“Of course I do, but—”

“Then what’s the problem? You can afford it.”

An unpleasant weight settles on my chest. Well technically I can’t, but she knows I could get the money from my parents. I’m not even sure what the big deal is. Add it to the list of expensive shit I’ve bought her in the six months we’ve been dating. But those had been gifts I’d wanted to give her. She’s never come right out and asked for something before and I don’t like the way it makes me feel used.

I turn and open my locker to pull out the gift I got her. Two front row tickets for Katy Perry this Saturday. Even got backstage passes because I know it’s my girl’s favorite singer.

Polly slides in front of me, blocking my access. “Come on, if you really loved me, you’d do this for me.”

She looks up at me with big eyes. The tickets are worth way more, plus I thought it was something cool we could do together. I don’t really like Katy Perry but figured her excitement would make it worth it.

I nod and close my locker shut behind her. “I’ll get it for you after school.”

She places a kiss on my cheek and rushes off. The bell rings and I let out a sigh as I re-open my locker and grab my biology book.

“Yo, Timmie.”

The guy two lockers down looks up at me like he’s surprised I know his name. “Got a girlfriend or boyfriend? Significant other?”

He’s still staring at me confused. “Yeah, I’m dating Cheri.”

“Really?” I can’t hide my surprise. Cheri’s head cheerleader and this guy… well, he doesn’t look like he could keep up with Cheri but guess I’ve misjudged him.

I pull out the tickets and toss them at him. He fumbles them, dropping his books in the process and making me embarrassed for him and also hopeful that maybe he can score some cool points with Cheri. Shit, maybe he doesn’t need them, he somehow already got her. Doesn’t matter, I don’t need them.

“Woah, thanks man,” he says as he looks them over and then tucks them into his pocket.

“No problem.”

21

KATRINA

He’s quiet through two episodes. Other than holding my feet in his lap, he’s made no move to touch me since he tucked my hair behind my ear. I know he’s got practice in the morning so I thought he’d be anxious to get in and get out… so to speak. In and out of me.

“You want to watch another?” I ask, looking down at the remote and not meeting his eyes.

“I should probably go.”

I’m surprised by his answer, although I’m not sure why. It’s late. I guess I figured sex was higher on the priority list than sleep. Did I lose him with the leggings? Crap, I knew I should have kept the sexy dress on.

“Right. You’ve got early practice tomorrow.”

His thumb caresses my foot. “Yeah. We’ve got a big game on Saturday. Speaking of, how would you and Christian like to come to the game? I can leave tickets for you at will call.”