8
" Oh my gosh, he was touching my face. I froze and may have let out a small sigh, but honestly, I have no idea what came out of my mouth because, at that instant, I blanked from his touch. “Um. What was that for?” “Just getting into character.” A rueful smile crossed Micah’s face. “You’ll see. I’ll be the best boyfriend ever.” “Pretend boyfriend,” I emphasized to myself as much as to him. “Okay, then. Good to know. And here, don’t forget about this. Thanks for letting me borrow it.” I took a step out of his personal space and grabbed hold of the hem of his hoodie, about to take it off, but Micah held up his hand. “Keep it,” he said, his expression thoughtful. “A girlfriend should always have something of her boyfriend’s to keep her warm, don’t you think?” My eyes must have gone as wide as saucers because, dear Dolly Parton, what had I gotten myself into? Fake boyfriend Micah was just too much. "
― Ginger Li , XOXO, Olivia (East Beach High #3)
19
" swear I didn’t know Jay was the guy from junior high. If I had, I’d never have brought him here.” He turned to his car. “Let me take him home. Then I’ll come back, and we can talk about us. I’m not like Jason. Give me a chance, Violet, please.” My lower lip trembled. I felt like a deflated balloon. Overstretched. Worn out. A part of me knew that what Wes said was true. He wasn’t like Jason. But how could I look at him and not see the face of my tormenter? And how could I ever stop wondering if I was just another notch on his belt? I shook my head. Jason’s bullying had shattered my spirit, but being hurt by Wesley would destroy me. Better to guard my heart against that than let my walls down. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to date. Maybe you’re not like Jason, but you go through girls so quickly, and I couldn’t cope with having my heart broken.” Wes’s expression hardened. “Fine, if that’s what you want. But I can’t say that your decision doesn’t hurt. Yes, I have a past. But you’re the one who’s refusing to give us a chance at a future.” He turned away and stalked over to his car, never once looking back. As I watched him drive away, I told myself I’d done the right thing. Then why did it feel like I’d lost something precious? "
― Ginger Li , XOXO, Violet (East Beach High #2)
