Kissing the Shy Guy - Stephanie Street Page 0,50

she had Down’s Syndrome. But how would he handle being around her? Everyone was different. I’d learned that over the years. It wasn’t easy trusting someone new. Some people were ruthless. I couldn’t imagine Adam being that way, but then, I hadn’t thought Josh would be, either.

The first time he’d come over to our house, he’d tried, he really did. Not everyone knew how to be around Melly, who loved everyone and made sure they knew it. She was loving and affectionate, and once she knew you, you were her new best friend. Josh hadn’t liked the way Melly held his hand or hugged him at random times. He’d tried to play it off, and I’d tried to convince Melly not everyone wanted to be hugged all the time, but she was determined everyone needed hugs. I tended to agree, but Josh was uncomfortable. He wasn’t mean. And he did try, but he didn’t like it.

Why hadn’t I dumped him before giving him the satisfaction of dumping me?

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

Adam brought his chin back. “Why not? We need to rehearse, and you need to be there for your family. Two birds. One stone.”

I bit my lip. I didn’t want to offend him, but Melly was more important. How could I trust him with my sister? It was hard enough knowing she was at school every day with people who weren’t always kind to her.

I used to try to fight her battles—likely the source of my mean girl reputation—but in the end, I learned Melly had to fight a few of her own. She was good at winning people over with her innocence and sincere happiness, which she loved to share with everyone.

It was a different story at home. Home was a safe place for Melly, and I was determined to keep it that way. “What about Melly?” I asked, my voice small.

Adam blinked. “What about Melly?”

I didn’t know what to say. I’d been in this situation enough times in the last sixteen years you’d think I would have perfected my role in it, but I hadn’t.

“Well, I just, I want,” I broke myself off and took a breath.

Adam stared down at me, his brows furrowed with confusion. “What? You think Melly being around is a problem for me?”

I didn’t reply. I couldn’t.

Adam’s eyes widened with astonishment. “Jenna,” he reached for my hand. “I’m going to choose not to be offended by what you’re implying because we don’t know each other that well, but I would never, ever do anything to make either you or Melly uncomfortable. And I certainly am not concerned about spending time with your sister.”

Hot tears stung my eyes. I’d been Melly’s defender for so long. She didn’t always need one, but I was it and always would be when she did. I’d never let her down. I loved her more than I loved anyone. And I’d crush anyone who tried to hurt her. Innocent Melly had no walls raised to protect herself, so I’d built enough for the both of us.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. I just,” I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my jangled nerves. “I just don’t want anyone to hurt her.”

Adam’s gaze softened. With my hand still tucked inside his, he took a step closer. “I would never hurt either of you. Not if I could help it.”

I blinked, and a single tear ran down my cheek. Gently, I pulled my hand from his and wiped the moisture from my face. “all right. If it’s okay with you, let’s go to my house.”

Adam nodded. “That sounds good. Let’s do that.”

I didn’t expect Adam to follow me to get Melly, but he opened one of the double doors separating the music wing from the rest of the school and held it open.

Taking a deep breath, I walked under his arm. “I hope you’re ready for this.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

A wicked grin curved my lips. “I mean, Melly is going to love you.”

And she did—a lot. Melly hadn’t spared even a glance for me, her attention was so focused on Adam. It shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did when Melly threw her arms wide and ran straight at him, calling him by name.

“Adam!” She charged like a bull, but Adam was ready. Apparently, he was used to Melly’s hugs, which resembled attacks. Adam had said he knew my sister.

Melly hugged Adam tight, her glasses askew as she pressed the side of her