The Love Game Read Online Free PDF Page A

interesting?” Lila asks her.
    “Nope,” she replies, rolling over onto her back. “So, where are we on OPTP?”
    “Holding out on the second date. Making him sweat.” I lean against the bed, and she grabs a notebook.
    “And when are you going to give him an answer?”
    "Umm." I haven't thought about that. At all. “Wednesday, I guess.”
    They both nod. “Wednesday is good. That gives him time to plan something for this weekend.”
    “But aren't we supposed to be 'exclusive' next week?” I look between them, confused.
    “You will be.” Megan snaps the notebook shut. “You have two classes together, right? So you'll see each other then and one of your free periods matches.”
    “So?”
    Lila groans. “Have you ever dated before?”
    “Once,” I admit.
    “Once?” She sits up. “Just once?”
    “Yes.”
    “Why?”
    Because all the guys in Brooklyn were tools. “Just ... Because.”
    “Wait a minute.” Megan sits up and looks at me. “Maddie, honey. Are you a virgin? 'Cause if you are we won't make you do this.”
    There it is. My out. For some reason, though, I'm not taking it.
    “No,” I reply with a smirk. “I'm not a virgin.”
    “Phew.” She flops backwards. “I'd never make you lose your virginity like that.”
    “What are we doing then?” Lila asks. “Are Mads and Braden gonna spend not-a-date time together?”
    “Yes,” Megan replies. “Starting tomorrow. I'll switch seats with him in English. He sits with Aston and I'm sure it won't take much to convince Aston I'm interested.” She wrinkles her nose.
    “You're not?” I ask her. “He is kinda hot.”
    “I admit his short hair is kinda sexy, but he's also a bit of a bitch for a straight guy. He spends so long getting ready.”
    Lila grunts. “Have you met my boyfriend? Ryan is just as bad.”
    They carry on talking about Aston and Ryan, and I zone out, picking at my nails. First dates, now time outside of that and seating arrangements? This is getting crazy.
    I mean, I guessed it would happen eventually, but it's just too soon. How am I supposed to spend so much time with a guy I hate?
     
    ~
     
    I twirl a lock of hair around my finger, humming quietly to myself as I enter the library. A quick glance at the clock reads 10.55am. I'm five minutes early to meet Megan - not that it means anything since she's always late anyway.
    I sit at my usual table at the back and dump my bag on the table, knocking an earphone out in the process. With a sigh, I put it back in and pull out my English work I've been procrastinating. If there's one thing I hate, it's Shakespeare. I just don't understand him - there's too much tragedy in his work. I'm definitely more of a Disney's happily ever after girl.
    I guess if you've suffered enough tragedy in your life, happily ever after becomes something to reach out for.
    I open the workbook to the right page and spin my pen in my fingers. The letters blur in front of my eyes and I rub at them to clear them.
    I can't concentrate, and I know why. It's this challenge. It's getting to me already. He's getting to me already.
    Damn Braden Carter, damn my girls, and damn whoever created the minefield that is the game of love. I'd sure love to shoot Cupid in the ass with his own arrow.
    “That book must be really interesting,” a smooth, silky voice says over my shoulder. “You've been staring at it for five minutes.”
    “Braden,” I acknowledge, not needing to look to see if it's him. The hairs standing on the back of my neck are indication enough.
    “Want some company, Angel?” He slips into the seat next to me.
    I look at him. “Apparently you're staying, anyway.”
    His blue eyes twinkle with amusement. “Is that a yes?”
    “That's an 'I'm meeting Megan but whatever.'”
    “Actually, you're not.” He nudges my foot with his. I frown. “She said she had to run somewhere so asked me to come and let you know. Since I have a free period I thought I'd join you. If you don't mind.”
    Sneaky little