The Devil and Danna Webster by Jacqueline Seewald Page A

controlling it.
    "I've got a lot to learn."
    He sat down on the ground beside me. "Know what your trouble is? You don't know how to accept a compliment. Stop putting yourself down. There are enough people out there who'll be only too happy to do it for you. Treat yourself like a friend." His eyes warmed.
    "Is that how you are, a friend to yourself?"
    "My best friend," he said. "I even give myself a pat on the back now and then when I get an "A" on a test or throw a touchdown pass."
    I just sat there staring at this hot guy. He reminded me of Michelangelo’s statue of David, manly, yet at the same time, angelic and innocent. Then I realized how silly I must have looked sitting there gawking at him. I tried to get up quickly but slipped on a large rock. He caught me in his arms. We were so close that I could hardly catch my breath.
    "You should be careful up here," he said, still holding me in his arms. "You could really get hurt."
    "I know." My heart was beating so fast I was certain he must be able to hear it.
    His eyes with their gold-tipped lashes lowered. He seemed to be looking at my lips. I could have sworn he wanted to kiss me. But then he seemed to change his mind and suddenly released me as if I was a hot pot that had burned him.
    "In the mood for a geometry lesson?"
    "Sure," I said. "Geometry's the love of my life."
    "Glad to hear it." He grinned, picked up my sketchpad and my drawing pencils, took my arm, and we walked down the hillside together.
    I had to wonder about myself. I liked Kevin a lot, and yet, here I was with Gar Hansen, and I liked him very much too. Was it possible to like two boys a whole lot, at the same time? It was awfully confusing.
    "I didn't think you'd come back," I murmured.
    "Guess I didn't think so either, but then I figured, hey, you need my help."
    "You don't have to tutor me. I don't want your charity," I said, suddenly feeling angry.
    "It isn't charity. Anyway what difference does it make? Do you want my help or not?" We were in front of my house now, facing each other. His mouth tightened and he slanted a hard look in my direction.
    I swallowed my pride. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to seem ungrateful. You're right. I do need help. Come inside. I'll put these things away and get my geometry book."
    My stepfather, who was sitting in the living room, still reading the newspaper, greeted Gar like a long-lost friend. I could hear the two of them carrying on a friendly conversation as I got my book from my bedroom. When I returned, Gar was asking Dad about his medals, something my stepfather never talked about.
    "I was really impressed last time to see all of these."
    "Don't know why my wife insists on leaving them out. Anyway, that one's the Purple Heart. You don't get it for being brave, just unlucky."
    "But this one's the Bronze Star. What did you do to earn that?"
    My stepfather looked embarrassed. "Nothing I really want to talk about," he replied.
    "You and Danna are alike, modest about your accomplishments."
    My stepfather didn't respond but he looked pleased. Gar had a way with adults. His manner was polite and respectful. I hadn’t expected that from him. I guess I thought he’d be all ego and self-involved, but he wasn’t like that at all. And if anyone could be called a natural teacher, it was Gar Hansen. He was patient with me even when I didn’t understand things and he had to do a lot of explaining. I told him that after we finished our tutoring session.
    "I come by it honestly," he told me. "I've had two younger brothers to take charge of. My dad tries, but he does have to work long hours. So I've had to pitch in and do my share. I help my brothers. I teach them stuff, help them with their schoolwork. Anyway, you sort of get used to explaining things."
    "It must be nice to have brothers."
    "Sometimes," he said, with a broad grin. "Anyway, it's taught me patience. When is your next geometry test?"
    "Soon, on Friday, but don't worry. My friend Joyce will help me