Read Online Temptation by R.L. Stine - Free Book Online

told you about last night.”
    Matt had a mouthful of pizza and a gob of cheese running down his chin. He nodded but didn’t raise his head.
    Gabri made his way to the table and stood in the aisle, his dark eyes trained on April. “Are you okay? You ran away last night and—”
    â€œI’m so sorry,” April said. “I’m really embarrassed. I acted so babyish, I know. But I’m just terrified of bats.” She pushed Matt to get him to move closer to the wall and scooted over, gesturing for Gabri to squeeze in.
    Gabri was dressed in baggy gray shorts and a white polo shirt. His dark eyes lit with pleasure at April’s invitation, and he flashed her a warm smile as he slid in beside her.
    â€œThis is Matt, and Todd, and Jessica,” she said, nodding in the direction of each. “Do you know Gabri?” she asked Jessica.
    Jessica shook her head. “No,” she said, her hand resting possessively on Todd’s shoulder. “Are you a townie?”
    â€œYes,” Gabri told her. “I’ve lived here all my life.”
    â€œHave some pizza,” Matt said, pushing the tray toward Gabri.
    â€œNo. Thanks,” Gabri said, smiling warmly at Matt. “I just ate.”
    â€œGabri saved my life last night,” April gushed. “He was so brave.”
    Gabri raised his hands modestly, as if fending off her compliments. “No. Really. Come on.”
    â€œTell us what happened,” Jessica urged, glancing at Gabri.
    â€œWell, if Matt hadn’t been half an hour late, it wouldn’t have happened,” April said, giving Matt a sharp poke with her elbow. He made a disgusted face.
    â€œPlease—don’t keep us in suspense,” Jessica said, holding Todd’s hand, squeezing it.
    April told them what had happened on the beach the night before. She could tell that Matt wasn’t enjoying the story at all. He’s jealous, she decided. Jealous of how Gabri rescued me. Maybe he’s even jealous that I was walking with Gabri on the beach at night.
    â€œThat’s so scary!” Jessica declared when April had finished. “I’m terrified of bats too!”
    â€œNothing to be afraid of, really,” Gabri said, leaning across the table toward Jessica. “Bats don’t really bite. That’s just myth.”
    â€œThey’re just so creepy,” Jessica exclaimed, holding on to Todd, making it hard for him to finish his pizza slice.
    Gabri told them that in a way, he was envious of bats. He talked about how he’d always wanted to be able to fly. “It must be neat to have that freedom, to be able to spread your wings and soar,” he said.
    He’s really good-looking, April thought. He has the greatest smile. She pulled another slice of pizza onto her plate. “Matt, could you pass the garlic powder, please?” she asked.
    â€œSure,” he said somewhat grumpily, obviously annoyed that April found Gabri so interesting.
    She took the glass shaker from Matt and was about to sprinkle some garlic powder on her pizza—when to her surprise, Gabri grabbed her wrist.
    â€œPlease,” he said, immediately loosening his grip. “I’m sorry, April, but I just hate the smell of garlic. I think I’m allergic to it or something.” He let go of her, his expression embarrassed.
    â€œNo problem,” April said, reaching across Matt to set the garlic powder down at his end of the table. She turned to Gabri with a puzzled pout. “I’ve never heard of anyone being allergic to garlic.”
    He shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”
    â€œI’m allergic to garlic too,” Matt interrupted, tapping April’s shoulder to get her attention. “Especially when it’s on your breath.”
    Everyone laughed except Jessica.
    â€œIt’s so hot in here,” she said, fanning herself with her hand. She lowered her face to Todd’s. “Are you finished?