So Many Boys

by Suzanne Young

  “May I have this dance?” he asked.

  I looked around the empty bleachers and the field beyond. “Here?” There weren’t even any paper flowers!

  “Right here.”

  I stared at him, seeing both his affection for me and his insecurity that I might walk away at any moment. And to be honest, I knew I should.

  “Right now,” he added, pulling me just a little closer.

  Being against him and enjoying it were wrong. But I couldn’t stop myself even if I tried. There were things I’d done in my past that I wasn’t proud of. All the time with SOS, Christian, and some of my poor relationship choices with Aiden. And even as I stood, slow dancing in the bleachers, feeling completely…well, smitten, I had a feeling that out of any of my mistakes, this could wind up being my worst one.

  Totally and completely falling for my ex-best friend’s ex-boyfriend.

  SOS INTER-KITTEN COMMUNICATION

  Dear Smitten Kittens,

  The roster is posted, naming the new candidates for the squad. You’ll see the list reprinted below. The tryouts will be held this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. in the gymnasium.

  Candidates:

  Chloe Ferril

  Maureen Sarver

  Sara Fricola

  Anne Lancing

  All Smitten Kittens (even the suspended ones) are expected to attend and vote. Don’t be late.

  Keep smiling,

  Leona ☺

  FROM: Aiden Wilder baller8@wsu.edu

  TO: Tessa Crimson smittenkitten@yahoo.com

  SENT: Sunday, September 30, 1:01 a.m.

  SUBJECT: STILL WAITING

  When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here. I won’t give up, Tess.

  I love you.

  Aiden

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

  Disclaimer: The same ex-boyfriends that were not harmed in the writing of book 1 were also not harmed in the writing of So Many Boys. However, some of the emotions in the situations may or may not reflect feelings the author could have possibly experienced at some point in her life.

  First, I have to thank Melissa Sarver for her continued patience and dedication to this series. And always knowing how to talk me down when I freak myself out.

  My editor Anne Heltzel, who worked tirelessly on this project. You make my chest ache! And of course all of the wonderful folks at Razorbill, thank you for supporting me and my neurotic tendencies. And for promising me gold stars!

  I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by supportive, brilliant friends. First, Heather Hansen, who is never afraid to tell me the truth and who is always there to sing my praises. You make me a better person. Amanda Morgan, a smiling face that always cheers me up and reminds me of who I am. Trish Doller, just about the best person in the world to write with, is completely inspiring. Daisy Whitney, your brilliance makes me feel like an awful writer, but it also makes me work harder. And some great friends: Lisa Schroeder, Laini Taylor, and all the amazing authors that have made Portland home.

  Thanks to the Tenners, an amazing group of debut authors who continue to support me and listen to the highs and lows of the biz. The very cool bloggers that have gotten me excited about my own books with their never-ending charm. The musers who listen to my complaints. And the great businesspeople who have always offered me advice throughout the process: Alice Pope, Jen Rofe, Jordanna Fraiberg LeVine, and Laura Schechter.

  Thank you all for investing your time in me. I hope I make you proud.

  Finally, my love belongs with my family. My wonderful, sometimes funny husband, Jesse. (Just kidding, honey. Always funny.) And my equally entertaining children, Joseph and Sophia, who never let me take myself too seriously. My mother, Connie, and my sisters, brothers, cousins, and all you other folks who share DNA with me . . . THANK YOU.

  And as always, to my grandmother: You are always with me, and I still miss you every day. Thank you for giving me permission to take chances.