The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad

by O'Gorman, Cookie

Dad: “Going fine. Now, is this the Colton Bishop who removed the screws from your chair in fifth grade and ruined your cupcakes?”

  Me: “Yes.”

  Dad: “The Colton Bishop who filled our mailbox with Swedish Fish that summer?”

  Me: “I’d forgotten about that.”

  Dad: “And wasn’t he the kid who punched Sherriff Molina’s son and nearly got expelled? This is the boy you’re going out with tonight? If you ask me, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  There was movement on the other end of the line, and I heard Mom and Dad arguing, but it was muffled. Someone must’ve remembered to cover the receiver. My bet was on Mom. A minute later, she was back on the line.

  Mom: “You still there, Sadie? Your dad had to be reminded that Colton was not the only boy in history to nearly be expelled for fighting.”

  Me: “Yes, I’m here. And Mom, I know Colton may have done all those things. But he’s really trying to help me.”

  Mom: “I know, baby, but your dad and I just worry. It’s the norm, the universal condition of parents everywhere to be concerned.”

  Dad (in the background): “Especially when their baby girl decides to date a guy like Colton Bishop.”

  Me: “Ugh. Please tell dad this is not a date.”

  Mom: “You sure about that, baby?”

  Me: “One hundred percent.”

  Mom: “Hmm. Well, I think it’s fine if you go, date or not. Your dad and I trust you. Isn’t that right, David?”

  I could hear Dad’s muttered, “Yeah…it’s him I don’t trust.”

  Mom (whispering): “No TP’ing tonight, right? You’ll text when you get home?”

  Me: “No, none of that, and I will definitely text when I get home.”

  Mom: “Okay, then.” She was smiling; I could hear it over the phone. “Have fun, be safe, and I love you.”

  Me: “I will. I love you, Mom. Tell Dad I love him, too.”

  It hadn’t been the worst conversation, though I wasn’t loving the fact that I’d caused them to argue. And I could totally understand why they were concerned—but to be honest? I was more concerned with the state of my list. Specifically, the kissing parts.

  15) Kiss in the rain.

  16) Kiss in the car.

  17) Kiss in public.

  18) Kiss in my bedroom.

  No matter how many times I went over it I kept coming to the same conclusion. I just had no idea how I was going to tell my coach my thoughts while keeping my pride and dignity intact. Sighing, I checked the clock again. Five more minutes, and Colton would officially be late. I was debating the pros and cons of him not showing up when there was a knock at the door.

  I went to answer, and there he was. Colton Bishop, on my doorstep, right on time.

  My stomach was in knots, and I couldn’t tell if it was from fear or excitement.

  “You changed,” he said, looking me over from head to toe. “What happened to the dress?”

  I shrugged, stepping out and shutting the door, feeling a lot more like myself in my cardigan and jeans. “I wanted to be comfortable,” I said as I pulled on my Corner Street Ballroom jacket. “Plus, somebody wouldn’t say what we’re doing tonight, so I didn’t know what to wear.”

  “Okay.” Colton gave a small nod, turned and walked away, expecting me to follow.

  Which I did.

  Ugh.

  When we were both in the car and on the road, I’d finally had enough.

  “Will you just tell me where we’re going?” I said exasperated.

  “There’s this club just outside of Durham called Shots. I’ve been there a few times,” Colton said, drumming his hands on the steering wheel. “We’re going to check that off your list—but I’m telling you now, Sadie, I don’t dance. You’re on your own for that part.”

  Colton said it so easily, but at the word “club,” my body tensed. Social dancing was something outside of my comfort zone. Going to an actual club with a ton of people I didn’t know, doing steps that had no rhyme or reason was kinda daunting. Oh, who was I kidding? I was shaking in my sneakers—which was why I’d added it to my list in the first place. I’d wanted to conquer that fear.

  “Oh,” I said, “that sounds like fun.”

  Colton must’ve sensed something because he said, “You scared, Sadie? Don’t be. It’ll be fine.”

  “I know.” I took a deep breath. “I’ve just never been to a club before. Kinda nervous is all.”

  “Is it the clothes?” he said, shooting a look of disdain at my jacket, cardigan and jeans ensemble. “Because if you want, we can always go back and get that dress.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I happen to like the way I look, Colton.”

  “Even the hair?” he asked dubiously.

  My eyes narrowed to slits, the fear of going to a club forgotten for the moment. “There is nothing wrong with my hair. If I remember correctly, you even mentioned something about it giving men ‘wild thoughts.’”

  “Hmm…did I? I don’t recall the instance to which you’re referring, Sadie.”

  “Do you enjoy irritating me?” I asked.

  “Sometimes,” he said with a grin. “Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there’s something missing from my day if I don’t see the look of derision in your eyes.”

  “It’s hate-fire,” I said simply. “My eyes spit hate-fire whenever I’m around high levels of arrogance.”

  “If that’s a Pitch Perfect reference, I approve.”

  I crossed my arms, secretly impressed.

  “Does that make me Bumper and you Fat Amy?”

  My eyes shot to his. “If you even think of calling me fat at any point tonight, we’re done here.”

  “Wasn’t going to,” Colton said, holding up a palm, his eyes creasing when he glanced my way. “And ah, there it is again. The hate-fire I love to see. My day is now complete.”

  “You’re an idiot,” I huffed.

  “Acca-scuse me?” he said.

  I closed my eyes, shook my head, trying desperately not to laugh. Colton Bishop was not funny. Not at all. He was a jerk, I reminded myself, and there was no way I could be amused by someone I found so insanely annoying.

  We didn’t talk again until we got to Durham—which was probably for the best. If we’d kept the conversation going, there was a fifty-fifty chance Colton wouldn’t have made it to the club alive. And then my list would never be complete because I’d killed my coach and was in jail for 25 to life. Le sigh.

  I met Colton in front of the car, and he said, “Just let me do the talking.”

  “I can speak for myself, thanks,” I said back.

  Colton shook his head and handed me a card.

  “What’s this?” I asked, holding it up to catch the light.

  “It’s your ID,” he said, pulling my hand back down. “The one that says your 21 and old enough to do whatever you want once we get in there.”

  My jaw dropped as I looked at…well, me. It was a picture from last Halloween when I’d gone as a blonde Bellatrix LeStrange—hence the heavy makeup. I wasn’t sure if it made me look 21, but I definitely looked older.

  “Wow,” I said, “did you do this? When did you make it?”

  Colton lifted a brow. “A couple nights ago. Now, are we done with the questions?”

  “Sure.” I shrugged, fluffing my hair a bit, grateful I hadn’t taken off my makeup. I’d gone a bit heavier for the performance today. “I’m just kind of impressed.”

  “Really?” he said, waving as he caught the eye of the bouncer. The big guy smiled and lifted his chin. It looked like they knew each other.

  “No,” I said. “I’ll be impressed if we get in there and you show me this natural rhythm you supposedly have.”

  Colton shook his head, looked me dead in the eye. “Not gonna happen, Sadie.”

  I patted his arm. “Okay, Coach. Let’s do this.”

  It turned out Colton did know the bouncer. He was Eric Greene’s cousin (of course), and he’d let us in with a hands
hake and a smile. Well that, and I couldn’t be sure, but I thought Colton might’ve slipped him a twenty.

  The music was loud. There were a ton of people—college kids liked to party. Who knew? Most of the girls weren’t wearing much, and everyone who wasn’t out there gyrating seemed to have a drink in their hand. I took a sip of my water. Fake ID or not, getting drunk wasn’t on my list. Also, after I’d watched one girl get into a fight with another girl who’d accidentally stepped on her toes, complete with hissing and hairpulling? Yeah, no drinking for me, thanks.

  “You having a good time?”

  I looked at Colton—he was drinking water, too, I noticed. I didn’t know if it was to make me feel more comfortable, but for some reason it did. “It’s okay, basically what I expected. Not really my scene though.”

  “Yeah,” Colton said. “Once you’ve been to one, you’ll feel like you’ve been to them all.”

  “Hmm,” I nodded, not really knowing what else to say.

  Was this it? Why did people go to places like this? The music wasn’t even that good, and all those strangers dancing in that massive swarm of bodies? I shivered.

  “You planning to go out there anytime soon,” Colton said with a knowing grin.

  “I’m working myself up to it,” I sniffed.

  “Really?” he said. “Because we’ve been here about an hour and you haven’t made a move toward the dance floor.”

  “I know,” I said. “I’m just trying to find my happy place in my mind, so when I go out there, I won’t make a fool out of myself.”

  “Sadie, look around.” Colton gestured with a hand. “Who’re you afraid of embarrassing yourself in front of? No one’s even looking at you.”

  “You are,” I said quietly, but was glad he couldn’t hear over the loud music.

  Colton frowned, leaning forward. “What was that?”

  “Nothing,” I said. “Maybe we could do something else on the list while I build up my courage.”

  “Okay,” he said and looked over the crowd. “Have you seen any guys who strike your fancy?”

  “My fancy?” I laughed. “Why Colton, how positively old school of you.”

  “Whatever, you know what I mean. Do you see anyone you find attractive?”

  I nodded. “I have to admit, there are a lot of hot guys here.”

  Colton let out a grunt. “Yeah, like who?”

  “Well,” I said, my gaze landing on a blond guy a few booths away. “He’s kinda cute.”

  With no discretion whatsoever, Colton swung around to look.

  “That guy?” Colton said, thrusting his thumb in the guy’s direction as my eyes widened. Could he be any more obvious? Geez. “You think he’s cute? Sadie, he probably spent an hour on his hair and looks about twelve.”

  I shrugged. “His face is cute. That’s all I’m saying.”

  Colton shook his head. “And he probably kisses ‘cute.’ Is that what you want? A ‘cute’ kisser, someone who’s so hesitant you don’t even know you’ve been kissed? Try again.”

  “Okaaay,” I said and lifted my chin. “What about him?”

  Colton sighed as his eyes landed on my second choice. “Really, Sadie? He’s carrying a man purse. Next.”

  “What about the guy over there? The one leaning against the wall.”

  My third choice was a brunette who was on the other side of the room. He had his hands in his pockets, was tapping his foot to the music, and from here, I thought he was good-looking. Guy #3 got a scowl from Colton.

  “He’s wearing a UNC jersey.”

  “And?” I said. “So are half the guys in here.”

  “That shirt probably means he’s a frat boy,” Colton mumbled before taking a long pull on his water.

  “I think a lot of them are, judging by the number of jerseys.”

  “Didn’t take you for a jock chaser, but okay, if that’s what you want. He’ll probably kiss you—if he’s not too busy staring at his own pretty boy reflection.”

  “First of all, who said anything about kissing?” I shook my head at him. “And second, have you ever heard of the pot calling the kettle black?”

  Colton tsked. “I have, but it doesn’t apply. Unlike him, I woke up like this, no mirror time needed.”

  “And you’re so humble, too,” I said sarcastically.

  “Who needs humble when you’ve got a face and body like this?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Colton’s tone was serious, but I knew it was a joke. The small smile he wore while I laughed said as much.

  Once I’d stopped, I asked, “So, what next?”

  “Just go introduce yourself, and get to the kissing,” Colton said then cleared his throat. “Who knows what the guy may be carrying—those jocks get around—but hell, you need somebody for your list, right?”

  I hadn’t wanted to tell Colton, but I’d actually already made up my mind. About my list, I mean, and more precisely about the kissing parts. There’d been a lot of time to think while I’d waited for him to pick me up tonight. I just didn’t know what I’d do if he turned me down.

  “Colton?” I said.

  “Yeah?”

  Okay, deep breath, Sadie. You can do this. Time to swallow your pride and carpe freaking diem.

  “I was hoping you might want to be my kissing partner.”

  “Come again?” Colton’s face had frozen at my words, but now his forehead creased in a frown. “I must’ve misheard. I thought you just asked me to be your kissing partner.”

  I closed my eyes on a sigh. “Please don’t make me say it again.”

  “But…we talked about this. I thought you wanted someone else.”

  And here was the hard part.

  “Believe me, I’ve thought about it a lot since then,” I said. “It just has to be you. Okay?”

  Colton ran a hand through his hair. “But you don’t even like me. I know it can be confusing with the twin thing. Sadie, I’m not Kyle. This is Colton Bishop you’re talking to, in case you forgot.”

  Okay, I was starting to get a little angry now. “Thanks, Colton, but I can tell the difference. Even at his worst, Kyle never gets on my nerves as much as you do.”

  “Oh, I get it,” he laughed. “Kyle pissed you off, and you want to get back at him. Why didn’t you just say so?”

  “That’s not it.”

  “Then what is it, Sadie? I’m drawing a blank here.”

  “Holy smokes.” I threw up my hands. “I know you, Colton. Alright? I know about your expertise in this area, and I’ve basically known you my whole life. Crazy as it sounds, I don’t think I’m the type of girl who can just kiss someone I don’t know.”

  Colton looked stunned, so I decided to spell it out for him.

  “I want you to kiss me,” I said.

  “What?” he said.

  “I want you to kiss me, Colton,” I repeated louder. “Not some random guy I met at a club called Shots. Not a stranger. You.”

  “Sorry, can you say that again? I didn’t hear you.”

  It was then I noticed his grin, and my cheeks heated up like a furnace, my entire body burning with embarrassment.

  “Oh, ha ha,” I said and crossed my arms. “Real funny, Colton. I hope you got a good laugh out of that.”

  “No really,” he said, moving around to my side of the booth. “I think I need to hear it again to know this isn’t a dream. The Sadie Day needs my help? My”—he lowered his voice—”kissing expertise? I’m shocked.”

  I rolled my eyes, feeling all of the humiliation the words had cost me.

  “Never mind,” I said, scooting farther away from him. “Just forget I asked.”

  “Never,” Colton said. “That’s not something a guy forgets.”

  I shook my head, looking anywhere but at him. “I can’t believe I just said that. God, I am so pathetic, asking something like that of my best friend’s brother.”

  I felt Colton’s body tense beside me, but the words just kept coming.

  “And seriously, you
’re like the most arrogant person on the planet. This’ll probably inflate your ego even more, but I still can’t believe the first time went so well. The kiss, I mean, in the library. And yes, I’ve thought about it, okay? I can’t deny that. How could a person not think about it when it was their first and only kiss? But even so, when it comes to the rest of my list, a girl would have to be nuts to want to do those things with you. But as you always like to remind me, so many of them have. You’re the world’s biggest player, and I guess I thought you wouldn’t mind. I’m just another girl, right? Again, so unbelievably pathetic. What the heck was I thinking?”

  I wasn’t sure how long I’d been talking, but I didn’t think I’d taken a breath the whole time. It felt like something had burst somewhere inside me, all these thoughts and feelings pouring out until I’d completely drenched myself and Colton in an emotional downpour.

  It was then I noticed Colton staring.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.

  “I’m thinking about something,” he said.

  “What?” I asked, not sure I wanted the answer. His eyes were so intense, the ocean blue clear and focused, unwavering from my face.

  His brow furrowed. “Kissing you.”

  “Why would you be thinking that?” My eyes widened as he leaned closer, and my voice was slightly hysterical, a bit breathless. “Didn’t you hear what I just said? You’re off the hook.”

  Colton just shook his head, leaned even closer so that we were breathing the same air.

  “Maybe it’s the only way to shut you up.”

  He raised a hand, and I opened my mouth to protest—then shut it again because now that hand was tangled in my curls.

  He studied my lips. “Maybe I just have a thing for girls who call me on my shit.”

  My breath caught as Colton finally met my eyes.

  “Maybe…I’ve been thinking about it for the last week, and I just want to.”

  Colton kissed me then, and it was like everything else melted away. The way-too-loud music, the smell of cheap beer, the crappy strobe lighting. All of it disappeared. It was just him and me, and this kiss that could erase the world. His lips moved with mine like they’d missed each other and were thrilled to meet again. My hands found their way to his chest. His fingers tightened in my hair, drawing a gasp from me, and he took full advantage. I kissed him back just as fiercely. I couldn’t believe I’d even considered doing this with someone else. It just felt so good, so wonderful, so…right with Colton.