Page 37 of The Bad Boy Prince in Love

“I just don’t have time to be on a committee anymore,” Hallie said, “but I’d love to help on the day of the event.”

Hallie didn’t fail to notice her mama beaming at her proudly.

“Ditto,” said Luke.“I’ve got to admit I’m not one for meetings, but I could look over your financial plan, if you like.I deal in solar panels, so it’s not exactly the same thing, but I have some business experience.”

“Really?”Eloise’s eyes lit up, maybe with something more than just the desire to help the needy.“I would love some input.Thanks so much, Luke!”

After Eloise went into Vivian’s office to talk more about the charity project, Luke nudged Hallie, giving her a meaningful look.“Volunteering to do some good deeds, huh?Is it because you’re afraid Eloise will steal me away?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she said nonchalantly.

After the dance, she realized that all of these people she wanted to forget were actually there for her and still wanted to be her friends.

Her heart was bursting with warmth and affection towards the people she had grown up with, even if some of them had been mean girls in high school.

Rob and the other guys may have been stupid to threaten Luke in an attempt to protect her, but it showed that they cared.Maybe her home was here after all.And if there was something she could do, even something small, she wanted to help.

Chapter 18: Wake up and Smell the Jealousy

Acouple of days later, Hallie was in her room taking a siesta which turned into a rather long nap.It was the beginning of fall, but the days were as hot as ever.

She could tell by her grogginess that she had slept a long time when Terry pounded on the door, screaming, “Get up!”

With a groan, Hallie peeled herself off the bed and went to answer the door, dressed only in her pajama shorts and a sleeveless shirt.“What is going on?”

Terry, on the other hand, looked fresh and full of energy.“While you’re sleeping, your boyfriend is running off with that church-going Goody Two Shoes.Just thought you should know.”

“What?”

“Eloise.”

“I figured you meant Eloise, but what do you mean ‘running off’?”

“They just drove away together,” Terry said with a light shrug.She was wearing a particularly garish shade of red lipstick that day.

“Why are you telling me?”Hallie asked, rubbing her forehead as if that could clear her thoughts.