This story is so shamelessly inspired by 'The Art of Seduction' by tiramisuspice. Seriously, I love her stories.

In which Maya Hart moves to Texas and her new friends bet her that she can't make Lucas "Fuckboy" Friar settle down. Guess what happens?

Okay, so I'm British and I know nothing about Texas so this chapter was extremely weird to write – sorry if I got some details wrong! Especially having to write "mom" instead of "mum" and "dollars" instead of "pounds" haha.


Chapter 1

Maya sighed, looking down at her shoes while her mother excitedly rambled on about their new house.

She'd only been in Texas for two days, and she already hated it. It wasn't that the air smelled like cows and hay or that people walked around in plaid clothes that nobody would be caught dead wearing in New York City. Maybe she was just being moody and stereotypical, and missing her hometown.

"So, we could get a paint job maybe here and there… and of course you'll need a new bed, honey – actually, how about a full room makeover – I could scrape together some of the money from the furniture we sold back in New York… would you like that, sweetheart? Maya?"

Maya started guiltily; she had neglected listening to Katy in favour of kicking some rocks by her feet, scuffing her shoes on the gravel. Her mother was looking at her expectantly.

"No, really, mom – it's okay, I know we're a bit short on cash at the moment. I'll make do." She smiled reassuringly. Katy visibly relaxed. Kissing Maya's forehead, she answered,

"Oh babygirl. What would I do without you? But don't worry, I'll find a job as fast as I can, and you can choose what you want to do with your room."

Maya smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. What could she say that wouldn't disappoint her mom? Honestly, Texas seemed like a nightmare. The tiny cottage her mom had found them was falling apart; the garden was overgrown; the wallpaper peeling. Her new attic room was the only thing that seemed promising; there were a few cobwebs and creaky floorboards, but she could cover the walls with her artwork and it would be okay once she settled in, she hoped.

"Oh, and Maya? Would you like me to drop you off at school tomorrow morning?"

Maya looked at her mother with a raised eyebrow. "Mom… you don't have a car."

Her mom's face fell. "Oh, yeah…"


Maya had known that she wasn't going to fit in here. Especially not with her band t-shirts, oversized jeans and heavy boots. She had to admit though, she'd been wrong about everybody dressing like cowboys straight out of an old Western movie. There were the cheerleaders with their short girly skirts, the guys wearing ordinary jeans and shirts and various other styles, just like in New York. Although probably not as stylish.

She'd had no trouble finding her way around, although it was a huge school, but her first few lessons had been utterly tedious. She'd gone completely unnoticed so far, besides falling asleep in Physics and being harshly awoken by the teacher, to snickers and quick glances from the students. The glances were quick because of the scowl that was set over her features, eyes flashing dangerously. God, she missed home.

She went to her locker after fourth period, dumped her books inside and slammed it shut with such force that the girl next to her squealed. Maya was about to leave without saying anything, but the girl was staring at her with intrigue.

"What?" Maya frowned at the girl. She was pretty, with long brown hair that was perfectly waved and very innocent doe eyes. She looked like the type of person that Maya couldn't stand. But she was still staring at her with shining eyes and a small smile, unlike everyone else, who had either ignored her or lowered their eyes once they saw her scowl.

"What's your name? I'm Riley Matthews. You really scared me with your locker!" For some reason, she said this with a naïve excitement. She was practically glowing.

"Maya Hart. You don't look me in the eyes." Maya didn't extend her hand or smile, but the scowl definitely loosened.

"Maya Hart. I like you. Lunch?" Riley smiled, showing perfect teeth and an eager hopefulness that made even Maya warm up to the girl. Riley had been so easily kind to her; so hopeful for her as a friend. It was nice not to be ignored.

"Sure, sunshine."


Lunch was disgusting. At least some things hadn't changed from her old school back in NYC. Maya bent her neck and stared at the lump on her plate with distaste.

"Gross."

"Come on, Maya!" Riley tugged at her sleeve, unfazed by the sloppy pile of guts on her plate. "You have to come and sit with my friends! They'll love you, oh my god I just know they will! We'll introduce you to everyone – ooh, and we have to compare schedules! Oh my gosh, are you trying out for the cheerleading squad? What are your interests?" As she chattered, they approached a table where two other girls were already seated. They looked up at Maya questioningly.

"Guys, this is Maya Hart! Isn't she pretty? She's new. You wouldn't mind if she sat with us would you? She…"

"I'm Missy Bradford," one brunette interrupted Riley's flow of chatter. She stood up and grinned. "God, Maya, you do look interesting. Destroyed jeans, combat boots, that terrifying scowl – and did you even brush your hair this morning?"

"Distressed jeans." She ran a hand through her wild blonde mane. She knew she looked like a mess, but she had slept in and hadn't had time to brush her hair.

"Distressed? You look like you've been attacked by wolves, sweetie. Oh, and this is Bree."

Bree smiled at Maya. She was another brunette with brown eyes. Maya sighed. What was with all these girls being so pretty and clean and innocent-looking? Beside them, she knew she was a mess of tangled blonde hair, fierce blue eyes and her style screamed "edgy" next to the pink cardigans and floral chiffon skirts.

"You look fun. We really need a blonde in the group." She winked, and Maya rolled her eyes, but couldn't help herself from grinning back.

"Ooh, you made her smile!" They all started to laugh as Maya and Riley sat down.

"So, Maya." Missy waggled her eyebrows. "You're the new girl. Have you met Lucas yet?"

"Who?"

"Fuckboy Friar?" Bree wrinkled her nose.

"He is so dreamy…" Riley sighed, her chin resting on her hand. Her elbow slipped and her head almost hit the table. Almost.

"Literally, I have no idea who you're talking about." Maya shrugged indifferently.

"Lucas Friar. He's got this thing where he goes for all the new girls because they don't know his reputation yet. He sleeps with them within a week of their arrival." Missy was staring at her intently. "I can't believe you haven't heard of him yet – but then again, you've only been here a day…"

"I hate him already."

"He is such a player. But he's gorgeous, I'll give him that." Bree spoke grudgingly.

"He can't be that gorgeous if his personality is shit," said Maya, rolling her eyes.

All three girls gasped.

"You haven't seen him, Maya! You'll change your mind once you do. Any girl would be lucky for him to even smile at her!"

Maya scoffed. "Yeah, right. I bet I could resist his charms. I'm not a sappy little girl who drops her panties every time an attractive guy smiles at her."

Bree grinned, her eyes dancing, "Shut up."

"Sorry, Maya, I'm with Bree on this one. Even you, little miss rebel, would fall in love with him in a heartbeat," Missy said as she sniffed her spoonful of sludge.

"Fall in love with him? As if! I could make anyone fall in love with me."

Maya spoke with more confidence than she felt. She didn't think she was particularly pretty, and she'd only had one boyfriend. But she wanted to keep up her troublemaker image at this new school where nobody knew who she was. And she was sure that no boy could make her swoon.

"Fine, Maya. Let's make it a bet. You think you can make Lucas fall in love with you? Prove it by the end of the term. Five hundred dollars takes it." Bree's eyes were glinting with excitement. Riley and Missy looked at each other, sighing.

"Bree, that's impossible."

Maya flushed, annoyed. "Impossible? Why? I could do it easily. I'll have him reeling."

"Lucas is known for being a player, Maya. He doesn't stay after sex. He doesn't settle down for anyone. And, besides…" Missy looked her up and down, "You're pretty, Maya, underneath the dirty clothes and hair, but Lucas has a type. He doesn't just fuck anyone."

"What do you say, Maya? Bet on it for five hundred?"

Maya looked down, her cheeks burning, "I could do it easily, but I don't have that type of money."

Bree looked at her thoughtfully. She hadn't mentioned her family life yet, but it was obviously an uncomfortable subject. And Bree's family was rich.

"Alright, little miss rebel. I don't want to take your money. I just want to see how a wild girl like you would deal with Fuckboy Friar. So, if I win, you have to be my personal assistant for three months."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "And if I win?"

Bree's grin grew. "My dad's kind of a technology whizz. I could fix you up with a new car, TV, any gadgets you like."

Maya didn't hesitate. She knew her mom needed help fixing up their new life, and home. If she could sell those gadgets…

Her smile widened to match Bree's as Missy and Riley watched, wide-eyed, looking as if they really wanted to go and get some popcorn.

"Deal."