My Deadly Valentine Read Free Page A

laughed when he swung her around.
    After the song ended, they met Bess, Kristin, and Fitz by the punch bowl. As they waited for cool drinks, Kristin introduced Fitz to Ned and the girls.
    â€œDon’t you guys know each other?” Bess asked.
    Ned shook his head. “Emerson’s pretty big,” he said. “Where do you hang out?” he asked Fitz.
    â€œFitz is like a fixture around the Theta Pi house,” Kristin answered as she pushed her blond bangs off her forehead. “He’s a lifesaver. He fixes things and tutors some of the girls in chemistry. Fitz is everybody’s big brother. And when he’s not hanging out with us, he practically runs the student union.” She patted the solidly built guy on the back.
    A wide smile softened Fitz’s face. “Better stop now before I get a swelled head.
    â€œIt sounds like the Theta Pis appreciate your help,” Nancy said.
    â€œThey’re a great bunch,” Fitz said, waving atsomeone across the gym. “Excuse me,” he told the group, “but I think Emerson’s Sweetheart needs a dance partner.” He finished his punch in one swallow, then darted away.
    â€œI hope all you Theta Pis are planning to attend the Sweetheart Ball,” Ned told Kristin. “I have a personal interest, since it’s sponsored by my frat. We’ve been working hard to pull it all together. We want a huge turnout. It’s open to the whole student body,” he explained to Nancy.
    â€œI think it’s going to be extra romantic this year,” Bess said. “Especially since Valentine’s Day actually falls on Saturday.”
    â€œWe’re looking forward to it,” Kristin told Ned. “And don’t forget about the Theta Pi auction on Friday afternoon. We’re going to auction off Nancy’s valentine—and you know what that means.”
    â€œReally?” Ned clapped a hand to his forehead. “That’s going to cost me a bundle.”
    â€œIt’s for a good cause,” Nancy said, squeezing Ned’s arm. “And you’d better come up with the money. I can’t imagine going to the Sweetheart Ball with anyone but you.”
    â€œI’m auctioning off a valentine, too,” Bess announced. “But I sure hope Kyle makes it to the auction in time to bid on it.”
    â€œIf not, I’ll be his proxy,” Ned volunteered. “Though I can see this conversation is getting more expensive by the minute.”
    â€œWe’re worth it,” Nancy said, leaning up to kiss Ned’s cheek.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    It was after midnight when the crowd began to thin out. After one last slow dance, Nancy and Ned went to pick up their jackets on the bleachers, where Bess was sitting with Kristin.
    â€œI hate to end the fun, but I’ve got classes in the morning,” Ned said as he tugged on his jacket and slung his knapsack over his shoulder.
    â€œNo problem.” Kristin pulled on her coat.
    Bess yawned. “Besides, it’s only Tuesday. We’ve got the whole week to play.”
    â€œParty animal!” Nancy teased.
    Bundled up in jackets, scarves, and gloves, they filed out of the sports complex into the cold night air.
    With her arm linked through Ned’s, Nancy enjoyed the walk through the campus. They passed the modern glass-sided library, then took the path toward the student union, which was built into the hill. Two students crossed in front of them, heading for the main entrance of the building. Nancy and her friends continued on, taking a walkway that curved down around the side of the union.
    â€œThe student union must be open late,” Nancy commented.
    â€œThe snack bar and laundromat stay open until three,” Kristin explained.
    When they came around the back of the building,Nancy saw the lower stories of the student union. At the very bottom of the hill, the path cut through a garden.
    â€œThis garden looks so