Irresistible Fear Read Online Free PDF Page B

mother’s drunken episodes pissed her off to no end. Sure Lucy was a nice enough girl, but she didn't need anyone's pity.
    Emily was so tempted to tell everyone where they could shove their pointed looks but she bit her tongue. And of course there was Sasha, who often handled the issue before she had to. Sasha had chewed out people on more than one occasion for gossiping about her mother. The friends rarely discussed her mom, Sasha knowing instinctively that it was a topic best left alone. But Sasha was her staunchest ally and Emily, even though she was more than able to fight her own battles, sometimes let Sasha fight for her.
    Emily kicked at the gravel in her path as she slowly made her way down the side walk. Beep, beep. A car’s horn blasted behind her, making her jump. “Sorry Em.” Emily heard a deep voice call behind her. She smiled despite herself and turned to see Jeremy’s Land Rover behind her.
    “I’ve been calling your name for at least a minute, didn’t know if I was being ignored or you really didn’t hear me. So I resorted to the horn. Sorry.” His crooked grin was a welcome sight and despite Emily’s recent resolve to put some distance between them, she felt her feet moving towards his car. It was so hard to stay away from someone who genuinely made her feel good. And Jeremy was one of those people. His ready smile elicited an answering one from her.
    “What’s going on in that head of yours Em? Those must be some serious thoughts.” He leaned his arm out the window and cocked his head in a way she had always found adorable. He knew it of course and his grin deepened. “Yeah, just left photography club. Just thinking about some pictures I want to take.” She taped her camera that still dangled from her hand.
    “I told you if you ever need a model…” Jeremy struck a pose. “I’d volunteer for the job.” Emily laughed. “I’m sure you would.” She swatted at his arm and he ducked away from her. “So do you want a ride or what?” Emily heard the doors inside his car click as he unlocked them.
    She stood there, not sure what to do. Any time she spent time with Jeremy, invariably made their relationship that more complicated. But this was just a ride home. What could it hurt? Besides she could use the company to get away from her edgy thoughts.
    “Sure.” She moved around to the passenger door and got in. Jeremy slid his sunglasses back onto his face and began to drive down the street. He tapped his steering wheel in time to the music blaring from his radio. Emily winced at the volume but didn’t say anything.
    After a few moments Jeremy turned the radio down. “So are you going to come to my Halloween party this year?” He asked, not looking at her. Emily glanced at him. He seemed tense and she had no clue as to why. “Well, I’d planned on it. I’ve come every year haven’t I?” Before they had dated they had been friends and Emily had every hope that they could continue that way.
    Jeremy shrugged. “I don’t know, just with the way things have been between us…I didn’t think you’d want to.” Emily could hear the hurt in his voice and she hated to be the cause of it. She really wished she had declined the offer of a ride. The last thing she wanted right now was to hash out the state of their relationship. Unfortunately Emily played coward when it came to dealing with feelings. She’d rather hide and pretend that they didn’t exist.
    “Jeremy. We're friends. We’ve always been friends. So, of course I won’t miss your party.” Emily kept her tone light. Jeremy’s shoulders relaxed marginally but the air was still thick with tension. He obviously wanted to talk about something and Emily decided to stall whatever was on his mind.
    “So, what's up with you and Liz...you looked pretty cozy today.” Emily teased, punching Jeremy lightly in the arm. The tension immediately lessened and he groaned loudly. “Em, seriously...what is with that girl? She all but