Focus (The Crescent Chronicles, #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

wearing red, like I did at the party at his house this
summer, shows that I’m one of them.”
    “ Yes. But I think Levi also
just thinks you look hot in red.”
    “ He also asked me to wear
something short, so you’re probably not too far off.”
    “ Are you in the mood to
torture him?”
    “ Torture him?”
    Hailey went over to her closet and
pulled out a short, red, halter dress.
    “ Are you
serious?”
    “ It’s going to look
incredible on you, and technically you’re doing what he asked. It’s
red and short, but it’s also going to drive him mad. It’ll probably
remind him who really has the power.”
    “ Does the fact that I’m
totally going to do it make me evil?”
    “ No, it makes you normal.
You’re mad at him, but you also want him—a sexy dress serves both
purposes.”
    I threw a pillow at her. She ducked out
of the way. “What? Are you going to deny either of those
charges?”
    I wanted to deny the second one, but I
couldn’t. “We kissed.” I buried my face in my hands.
    “ You kissed? When? Was it
on move in day? It was, wasn’t it?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ What kind of kiss?” She
sat forward.
    “ The ‘it almost became much
more’ kind.”
    “ Yeah, you really want
him.”
    “ I know.” I turned and
flopped back on my bed.
    “ You do realize that it
isn’t a bad thing, right? It makes things easier, and it isn’t
something to feel bad about.”
    “ Is this friend Hailey
speaking, or Pteron Hailey?”
    “ Both.” She came to sit on
the edge of my bed. “Are you going to tell me about the
kiss?”
    “ It was just a really good
kiss.”
    “ As good as
before…”
    “ Yeah, if not better
because I missed kissing him. Oh my god, what’s wrong with me,
Hailey? I can’t feel this way after what he did to me.”
    “ Why not? I’m not telling
you to go jump him or anything, but you can’t just ignore the
feelings either—why not have some fun? Wear the dress.”
    “ Only if you wear something
sexy too. I’m not going to be the only one.”
    “ Deal. There are a few boys
going I wouldn’t mind catching the eyes of.”
    “ You could probably attract
them in pajamas.”
    “ Just like you could turn
on Levi, but if you’re doing it, you might as well do it in
style.”
    “ All right, let’s do
this.”

Chapter Five
     
    I checked my reflection in the mirror
one more time before grabbing a black clutch and following Hailey
out of the room. I’d opted to go with some stilettos, and I hoped
my feet wouldn’t hate me by the end of the night.
    If someone’s jaw could actually be on
the floor, Levi’s would have been when we walked outside. He was
waiting for us impatiently. His face was set in a frown until he
noticed us approaching. The frown quickly became something else
entirely.
    “ Wow, you look incredible.”
He took a few steps closer to me.
    “ Thanks.” I turned around
to give him the full effect. “Does it meet your
specifications?”
    “ Do I need to answer
that?”
    “ What about me? Do I look
incredible?” Hailey teased.
    “ Of course, Hailey.
Although you’re not old enough to wear a dress like
that.”
    “ I’m the same age as
Allie.” She glared at him.
    “ You’ll always be twelve to
me.”
    Hailey shook her head. “You’re worse
than Owen.”
    Levi shrugged. “I’m just being honest.
Shall we?” He gestured toward where he parked his black BMW over on
the street.
    “ Sure.” I linked arms with
Hailey before he could even try to put an arm around me.
    Levi opened up both the passenger door
and the backdoor behind it.
    I moved toward the back. “You can sit
in the front, Hail.”
    “ No, I don’t mind the
back.”
    I didn’t miss the look that passed
between them.
    I took a seat, and Levi lingered for a
moment before closing my door.
    “ I don’t have to remind you
how important it is that you go along with everything tonight, do
I?” He pulled out onto the road.
    “ No, I get it.” I looked
out the window, annoyed at myself