Free Deep Green: Color Me Jealous with Bonus Content by Melody Carlson Page B

sighed. “I don’t know.”
    “Well, I’m sure not going to pressure you, Timothy. I like you way too much to pull something stupid like that. But I will tell you this much. I’m not one of those girls who can be kept secretly on the side, if you know what I mean. I’m a one-guy kind of girl, and I want a one-girl kind of guy. You know?”
    “I know.”
    When we reached my house, I leaned over and kissed him. First on the cheek, then I pulled his face toward me and planted a big long kiss on his mouth. My best shot.
    It seemed to be working too, because when I pulled away and opened my eyes to look at him, it was plain to see he was slightly stunned. I actually thought I saw stars in those dark brown eyes.
    “See you,” I said lightly as I opened the door and let myself out.

eleven
     
     
     
    “W AS THAT WHO I THOUGHT IT WAS?” ASKED MY DAD WHEN I CAME IN the house. He set his newspaper aside and seemed to be studying me with father-like curiosity.
    I nodded. “I guess you were right, Dad. My life isn’t as bad as I thought after all.”
    He got this strange expression just then, kind of a combination of relief mixed with serious concern.
    “By the way, I got a flat tire and the spare was flat too.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “The spare tire was flat?”
    “Yeah, pretty weird, huh?”
    “I’ll say.” He frowned. “I remember checking it when we got your car.”
    I shrugged. “These things happen.”
    It was almost seven o’clock by the time we got a new spare onto my car. He and the tire guy were both curious as to how both of my tires had suffered similar puncture wounds.
    “I think someone’s out to get me,” I told them with an absolutely serious expression. “My keys got stolen and who knows what’s going on?” Okay, it did bother me that I have suddenly turned into this big fat liar. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And as Amber has told me a number of times, all is fair . . .
    Anyway, after the repaired tire was securely on my car, I told my dad to go ahead and take off.
    “I can put this stuff away,” I told him after he gave the last bolt a final crank and stood up.
    “Well, at least you know how to change a tire now,” he told me as he wiped his hands on his handkerchief.
    “Thanks, Dad. I guess it’s like you said last night.”
    He looked slightly hopeful. “What’s that?”
    “You know, that whole spiel about tough times making you stronger.”
    He smiled. “See?”
    “But, really, go ahead and go. I’ll be fine.” I took the wrench from him. “Besides, I need to stick around and talk to Ashley for a minute.”
    “What’s Ashley doing here still?” He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost seven.”
    I still hadn’t told my parents about my probation problem. I know I’ll have to explain it eventually. But it’s like I’ve got enough crud to deal with right now without having them on my case about using foul language too.
    “The cheerleaders were supposed to watch these videotapes,” I told him, “but when I realized my tire was flat I thought I’d better come get you so we could get it fixed before it got too late.” I wasn’t sure if he was buying this or not. “I didn’t want to have to interrupt your evening again tonight.”
    “Well, thanks for that.” He shook his head. “Don’t be out late, Jordan. Leah’s home alone tonight since Tommy is spending the night at Slater’s house.”
    “I won’t be late,” I assured him. “Tell Leah she can call me on my cell if she needs to. And you guys have a good time tonight.”
    He frowned. “We will. You’re going to be okay, aren’t you?”
    I smiled my most assuring smile. “I’ve never been better, Dad. Really, don’t worry about me.”
    Then I pulled my cell phone out of the glove box, where I’d conveniently stowed it during my damsel-in-distress routine, and held it up. “I’m only a phone call away.”
    The rain had stopped now, and the pavement in the parking lot