"I think he likes Raven," she said.
Alexander paused.
"Are you trying to start trouble?" he asked.
"I'm just being honest."
"Well, he's going out with our friend Scarlet," I said. "Besides, Alexander doesn't have to worry about anyone."
"You should keep an eye on him," she warned Alexander. "I don't trust him."
"I have to keep my eyes on you," Alexander said. "One night out and you're already meeting boys and getting new dresses and hanging around the town bully."
Stormy giggled again. "Too bad you didn't come."
"Well, you've both had a full evening," he said, pulling into my driveway.
I stepped out of the car, and Stormy jumped out of the Mercedes, too. Instead of extending her hand to say good night, she smiled and leaned in to me. She wrapped her lithe arms around my waist and gave me a hug so hard I melted inside. Then she hopped into the front seat.
I was so flattered. I had had a great time, and so had Stormy.
Alexander took my hand and walked me to the door.
"I see you've made a good impression on her."
"I really had a blast," I said. "I wish I had a little sister."
We turned around and saw Stormy watching us from the car. I knew she was dying to see if her brother would kiss me.
She turned away like she hadn't been looking. She leaned over and got the dress out of the bag and began eyeing it instead.
She turned away like she hadn't been looking. She leaned over and got the dress out of the bag and began eyeing it instead.
Alexander took the now private opportunity and leaned in and kissed me. His lips were so tender that I became lost in them. Suddenly the car horn honked and we both jumped.
I tried to catch my breath, and Alexander was now frustrated with his sibling. Then we both burst out laughing.
"See, she's not so mannerly after all," my boyfriend said. "Thanks so much," he added as I unlocked the door. "This meant a lot to me."
"You don't have to thank me," I said truthfully. "I've been waiting for nights like these for all my life." d
Chapter 8 Surprise Invite
The following evening at dinner, I was chomping on grilled herb chicken when Billy asked out of the blue, "How long will Stormy be in town?"
"Why?" I wondered.
"The fall dance is coming up at school. I thought I could invite her."
I was stunned at my brother's suggestion. First, I couldn't imagine that my nerdy little brother had become brave enough to ask a girl to a dance, and two, the girl he wanted to be his date was a vampire.
"That would be so nice," my mom gushed. "I think you should."
"Sorry. No such luck," I said. "I think you should go, by all means, but you should ask one of your friends at school."
"Won't she be in town?" he asked. "It's this week."
I knew she'd be in town and I wasn't prepared to lie, even though it was the easiest solution.