Could he be the mystery guy she’d hooked up with at the party over the weekend? Except that Gina had said Zack had a girlfriend. Maybe he’d recently become available.
Zack seemed to like Gina just fine, but he couldn’t stand me. A feeling deep inside me fought its way up. Jealousy. Which I need to get over, because Zack didn’t like me and all. He and Gina were probably perfect for each other. They could sit together at lunch and judge everyone.
As I approached my car, I noticed the rear tire all plump and healthy. I searched the lot, expecting to see someone walking away with a car-jack. No such luck.
Who’d filled it up? If my dad had noticed — which was unlikely since I’d parked across the street yesterday where he couldn’t see that side of my car — he would’ve insisted on driving me to school or at least mentioned it to me and warned me to be careful. Zack maybe?
I dumped my backpack in the Taurus and scanned the parking lot for Zack. Instead, I spotted Daniel’s black Audi gleaming just several cars away. Daniel casually leaned against the passenger side, glaring in another direction and oblivious to my presence. I followed the path of his gaze to Zack and Gina, wondering what Zack had done to annoy him — besides being way hotter than him.
“Hey,” I said, as I approached.
“Hi, babe. You should park your car on the street, so we don’t have to rush back before the gates get locked.”
I backtracked to my car, but halted two steps later and spun around. Knowing Daniel, he’d invite Jeff and Natalie. We wouldn’t be alone at all. “I can’t go for coffee.”
“Okay, but you said you wanted to talk. Get in and we’ll drive around the block or something.”
Which was what I’d wanted. But did I really want to be trapped in his car with him?
“Actually, I really need your help with something,” Daniel said, his blue eyes pleading. “I’d rather not talk about it here.”
I sighed and climbed into the Audi. I was about to put on my seatbelt when he gripped my arm.
“Not so fast.” He leaned over, cupping my face. “You look really pretty today.”
I leaned back, so Daniel’s mouth couldn’t reach me. Instead of noticing my retreat, he gazed past me and frowned. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Gina and Zack talking at his car. My tummy fluttered. So not the reaction I wanted when seeing him. He gave Gina a wave, then went back into the school.
“What’s with you and Zack?” I asked.
Daniel pivoted in his seat and started the engine. “For starters, he’s a total tool.”
Whatever. I probably wasn’t going to get anything else out of Daniel, so didn’t try.
As he barreled through the gate and swerved into the lane, which was how he always drove, I pondered what I’d say. How did you go about telling someone you don’t like them anymore?
My palms moistened and I racked my brain for the right words. Then I stared out the window and noticed we were a few hundred yards from Angeles National Forest — with plenty of secluded spots hidden by trees. Why was I not surprised that he’d driven me to a very private place to park?
Daniel killed the engine under a covering of trees and unhooked his seatbelt.
I scooted toward the door. “We’re not parking this time, Daniel. We need to talk.”
“We can do that later.” Daniel lunged, his mouth devouring mine. As he squished against me, my elbow wedged against the door and his weight on my chest pressed into my air passages. I couldn’t breathe.
CHAPTER SIX
“Daniel!” I shouted. “I wanted to talk, not make out.”
He lifted his head, brows drawn. “You mean you were serious?”
“Yes.” I shoved, but his full weight made him hard to budge. Disgusting. “Get off.”
“I don’t mind getting off. Just put your hand right here—”
“You know what?” I gritted my teeth. “Just take me to my car. Now.” He didn’t even deserve the speech, whatever it may have been. After today, I’d never speak to his stupid ass again. He’d get the idea soon enough.
“What? We just got here.” He aimed for my mouth, his tongue poking past my lips.
I shoved harder, blasting his back into the dashboard.
“Ow!”
“I said no.” I adjusted my shirt.
“Damn it, Autumn. You’ve kept me waiting for weeks. I swear, I’m not waiting until prom night.”
“Prom night?” My face skewed. He assumed I’d sleep with him then? Oh, he had some nerve.
“Come on, baby. I promise you’ll love it.” Daniel reached over and hit the button to make my seat recline, then he pounced. In a flash, he was climbing over to my side, trying to kiss me again.