Read Online Time After Time by Wendy Godding - Free Book Online Page B

trendy haircut falling across his forehead. His eyes were the same—like burnt chocolate. His lopsided grin was the same too, making my stomach perform tiny somersaults just like Penelope’s did every time he looked at her.
    ‘What is it?’ I asked, managing to find my voice.
    ‘Aren’t you going to school?’
    ‘Of course.’ I gestured to the books I carried.
    ‘Right. You normally go with your friend.’
    ‘So?’ I said a little too rudely. I didn’t want to be rude to him, but I didn’t want to like him, either. At least not the way Penelope liked him.
    ‘So, she’s not here.’
    I smiled. ‘Your powers of observation are brilliant.’
    His lips quirked. ‘Where is she?’
    ‘Her car’s in the shop. I’m catching the bus. Not that it’s any of your business.’
    He glanced up the street as if expecting the bus to suddenly materialise. ‘Well, do you want a lift?’
    ‘What?’ I peered at him curiously. ‘With you?’
    Marcus shrugged. ‘Yeah. With me.’
    I hesitated. A ride on the bus with Lilly and Emma could result in bruising, bleeding, or at the very least, severe mortification. But at least I knew what I was in for with them. With Marcus, I didn’t know what to expect.
    ‘C’mon,’ Marcus urged, his voice friendly and easygoing, ‘we’re neighbours, aren’t we?’
    ‘Well…’ I paused. I wasn’t sure about being in close proximity to him. What would we even talk about? Broadhurst Manor? Harry and Georgina? ‘Someone might see you,’ I pointed out.
    He frowned. ‘And?’
    I sighed. Did I have to spell it out? ‘Hanging with me is not so good for your reputation.’
    Marcus shrugged. ‘Look, do you want a lift? I’m being friendly.’
    I considered him before nodding. ‘Thanks.’
    Following him, I climbed into his red Toyota. It was some kind of sports model, a few years old, and inside it smelt strongly of leather and apple shampoo. I was sure that when I got close enough to Marcus he’d smell like apple shampoo, too.
    I flushed suddenly. If I got close enough to Marcus , I corrected myself, not when. Strapping on my seatbelt, I stared out the window, careful not to look at him, my cheeks still hot.
    ‘So you don’t have a car?’ Marcus said after a few moments of driving in silence.
    ‘Another brilliant use of your powers of observation. You know, you should use your powers for evil. You’d make more money and be able to buy an even flashier car to impress the girls with.’
    The edges of his mouth twitched. ‘You’re a girl. Do I impress you?’
    ‘No. I’m not impressed by flashy cars.’
    ‘You don’t want a car?’ he asked, purposefully ignoring my gibe.
    ‘Sure. But I don’t have a mummy and a daddy to buy me one,’ I said pointedly.
    Marcus laughed. ‘Hey, I paid for half this baby. I spent hours delivering papers, pumping gas, and babysitting.’
    ‘You babysat?’ I asked wryly.
    ‘Sure. My aunt has two little brats I watch.’ He glanced at me. ‘Doesn’t pay as much as the library though, I bet.’
    I bristled. ‘How do you know I work there?’
    ‘I’ve been spying on—’ he started to whisper, then laughed at the shocked expression that must have crossed my face. ‘Relax. I haven’t been spying on you. Your aunt told my mum. She suggested I apply for a job there.’
    ‘And? Did you?’ I wasn’t sure how I felt about working with Marcus. I held my breath waiting for his answer, which was silly. What did I care where he worked?
    ‘Nah. Libraries aren’t really my scene,’ he laughed, ‘Although, you don’t look much like a librarian.’
    ‘What is that supposed to mean?’ I tugged at the short, dark green dress I wore over torn black tights.
    ‘It doesn’t mean anything,’ Marcus replied easily, ‘It’s just an observation .’
    ‘Well, I already told you. I don’t want you observing me,’ I bristled.
    ‘You told me to use my powers for evil, not good,’ he teased.
    ‘Well, I don’t want you to know anything about