Authors: Jennifer Jabaley
Crush Control (38 page)
Max looked stunned. “The song dedications, the locker pictures, the flowersâall of that was because of mind control?” he asked. “Is that the kind of relationship you want?”
“No,” I whispered. “I want you.”
And then Max did something amazing. Without my having to hypnotize him, or tell him what I wanted, or without trying to control the situation in any way, Max reached over, pulled my chin up, and pressed his lips to mine. I felt all shaky, like my whole body was turning into Jell-O. He pulled me closer, kissed me more passionately. I lit up like I'd just swallowed a light bulb and flicked the switch.
Max wanted me. All along Max has wanted me.
Max wanted me. All along Max has wanted me.
“So you think we can try this?” I asked between kisses. “Try to date?” Another kiss. “You don't think I need to”âanother kissâ“rehypnotize you and take away that stuff about always being my best friend?”
Max pulled away abruptly. “Um, NO. Whatever I feel for you is stronger than hypnosis. Remember, the wall crumbled? Besides, I thought you just said you weren't going to do hypnosis anymore?”
“No, no, I'm not,” I said, leaning in to kiss his neck. “I just want to make sure there's nothing else standing in our way.” I leaned in to kiss his lips, but he put his hand up and looked at me suspiciously.
“You can't use your little mind control games to make me into some perfect boyfriend, okay?” Max said. “You can't hypnotize me to want to take ballroom dancing classes or set personal ringtone love songs or skywrite
I love you.
You have to want to be with
me
âthe same Max you've known forever. Not some idealized version of me, okay? We can be perfect just how we are.”
I love you.
You have to want to be with
me
âthe same Max you've known forever. Not some idealized version of me, okay? We can be perfect just how we are.”
“I know,” I said, and we just looked at each other. “There's nothing wrong with a little
romance
, though,” I mumbled, smiling.
romance
, though,” I mumbled, smiling.
He smiled back at me and I reached over for his hand. Suddenly he snatched his away. “What are you doing?” he asked, his eyes popping open. “I remember what you told me about that handshake method to hypnotize people!” He stood up, pointing his finger at me accusingly.
“What?” I asked innocently, standing up. “I have no idea what you're talking about! I just wanted to hold your hand!”
“Yeah, right!” He grinned at me, shaking his head. “And I'm not singing any more cheesy love songs!”
“Why not? That was so sweet! I love Taylor Swift!” I reached out for him. “Come here, Max. Hold my hand!”
He turned and started to run away, laughing.
“Come here!” I yelled, laughing. “There's nothing wrong with a little ROMANCE!” I grabbed his waist and spun him around to face me.
“You are crazy,” he said.
“Incredible,” I corrected.
“Incredibly crazy.” He smiled. He leaned over and kissed me again. It was a passionate kiss, filled with so many years of friendship and longing and obstacles and finallyâfinallyâconnection.
As we kissed, I made a mental vow to never use hypnosis to get what I wanted again. Well, unless . . .
Acknowledgments
The first person I need to thank is the fabulous Mandy Hubbard. She listened to me when I knew I wanted to write a book about hypnosis but couldn't find the story. Thanks for helping me nail down the concept.
Huge debts of gratitude to Jocelyn Davies, who scooped up the idea and helped me build this book. I loved working with you from the ground up on this. Your smart and thoughtful editorial vision truly brought this story to the next level. Thanks to Ben Schrank and the entire team at Razorbill for wanting to work with me again and for giving me another gorgeous cover.
Thanks to my first-draft readers Kristen Groseclose, Jenny Moss, and Shelli Johannes Wells. Your frank comments and critiques pushed me forward. The online group of authors, The Debutantes of 2009, remain a huge source of information and camaraderie. You guys are amazing.
Many thanks to Cass Briggs for reconnecting after so many years and sharing her thoughtful notes and experiences on hypno-therapy. A huge smile and hug to Crystal Patriarche, who loved and promoted Crush Control long before she even read it.
I'm so grateful for the endless enthusiasm of my parents, in-laws, and friends (far, near, and onlineâa huge shout-out to all of my Alpha-Phis!) for their support of my first book and journey through publishing a second. Eternal thanks to my best friends Jackie Tomaro and Kristen Groseclose for championing me in all aspects of life.
I've been so overwhelmed by all the emails and Facebook notes from readers. Thank you all for taking the time to contact me. Your interest and passion mean the world to me!
I'm so blessed to have found such a caring, energetic, and smart agent, Tricia Davey. Thanks for all you do.
Finally, all my love and gratitude to my wonderful family: Chris, Sam, and Izzie.
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