Dusk (Young Adult Paranormal Romance) Read Online Free PDF

done. To avoid an awkward silence, I busied myself with packing the Pre-Cal supplies back into my book bag, while trying to come up with something witty to say.
    “So I’m going with my aunt to Lexington tomorrow,” Adrian said, breaking the silence and saving me from saying something that would’ve no doubt sounded dumb. “Helping set up a wedding cake and other stuff for a reception.”
    Maggie Turner, Adrian’s aunt, with whom he was apparently living for the foreseeable future, was a baker-slash-caterer. She was known around Rison as the “Cake Lady”, and on the few occasions I’d had to enjoy her baked goods, I’d been impressed. Apparently news of her skills had spread to neighboring Lexington, which was great for her business.
    Adrian went on. “But I was thinking, if I had your cell phone number, maybe we could text over the weekend. It’ll be more entertaining than a wedding reception for people I don’t know.”
    Inside, I wanted to jump and shout for joy that he wanted my cell number. On the outside, I kept it calm and collected.
    “Okay.” I picked up my phone.
    He smiled and pulled his phone from his pocket.
    After the exchange of numbers he stood to leave. I felt the impending loss of his presence in the pit of my stomach, like his absence would leave me empty somehow. The feeling was so thoroughly stupid that I almost laughed at myself. As if after one day he was now vital to my existence. Ludicrous. But the longing was there, nonetheless.
    Adrian’s blue eyes locked on mine, narrowing slightly, perhaps measuring the emotion on my face. I hoped he couldn’t see how much I dreaded his departure, since I had no way to explain the crazy feelings bubbling inside me.
    Then all at once the dread lifted, eased, seemed to flow right out of my body, only to be replaced with a sense of assurance. Maybe Adrian wouldn’t be like other guys who said they would call or text, but never really did. Suddenly, I had every confidence that he would contact me over the weekend. He wasn’t just blowing smoke. He genuinely wanted to get to know me, and I could count on him.
    How I knew these things I could not explain. I had no clue where the faith had come from. I only knew I had it. Adrian would text. He would call. I did not have to be afraid or alone.
    “I’ll be in touch,” he whispered.
    And I sat speechless, watching him walk down the road in the direction of his house.

Chapter 6

    “A re you going to let me read the texts?” Viv asked, voice singing with excitement. She hadn’t even said hello. Just ambushed me at the locker Monday morning and started in immediately on the fact that Adrian and I had been texting most of the weekend.
    Because, yes, I’d texted her Friday night and told her about my Pre-Cal tutor, and the fact that he’d wanted my number. I remembered enough of my pre-family-crisis life to know that there was some sort of rule that said girls talked about boys. Although, Viv hadn’t shared anything about Brett yet, but that was going to change in a matter of moments if I had anything to say about it.
    “There’s nothing scandalous or earth-shattering in there,” I said. “Just a lot of stuff about helping Ms. Turner with the wedding cake, and a few things about his parents.”
    That much was the truth. We hadn’t shared any great secrets during our text exchange, but Adrian had been quick with the replies and quite funny as he described the goings-on at the wedding reception. And he’d continued to text on Sunday after church. So even though I hadn’t really learned any more about him – other than that he did keep his word – I’d become pretty comfortable talking to him.
    “So where are his parents?”
    Together, we turned to head for homeroom.
    “Budapest,” I answered, lowering my voice. I didn’t want any of this overheard and making its way back to Nikki. She didn’t need another reason to hate me. “His dad is teaching English over there.”
    “That’s so