Seventh Mark (Part 1 +2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I
thought I was just going to borrow something to wear. I’ll have to
pay you back.”
    “You won’t.
It’s a gift and it’d be rude if you didn’t accept it.” The corners
of her mouth twitched like a playful kitten’s and her eyes
sparkled.
    “That’s not the
point.” I didn’t know how to explain I didn’t want hand outs.
    “Please. I
wanted to.” She signed. “I promise I won’t do it again.”
    Far from an
expert in gift receiving, I did know what to do or say.
    My silence must
have been an okay for her. She grinned. “Just check the sizes and
ignore the prices tags.”
    I slipped on
the pants and top, somehow not surprised she’d guessed my size
perfectly.
    “Full-length
mirrors in the closet.” She followed close behind as I went to the
mirrors. “Hey, cool birthmark.” She lightly touched the bottom
corner of my left scapula. “It looks like some kinda shape.”
    I’d never paid
much attention to it. As a kid I wondered if my birthmother noticed
it when, or if, she ever held me. I reached behind, pulling the
top’s strap to try and cover it. “It’s in one of those awkward
spots. I can’t really see it.” I stared at my strange, but pretty,
reflection in the mirror.
    “You look
great.” Grace beamed from behind me in the mirror’s reflection.
    I’d personally
never bought something in this style, but Grace had taste. The
outfit made my long skinny arms and legs look muscular and sexy.
Turning sideways, I checked to see how the pants fit my butt. I
actually had one in them. “I owe you big time.”
    I searched the
mirror for her face. Focussing past her, my breath caught as I
noticed Michael behind her, leaning against the closet doorframe.
He’d slipped quietly into the room unnoticed. He stared at me in
the mirror, his eyes bright, but his expression closed off when his
gaze met mine.
    He cleared his
throat. “You, uh, you’re…pretty.”
    “Oh no you
don’t!” Grace shouted at him, waving her hands wildly in his
direction. “She’s coming out with me tonight. If you want to
hang out with Rouge, you ask her out when she’s available. After
tonight, I don’t think that’s going to be for a very long time. You
might as well get in line!”
    Michael
frowned, deep lines etched in his forehead. They quickly
disappeared when he smirked. “No probs. Caleb asked me to drop you
two off and pick you up.”
    Why? The
strange, secretive look that passed between them kept me
silent.
    Grace leaned
forward and pulled the price tags off of my clothes. “Caleb just
worries.” She turned to Michael. “If you’re driving, you aren’t
planning on staying, are you?”
    “Not really.”
His eyes flitted back and forth as he looked at Grace. “Just let me
know should you need me.”
    Was I somehow
missing part of the conversation?
    “Fine, then.”
Grace cleared her throat. “Shall we go?”
    Outside, we
walked single file toward the parked cars. Grace climbed into the
back of a Mustang and pulled the seat back so I had no choice but
to sit in the front.
    I scowled at
her. I was nervous and had no skills around guys. I’d be better
hiding out in the back, listening and pretending to participate in
the conversation.
    Michael must
have caught my expression because he chuckled as he got into the
driver’s seat. Nervous, I plopped down in the seat beside him and
fumbled with the seat belt. He reached over and took it from me to
click it in. I let out a small gasp as our hands touched. His hand
went from ice cold to searing hot.
    A current of
hot and cold seared up my arm, all the way to my shoulder. My free
hand instinctly went to my shoulder. I rubbed it. The weirdest hot
and cold sensations assaulted my palm.
    Grace chattered
the entire ride out to the park. I kept trying to listen, but
Michael’s close proximity made it impossible to concentrate.
    “Rouge?” Grace
tapped my shoulder, making me jump. “Are you going to get out or
just stay in the car?”
    I glanced out
the window.