Page 3 of Devious Love

She’s…Mia.

“You wanna come inside?” I ask after a while. “We’re watching football. Dad made lemonade, and I know you love it.”

She hesitates then stands and wipes her palms on her skirt. “Okay.”

I stand too, and Mia follows me into the house like she belongs there.

And honestly? I think she might.

part 1

CHAPTER 1

please don’t tell me you got married

MIA

Age 13

September

Noddingmy head to the beat, I read through my notes, keeping my focus on my work rather than the guys on the football field nearby.

My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Middle school is the worst. That’s what everyone says, and I agree, but now that Ms. Rodriguez has announced the school play will beAlice in Wonderland, things are looking up. It feels like Christmas in September, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to be in school.

Alice in Wonderlandis my absolute favorite story, and I’ve already got so many ideas! If Ms. Rodriguez will listen to me, that is. Honestly, I don’t care if I get to play Alice. Even if I’m just a background actor, I’ll give this play my all.

I close my notebook and slip it into my backpack. Only once it’s zipped up do I finally look around. The guys are still scrimmaging, my brother included.Sigh. Looks like I’ll be stuck here waiting for him a little longer.

Eyes closed, I rest my chin in my hands and focus on the music coming from my earbuds. The warm wind caresses my skin, and the strands of hair that have escaped my ponytail tickle my cheeks. It’s sunny today, the temperature comfortable. Maybe waiting for my brother isn’t all that bad. It’s good to sit here, enjoying the feel of?—

A hand lands on my shoulder, and I snap up, heart thudding.

Swiveling, I pluck one of the earbuds out of my ear. My best friend, Chiara, stands behind me.Goodness.

“Sorry.” Chia smiles, her brown eyes twinkling with mischief. “I didn’t know how else to get your attention.”

“You scared the shit out of me,” I grunt and fold my arms across my chest.

She sits beside me, her attention not-so-discreetly darting to the field. I have no doubt she’s looking for my brother.

“What are you doing here?” I ask. “I thought you already left.”

“I was in the library. I was gonna walk home, but I noticed you on my way out. I thought since you’re waiting for Matt to take you home, maybe he could give me a ride too?” She bites her plump bottom lip, her brow creasing with uncertainty.

I half-turn to her, tilting my head to the side. She’s in a white shirt, light-wash jeans, and black and white Chucks. Her curly dark hair is down and ruffled by the wind, making her tuck several rogue strands behind her ears.

I love her, and I’d be thrilled to not have to wait alone, but she’s not as subtle as she thinks she is. So, I use this opportunity to mess with her.

“You’restillcrushing on Matt?” I tease.

She frowns, her eyes flaring. “Like you’re one to talk. You’ve been crushing on Watsonforever.”

Heat creeps up my neck, but I play off the embarrassment with an eye roll. “I don’t have a crush on Dominic anymore.”

She gives me a quick once-over, a barely-there smirk on her lips. “Good. It’d be kinda weird now. He’s basically your stepbrother.”

With a faux shudder, I pretend to gag. “Please, Chia, don’t say stuff like that. It makes me sick.”