My Best Friend's Brother (22 page)

I giggled and grabbed his bicep. “What do you say about
studying
,
Lukasz
?”

He laughed and wiped his forehead. “Yeah, we’ll hit the books tonight!”

“Or tomorrow…?” I breathed in his ear.

He grinned devilishly. “Even better!”

As we watched people dance, it suddenly occurred to me that Jake wasn’t there. The thought of him alone at home made me grin. Yes, I’ve got a bit of a mean streak. But what girl doesn’t, deep down, you know?

Someone tapped my shoulder. It was Mr. Bias, dressed like a Hawaiian tourist. Complete with a camera, khaki shorts, a tropical button-up shirt, sandals and an iced tea with one of those umbrella straws.
Shocked.

“You like it?!” he asked, all wide eyed with that eternal smile.

“It fits you like a glove!” I shouted.

He shook his head. “It’s not a glove, it’s a tourist outfit! I’m in Hawaii!”

Luke laughed. “No, sir, you’re in Alaska, USA! It’s dark, ten below and windy out!”

I giggled, though Mr. Bias’ smile faded momentarily. I said, “I like the outfit!” and it returned.

“You look nice too!” He pointed at Luke. “The two of you match! And you missed my office visit!” he informed me.

“I know! I haven’t wanted to talk about it lately! But while you’re here, I guess we can talk quickly?” Not that I had a choice.

He nodded and pointed his nose at Luke. “Is that your boyfriend?!”

“Yeah!”

He looked dubious. “Want to talk about him?!”

“No!” I laughed, hoping that was the end of it.

Mr. Bias bobbed his head to the beat of the music. “I got something back from a University in British Columbia! It says you’re accepted! Congratulations!”

I raised my eyebrows. “Really!”

He nodded. He took a bite of his candy bar and sucked on the umbrella straw. After a minute he waved. “See me next week! We’ll talk about financial aid!” Then he danced into the crowd.

Luke looked at me uncertainly. It felt odd, being told I got into college. It was exciting and scary. “I’m glad I decided to stay!” Luke shouted. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be here with the prettiest girl in school, wearing
this!
”

I laughed, looked into his gleaming eyes and adjusted his wreath. “I’m glad, too!”

After an awkward silence, he put his mouth up to my ear and said, “So I guess you’re going to college, huh?”

I thought for a minute. Then I said, “Yeah.”

He smiled, but eventually looked down halfheartedly.

“You know,” I noted, “There’s lots of snow in British Columbia! And you’re practically dressed for the Olympics anyway!”

He beamed and kissed me. The kind of mind-blowing kiss where everyone and everything around us just fades out.

I opened my eyes in the middle of it, just to be sure he’s really there. Nope, I wasn’t
imagining
him—a Greek god really was kissing me. I gripped his toga strap like he’s a million bucks!

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