garden, where she’d strategically dumped her champagne without
Harrisonnoticing.

Shefoundherselfgratefultobeawayfromthesuffocatingatmosphereoftheparty.

It was funny how badly she’d wanted to attend and pretend she was part of the in-
crowd.Butnowthatshewashere...shejustwantedtoleave.Itwasclearthislifestyle
wasn’tforher.Harrisonwashandsomeandflattering.Hesaidalltherightthingsand
knewexactlyhowtomakeherswoonwithsubtletouchesandkisses.Butsomething
wasmissing.

Herinnergoddessberatedher.Whowouldn’twantaguylikeHarrison?
Hannah fully admitted she’d begun to fall for him when they’d been on their

whirlwindyachtingdate.Itwaseasytogetcarriedawayimagininganadventurouslife
sailing to exotic places. But something in the back of her practical mind warned her
thatnoneofitwastrue.Anditwasn’twhatshewanted.Shewantedmore.

WhohasmorethanHarrisonCohl?herinnergoddesschided.
Butthatwasn’tthekindofmoreshemeant.
Moreconnection.
Moredepth.
Morereciprocation.
Hannah realized that she’d been blinded by Harrison’s flashiness. And when all of

hisextravagancewasstrippedaway,therewasnothingleft.

Shefoundherselfthinkingofallthediscussionsshe’dhadwithCodyoverthepast

few weeks. How he’d asked her a million questions about herself. Many were
embarrassing, but he’d genuinely wanted to know about her. Harrison rarely asked
Hannah any questions, except if she wanted more champagne. He’d spent the entire
nightboastingabouthimself.

“Thisone’smyfavorite,”Harrisonannounced,bringingHannahbacktothepresent.
Theystoodinfrontofanold-fashionedcar.Itsdovegray,high-glossfinishpolished

toasheenthatdisplayedHannah’sreflectionbacktoherwithnearperfection.

“1934Rolls-RoycePhantomIIKellnerCariolet.”

Hannahsmiled,thoughthewordsmeantnothingtoher.
“Fathersaysit’sminewhenIgraduate.”
“It’slovely.”
“Notaslovelyasyou,”Harrisonpurred,untyingtheribbononHannah’smask.
HepulleditfromherfaceandleanedintokissherbutHannahturnedhercheek.

TheeveninghadsuddenlylostitssparkleafterhersullenrealizationthatHarrisonwas
nottheguyforher.

Unphased by her dismissive move, Harrison kissed Hannah’s neck, sending her

sensesintoatizzythatwarredwithhermind.Hepulledoffhisownmaskandclicked
openthecardoor.“Wannagoforatestdrive?”

“Um,actuallyIthinkI’mgoingtoheadhome.”
“Youjustgothere.Thefunhasn’tevenstartedyet.”
TherewasadangerouscurrenttothewayHarrisonwaslookingathernow.
“ItoldmydadIwouldn’tbeoutlate,so—”
“Come on, go for a ride with me, Hannah. We can pretend it’s graduation night. I

wanttomakesurewehaveenoughroomtocelebrateproperly.”

Hannah’sstomachdroppedathislessthansubtleinnuendo.
“Ireallyneedtobegoing.”
Harrison’shandfirmlyencircledHannah’swaistlockingherinplace.“Doyouwant

metobeg?I’vebeentoldIcanbeveryconvincing.”

“Harrison...”
“Getinthecar,Hannah.”
“Please—”
TherestofHannah’swordswereswallowedbyroughnessofHarrison’smouthon

hersasheshovedherintothecar.Hispowerfulbodypinnedhertotheleatherwhile
hishandsharshlyroamedherbody,yankingherthinstrapsdown.

“Stop!”HannahcriedoutoverandoverbutHarrisononlylaughed.
“Ohyou’regoingtobefun.”

ody’sheartwaspoundingbythetimehespilledoutthebackdooroftheCohlmanor.

He’dgottensickofwaitingaroundandtookmattersintohisownhands.Heturnedthe
houseupsidedownlookingforHannah.Allthewhileignoringthewhispersandstares
heencounteredineveryroom.

Therewasnosignofher.
Hedrankinthecoolnightair,scanninghissurroundings.
Wherethehellwerethey?
Cody’s eyes rested on the carriage house. He and Harrison used to sneak in there

when they were younger to smoke weed. He remembered getting caught by the
housekeeper.Shethrewafit—thecarriagehousewasofflimits.

Itwastheperfectplacetohide.
Cody’s nerves sizzled as he moved toward the carriage house with purpose. He

couldseethelightfilterthroughthewindowpanesinthedoor.

Someonewasinthere.
Somethinginhisguttoldhimtorun.Hewasbreathlesswhenhereachedthedoor

butitwaslocked.HejiggledthehandlehardcallingHannah’sname.Itdidn’tbudge.He
evenrammedhisshoulderintoitwithnoresults.

Heranaroundfronttothekeypadandprayedthecodewasstillthesame.
As he rounded the front of the carriage house his knees went weak. It happened

righthere.ThiswaswhereheandElenahadtheirfinalfight.Hepicturedherbeautiful
face,torturedwithhurtassheslungaccusationsathim.Hervoiceechoedinhismind.
‘Nothingwilleverbethesame.’

Shewasright.Nothingwasthesameafterthatnight.
Cody doubled over, cutting his hands as he caught himself in the gravel of the

driveway.Heheaveduphisdinnerandletthetearscome,wonderinghowthehellhe’d
endedupbackhereafterallthistime.

“Y

ou’re just like her you know,” Harrison goaded, stroking Hannah’s hair as she
flailed beneath him. “Not the hair of course, but the eyes and feistiness. Cody

certainlyhasatype.”

Hannah’s heart iced over. “Oh my god.” She stopped fighting and stared up at

Harrison.“Itwasyou.You’retheoneElenawascheatingonCodywith.”

“Everthelittlegenius,aren’tyou,Hannah.”
“Youdisgustingpig!Didyouforcehertoo?”
Harrisongrinned.“Comenow,youknowyouwantme.”
“IsthatwhatyoutoldElena?”
AngerdissolvedHarrison’ssmugexterior.HeglaredatHannah,grippingherwrists

tighter.“Ididn’thaveto.Thelittleslutbeggedforit.Shewasfrustratedandneedy,so
disappointedthathersweetboyfriendwantedtowait.Igaveherwhatshewanted.”He
laughed.“Rightinthisverycar,actually.”

“Getoffofme!”HannahscreamedtryinguselesslytofightHarrison’ssolidbodyoff

ofher.

“Ididlearnmylessonaboutprotectionthough,”hesaidholdingupacondom.
“Codywillkillyouwhenhefindsout.”
“Idoubtthat.EspeciallyonceIshowhimourlittleflick.”Harrisongesturedoverhis

shouldertoablinkingredlightmountedontheseatback.“DidyouknowI’mstudying
filmatHarvardnextyear?It’sincrediblewhatyoucandowitheditingprogramsthese
days.”

“You’llnevergetawaywiththis,”shesobbedashishandsslitheredunderherdress.
“SureIwill,Hannah.Ialwaysdo.”
Hannah closed her eyes and screamed as loud as she could, but she knew it was

useless.Harrisonwouldwin.Healwaysdid.

screamripped Cody from his darkness. It was Hannah. He knew it surer than he

knewhisownname.Hescrambledtohisfeet,screaminghername.

“Hannah!”
Cody found the keypad and punched in the code with shaking fingers—Harrison’s

birthday.He’dalwaysbeenhisparents’favorite.

Relieffloodedhimwhenthedoorsoftlygroanedopen.
“Hannah!”
Hervoicerangoutclearasday.“Cody!Help!”
Herantowardhervoicethroughthemazeofcars.Ragenearlyblindedhimwhen

hespottedher—HarrisonpinningherinthebackofhisRoyce.

MINUTE

ARRISON

’

weight was crushing Hannah and the next he was gone. He

disappeared as if sucked through the fuselage of an unpressurized aircraft. Cody’s
furiousvoicefilledtheairasheslammedHarrisonontothehoodofthecar.

“Youpieceofshit,”CodyscreamedashepummeledHarrison’sface.“I’llkillyouif

youhurther.Doyouhearme?I’llkillyou.”Codyraineddownpunchafterpunchinto
Harrison’s face until blood was pouring from his nose and mouth. “Don’t you ever
touchheragain!”Codygrowled,slammingHarrisonintothehoodofthepricelesscar
withdisgust.

His initial fury drained, Cody turned his attention to Hannah. “Are you okay?” he

askedsoftly.ButHannahdidn’tgettoreply.

Harrison dove onto Cody. “She wanted it,” he screamed as he swung at Cody. “All

yourgirlswantme!”

“Shutup!”CodyscathedlandingasickeningpunchtoHarrison’sface.
HarrisonspitbloodandsmiledbeforeslamminghisheadintoCody’sface.
Thebattlehadbegun.
Hannahrightedherdressandtriedtocrawlfromthecarbutwasknockedbackin

bythewarthatwasraginginthegarage.ShehadafrontrowseatasHarrisonandCody
wrestledeachothertotheground,punchingandkicking.

ThisfighthadbeenbrewingforagesandallHannahcoulddowassitbyandwatch,

tryingtonotbecomeacasualty.

“Ilovehoweasyyourgirlsare,”Harrisonjeeredunabletoresisttakingverbaljabs

atCodyaswellasphysical.“They’reallbackseatsluts.Hannahcouldn’tresistanymore
thanElenacould.”

Cody’sfaceturnedwhiteandHarrisontookadvantageofhisshock,throwingCody

offofhimandgettingtohisfeet.

HarrisoncircledCodywithpredatorilyfocus.
Getup!Hannahwilledasshewatchedthesceneunfold.Getup!
But Cody didn’t get up. He stayed on his knees, blood dripping from his face. He

lookedupatHarrisonwithmorehurtthanHannahhadeverseen.

“Ialwaysknewitwasyou.”Cody’sstunnedvoicewasbarelyaboveawhisper.
“Thetruthhurtsdoesn’tit?”Harrisonmocked.
“Why?”Codyyelledfindinghisvoiceagainandclimbingtohisfeet.
“Whocares?Justadmitthatyou’velostandgetthefuckoutofmylife!”
“WhatthehelldidIeverdotoyou,Harrison?”
“Youwereborn.”Harrisonscreamed,theveininhisnecklookinglikeitwasgoing

toburst.“Youarewhat’swrongwithme!Yourexistenceisaconstantreminderofmy
ruinedfamilyandIwon’tstopuntilI’vedestroyedyou,thewayyourmotherdestroyed
us.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
Harrison cocked his head, puzzled. Then he unleashed hysterical laughter. “You

reallydon’tknow,doyou?”

“Enlightenme.”
“Thisistoogoodtobetrue.”Harrisonclaspedhishandsbehindhisbackandpaced

likeaprofessorgivingalecture.“Wheretostart,wheretostart.Ah,howaboutatthe
beginning,dearbrother?”

Codylookedlikeafighterabouttogodown.HewobbledonhislegsandHarrison

caughthim.Hewasn’tdonetoyingwithhimyet.

“That’s right,” Harrison hissed. “Haven’t you ever wondered why our parents

divorcedthesameyear?Orwhymyfather’salwaysbeensokindtoyou?Evengoingas
far as to have his legal team represent you to get your sentence reduced? It should
havebeenmanslaughter,butDaddycouldn’tlethisyoungestendupinprison,could
he?”

CodyshovedHarrisonoffhim.“You’relying!”
“Iwish.Butyourwhoreofamothercouldn’tkeepherlegsclosedaroundmyfather.

God knows how she lured him to bed. Probably got him drunk. Alcohol has always
beenthechoiceweaponinyourfamily.”

“Don’ttalkaboutmymother!”
“Why?Sheneverwantedyou.Shewantedmyfather.Youwerejustamisfortunate

byproductoftheiraffair.”

CodystaggeredbackfromHarrison’scuttingwords.Shockanddisbeliefwarredon

hisface.

Hannahcouldn’ttakeanymoreofthisnightmare.Sheslippedfromthebackseatof

thecarandedgedherwaytowardCody,slippingherhandintohis.Helookedather,
momentarilydazed,likehe’dforgottenshewaseventhere.

“Comeon.Let’sgo,”HannahbeggedpullingCodytowardtheopengaragedoor.
“Thinkaboutit,Cody,”Harrisoncalled.“Deepdownyou’vealwaysknownit’strue.”
HannahtuggedrelentlesslyatCody’sarm,makingprogressonefootatatime.They

werealmostoutofthegarage.Coolairbrushedherskinwiththepromiseoffreedom,
butHarrisonwouldn’tstop.Hejustkepttaunting.

“Too bad everyone always chooses me,” Harrison goaded. “Elena, Hannah, Our

Father.HeknewthetruthaboutElena,yaknow?HeknewIgotherpregnant,buthe
wasn’tgoingtoletmyrecordbetarnished.That’swhyheletyoutakethefall.You’re
illegitimateandyoualwayswillbe.”

“What’s to stop me from going to the police about this?” Cody snarled as Hannah

clungtohisarm,holdinghimfromfallingtopieces.

Harrisonlaughed.“Likeanyonewouldbelieveyou.”
Hannahhadenough.She’dtriedtostayquiet,butthiswastoomuch.Shespokeina

deadlycalmvoicestaringdirectlyatHarrison.“Buttheymightbelieveme.”

“That’ssweet.Butyoudon’thaveanyproof.”
Hannahslowlyreachedintoherblackclutchandpulledoutthecamerashe’dstolen

fromthebackseatofHarrison’scar.

Hiseyeswidenedandhisnostrilsflaredwithhatred.“Youlittlebitch.”
“Run,”Codyyelled,pushingHannahoutthegaragedoor.
She heard him scuffling with Harrison behind her as she ran as fast as she could

toward the house. The sound of gravel crunching behind her made her turn. Cody
sprintedafterher.ButjuststepsbehindhimwasHarrison.

“Keys,”Codyshouted,throwingthemather.“Gettomycarandgetoutofhere.”
Shecaughtthemandnodded,nothesitatingforasecond.ShespottedCody’sRange

Roverparkedinfrontofthemanor.Shegotinandstarteditup.Theseatremembered
her,boostingherforwardasshepushedtheclutchintodrive,speedingbacktowardthe
garage.

Cody and Harrison were rolling around in the gravel trying to kill each other.

Hannahlaidonthehornandskiddedtoastopasclosetothemasshedared.Ithadthe
desiredeffect.Bothboysseparated,launchingthemselvesoutofthewaythinkingshe
wasgoingtorunthemover.CodyjumpedintothecarandHannahhitthelockbutton,
leavingHarrisonchasingafterthemastheyspedoffintothewildwoodeddarkness.

annahcareeneddownthedrivewayandoutthegate,fishtailingwildlyonthesoft

dirt road. Cody was breathing hard, his arms cradling his head as he rocked
dangerouslyclosetothedash.

“IthinkI’mgoingtobesick,”hemumbled.
“Justbreathe,Cody.I’mrighthere,”Hannahmurmured.
She wanted to rub his back soothingly but she didn’t dare take her hands off the

wheel.Shewasdrivingatabreakneckpaceandeachbumpthreatenedtosendthem
hurtlingtowardthetrees.

“Thosethingshesaid...it’salltrueisn’tit?He’smybrother.HegotElenapregnant.

Andhisfather...ourfathercovereditup?”

“It’snotalltrue,Cody.”
“Whatpart?”
“Thepartabouteveryonechoosinghim.Ididn’tchoosehim.I’mchoosingyou.”
Cody looked at her for the first time. His face was a bloody mess but he smiled

ruefully, reaching his hand over to take hers. They laced their fingers together and
squeezed.“Thankyou,”hewhispered.

Theyfinallyreachedthemainroad,butHannahstilldidn’tfeelsafe.Sheglancedin

herrearviewmirrorrepeatedly,expectingtoseeHarrisontailingthem.

“Whereto?”sheasked.
Codylaughed.“Idon’tknow.Wheredoyougoafterlearningyourlifehasbeenone

biglie?”

Hannahsqueezedhishandaffectionately.“Iknowjusttheplace.”

ANNAH

PULLED

up to the grassy ridge overlooking the stables. It was almost more

beautifulatnight.Thefranticpoundingofherheartfinallybegantoslow.Therewas
nothingaroundthemformiles.Theywouldbesafehere.ShelookedoveratCody.His
eyeswereclosedtightly,asifhewaswrestlingheavydemons.

“Wannagetsomefreshair?”sheasked.
He opened his eyes and visibly relaxed once he realized where they were. “I like

yourchoiceoflocation.”

“Someoneoncetoldmethisplacemakeseverythingbetter.”
Codytriedtosmile.“Atleastsomethingsarestilltrue.”
“Comeon,let’sgetsomeair.”
Theyexitedthecarandwalkedtothefront,leaningbackagainstthewarmthofthe

grill.

“Thestarslookbeautifulfromhere,”Hannahremarked.
Codyremainedsilent,staringoffintothedistance.
“Nothinghastochangeunlessyouwantitto,”Hannahwhispered,slippingherhand

intoCody’s.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in tight. “But I want things to

change.Iwantthis...us...tobereal,”hesaidwithresolve.

Hannahgazedupathim,watchingthestarlightthatdancedacrosshisdarkeyes.His

face was bruised and bloodied, but he’d never looked more beautiful to her. Cody
inchedhisfaceclosertohers,hisbreathcatchingwhenitmixedwithhers.

“Idotoo,”shewhispered,stretchingtohertoes,closingthedistanceuntiltheirlips

touched.

Foramomenttheworldstoodstill.Herlipsonhis—breathingasone.Andthenthey

letgoandlosteachotherinakissthattranscendedallothers.Itspokeofundeclared
loveandcompassion,andlonging.Itpromisedtrustandfaithfulness.Andaboveall,it
was pure—untainted with any motive other than their hearts’ honest desire for each
other.

Whentheypulledawaytheywerebreathless.ItwasHannahwhospokefirst.
“Cody,Iwanttobehereforyou.Whateverdecisionyoumake,I’llstandbyyou.”
“Idon’tknowwhattodo,Hannah.ButIcan’tlivewithalltheseliesanymore.It’s

killingme.”

“Thenletitout.”
“How?”
“Ihavethevideo.IgotHarrison’swholeconfessiononcamera.”
“Howdidyoumanagethat?”
“Youdon’twanttoknow.”
“I don’t want any secrets between us,” Cody pleaded, gently tucking back a stray

hairfromHannah’sface.

“Harrisonsetupacamerainthecar.Heplannedtorecordhisconquest,”shesaid

softly.

“Hannah?Didhehurtyou?BecauseIswear—”
“No.ButIthinkhewouldhaveifyouhadn’tshownupwhenyoudid.”
Cody’s hands shook as he placed them on either side of Hannah’s face letting his

foreheadrestagainsthers.Theanguishonhisfacewasexcruciating.Hiswholebody
trembledwiththestrainofthenight.

“It’s okay,” Hannah soothed gently trailing kisses over his cheeks and eyelids.

“Everything’sgoingtobeokay.”

“Hannah,ifIlostyou...”
“Shhh...I’mrighthere,Cody.”
Heopenedhiseyesandlookedather.“Tellmewhattodo.HowdoIfixthis?”
“Isaywesharethevideo.Now,beforeHarrisonhastimetocoveritup.”

“But...whataboutyou.You’reonthevideotoo.”
Shenodded.
“Idon’twanttodragyouintomymesseduplife.”
“I think it’s too late for that,” she smiled running her hand through his hair

affectionately.

“True.”Hesighed.“SoyoureallythinkIshoulddothis?”
“Yes.”
“Now?”
“Ithinkthebestthingyoucandorightnowisfollowtherules.”
“Rules?”
Hannah smiled shyly. “A very wise man once taught me three important rules to

success.Betruthful.DowhatIsaywithoutquestion.Andworkquickly.”

Codylaughedforthefirsttimesincetheyarrived.Itwasgoodtohearthefamiliar

sound.“YouknowIwasreallyjustwingingit,right?”

“Turnsoutyouwereprettyspoton.”Hannahreplied.“ListenCody,thedecisionhas

tobeyours,butifyouwanttodosomethingaboutthisIthinkithastobenow.Oryou
runtheriskofHarrisoncoveringhistracks.”

Cody’sjawtwitchedwithapprehension,buthenodded.“You’reright.”
Hannahopenedherclutchandpulledoutthetinycamera.
“Areyousureaboutthis?”Codyasked.
“Cody...I’mallin.”
Hekissedherforeheadandtookthecamera,adeptlyconnectingtheBluetoothtohis

phone.HeuploadedthevideototheStantonstudentpageandstaredatthefilefora
long time. It was eleven minutes and thirty-six seconds long. That was the time it
wouldtaketochangehislifeforever.

“I don’t think I can press post.” Cody handed the camera to Hannah. “Can you do

it?”

“Let’sdoittogether,”sheoffered.
TheyclimbedupontothehoodofCody’scar.Hannahshiveredinhertattereddress

and Cody draped his tuxedo jacket over her shoulders. Then, they linked hands and
pressedpost.

annah and Cody lay back against the windshield, snuggled in each other’s arms

staringatthesky.Oncethevideowentlive,Cody’sphoneexplodedtolife.Heswitched
itoffandkissedHannahsoftly,gazingintohereyes.“Iguessyouwereright.”

“Aboutwhat?”
“Practicedoesmakeperfect.”
Hannahlaughed,leaningintohiskiss.“We’refarfromperfect.”
“Icanlivewiththat.”
“Metoo.”

EPILOGUE

nofficialinvestigationwasopenedafterHannah’svideocaughttheattentionoflaw

officials. It turned out everything Harrison said was true. Well everything except for
thefactthathealwayswon.Thistimehelost.Andhelostbigtime.

Harrisonandhisfatherwerebothconvictedoffraudandsentencedtoprison.The

investigation revealed even larger cover-ups in the Cohl family. And Mr. Cohl was
indictedonseveralcharges.

Cody’srecordwasexpungedandhereceivedahugesettlementfromthestatefor

beingwrongfullyaccused.

After graduation—where Hannah gave an epic speech about leaving juvenile

pettiness behind to forge a new path into a future open with possibilities to become
yourbestself—HannahandCodytookhissettlementcheckandcharteredasailboatfor
amonthlongadventure.Justthetwoofthem,Custardandthesea.

Andaworldofinfinitepossibility.

Tomyreaders,

I want to personally thank you for taking the time to seek out this great little indie

book.Writingistrulymypassion.Ibelieveeachofuscanfindasmallpartofourselvesin
every book we read, and carry it with us, shaping our world, our adventures and our
dreams.

Followingmydreamtowritefreesmysoulbutknowingothersfindjoyinmywritingis

indescribable.SothankyouforyoursupportandIhopeyourenjoyedyourbriefescape
intothemagicofthesepages.

Ifyouenjoyedthisstory,don’tworry,there’splentymorecurrentlyrattlingaroundin

my rambunctious imagination. Let me and others know your thoughts by sharing a
review of this book. Reviews help shape my next writing projects. So if you want more
bookslikethisonebesuretoshoutitfromtherooftops(orsocialmedia.);-)

-ChristinaBenjamin

PLEASELEAVEAREVIEWHERE

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

Award-Winning author, Christina Benjamin, lives in Florida with her husband, and character inspiring pets,
whereshespendsherfreetimeworkingonherbooksandspeakingtoinspirefellowwriters.

ChristinaisbestknownforherwildlypopularYoungAdultseries,TheGenevaProject.
Her best-selling novel, The Geneva Project - Truth, has won multiple awards and stolen the hearts of YA

readers. Packed with magic and imagination, her epic tale of adventure hooks fans of mega-hit YA fiction like
HarryPotter,TheHungerGamesandPercyJackson.

Christina loves to read and write across genres. YA is her favorite but she’s a sucker for a good love story.

Don’tmissherromance,paranormalandhistoricalfiction,aswellasthemultipleanthologiesshe’sbeenapart
of.

FollowherAmazonPagetogetupdateswhennewbooksarereleased.

HERE

Formoreinformation