Chris Sanders was going to ask me to Winter Formal? Me?

If that was the case then I'd seriously have to reconsider my decision.

I inhaled so sharply that I almost had a coughing fit. Luckily, I didn't. That wouldn't have made a very good impression on the hottest guy in school, who was getting closer to me with every step he took.

I forced myself to be cool. It was a struggle.

"Hey, Nikki," he said as he approached the table.

"Hey," I squeaked as if I'd been chewing on a helium sandwich.

His gaze flicked to the very amused Melinda and then back to me. "Can I talk to you?" "Uh-huh." Another squeak.

His dazzling smile widened. "Let's go out in the hall. If that's okay."

"Sure." I slid out from behind the table and followed him to the hallway, right next to a long bank of lockers that I leaned against to give the illusion of casual confidence. I wished Melinda had given me some kind of warning so I could have worn something nicer than black jeans and my old blue cableknit sweater. At least my ankle boots had heels. Since Chris was tall-and I wasn't-it helped a bit.

"I want to ask you something," he began. "I know this is last minute, but I'd really like you to go to Winter Formal with me. If you want to."

And there it was.

Since I was completely stunned, I didn't say anything for a moment. I think he took that to mean I wasn't sure how to answer.

His smile faded a bit around the edges. "I mean, I know we don't know each other very well, but I think you're really cool. And pretty. And you'd be great to hang out with. But if you're not interested, I totally understand-" "No." I cut him off. "I'm interested. I'm definitely interested. I'd love to go to the dance with you."

The smile returned. "Well, good. I've got a limo and everything lined up."

"That'll do nicely." I grinned at him.