Stubborn

by Jeanne Arnold

  Brimming with absolute joy and satisfaction, I realized I had unwittingly plotted the most outrageous payback in the history of the world—without even trying.

  I grinned smugly at all of the gawking girls waiting for their bus as I climbed into Gabe’s pickup and my mother headed to her van.

  “I think you owe me my birthday present now,” Gabe said as he drove too fast over a speed bump in the school parking lot. I practically flew into his lap from the center of the cab. His books slid all over the floor. He didn’t seem to notice.

  “Will this do?”

  I angled back against the door and furiously popped the buttons on my shirt and pretended I was going to flash him in all my naked glory. It was a blast to watch his face.

  The truck skidded to a stop. Gabe’s hazel eyes startled to attention, his complexion washed out, and he looked as if he might burst a vein in his neck.

  It was finally my turn to surprise him.

  Underneath my blouse, as if by some crazy chance I knew how his birthday would pan out—I’d been wearing the infamous pink, snug-fitting Rockin’ the Bakken T-shirt.

  It must have been fate.

  Acknowledgments

  To my husband for your unconditional support, encouragement and inspiration. To my family and friends for your overwhelming support and enthusiasm as I re-launch this series. To each of you in the publishing world who have given me creative input and invaluable assistance in helping me grow new wings. Thank you.

  About the Author

  Jeanne Arnold is an author of young adult and new adult novels. She has a background in art and design and recently began channeling her creativity into writing. Jeanne shares her time with her fictional teenage counterparts and her human family in Central New York. Visit the author at www.jeannearnoldbooks.com

  Continue Avery’s journey in

  Just as Stubborn, the second book in the series.