Scooped (Love Edited Romance #1)

Prologue

I can’t believe this is happening! Dreams really do come true.

In less than half an hour, Seth Cox will pick me up for the Sadie Hawkins dance.

Somehow, I’ve got to hold it together, despite the army of butterflies swarming in my stomach.

I smooth a hand over my dress, willing myself to get a grip.

My reflection in the mirror catches my attention.

Gah! I look so pale. I reach for a brush and apply more blush. Much better.

If only I didn’t have these gosh-awful braces.

I hate being a metal mouth. Hopefully, the lip gloss won’t draw any undue attention to the shine.

My orthodontist keeps assuring me that someday, I’ll have a winning smile and will be grateful for all the pain, suffering, and embarrassment my braces have caused. I guess that remains to be seen.

As if the braces and glasses aren’t awful enough, my hair’s in between curly and straight, meaning that it’s frizzy and uncontrollable most of the time.

Tonight, I used a curling iron. After an hour and a half of contorting myself to work the thing, I’m somewhat pleased with the result.

I can only hope that Seth will think I’m pretty …

err, at least passably attractive. I grin, imagining what Chloe Thompson, Ashley Jennings, and the other girls will think when I show up at the dance with the one guy all the girls swoon over.

Seth plays trumpet in the band. He came on my radar at the beginning of my seventh-grade year, and I’ve been crushing on him ever since.

How could I not notice him? The trumpet section is in direct view of where I stand in the drum section.

It gives me the benefit of watching Seth without being too obvious about it.

Seth’s the class clown, always with something witty to say. I love his wavy hair and easy grin.

A couple of months ago, something serendipitous happened.

I was leaving the band room when Seth noticed that I had dropped a sheet of music.

In a show of chivalry that rivaled any knight in shining armor, he picked it up and called out to me.

When I heard his voice and realized he was talking to me, the world stopped turning.

“You dropped this,” Seth said with his trademark grin.

“Thanks,” I stammered as we shared a smile. We might’ve actually had a conversation had I not been so tongue-tied.

“See ya around.” Seth gave me a cavalier wink before striding away.

I lived on that experience for days afterwards, my feet hardly touching the ground.

Seth used to be an item with Tara Hines, the head cheerleader.

However, the two recently broke up. Word is that Tara dumped Seth for Malcom Mitchell, the captain of the football team.

Seth was torn up about the breakup, but one would never know it from looking at him.

He constantly cracks jokes and enjoys showing everyone how good he is on the trumpet.

If he weren’t so dang cute, I might even consider him cocky.

However, Seth has such a fun-loving personality that it’s hard not to be smitten with him.

He can get away with much more than the average person ever dreams of.

Even our band director, Mrs. Wallace, aka The Ice Queen, has a soft spot for Seth and lets him get away with murder while making everyone else toe the line.

Knowing that I’ll probably never get another opportunity to go out with Seth, I worked up the nerve to ask him to the Sadie Hawkins Dance via text. It took an entire day for him to respond. Just when I thought he never would, the text came.

Sure, I’ll go.

That was two weeks ago. I kept expecting—hoping—Seth would mention something about the dance during band, but he hasn’t breathed a word.

And I was too chicken to bring up the topic …

or even give him a hint. Mom and Dad keep asking what time Seth is picking me up for the dance.

Finally, I texted, asking and sent him my address. He responded with,

Pick you up at seven.

I texted,

Looking forward to it.

He said,

Sounds good.

I have no idea what to say to Seth or how to act around him, but I have to talk, or he’ll think I’m a moron.

I spritz on a tiny amount of perfume. It would be disastrous for the scent to be overpowering.

Mom insists on taking pictures. She’s giddy—has been waiting for this moment since the day I was born.

I just hope Seth will be okay with her over enthusiasm.

A knock at the door nearly jerks me out of my skin. Is Seth here already? My palms are so sweaty. Eek. What if I have to hold Seth’s hand for the pictures? I wipe my hands on my dress. Oops. Not good. What if it leaves a stain? “Who is it?” I ask.

“Dad.”

I take a final glance at my appearance and press down my curls. I hope they’re not too big.

“Are you okay, hon?”

“I’m fine. Come in.” I relax ever so slightly. Seth isn’t here, or Dad would’ve already said something. That means I have a little more time to pull myself together.

He steps inside, a tender smile curving his lips. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Dad.” A shaky laugh leaves my mouth. “You have to say that.”

His smile widens. “I’m only saying it because it’s true. I’m so proud of you.” His eyes go moist. “Your first date.”

“Don’t make a big deal about it when Seth comes. I don’t want him to get weirded out.”

“Why would he get weirded out?”

“Just trust me on this.”

He frowns. “I know your mom’s keen on this Seth character because he’s one of her prized pupils, but maybe I should have a talk with him before y’all leave so we can set a few ground rules.”

Heat blowtorches through me. “Don’t you dare say a word. That would be so humiliating.”

“I wanna make sure he respects you.”

“He will! Dad, you’ll embarrass me. Please, don’t say anything.”

“I don’t like this, London.”

Dad can be so exasperating. “Why’re you making such a big deal about this? It’s just a simple dance.”

“You’re riding in his car. I need to make sure that he’ll be a gentleman.”

“He will.” My body temp spikes, causing my glasses to fog up to the point where I can’t see a thing. I tear them off and wave them in the air to clear the lenses.

Dad’s expression turns puzzled. “Honey, why’re you getting so upset about this?”

“I just don’t want you to make me look stupid. I asked Seth to this dance, remember? I don’t want him to get weirded out about taking me.”

“I’m sure he’s honored to take you,” Dad responds in a possessive tone that suggests he couldn’t imagine any scenario other than one where Seth is privileged to take his little princess to the dance.

It would be a waste of breath to explain that I’m counting my lucky stars that Seth Cox even agreed to go out with me.

If it hadn’t been for the fact that Seth’s younger sister, Cassie, is my closest friend, I never would’ve gotten Seth’s number to text him to begin with.

“Just don’t grill him, okay?” My heart hammers like it’s trying to punch through my ribcage.

“Okay.” Dad gives me one of those concerned father knows best looks that drives me berserk. “London, you’re wound up way too tight. You need to relax. Breathe.” He paddles his hands and makes a show of taking in a long breath.

Of course I’m wound up tight. I’m going out with the guy of my dreams. I hate to break it to Dad, but no amount of breathing is going to calm these nerves.

“Your mom sent me up here to get you so she can snap a few pictures before Seth arrives.” He juts his thumb toward the doorway.

I want to get the wretched pictures over with ASAP.

I drop my phone into my purse and slide the strap over my shoulder.

The last thing I want is to tromp back up the stairs in these skyscraper heels to get my purse after Seth arrives.

He’d take one look at me clopping like a horse, and run for the hills.

The heels looked so chic when I tried them on at a trendy store in the mall.

Sadly, they didn’t have my size, so I opted for the ones a half a size too big.

Big mistake, considering the heels are four inches tall.

I thought about returning them but was worried I wouldn’t find anything else that looked as good.

I follow Dad down the stairs, clutching the handrail while trying not to trip over my feet.

I should’ve chosen comfort over looks. It’s bound to be a tricky night with these clodhoppers.

When we near the bottom of the stairs, my younger brother runs into the foyer. He peers up at me with a taunting grin.

“London’s got a boyfriend,” he sings.

“Shut up, Bryce!”

He makes smooching sounds and kisses his forearm.

My temper ignites in a flash. “Stop it,” I order. If Bryce keeps this up, so help me—heels, dress, curled hair, and all—I’ll pummel his smart mouth.

“Hey.” Dad gives me a warning look. “Don’t be mean to your brother.”

I touch my chest as the words fly out. “He’s the one harassing me.” Bryce always gets a free pass because he’s the youngest. It’s disgusting.

“Be nice to your sister, Bryce,” Dad says in the tone he uses when acting as the mediator.

Bryce throws me a snarky grin and darts off. I love my brother and try to be patient with him, since he’s three years younger. However, in times like tonight, the little menace knows just how to push my buttons.

As I enter the kitchen, Mom exclaims, “You look so beautiful.” She gives me a radiant smile brimming with pride.

“Thanks, Mom.” I touch the arm of my glasses and duck my head. I prefer to fly under the radar and am not used to getting this much praise from my parents, who are overjoyed about me going on my first date.

Mom’s cutting up veggies for a salad. Putting down the knife, she wipes her hands on a dishtowel and reaches for her digital camera. “Let’s take some pictures in the foyer. We’ll get several of you and then a few more when Seth arrives.”

I glance at the clock on the microwave. It’s ten minutes after seven. I’m on the verge of hyperventilating. “Sure.”

We go to the foyer, where Mom snaps pictures with the intensity of a paparazzi.

All the while, Bryce makes faces and sticks out his tongue.

I can’t resist making a few faces back. Of course, Mom captures the whole thing on camera.

After Mom poses me in every possible way she can think of, the photo session is finally over.

Dad pulls out his phone. “Well, it’s seven thirty.” He glances at the front door in concern.

The edges of Mom’s eyes tighten. “What time was Seth supposed to pick you up?”

“Seven,” I squeak. “Maybe I should check my phone. He might’ve texted that he’s running late.”

Mom smiles in relief. “Yes, that’s probably it.”

I pull the phone from my purse. “No text.” It never occurred to me that Seth might stand me up. A wall of tears presses behind my eyes. Is that what’s happening?

“You should send him a text,” Dad encourages. “Ask if he’s on the way.”

With trembling hands, I do so and hold my breath, waiting. His reply seems to take forever.

Sorry, something came up. Can’t make it.

The words are a sucker punch. I gag and struggle to catch my breath.

“Hon, what’s wrong?”

Dizziness envelopes me as I stagger. These awful heels are worse than stilts. Humiliation burns through my veins. How will I ever show my face again? I should’ve known that Seth Cox would never actually go out with me.

“What’s wrong? Princess, are you okay?” Dad touches my arm.

“Seth—” My chest heaves up and down, throat closing. I try again. “Seth isn’t coming.”

Dad’s eyebrows squish together. “Why not?”

I throw up my hands. “I don’t know. He said something came up.”

“That’s unacceptable. Let me have your phone. I’ll call him.”

Horror streaks through me. “No.” I’m such a fool, shopping for an entire day to find the perfect dress. And then I bought these horrible shoes and curled my hair.

It was all for nothing.

Dad holds out his hand, voice stern. “London, give me your phone. You have to teach people how to treat you. I’ll respond to Seth Cox.”

“No,” I gasp. “No!” My entire body is on fire. It’s bad enough to have Seth ditch me. Dad heaping on his drama is too much.

Mom places a hand on my arm. “There must be an explanation, Seth’s a nice boy. I don’t think he’d do something to intentionally hurt you.” Mom always tries to give people—especially her former students—the benefit of the doubt. However, it won’t work this time.

I jerk my arm away. “Don’t make excuses for him; he doesn’t deserve it.”

“You’re darn right about that,” Dad fumes.

“I hate him,” I rage as I bolt up the stairs … err, at least as fast as these awful

heels will allow.

I don’t know how or when.

But there’s one thing I know to the depth of my soul.

Seth Cox is gonna pay!