Page 5 of Becoming His

“No shit.”

As he put his hands on my shoulders, we stood facing each other, and I shook from the proximity.

Get a grip, Annabelle.

“My sister is amazing with hair and makeup and all that crap. I can help you come out of your shell a little bit, and in return, you get me that date.” He persisted as I squirmed under his grip.

My eyes met his, and I knew I was doomed.

“Fine, but she’s not going to be under any pretenses. Which will make her hate you even more than she does now.”

He smiled as he pulled out his phone.

“We start now. Come with me.”

He had a way of commanding me around, and I hated that I did everything he said. I grabbed my keys and followed him outside, stopping still when I saw his sleek black car. I had seen it many times at school, but the sight of it outside my house just lookedforeign.He walked backward as he watched me, bemused.

“Nice, right? Come on, get in. Wait till you see how fast she goes.”

Oh, God.

Four

Just, Wow

Iwas in Bailey’s car withBailey.

Breathe Annabelle. Breathe.

The streets whizzed by as Bailey weaved in and out of traffic skillfully, cars moving out of his way as if by magic.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“My house.”

What?! I couldn’t go to his house!

He must’ve seen the panic on my face as he smiled gently.

“Look, it’s only a house. You need to see my sister.”

I gulped as I realized what he had in store for me, and embarrassment washed over me in waves.

Bailey pulled into his driveway, cutting the engine. In fairness, his house wasn’t as grand as I had imagined on the drive over, which made me less anxious. We left the car, and I followed him into the house as he turned towards me, winking again.

“Connie!” Bailey yelled, making me jump.

I stared daggers at him as I chewed on my hair, glancing around for the girl that would be tasked with the impossible.

“What?” The irritated reply came as a beautiful girl poked her head around the top of the stairs. She had the same chestnut hair, but she’d highlighted with honey and caramel blonde. Her eyes narrowed at me as she stared at her brother in disbelief.

“Who is that?” Connie demanded.

“This is Anna. She needs your help in the ugly duck to pretty swan department.” Bailey declared, giving me a lazy smile as he leaned on the railing.

Connie blinked as she stared at him.

“Did you just call her an ugly duck?” She rolled her eyes as she walked toward us, and I stared at her in awe.