Meg Cabot - Sanctuary

Tasha tensed in my arms. Then she released me and straightened. She didn't look upset, though. She looked excited and happy.

"Oh," she said, sniffling a little, but still reaching for Douglas's hand. "I won't. Don't worry."

Douglas looked alarmed, but not because Tasha had taken his hand.

"You won't what?" he asked. He darted a suspicious look at me. "Jess. What'd you say to her?"

"Nothing," I said, innocently, and sat down on Rob's bed.

And then, from behind them, a familiar voice went, "Knock knock," and my mother came barreling in, with my dad, Michael, Claire, Ruth, and Skip trailing along behind her.

"Just stopped by to see if you wanted to grab a bite over at the restaurant. . . ." My mom's voice died away as soon as she saw where I was sitting. Or rather, who I was sitting so closely beside.

"Mom," I said, with a smile, not getting up. "Dad. Glad you're here. I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Rob."

About the Author

Jenny Carroll

Born in Indiana, Jenny Carroll spent her childhood in pursuit of air conditioning - which she found in the public library where she spent most of her time. She has lived in California and France and currently resides in New York City with her husband and a one-eyed cat named Henrietta. Jenny Carroll is the author of the hugely popular Mediator series as well as the bestselling Princess Diaries. Visit Jenny at her website, www.jennycarroll.com