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the window at the dark trees that lined the road. Huge, ramshackle old Victorian houses surrounded a few smaller, newer houses— run-down little boxes. Adam pulled the car into a driveway next to one of these.
    It was a one-story house with a rickety porch stuck on the front. Except for a yellow bulb by the side door, the house was completely dark.
    â€œWell,” Adam said with a hint of sarcasm, “here we are. Home sweet home.”
    He pulled the keys from the ignition and started to get out of the car.
    Carter made no move to follow.
    It was obvious to her that no one was home. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be so completely alone with Adam.
    On the other hand, she was curious to see whathis house was like. And she couldn’t forget that kiss—that kiss he had given her a week before.
    Would he kiss her again?
    Half of her was afraid he would—and the other half longed for it to happen again.
    He closed the car door and headed to the house. He didn’t look back. He seemed to know that she’d follow him. And she did.
    He unlocked the side door and flicked on the light. Carter found herself in a tidy kitchen.
    â€œWe’ve got the place to ourselves,” Adam said. “Mom works nights.”
    He opened the refrigerator, grabbed a couple of sodas, and led her to the couch in the living room. He turned on a lamp and sat beside her.
    The living room was neat, but shabby. The furniture—a worn couch, a rag carpet, some scuffed wooden chairs, and a coffee table covered with white cup rings—reminded Carter of the furniture she’d made fun of in a mountain cabin her family had rented once.
    â€œSo,” said Adam, flipping open his can of soda. “Did you get your test score yet?”
    â€œIt was great—seven thirty. Thanks for doing such a good job, Adam.”
    â€œNo problem.” He took a swig of soda, then put the can on the table and turned toward her. He touched her hair, then her earlobe.
    â€œNice earrings,” he said. “Are they new?”
    Carter’s hands flew to her ears. She’d meant totake the diamond earrings off before this date, but she’d forgotten. She felt embarrassed to be wearing such extravagant jewelry in a modest house like Adam’s.
    â€œDaddy gave them to me,” she said, blushing.
    â€œAfter he heard your test score, right?”
    He fingered her earlobe, watching the diamond sparkle in the light. It seemed to fascinate him.
    Carter pulled her head away. “Let’s not talk about the test,” she said. “That’s all over now.”
    â€œAll right. I’ll change the subject. Let’s talk about your friend Jill.”
    â€œWhat about her?”
    â€œShe’s cool. You know my friend Ray Owens? Ray really likes her.”
    â€œSo?” Ray Owens had five tattoos and three earrings. Unlike Adam, he wasn’t smart. As far as Carter was concerned, Jill and Ray lived on two different planets.
    â€œSo I want you to fix them up. We’ll double— you, me, Ray, and Jill. Tomorrow night.”
    Carter gaped at him. Not only was he demanding another date with her, now he wanted to drag Jill into it too.
    Jill would never go along with it. How could Carter explain it to her?
    Still, Carter was careful when she answered him. Diplomatic.
    â€œJill’s already got a boyfriend. She’s really not free to go out with other people.”
    â€œThat’s not important,” Adam said. “Ray’s my friend. He wants to go out with Jill. You’re going to set it up. No problem, right?”
    She started to protest, but he stopped her by pressing his mouth against hers.
    She melted. It was a great kiss. But then he pressed down on her harder. She tried to get up. He wouldn’t let her. His chin brushed roughly against her cheek.
    â€œStop!” she screamed. “Stop!” She jumped up, started to back away.
    He followed her, grinning, and pressed