Chapter 1
“One hundred bucks says you won’t do it.” I looked up from my drink.
“What?”
My best friend Mason pointed across the room.
Violet Vale sat alone in the corner booth of the diner, headphones on, black hair falling over one shoulder as she flipped through the pages of a book. She was the school loner. Few friends, barely any parties…
She looked beautiful.
Intimidating too.
Like she’d rather stab someone than make small talk.
“Date her,” Mason said. I snorted. “You’re insane.”
“You’ve been staring at her for weeks.” he teases lightly
“That’s because she looks like she knows how to hide a body.”
“Exactly. It’s intriguing.” Our other friends laughed. I rolled his eyes.
“Pretty sure she hates everyone.” “Then it should be easy,” Mason said smugly.
“No feelings involved. One date. Make her like you. One hundred dollars.” I wished I said no.
Instead, I glanced toward Violet again. She pushed her hair behind her ear absentmindedly while reading.
Soft expression.
Pretty hands. Something warm twisted in my chest.
“Fine,” I muttered. Mason grinned.
“Oh my God, you actually agreed.” “It’s a stupid bet.”
“Exactly."
With a sigh I stood from the booth before I could rethink it. I walked across the diner toward her.
Violet glanced up as I approached. Dark, sharp eyes piercing through mine.
“Can I help you?” she asked. Her tone suggested she hoped the answer was no. I smiled anyway. “I was wondering if you’d let me buy you coffee sometime.”
