"I see you've trained your guard dog," Crew said when we met, his eyes on Bryan walking down the street. He turned his attention to me.
"He's my friend and a good guy, Crew, which are two things I can't say about you."
"Did you forget that we had a study date?" he asked, ignoring my comment.
"Until you called my name, yes." I had no motivation to spare his feelings.
"Hmmm. I may have to better impress upon you the honor of being asked to study with me. I'm pretty important," he said.
"I think I perfectly comprehend the torture—I mean, honor—of hanging out with you."
"This is why I like you. You're a challenge." His eyes had a predatory gleam.
"Boy, do I hate being right all the time," I mumbled to myself.
A group of girls walking from the church to the school passed us. "Don't do it! He's a jerk! Just walk away!" one of the girls called out to me.
"One of your conquests?" I asked. "She seems unsatisfied."
Crew chuckled, then reached for my hand. I backed away and gave him a look.
"J
