Read Online Cinderella Complex by Rebekah L. Purdy - Free Book Online Page B

crazy.”
    â€œAre you eating lunch with me?” His smile beckoned me to say yes. And those eyes. How could someone be so flipping hot? Why did he have to be so nice?
    Kat kicked my ankle, and I yelped. “Er…I can’t. I’m tutoring Kat. Maybe I can bring her along.”
    The grin left his face like he’d been doused with cold water. “But school just started a couple of days ago. How can she need help already?”
    â€œUm—she’s doing an accelerated program. She has to start off on-track or she’ll fall behind.” I offered what I hoped was a sincere look and fidgeted in my seat.
    Maybe they should’ve called me the Fairy God Liar.
    â€œOkay, why don’t you write me in for Monday, then? And no excuses. I’ve got something big planned.” He brushed his fingers down my arm as he turned to face the front of the room.
    My dream guy wanted to have lunch with me. So perfect. So gorgeous. So—
    Kat cleared her throat and I spun around in my desk. I’m so screwed!
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ve got a plan.” It wasn’t a total lie. I had every intention of going to lunch on Monday. Only I’d have Kat in tow. He didn’t say not to bring anyone.
    But picturing Katrina and Connor together made me sick. She didn’t deserve someone as nice as him. Deep down, I knew it didn’t matter. The sphere had spoken. He was supposed to be hers.
    ****
    Seth glowered as I picked at my turkey sandwich. He stabbed a slice of chicken, chomped it down in two bites, then pushed his tray back. What was wrong with him?
    Across from us Jack nuzzled Riley’s neck until she giggled. They whispered sweet nothings to each other.
    Talk about my gag reflex getting a workout.
    â€œAre you really tutoring Katrina? I mean, come on, you could easily tell her to find someone else,” Taylor said.
    Too bad it wasn’t that easy. “No, I can’t. Listen, it’ll look good on my college apps.”
    â€œBut you’re only a junior.” She tapped her cocoa-colored fingernails on the table.
    â€œAnd this is the year to start getting stuff in order.” Wow, I sounded like my mom.
    Taylor’s frown deepened. She leaned against the cafeteria wall. “Since I don’t want to ruin our whole lunch hour with talk of Katrina, what’d Connor want?”
    â€œOh, he asked me to have lunch with him Monday. But I’m not sure if I’ll go—Kat kind of seems more his type.”
    Taylor’s fist struck the table, causing our lunches to jump.
    â€œIf she’s bullying you, I swear I’ll punch her in the mouth until her veneers come out her butt.”
    I cringed. That certainly gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, “butt-chewing.” This wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought.
    â€œJust drop it.” Seth spoke up. I loved how he defended me. “You don’t have to force Connor down her throat.” He grabbed his tray then stood up.
    â€œI’m not forcing him on her. She wanted him until that ho-bag Katrina showed up this morning.” Taylor’s eyes narrowed. “I’m just trying to be a good friend.”
    â€œYeah, well knock it off.” Seth stormed away. I leapt to my feet to follow him.
    â€œI’ll see you later,” I called over my shoulder to Taylor.
    When I caught up to Seth, I bumped his arm with my shoulder. “Thanks for back there.”
    â€œNo problem. Taylor can be pushy.”
    We stopped at my locker to grab the books for my next class. “You’re telling me.”
    â€œHey, Maggie.” Connor jogged toward us. “Wish you got to come to the game tonight. I’ll be playing hard for you.” He winked.
    My throat went dry. My pulse leapt into overdrive. “Thanks—good luck!”
    His smile faded when he noticed Seth. “I thought you and Kat planned on studying?”
    â€œUm—she had some cheerleading