Temptation by R.L. Stine Page A

father asked, scratching his bare chest.
    â€œTodd. He’ll probably want to go to the beach with me.”
    â€œHey, look—a hummingbird!” Mr. Daniels exclaimed, pointing out the window.
    Matt replaced the receiver and started to the window. “Where, Dad?”
    â€œIn that flower. Oh. Too late. You missed it.”
    â€œAre you sure it wasn’t just a big fly?” Matt joked. “I had flies in my room last night as big as bluejays!”
    â€œI’ve got to get those screens fixed,” Mr. Daniels muttered, shaking his head. Carrying his coffee cup, he slid open the glass door and slipped out on the deck. “Isn’t it a little early to call people?” he called in from outside.
    â€œNo. Todd always gets up early,” Matt said, picking up the receiver again. He found the number of Todd’s beach house on the pad on the counter and quickly dialed it.
    The phone rang five times before Todd’s mother picked it up.
    â€œHi, this is Matt. Can I speak to Todd?”
    â€œHi, Matt,” she said breathlessly. “Sorry. I was out back in the garden.” She took a few seconds to catch her breath. “I don’t think Todd is awake yet. He came in very late. I’ll go check.”
    â€œWhat a lazy bum,” Matt said, glancing at the wall clock. Todd was always a morning person. Since when did he sleep till quarter till ten?
    He heard a clunk as Todd’s mother put down the phone. Then he heard her footsteps receding as she left the room to get Todd. After a long wait, Matt heard footsteps approaching, then Todd’s voice, hoarse and sleep-filled. “Hello?”
    â€œTodd? Were you still asleep?”
    A pause. “Yeah. I guess.” A yawn.
    â€œSorry, man. Where were you last night? April got attacked by a bat.”
    â€œHuh?”
    â€œIt flew right in her hair. But she’s okay. Where were you ?”
    Todd cleared his throat. “I met a girl.”
    â€œYeah?” Matt couldn’t hide his surprise. Todd was always so shy and awkward with girls. “That’s why you’re so wrecked this morning?”
    Todd yawned. “She is awesome, Matt. I mean, she’s hot. ”
    â€œYeah? You met her on the beach?”
    â€œUh-huh. She was lost. So we started walking on the beach. You know. I was helping her find her house. And we were talkingand everything. She’s beautiful, Matt. I mean, like a TV star or something.”
    â€œHey, not bad,” Matt said. “Go on, man. Details. Details.”
    Todd groaned sleepily. “I can’t wake up this morning,” he said, his voice still hoarse. “I don’t know what my problem is.”
    â€œWho cares?” Matt interrupted. “What’s this girl’s name?”
    â€œJessica. It got really hot and heavy, Matt. I mean, there we were on the beach. You know. In the fog. And she started really coming on to me. I mean, really.” He coughed. “You should see the hickey on my neck.”
    Matt whistled in reply. “Wow.”
    â€œYeah,” Todd agreed. “She’s incredible.”
    â€œWell, let’s get to the beach,” Matt said. “We can do some bodysurfing, and you can tell me more.”
    â€œNo, I don’t think so,” Todd said sleepily. “I mean, not this morning, okay? I really don’t feel too well. I’m so sleepy. I don’t know. I feel kind of weak or something.”
    Matt laughed. “Maybe you and Jessica overdid it, man.”
    Todd didn’t laugh. “I think I just need some more sleep,” he replied seriously. “Tell you what. I’m supposed to meet Jessica in town tonight. Why don’t you and April come too.”
    â€œFor sure,” Matt agreed enthusiastically. “But come on, Todd. The waves are excellent this morning. The water will wake you up.”
    â€œNo, I don’t think so,” Todd said, sighing wearily.