Jaded (Rock Star Trilogy) - By Mercy Amare Page 0,16

well after midnight. After we say good night, I go upstairs, take a shower, and go straight to bed. I don't even take the time to blow dry my hair because I'm so exhausted.

Thursday, September 10

7:30 am

Somebody like you.

When I wake up this morning, I promise myself that I'm going to go to bed at a sensible time tonight. Of course, I know that's not going to happen, but I'm more than ready for the upcoming weekend so I can sleep in.

When I look in the mirror, I let out a squeal. My hair is sticking up all over, and I remember that I went to bed with wet hair. I quickly comb through it, and put it in two braids. I straighten my bangs. Then, I get dressed in a rush, again.

I run out the door, and smile when I see Stephan standing outside. “I want to ride in your car today,” he says.

I don't have to be asked twice. I open my garage door, and unlock my car. “Get in.”

Stephan and I get in the car, and I back out of my driveway. My security guard, Bob, follows close behind in his big, black SUV.

When I take off, I decide to show off a little bit. I don't even get close to flooring it, but Stephan and me are both thrown back on the seat. I shift out of first, and love how the car jerks as I shift into second, and then third. It only takes a few seconds to get up to 75. I let off the gas and slow down to 45, which is speed limit.

Did I mention that I love my car? Cause I DO.

“I want to drive your car,” he pauses. “No, I need to drive your car.”

I laugh. “I actually don't let anybody else drive it. Not even my mom, or dad.”

“What about Alec?” Is that jealousy I hear in his voice?

“Once,” I admit. “But I was extremely drunk, and he only drove it five miles from his house to mine. Besides, he has a car that is much more expensive than mine that he lets me drive all the time.”

“I was wondering something...” He pauses mid sentence.

“Yeah?” I ask, when he doesn't continue.

“You and Alec... Are you two more than just friends?”

“NO!” I say immediately. “He's like an older brother to me. That's it.”

“I saw pictures of you two on the internet.”

My face suddenly feels warm. “We were both drunk that night. We never had sex. We just made out. I honestly don't even remember it, I was so wasted. I didn't know until I saw the pictures online the next day. After that night, we promised to never get drunk together again.”

I pull into the parking spot at school, but neither of us get out.

“It must not have been that great of a kiss, if you forgot about it.” He pauses, then adds, “But, if I kissed you, you definitely would remember.”

“I wouldn't know,” I flirt. “Maybe someday you'll have to... show me...”

“Maybe I will,” he says, leaning closer. His lips are so close, I can feel the warmth from them. My heart is beating so fast that I feel like it's going to beat it's way out my chest. But he doesn't come any closer. “Maybe I won't.”

I roll my eyes, and back away from him. “Stephan, you sure have a way with the ladies. Tell me, how come you're single?”

I get out of the car, and basically shut my door in his face. I start walking towards my first class, and I hear Stephan run up behind me.

“Maybe I'm single because I haven't found anybody who I would consider being with long term. Maybe I have been waiting for somebody special,” he says sweetly. “Maybe somebody like you.”

The bell rings, and I jump at the sudden, loud noise.

“See you in study hall,” Stephan says, walking away from me.

11:59 am

Stephan Montgomery has a heart after all...

After study hall, Stephan follows me out into the hallway.

“Want to eat lunch with me?” he asks.

“Are you ok with eating with Ethan?” I ask him.

He sighs. “Come on, Scarlett. What is the deal with you and my stepbrother?”

“He's my friend,” I answer, firmly. “Ethan is cool. I don't know what your problem is with him, but you need to get over it. He is your family.”

“He is not my family. He's just the son of the man my mother married.” His voice is bitter. “As long as you eat lunch with him, I