"Johnny, we can talk over the phone. If my mom catches you here I will never get off punishment," Kimberli reasoned.
“Don’t worry, I parked down the street,” John offered. "She will not know I'm here."
Though it wasn't a completely satisfying response to her real concern, she didn't want to argue with him. Worried her mother would unlock the door to find them chatting in the front room; Kimberli ushered John to her bedroom. John made himself comfortable as he sat on her bed, moving her stuffed bears aside to make space. His dark stare fell upon her, and she felt a quiver go through her. Sometimes the way he gazed at her was so intense, that she felt as though he was peering at her soul and could detect any lie she told. She wrapped her arms around herself as if to provide a defense to hi
