We stand there grinning at one another like fools for a moment. I don’t care if I look stupid. I like looking at him.
Then I stand on my tiptoes as he leans down and our lips meet. It’s sweet, warm, gentle, and makes the butterflies shut up. It’s like hundredth kiss but still feels like the first.
“You ready?” he asks when we part.
“Yep.”
He opens the passenger door for me and shuts it when I’m settled inside.
I watch him walk around his car and climb into the driver’s seat.
His father is taking a hunting vacation and spending the summer in town. I have a feeling this decision is because of me. Malik won’t admit to asking him. Perhaps he didn’t. Maybe his dad is super chill and sees our love, or maybe he truly needs a vacation. Actually, it’s probably a combination of all of the above as well as almost losing his own father. Almost losing my brother was awful.
So Malik and I are spending every possible minute together. He says New York isn’t far, and he’s been there before. He’s sure he’ll go back again too.
I’ve no doubt this summer will the best we’ve ever had. We deserve it.
He puts the car into reverse and backs out of the driveway as my phone chirps.
I pull it out and see a text from Mom.
Remember no hood, no entrance.
Mom!
Also by Jennifer Fischetto
Jamie Bond Mysteries
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Unbreakable Bond
Secret Bond
Lethal Bond
Dangerous Bond
Bond Ambition (short)
Jamie Bond Mysteries Boxed Set
* * *
Gianna Mancini Mysteries
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Christmas, Spies & Dead Guys (short)
Lipstick, Lies & Dead Guys
Mini Skirts, Mai Tais & Dead Guys
Cupcakes, Butterflies & Dead Guys
* * *
Danger Cove Mysteries
* * *
Death by Scones
* * *
Disturbia Diaries
* * *
I Spy Dead People
Acknowledgments
A huge thank you to Kristen Painter for inviting me to play in her awesome world. This has been a great experience.
Special thanks and the warmest hugs to Rebekah L. Purdy and Amy Martin for reading this story, sharing their thoughts, and helping me to make Aria the best she could be.
To my amazing copy editor, Megan Kelly from MK Books Editing, for not only editing but for boosting my ego by pointing out the parts that made her laugh.
A big shout out to the terrific authors I spend my days with on Chatzy. Your encouragement and support is priceless. And to Keri Knutson for the adorable cover.
This book wouldn’t be what it is without each of you.
About the Author
Jennifer Fischetto is the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of the Jamie Bond Mysteries. Unbreakable Bond, her adult debut novel, received a National Reader's Choice award nomination. She writes dead bodies for ages 13 to six-feet-under. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, singing (off-key), and watching an obscene amount of TV, especially horror movies—the scarier the better.
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Sign up for her newsletter for new releases and up-to-date information at:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v0r1t7
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