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This sucks. Like really sucks. I wish he would stay.

I nuzzle a little closer to him. “You’re warm.”

“Here.” He sits up, pulling his sweatshirt over his head.

“Aren't you gonna be cold?” I ask, but secretly don’t care. I’m getting goosebumps now.

“It’s still like sixty degrees out. I’m a dude, I’ll be fine. Take it.” He gently presses it closer to me.

I pull it over my head, his smell seeping into my skin.

“Thanks. I like it.” It’s oversized, the sleeves rolling over my hands.

Sean looks me up and down, smirking.

I love when he does that. I love being around someone who makes me feel desirable. I’ve never had that.

“You should keep it. Something you can remember me by.”

I frown. “We still have a couple of months to see each other. We’re still gonna hangout.”

I still want to spend my summer with him, even though we can’t be together, together.

Sean smiles, brushing his hand over his mouth. “Are we now?”

“Aren’t we?” I raise my left eyebrow, trying to flirt.

“Yes, and we’ll start tomorrow. Jen is throwing a party and you’re coming with me.”

“But I hate Jen. She’s a psychopath.”

I’ve known Jen since fifth grade. We were friends for a while until I realized how crazy she was. She’s the type to pretend you’re best friends, but then talk about you behind your back. Unfortunately, she didn’t change after middle school. She still pulls crap like that.

“Yeah, well, everyone is gonna be there. Including us.”

I smile and agree to go. If he’s there, then I will be too. Call it my new motto.

Something tells me he still thinks he can convince me to give us a shot. I really hope I don’t have to let him down twice.

◆◆◆

I asked my dad if I could go to the party and he said to ask Eloise. Luckily, she was in a good mood when I brought it up. She’s going to the coast for a girls’ trip this weekend. She seems to be easing up on trapping me at home lately. I hope it stays that way.

Sean picked me up and I’m grateful he offered. I hate driving with a passion.

“You look nice.” Sean beams from the driver’s seat.

I don’t feel as pretty as I did an hour ago. Not after Eloise said I looked like a whore and was asking for it. I bought a matching crop top and linen pant set for the summer and thought I’d look amazing. I’m only showing an inch of stomach. It’s trendy, not trashy.

“Thanks,” I force out.

Sean can read my tone immediately.

“Your stepmom?” he asks, his voice harsh.

“Shocker, right?” I say, watching his eyebrows furrow.

He keeps looking back and forth between me and the road, one hand on the wheel.