When the first slow song started, Keeley took Jeffrey's hand and rested the other on his shoulder. They awkwardly circled each other. Many other student couples did the same, though some of the wealthier students performed intricate waltzes learned from private tutors. In a past life, Aaron had forced her to take lessons to avoid embarrassing him at social events, so she was quite proficient.

Those skills were wasted on Jeffrey, but she didn't mind. She preferred a casual dance with a friend to an artistic one with a snob.

A minute into the song, someone pulled Keeley away. Jeffrey's protest died in his throat when he saw who it was: Aaron.

"You don't mind if I cut in, do you?" Aaron stated, rather than asked.

Jeffrey nodded mutely. Traitor! Handing her over like that!

"Stealing someone else's date is rather rude," Keeley spat, struggling against Aaron's alarmingly strong grip.

Coldness radiated from him, chilling her. "You didn't wear the dress."

"I told you I wouldn't. I still need to return it."

Despite his anger, Aaron's waltz didn't falter. Keeley hadn't danced with him like this in years—a charity gala, perhaps, when they were newlyweds? She'd been proud to show off her skills, but Aaron had danced only one song with her before abandoning her to talk business for the rest of the night. He hadn't even complimented her dancing.

"Why? Girls like clothes and accessories."

"I already had one. It was presumptuous of you to give it to me without asking," she said sourly. "Gifts—especially expensive ones—shouldn't be given to virtual strangers."

"You think I'm a stranger? After all the time we've spent discussing Shakespeare and Steinbeck?"

Being classmates hardly constituted a relationship. His logic was baffling. Keeley had to be firm.

"We're just classmates, Aaron. It's inappropriate to spend that much money on me."

"So you would let me spend money on you if we were closer?"

"No! Are you crazy? I don't want your money! I want you to leave me alone!" she cried, frustrated.

This ice block was impenetrable. Why, when she'd have done anything for his attention, did he show none, yet now that she wanted nothing to do with him, he showered her with it?

His smoldering dark blue eyes met hers with frightening intensity. "That's not happening."

Keeley wanted to stomp on his foot, but her muscle memory betrayed her; she knew the steps of the dance. Why bother her when he knew she disliked it?

Men are terrible—they think a woman who isn't interested is playing hard to get and refuse to accept "no." No means no, not yes!

The song ended, but Aaron didn't release her. He dipped her as a finale, his hands remaining on her waist even after they straightened.

"Keeley," he said seriously.

"Let me go. I need to get back to my friends."

His expression darkened as she tried to leave. "You dance surprisingly well."

"I've had a lot of practice," she muttered bitterly—all for him, appreciated only now that she didn't care. "Can you let go now?"

"In a minute," Aaron said flatly, pulling her closer.

Before she knew it, he kissed her. The moment she broke free, Keeley slapped him hard across the face.

"I HATE you, Aaron Hale!" she seethed, turning and furiously wiping her mouth.

He'd lost his mind! How dare he kiss her, given their limited interaction? How dare he disregard her feelings? How dare he do this publicly?

"Um…Keeley…are you okay?" Jeffrey asked hesitantly as she rejoined the group.

Guilt riddled his voice. Good. He should feel guilty for throwing her to the wolves.

"No," she said curtly.

"I'm sorry! He's scary; I can't afford to cross him! You understand, right?"

Sadly, she did understand. "You owe me big time."

"I'll buy you pizza," he wheedled.

"And breadsticks."

It wouldn't make up for being kissed by the man she loathed, especially since a tiny part of her had almost responded due to lingering feelings.

"Deal," Jeffrey sighed in relief. Angry Keeley was scary, too.

Unfortunately, the rest of the night was ruined. Especially after seeing the murderous look on Lacy's face—a look that could freeze hell over. Her enemy had witnessed it. Of course, Lacy's eyes were always on Aaron. Did she see the slap? Would that make her angrier?

Obsessed people are unreasonable. There would be hell to pay for that kiss.

If Keeley got her hands on him, he'd be dead meat, assuming she didn't care about prison. Maybe she should ditch literature class—call in sick, fake a trip abroad, do an independent study—anything to avoid that maniac for the next month and a half until seating changed.

The final sentence about the website was removed as it is not relevant to the cleaning and editing of the passage.