Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow

by Rainbow Rowell

He’s lying on my couch, and I’m sitting at the end, next to his legs. He rolls into the cushions, burying his face. “You don’t get to watch me sleep now,” he says, “just because we’re snogging.” “Just because we snogged,” I correct him. “And I’m not watching you; I’m trying to figure out how to wake you up without you pulling a sword on me.” “I’m up,” he says, dragging one of the cushions down over his head. “Come on. Bunce is on her way.” He lifts the pillow up. “What? Why?” “I told her we have new information—she has some, too. We’re having a briefing.” He sits up. “So she’s just coming here?” “Yes.” “To your Gothic mansion?” “It’s not Gothic; it’s Victorian.” Snow rubs his hair. “Is this a trap? Are you luring us all here to kill us?” He seems genuinely suspicious. “How did I lure you? You hitchhiked to my door.” “After you invited me,” he snaps. “Yes. You caught me. I’m a villain.” I stand. “I’ll see you in the library when you’ve cleaned up.” I try not to look like I’m stomping away from him—I wait till I leave the room, then stomp down the stairs. I don’t know what I expected. For Snow to open his eyes and see me there, then pull me into one of his expert kisses and say, “Good morning, darling”?