Love Enough For Two (Love Inspired) by Cynthia Rutledge Page A

assigned them to be lab partners for the semester, not a single groan of protest had passed her lips. For one thing she knew it wouldn’t make a difference. Old man Stoddard didn’t like to have his decisions challenged.
    But that wasn’t the only reason Sierra had kept quiet. She’d seen the look of excitement on Carl’s face when the teacher had announced the pairings. He’d been so happy that she couldn’t bring herself to burst his bubble.
    Even at the tender age of fourteen Sierra recognized that life wasn’t easy for Carl. He was tall, but too uncoordinated for sports. And his mother insisted he keep his hair short, instead of slightly longer like all the other boys.
    But underneath all that unattractive packaging, Carl was a good guy, a kind soul who cared about others. So she’d just smiled and told him as long as he did all the dissecting, they’d get along fine.
    And, it had been a great partnership until they’d stayed late one afternoon to work on a special project. They were alone in the lab and had just finished with a frog when Carl had leaned over and planted a wet, slobbery kiss on her mouth. And that wasn’t the end of it. Before she could say a word, or even wipe the wetness from her mouth, he’d confessed his undying love.
    She’d turned away so he wouldn’t see the tears filling her eyes. Though she felt bad for him, she’d felt just as bad for herself. It figured that her very first kiss would come from Cootie Carl.
    Over the years, Sierra had been sorely tempted at several all-girl sleepover sessions to tell all, but she’d kept her mouth shut. The kiss and declaration had remained her little secret. And she’d remained cordial to Carl. Though after the incident she’d made a concerted effort to make sure they were never alone again.
    “Carl’s an okay guy,” Sierra said. “I’m just not interested.”
    “But you are interested in Matt Dixon.” Libby raised an eyebrow and took a sip of her iced tea.
    Sierra sidestepped the question. “I’ll admit I’m attracted to the guy. But I can tell you right now, if I were looking for a relationship it certainly wouldn’t be with him.”
    Libby nodded. “I agree. It doesn’t sound like he’d be an ideal candidate if you had marriage in mind. On the other hand, he’s perfect for a summer romance.”
    “He’s not interested in anything permanent,” Sierra said slowly. “But, then, neither am I.”
    Sierra pondered the possibilities for a moment. If it would be just temporary, it also wouldn’t matter that he was his father’s son or a lawyer.
    “You see,” Libby said with a triumphant smile. “It’s a match made in heaven. No ties, no commitments, just fun.”
    Sierra had to chuckle. “I think God is about commitment.”
    “Not when you’re all wrong for each other,” Libby said.
    Sierra had to concede the point. Still, though the idea was tempting, it didn’t seem right. “I’ve never used anyone like that before.”
    “You wouldn’t be using him,” Libby reminded her. “You’d both go into this knowing the score.”
    “I wouldn’t be intimate with him,” Sierra said quickly.
    Libby waved a dismissive hand. “Of course you wouldn’t. And if he starts to pressure you, you get rid of him.”
    Sierra silently considered her friend’s words. “Some people say you shouldn’t date someone you wouldn’t want to marry.”
    Libby rolled her eyes and laughed. “I don’t know anybody who says that, much less believes it.”
    Sierra couldn’t help but smile. It did sound kind of silly when you said it out loud.
    “Besides, you’re not really going to date him,” Libby said with a teasing grin. “You’re just going to kiss him.”
    “Thanks for saying that,” Sierra said. “That sounds so much better.”
    Libby leaned forward, her blue eyes dark and intense. “You should do it. Have fun this summer. It might be your last chance for a while. It’s not like either of you are expecting this to be a