Lola’s POV

For a second, I couldn’t find words. His expression didn’t change.

“I… what?”

“You heard me,” he said. “I’m tired of pretending. You and me, let's stop acting.”

Before I could respond, he added, “And stay away from Flint.”

That snapped me out of it. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t like him,” he said, his voice even.

“That’s not a reason,” I snapped back. “Why?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he moved behind me, so close I could feel the ...