Chapter 6: Lines Crossed

I slid my arm around his neck, heart racing, and brushed my lips to his.

"Kiss me."

I knew Nick didn’t want me—not really. I wasn’t the girl of his dreams. But I could be the girl he needed for this twisted game.

Before, I’d never dared to cross the line, afraid he’d end the game any minute. But now, if he wanted something from me, it was only fair to trade something back.

When his lips finally, hesitantly pressed to mine, I silently thanked the girl who’d spent twelve years studying her way out. Every lonely night, every perfect score had bought me this tiny piece of magic.

Jamie, the universe really hasn’t let you down.

I let myself stop reading, stop studying, and followed Nick into wild abandon. We snuck out for late-night drives, ordered greasy takeout, loitered at 7-Eleven just because we could.

My name started sliding down the ranking board, lower and lower. I made a show of not caring.

The first time, I let Rachel take first place.

When the teacher called her name after ‘first in the grade,’ Rachel was glowing. Her eyes shone as she clutched her transcript to her chest. She stared at it over and over, finally burying her head in her arms, mascara streaking down her cheeks as she sobbed onto her designer hoodie.

Of course, I caught the smug look she shot my way, pretending it was accidental. I just smiled, poker-faced, letting her think she’d won.

I thought, it’s time to claim my reward.

Sure enough, that day Nick was all smiles. He ran to me, varsity jacket flapping, looking like every homecoming king in every high school movie.

When he hugged me, I felt real warmth—even if it was pretend, it was enough for now.

I asked him why he was so happy.

He said he’d won a big basketball game today, eyes twinkling. I saw right through it.

I smiled, slipping a cheap hotel key card into his palm. It felt heavier than it should have.

"Today’s my eighteenth birthday. Celebrate with me, okay?"