The Fire Starter Read Online Free PDF Page A

blinked quickly whenever there was a problem before him. I loved it when he sighed, and when he called my name and--I shouldn't go on.
    Spencer stood up when the disk in front of us vibrated, signaling that our order was ready. He returned with a plate of cheese sticks and seafood pasta for himself, while he put a plate of sandwiches in front of me. We ate for a while, taking this as our break before we sawed away at our project once again.
    I yawned hugely before I realized it, and I covered my mouth in embarrassment. I could hear him chuckling under his breath, causing me to blush.
    "If you're tired, you can go now," he offered.
    I shook my head. "No, I won't leave you here. I'm not like you-know-who," I joked. But he didn't laugh. He pursed his lips once again, forming a straight line, and his jaw clenched. Oh my God, did he still have feelings for her?
    "It's already past eleven anyway," he urged, closing my notebook for me. His hand touched mine briefly and I felt a current of electricity run through me. I must have imagined that part, since it would be weird. I was attracted to him, yes, but he clearly had feelings for someone else.
    "If you insist…" I let the sentence trail off, looking at his face one last time before I retired to bed. He looked back at me, his brown eyes looking sad. But he nodded, and I stood up to leave. "Good night, Spencer."
    Unexpectedly, he stood up, his hands automatically diving deep in his pants pocket. "Would you like me to walk you to your room?"
    "What? No," I replied far too quickly. "I mean…I don't want to bother you."
    "Mm," was his plain answer. I took that as my cue to leave, and he never attempted to follow me.
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    I spent the next day at the library, looking for more information about the project I was doing with Spencer. My other subjects were okay, and I had to make an effort in Physics to have all As this semester. I had never liked studying, but if I had to, I could put myself up to it. I guess I didn't want to look like someone who isn't serious with her studies. I picked up three more books from the science section and sat at one of the few empty booths. I was thankful for this seat, since it was not far from the books, yet it was also close to the exit.
    "Look at that, the new girl loves to study," announced a loud, lively voice. I looked up just in time to see Kyle sliding in the booth opposite me, Evan following her closely behind. The booth wasn't meant for more than two people, and they looked pretty jammed together.
    It wasn't long before I realized that someone had also squeezed himself beside me, and it was none other than Spencer. My heart made a little leap, being this close to him, but I ignored it and played it cool. "Hi guys," I greeted.
    Kyle and Evan were both beaming at me. I knew that kind of grin. They were thinking of something, probably a prank. "What's with the smile?" I asked politely.
    "Nothing," they answered at the same time.
    I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, and Spencer cleared his throat beside me.
    Kyle spoke first. "We're going to cut classes," she whispered, looking around the room to see if someone was listening.
    Evan added. "We're visiting the village nearby. You can come with us if you'd like."
    I mulled over this for a second. Kyle and Evan seemed to be itching to break the rule--it looked natural to them. But I looked at Spencer, and I just couldn't comprehend how he could be up to this. "And you're going with them?" I asked, dumbfounded.
    "Yes," he replied quickly. "I can't let these two roam around and cause trouble. Besides, I need some parts for our project."
    Oh, that explains it. He's willing to cut classes for the sake of grades. Irony, irony.
    "Well," I capped my pen and closed my notebook. "Since I'm your partner, I'm going to have to come with you." I winked at Spencer playfully, and I saw his eyes light up again.
    Without further ado, I deposited my books back into my room and met them on the bridge, eager for my first