I just looked forward to the one place I wouldn’t have to go—Dullsville High.

The warm summer air breezed through the open classroom doors and windows. I felt a few inches taller. I slung my backpack over my shoulder and briskly walked past the open classrooms.

I was just a few feet away from freedom. I reached out to push the main door open when someone jumped in front of me.

Nothing could spoil my mood today—not on my favorite day of the year. Well, almost nothing. Trevor Mitchell, lifelong nemesis and khaki-wearing thorn in my side, was staring down at me. “You didn’t think I’d let you leave without saying good-bye?”

“Step aside before my boots make contact with your shins,” I warned him.

“I haven’t seen Monster Boy for weeks. Are you keeping him buried somewhere special?”

“Out of my way before I call the morgue. I think they have a vacancy.”

“I’m really going to miss not seeing you every day.” Trevor held his gaze a tad too long, like it had just hit him what he’d said. I could tell he was serious and it surprised him as much as it did me.

“I’m sure you’ll get over it. You’ll have your pick of uber-tanned Baywatch beauties to keep you busy.”

“But what will you do? I heard Monster Boy left town. Forever. That will leave you in town all summer alone.”

I hated that a rumor had started about Alexander being gone.

“He hasn’t left…forever,” I defended. “He’s coming back. But it really doesn’t matter because I’m going to see him. We’re spending the summer together out of town and away from you.”

I knew I was fibbing, but the thought of Trevor hanging out with lifeguards on each arm and mocking me while I waited alone at the Mansion made my mortal blood boil.

Trevor wasn’t thwarted by my challenge. It only spurred him on.

“Then how about one kiss?” he said with a sexy grin.