Read Online Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake - Free Book Online Page B

for her to get out. She’ll think I’m either psychotic or pathetic. Girls are supposed to chase me , not the other way around. I turn to walk away just as she steps out of the car.
    “Logan?”
    Busted. “Hey.” I walk over, my hands in my pockets so she can’t see how being around her is making them shake. God, I’ve never acted this way around a girl before.
    “Filling out more paperwork?”
    Why not? I never actually got the paperwork after I ran into her yesterday. I was too freaked out by my own imagination. I nod. “You just getting here?”
    “Yeah, Linette was late getting to the house, so I had to wait for her.”
    “Linette? Middle-aged, curly red hair?”
    “She’s your housekeeper, right?”
    “Yeah. Small world.”
    “Small town.” Cara smiles.
    I motion to her empty arms. “No books?”
    “No. Finals are over. We’re basically just watching the time pass. I’m not even sure why they make us go when there’s absolutely nothing to do.”
    We stare at each other, not sure what else to say. I hope I don’t look as hard up for human interaction as I feel. “So, what’s there to do for fun around here?”
    “The movie theater plays matinees, if you’re interested.”
    Is she inviting me to a movie or just telling me so I can go on my own? “Anything a little more active?”
    “There’s a running trail through the woods by the school. The cross country team uses it for races. You are a runner, right?”
    “Yeah. Track mostly.”
    “Oh, well, we have a track team, too. They’re decent.”
    “Decent. That sounds promising.”
    She smiles and shrugs one shoulder. “This place really isn’t so bad. I promise.”
    “It’s just kind of boring when you know no one and there’s not even anyone around to meet.”
    She fidgets with her car keys. “A bunch of us are getting together this afternoon to hang out. If you want to tag along, I could introduce you to some people.”
    “Are they decent ?” I can’t help myself.
    She laughs. “They’re better than decent. And who knows, maybe they’ll convince you that you really haven’t been uprooted and transported to hell.” She starts toward the school. “It’s a half-day, so we’re meeting at one o’clock at the falls.” She waves goodbye. Maybe it’s not a date, but she invited me to hang out with her. It’s a start.

Chapter Nine
     
    Cara
     
    My heart races as I walk away. I should be keeping my distance from Logan. I know what will happen if I don’t, but the imprint is too strong, and he seems to like me. He must. I can’t keep running into him by coincidence, can I? And why did I invite him to the falls? Now I have to beg Linette to stay with Jeremy so I can go out, and I have to convince Rachel, Nick, and even Rob to tag along. I’m in so far over my head.
    The bell rings, indicating I’ve missed all of first period. Rachel comes out of biology with a look that could stop traffic. She spots me and before I can ask what’s wrong, she shoves a paper in my face. “Look at this! They put me in all honors classes next year! Do you believe this?”
    I can’t help laughing. “This has to be a mistake.”
    She pulls back, looking offended. “What are you saying?”
    “Don’t give me that. You were just freaking out about it. We both know you don’t like school.”
    “Fine, but a little support from my best friend would be nice. I mean, after the way you blew me off yesterday—”
    “About that, I’m really sorry. I’m just stressed out.”
    “Nick said he stayed with Jeremy for you while you picked up his prescription.”
    “Yeah.” I don’t want to get into this. Lying the first time was bad enough. “Look, you should go get your schedule straightened out. I’ll tell Mr. Morrell you’re going to be late.”
    “Thanks. Tell him I’ll be sure to hurry back so I don’t miss the mindless staring into space all period.”
    “Rach, wait!” I grab her arm, but let go almost immediately. So far my