Sneak Peek: Crush Alert

Romance red alert! Crush Alert is available at a bookstore near you. Here's an exclusive sneak peek!

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"Oh, Dad, you always think I’m the best," Charlotte teased, but glowed a little inside. "I’m going up to the Tower, but wanted to let you know that I'm home." Charlotte reached down to pat Marty on the head before heading up to her writing desk.

"Wait," her dad called as she turned to go. "You had several phone calls this evening. Nick Montoya's trying to reach you. Maybe you should give him a call?" Her dad raised one eyebrow, but Charlotte just shook her head and backed out of the room. That awkward lonely feeling came rushing back, just when she thought she had conquered it. I wonder why he’s calling now, she thought as she dashed up to the Tower, with Marty following close behind.

At her desk, she opened the chocolate drawer first, then remembered that she and Avery had finished off the caramel bar. All she had were a few Hershey's kisses with almonds left over from a sleepover. As she booted up her computer, Charlotte opened one up and popped the slightly crunchy chocolate into her mouth.

One new message. Maybe Sophie wrote again! Charlotte sighed with relief as she opened up the e-mail. She could use some of her French friend's wit and wisdom right now!

Her heart leapt—the e-mail wasn’t from Sophie.

From: Nick
To: Charlotte
Subject: Apology

Charlotte,
Hope you get this!!! I owe you big time for the other morning. See, when I asked you to meet me at the bakery, I forgot that I'd already promised Chelsea to meet and work on our Sentinel project and I ran out in a hurry when she called from school, wondering where I was. It's a bogus excuse, I know … I should have called or IMed or something, but I was so late for Chelsea and I figured I would see you in school anyway. And then I didn't.

I'm really bad at apologies, but I'm like really sorry … and I understand if you don't want to talk to me.

your friend,
Nick

PS Your hair looked nice today.

By the end of the e-mail, Charlotte had a huge smile on her face. What a dork I've been for ignoring him!He had no idea I got all dressed up just to ask him to the dance. Usually it wouldn’t be a huge deal if one of them didn't show at the bakery. And then she didn't really give him a chance to explain, because she was sure he liked Chelsea. This dance thing was just making everyone crazy!

Then another thought crept out in between all the others. He noticed my hair! Charlotte grinned down at Marty. "Nick Montoya likes my hair! What do you think of that, Mr. Marté?" she picked up the little dog, and Marty reached out his tongue and licked the tip of her nose. Charlotte giggled. "I’ll take that as a 'very beautiful, darling,'" she said, wiping the slurp off her nose.

Then the phone rang. Charlotte listened to the faint tone downstairs, then the click of her dad's shoes walking up toward the Tower.

A lump began to expand in her throat. Charlotte felt like she was on the edge of something amazing and strange and fantastic all at the same time. If it's Nick, what am I going to say?

***

What will Charlotte say to Nick? Find out in Crush Alert!

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