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formulating for this weekend’s game against the Wolverines,” Jason answered with a diffident smile. “But don’t ask for details, ‘cause this co-captain can’t tell you anything.”
    â€œCo-captain? Wow! Is a Yankee boy trying to run the A?”
    â€œAww, not me,” Jason continued modestly, “but being named co-captain as a junior is a good look. I’m definitely trying to get that football scholarship when the time comes.”
    â€œNot that your family needs the scholarship, but I’m sure you’ll make it happen,” she said, moving closer to allow his body to block the wind that was picking up. As the storm clouds lurked ominously overhead, Sydney wished she’d thought to wear her new Louis Vuitton rainboots.
    â€œYeah, I guess…”
    â€œDon’t guess. You gotta know,” she corrected him gently.
    â€œYo, you’re right, Sydney.”
    â€œYou make me sound like a little know-it-all.” She nervously looked around him to make sure they were really alone. Last thing she needed was Marcus showing up and getting the wrong idea.
    â€œNaw, not at all. Beauty and brains is a hot combo.”
    Whoa. Hold up. Did Jason Danden, future football star and all-around hottie, just call Sydney Duke beautiful? Despite the twins’ nearly identical looks, thanks to her long-flowing and extremely expensive weave most guys considered Lauren the beautiful twin. Add to that Sydney’s conservative attitude and refusal to follow every new hoochie-mama trend, and, well, let’s just say she’d long grown accustomed to Lauren outshining her in the “hotness” department.
    â€œI don’t know about all that, but I appreciate you clarifying.” Sydney scuffed her new Gucci loafers on the pavement.
    â€œI’m saying, I don’t feel right leaving you here by yourself. Can I give you a ride home? Or you could always roll out tonight with me if you like. You know, grab a bite with the team…”
    â€œJason, now you know I got a man! Why you trying to get me in trouble?”
    Sydney could certainly appreciate Southern hospitality as much as the next chick, but there was no way she was about to show up at South City Kitchen on a Friday night with Jason Danden. It wouldn’t take but two seconds for Marcus to hear about that. Sydney knew he’d answer his damn phone for that information.
    â€œHey, all I’m saying is it’s dark, the sky is about two seconds from opening up, and you shouldn’t be alone out here.”
    With streaks of lightning cracking in the distance, the enormous school looked like something straight out of the opening scene from the next blockbuster horror film. Sydney glanced around the now completely deserted parking lot. Public perception be damned, Sydney Duke wasn’t spending one more minute alone in the dark. “On second thought, you know what? I would love a ride home. Thank you.”
    â€œBet. My ride is parked over there,” he said, nodding toward a dark blue Tahoe SUV as he bent down to pick up her book bag. Like the exterior of the truck, the interior was spit-shined and even smelled of wildberry car freshener. Sydney shifted in her seat to sneak a good look at the immaculate backseat and wondered how it would feel to be stretched out back there. She quickly turned around and caught Jason peeking at her out of the corner of his eye.
    â€œWhat?” she asked suspiciously, thankful that he couldn’t read her mind.
    â€œNothing. You good?”
    â€œJust fine, thanks.” Her gaze fell on his hand gripping the gearshift. His nails were perfectly trimmed. She forced herself to stare out the windshield and concentrate on the road.
    Twenty minutes later, Jason parked his car in her driveway and turned the headlights off. They both stared at the illuminated water fountain in front of the bleached-brick-and-stucco mansion. Raindrops pitter-pattered