High School Hero (Forest Ridge High Book 1)

by Sherri Renee

  The clock ticked in the hall and I counted the seconds with it. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi.

  “Adam’s a good kid,” he said.

  I remembered Adam was the name he’d called the boy in the hall. It wasn’t a question so I just nodded. I was sure he was a good kid.

  “He’s really smart,” he continued. “I have Government with him.”

  That perked my attention. Only seniors took Government.

  Matt ran his tongue over his teeth. “Did you know he skipped two grades?”

  It took me a second for his words to register. When they did I felt the blood drain from my face. It wasn’t hard to do the math. If he was a freshman but had skipped a couple of grades he couldn’t be more than eleven or maybe twelve years old at the most.

  Matt noticed my look of horror and nodded. “Yeah, your boyfriend almost beat the snot out of a little kid.” His jaw clenched, and he looked like he wanted to beat the snot out of someone. My guess would be George, and I didn’t blame him.

  I covered my mouth with my hand. “The poor guy.” It was bad enough George had treated anyone the way he had, but a little boy? “I’m sorry.” Tears pricked my eyes. “It was my fault. I stopped in the hall, and the boy, Adam, bumped into me. I don’t know why George reacted the way he did.”

  Matt’s dark eyes burned into mine. “Don’t you?”

  I did or at least I thought I did. I studied the floral pattern in the rug under the coffee table. “Steroids?” I said hesitantly.

  He tilted his head to the side. “I thought he was just a jerk, but word of the confrontation got around school fast and it was all anyone talked about all day. The consensus seems to be that he was a decent guy until recently.”

  I nodded. “He was.”

  Matt leaned forward suddenly, resting his forearms on his knees. “Why are you dating him?”

  Before I could answer he sat back and shook his head. “I told myself I wasn’t going to ask you that. Like you pointed out yesterday, it’s none of my business. What is my business is how to keep your boyfriend under control so he doesn’t hurt anyone.” His eyes dropped to my lips and narrowed into hard slits. “Especially not you.”

  His focused look reminded me of George’s punishing kiss the day before. I wondered what Matt would think if he knew how George had treated me today. I didn’t want to involve him. I’d specifically decided I wouldn’t involve him in the drama that had become my life yet the words were out before I realized what I’d said. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

  I pinched my lips together and wished I could suck the words back in.

  His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  I huffed out a short breath before telling him everything. Well, everything short of the fact that even now I wondered what it would feel like to be safe in his arms with his lips on mine. I swallowed. “I broke up with him when I found out he’d been cheating on me, but he said no.”

  “No?” Matt’s brows drew together. He looked so confused I actually smiled.

  “Yeah. No.” I shook my head. “He wants to go to the same college his dad went to.” I started explaining the story the best I knew it. “Actually I think his dad’s putting a lot of pressure on him to go. Like father like son, or something like that. Anyway, that’s why he’s been working so hard at football and keeping his grades up. But he not only needs to be accepted, he needs a scholarship. His parents have had some rough times financially so they’re not going to be able to help him much with school expenses.”

  “What’s that got to do with you?”

  “I told you we’re likely to be voted prom king and queen as a couple, right?”

  Matt nodded.

  “He’s been volunteering since ninth grade and has been on student council since junior high, but his dad has a connection in the admissions office and they said he’d have a better chance at scholarships if he rounds out his resume. Prom king was specifically recommended. Not only that, there’s a small scholarship attached to the crown. A thousand each for the king and queen. I know it doesn’t sound like much but it will help him.”

  Matt raised his brow. “And he thinks he needs to be dating you to get the votes he needs.”

  “Something like that.” I drew my lips in and debated telling him the next part. I figured he couldn’t think any worse of me than he already did. “When I tried to break up with him he told me we were going to keep dating until after prom.” I lowered my eyes before admitting the rest. “Then he’d decide whether he was done with me or not.”

  Matt’s hands clenched into fists and he sprang to his feet. “That . . .” He pinched his lips together and paced across the living room to the window and back to the couch.

  “What?” I asked. “That what?” I mean I had a pretty good idea he was going to say something bad about George, but I wanted to hear what he was thinking.

  “I was taught not to curse around a lady. Well, actually my mom tried to teach me not to curse at all.” A small smile touched his lips. “Behind her back, Dad added the ‘around a lady’ stipulation.”

  I could tell he liked and respected his parent’s from the way he talked about them. “You’re parents sound nice.”

  “They are.”

  It was totally off subject, but I’d been wondering why they moved in the middle of his senior year so I went ahead and asked.

  “Work. My dad was offered a sweet job here so here we are.”

  “Didn’t you want to finish your senior year at your old high school?”

  “Sure, but I wasn’t going to keep my dad from this job, and they wouldn’t have moved without me. My dad’s entire career has been building towards a position with a firm like this one. If he’d turned down their offer they probably wouldn’t have asked again.”

  “So you gave up everything for your dad. Your friends. Your girlfriend?” I twisted my hands together.

  His eyes darted to my face. I held my breath and tried to look like his answer didn’t matter. But it did. I squeezed my hands together so hard my nails bit into my skin.

  What if he didn’t give up his girlfriend? What if they were doing the long-distance thing? I knew it was crazy with everything going on, but that was the question that meant the most to me.

  “I didn’t have a girlfriend. Well, I mean, I’ve had a few girlfriends, but I wasn’t dating anyone seriously before we moved.”

  I nodded and tried to stop the smile that tugged my lips up but couldn’t.

  He smiled back his dimple flaring to life. “What?”

  I bit my lip before a full grin covered my face. “I’m just happy to hear I don’t have any competition.”

  Chapter 11

  I couldn’t believe I actually said that out loud. Thought it, sure. But said it? My cheeks flamed, and I couldn’t meet Matt’s eyes.

  “Want a drink or a snack?” Jumping up I rubbed my sweating palms against my jeans. Without waiting for his answer I headed to the kitchen. “Mom made cookies last night,” I called back to him. “Peanut butter.”

  I found a couple of glasses and set them on the counter before pulling out the clear glass cookie jar. I spun around to get the iced tea from the fridge and found Matt had followed me. I almost ran right into him.

  “Oh, hey, sorry.” A nervous laugh bubble up from my throat. I brushed my hair off my face and moved to squeeze between him and the counter.

  He reached out and his hand rested on my arm. Unlike George’s grip this morning, Matt’s was gentle and filled me with happy chills. I looked up at him nervously. He smiled and drew me close.

  “So, you would have competed for me if I had a girlfriend back home?” he asked with that cocky smile of his.

  Instead of annoying me this time, I found his look irresistible. “Maybe,” I answered with a flirty smile in return.

  He wrapped his arms around me. Hesitating only a second, I slipped mine around his back and looked up. His eyes were soft. He slowly lowered his head towards mine almost as if giving me time t
o change my mind. I wasn’t changing my mind though. I wanted this.

  My stomach flip-flopped. He was really going to do it this time. He was going to kiss me. My eyes closed and for a fraction of a second as I waited for his touch I was afraid he’d changed his mind, but his warm breath touched my skin just before his lips brushed against mine as soft as a whisper.

  A small moan escaped me as he teased my lips with tender touches before deepening the kiss. I melted into him. This was so much better than I’d imagined. So much better than any kiss I’d ever had.

  I parted my lips and his tongue swept in to meet mine. I leaned into him, pressing my body tight against his. His fingers skimmed my neck under my hair. Fresh, delicious chills raced across my skin.

  I ran my hands over his back. His coat was in the way so I slipped my hands under it, enjoying the feel of his heated flesh through the soft t-shirt material. He felt so good and smelled so good. He had just a touch of cologne mixed with the leather of his jacket and a hint of mint. It was the perfect combination.

  I forgot all about how I’d thought he was an arrogant jerk. I forgot about George. And prom. And everything. All that mattered was Matt’s mouth on mine. His strong hands on me and mine on him.

  I wanted the moment to last forever. I think he did too. His hands ran down my arms, around to my back. Hot skin connected with mine as he slipped his hands under my shirt, searing my back in a delightful way. I’d just tugged his shirt from his jeans when the rumble of the garage door opening yanked me back to reality.

  “My mom,” I said, reluctantly putting some distance between us. “Her meeting must be over.”

  “Should I go?” Matt loosened his hold but kept his hands on my arms. I loved the feel of his touch. Gentle, yet possessive like he just couldn’t make himself let me go.

  I considered his question for a second. Things would be easier if I snuck him out the front door and ran upstairs and pretended to be sleeping before Mom came in. I wasn’t ready to explain why I’d come home sick or why our neighbor had come over. I didn’t want him to leave though. And I didn’t want to hide him.

  I had no idea where things might go between us, but I didn’t want to start a new relationship as if I was ashamed of it.

  “Stay.” I laid my hand on his where it rested on my arm and squeezed. “I’d like you to meet my mom.”

  His face lit. “Parents aren’t really my thing, but I’d like to meet your mom too.”

  I poured us some drinks, and by the time Mom came in we were sitting at the kitchen bar eating cookies and laughing like old friends. Mom held a bag of groceries and jerked to a stop when she saw us.

  She tilted her head to the side and gave me a faint smile. “I thought you were sick?”

  Matt took the bag from her and carried it to the counter although it was only a few steps away. She watched him with raised brows before turning her look on me. I knew I had some serious explaining to do.

  “I didn’t feel well earlier. I ended up sleeping all afternoon, and I feel much better now. Matt came over after school to check on me. Have you met Matt yet? From next door?”

  Her expression lightened, and she joined us at the bar. “Josh and Sharon’s son?”

  Matt nodded. Mom held out her hand. “I had the pleasure of meeting your parents. I’m Kristen’s mom, Louise McDonald.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Matt shook her hand. “Mom says we have you to thank for the great dog bed.”

  “Oh, well Kristen too.” She glanced at me with a smile. “How is your puppy? What kind is it again? Sharon told me but I forgot.”

  “It’s a Bernese Mountain dog.”

  “It’s adorable. You should see it,” I couldn’t keep the excitement out of my voice.

  “I’m sure it is,” Mom said. “So should I expect any of your other friend’s to come check on you. Michelle? George?” She put a little emphasis on George’s name, and I knew what she was thinking.

  “Not that I know of,” I said. “Matt and I are just friends,” I felt the need to add.

  I didn’t like lying to my mom, but for now, no one needed to know Matt and I were anything more than friends. I couldn’t take a chance of it getting back to George.

  I caught Matt watching me with a disappointed expression, and my stomach started to hurt again. I’d just decided I didn’t want to hide whatever was going on with him, but what choice did I have?

  “We’re going up to my room. I’ll be down to help you with dinner in a little while.”

  Mom gave me one of her penetrating looks as if she could peek right into my mind and read my thoughts. I fought to keep my expression nonchalant. “All right. Matt, it was nice to meet you. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  Matt followed me out of the kitchen. My foot had just hit the first of the stairs when Mom called, “Leave the door opened.”

  My cheeks burned. Matt chuckled softly, and I was careful not to look back at him as I led the way to my room.

  I sat on the end of my bed and watched Matt check out my room. “You’re extremely neat, aren’t you?”

  I remembered the quick look I’d had at his messy room and unmade bed. I shrugged. “I clean when I’m upset.”

  He raised a brow and ran a finger across my bookshelf. He studied his finger then held it up. “Yep.”

  “Yep, what?”

  “It passes the white glove test.”

  I laughed. “Let’s just say I’ve been upset a lot lately.” I tried to make it a joke, but Matt’s entire expression darkened. “Have a seat,” I said. Matt eyed me sitting on the edge of the bed and my heart raced as I waited for him to sit beside me.

  Instead, he looked around and pulled out my white desk chair, whipped it around and straddled it, sitting to face me. “So, we’re just friends, huh?”

  I laid straight back on my bed and put my arm across my eyes. “What was I supposed to say? George is sure to come over between now and prom. Mom’s going to know we haven’t broken up. Well, you know what I mean.”

  He didn’t reply. I moved my arm to peek at him. A thoughtful expression covered his face as he stared out the window. Taking advantage of him looking away, I studied his face and his hair. The way his broad shoulders filled out his jacket.

  “Why don’t you break up with him?” he asked suddenly and I jumped.

  Sitting up I gave him a dumb look. “I told you I tried. He won’t let me.”

  “So make him.”

  I shook my head hard, remembering George’s threats from earlier. “If I did and he found out you were involved, he’d kill you.”

  Matt spun his head to look at me. His eyes were hard, but I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He let out a harsh laugh. “I don’t know if I should be flattered that you’re worried about me or flat out insulted that you think that Roid could do me any damage.”

  He was angry. I was surprised, but I didn’t blame him. That did sound belittling. And looking at him, I imagined he could hold his own in a fight if it was just between him and George. I had little faith it would be if it ever came to that though. “I’m sure you could handle George just fine in a fair fight, but you saw his buddies today. It’s like they worship him or something now. If it came to a fight I think they’d all jump in.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve dealt with worse than those guys. I can handle myself.”

  I wasn’t sure about that. What if it came down to him against the whole football team? There was no way one guy could win a fight like that, but I wouldn’t say it out loud. What I would say was, “I’m sure you could, but what about Adam?”

  “What about him?” Matt frowned.

  “Do you think he can take on George and all his cronies? George warned me today that he’d go after Adam if I didn’t do what he wanted. You can’t always be around to protect him.”

  Matt’s fingers tightened around the edge of the chair until I thought it would break apart in his hands. “That ass.”

  I knew he was pretty
mad if he was breaking his no cursing around girls rule so I decided it would be wiser not to bring it up. Plus I totally agreed with him.

  Chapter 12

  Matt hadn’t said a word since I mentioned Adam. The silence became painful, and I got up and started rearranging the books on my shelf. I grouped the mysteries together and alphabetized them before moving on to the fantasies.

  I felt Matt’s eyes on me but ignored him. I didn’t have any answers and wasn’t sure what else to say. I continued shoving books onto the shelf, letting the organizing relax me.

  The doorbell rang and I heard Mom going to answer it. I tilted my head to hear who it was. I knew George had football practice, but fear swirled in my stomach just the same. If George came over to check on me and found Matt here he would blow up.

  “Kristen? Michelle’s here.”

  I let out a huge sigh.

  Matt stood up. “I need to get going anyway.”

  He took a step towards the door, and I hurried over to stop him. “What are we going to do about George?”

  He looked down at me and the corner of his mouth turned up. I wouldn’t call it a smile exactly but it made the knots in my stomach disappear. “For now, we’ll act like nothing’s different between us, but I’m not keeping that up forever. I told you I don’t mess with other guy’s girls, right? Well, I don’t take lightly to them messing with mine either.”

  My stomach somersaulted and I grinned. “I’m your girl?” I asked with my eyes locked on his.

  He lowered his mouth to mine in answer. Ummm . . . I really liked being his girl.

  “Kristen?” Mom called from downstairs.

  Matt gave me a final kiss and stepped back with a wink. “We’ll work something out.”

  He headed down the stairs, and I followed him. “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. McDonald,” he said as he walked between Mom and Michelle to the front door. “Michelle.” He tipped his head at her, and she giggled.

  “See ya, Matt.”

  Mom headed back towards the kitchen. Michelle watched Matt until the door closed behind him. Then she ran up the stairs and grabbed my arm, dragging me back to my room. She closed the door and plopped down on the middle of the bed cross-legged.