Page 1 of A Bossy Surprise

1

KAYLA

“I’m such a loser,” I say to the walls of the empty bedroom I’m hiding in.

Why did I think it would be a good idea to come to this party? I don’t even know the Dude-Bro whose house this is.

I just had to try one last time to get Kyle Knight’s attention. It’s been four years of high school and although I’ve been obsessed with him this entire time, I’ve only spoken to him a grand total of three times.

Summer is about to end. I start college in the fall. So I thought this party would be my last chance to get Kyle’s attention.

I’m leaving Vermont and heading to NYU in a couple weeks. I know it’s too late for any kind of a relationship since we are going to college on opposite ends of the country. I guess at the very least I had hoped he would take my virginity. It was a long shot but I’ve held onto that thing way longer than anyone else I know. I don’t want to go to college a nun. I’ve heard stories about him. So I don’t think it’ll take too much convincing.

My plan was a stupid one because Kyle hasn't so much as glanced in my direction all night. Even with me throwing myself into his line of sight every chance I’ve gotten.

So, feeling like cow shit on the bottom of a boot, I slunk off into an empty bedroom to hide. I would go home, but my big brother, Lucas, is my ride and he isn’t ready to leave yet.

I lie back on the bed, cross my legs at the ankle, and stare at the ceiling. I try to block out the thump, thump, thump of House Music that vibrates the entire building while I try to use the power of my mind to fast-forward time.

All of a sudden, the music gets louder as the door opens.

I sit bolt upright and pull down my pink, skin-tight, knee-length tube dress that has slid up my thighs higher than is decent.

“What are you doing in here?” Adam, Lucas’ best friend asks in his uniquely deep voice.

I roll my eyes. “I’m doing none of your business in here.”

The corner of his lips lift in a smirk, and my blood boils. We've been in the same schools ever since kindergarten and he and I don't exactly get along. For some reason, it always seems like he is making fun of me. The only redeeming thing about him in my opinion is that he is my brother's best friend.

When we were younger, Lucas was diagnosed with Leukemia. He practically spent two years in the hospital. After he fought the cancer he was held back at school. So he and I were in the same class. All the other kids made fun of him. All but Adam. Adam defended Lucas when all the other kids bullied him and has stuck by him ever since.

He closes the door behind him and comes to sit on the other side of the bed beside me.

“I could have told you that you wouldn’t have fun at this party. You know, being the hermit you are.” He runs a handthrough his shaggy jet-black hair as his startling blue eyes dance with mirth.

Tonight has already been a lot. I don’t have the energy to spar with Adam. So I don’t respond. Instead, I cross my legs and fold my arms.

At my non-response, Adam chuckles and pulls his legs up on the bed and stretches them out, crossing them at the ankle. He shoves two pillows behind his back and props himself up against the headboard.

“Why do you hate me so much?” he asks.

“What?” I respond without turning.

“I’ve always wondered why you don’t like me.”

I turn my head to him and I’m immediately arrested by his gaze. My heart stutters at how he’s watching me so intently.

“And what makes you think I hate you?”

“You roll your eyes whenever I walk into a room. That was my first clue.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Kay, you literally did it a minute ago.”

“Don’t call me that.” Lots of people call me Kay, but I don’t like hearing the nickname from him. It sounds too much like an endearment on his lips. “And I don’t hate you.”

He huffs. “You could’ve fooled me.”