I laughed. “Matt, stop. He didn’t.”
“Yeah, he did. The kid informed him you were dating someone. Tate dragged me down to your school to that little hick town you lived in.”
“My town was better than this plastic city.”
He waved me off. “Tate and me arrived at your homecoming football game. Many people knew who Tate was. He’s one of the best high school quarterbacks in our state.”
My head thudded the plush headboard as I rolled my eyes. “You two love the game of football. Clearly want to go pro. There is life outside of football.”
“In your dreams, Doll. Let me get back to the story. Tate spotted you. We pulled our caps down low and sat a few rows behind you in the bleachers. The chicks at your school wouldn’t stop flirting with us.”
“Matt, focus.”
“I digress. You were sitting next to some brown haired tall, dorky kid. He whispered something in your ear and you giggled. Tate was foaming at the mouth. The moment the guy stepped away we followed him to the restroom. Tate slammed him against the wall. Told him to finish watching the game with you, but never ask you out again or else he would beat his ass. He punched him in the stomach as a warning. We returned to the bleachers. Tate glared at the guy so hard. He peeked up at us. Tate scowled. Every time you leaned into him the kid froze. The shit was hilarious.”
I squeezed my eyes with two fingers. “That’s fucked up. Tate can live his life. Screw as many chicks as he wants and I can’t date one guy.” It wasn’t a question. It was a fact.
“I only hate him more.”
“No, you don’t, baby.”
I jumped, staring back at him with wide eyes.
“You love me.” Tate smirked.
My hand flew threw the air. Tate grabbed my wrist before my hand made contact with his face.
“You’ve done enough damage for one day. Don’t you think?”
A satisfying smile fell across my lips. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
He shook his head and stepped toward Matt.
“What the fuck, dude?” He grabbed Matt out of the chair by his T-shirt.
“Making up for lost time telling her how I made her life a living hell wherever she was.”
Matt shoved him back. Tate laughed.
“I hate you. Get out of my house, Tate.”
He plopped on the window seat, folding his arms behind his head. “This is my favorite spot. Hey, Matt did you see what your buddy here posted on the internet?”
Matt glanced at his phone. “No.”
“Check it out.”
“I haven’t been online.”
“So, you told everyone I have crabs because I sent you to the nurses office.”
I gaped. “You admit it. You called the nurse, so she’d check my hand. I hate that you know.”
“Know what?”
“He found out about my scars.” I fidgeted. Tate’s lips delicately traced across my skin yesterday. Shivers swept through my body. I loathed how he could be so caring one minute and cold the next.
“I’m not. Do I need to check to see if you have any new cuts on your body?”
My body heated. I felt like I turned red as an apple.
Matt scooted to the edge of the seat. “So, you two hooked up? But didn’t make up.”
My eyes narrowed. “We did not hookup. That won’t ever happen. He saw my scars. Please let’s move on. Back to Marisa. Spill.”
“She drove to the bank then to a private airport twenty minutes away. She was in the place for a long time. I wasn’t sure if she was paying for a flight or flying lessons. An hour later, she drove to an upscale hotel. After half an hour I bolted. I returned home and rummaged through her belongings. There wasn’t a recent entry about you in her diary. She said she couldn’t wait until she turned eighteen. She was moving to London.”
“Shit, she’s covering her tracks. So, you didn’t find anything about her and Ethan?”
He twisted his lips. “Nope. I’ll check her bedroom again. Maybe there’s a secret diary.”
“I asked my friend to search her computer.”
“Who Rocco?” Tate glared at me.
“Yeah, he’s my new boyfriend.” I mocked.
“Joke all you want, sweetheart. You and I know better. Let me know what he finds. I’m out of here.” Tate stood. “Don’t worry I won’t return to help you sleep. Big bags under your red eyes. Won’t you look dreadful tomorrow,” he chuckled.
“So happy you won’t bother me tonight. Whoever posted about your crabs issue online I’d love to thank them.” I beamed with excitement on the outside and sadness on the inside.
“Matt, let’s go.”
“See you later, Doll.”
I waved goodbye.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
A crying Lena hung her head low as she strolled the halls. Her beautiful red hair didn’t look vibrant like it did yesterday. A little smile rose inside me as tears ran down her cheeks. Not sure why the cheerleaders and any other popular chick was threatened by me. He forbid almost everyone in the school to speak to me.
Maybe it was the long history we shared. Yeah, I knew him best. He didn’t bully them. Only me.
Tate and his pack of wolves walked toward their lockers across from mine. Girls whispered and stared at Tate in passing. His jaw ticked as his eyes roved the judgmental faces. Last night he didn’t seem phased by the rumor. I guess Mr. popularity being the topic of the gossip mill twice was one too many times.
He hooked his arm around Rocco’s neck. “Hey, good morning, nerd boy.”
I stalked across the hall. “Leave him alone, Tate,” I scowled.
He didn’t meet my gaze.
“You and your little ratty girlfriend spread this fucking rumor. Make it disappear or they’ll find you hanging upside down from the flagpole.”
Rocco visibly swallowed.
“You know what I’m capable of.” Tate patted Rocco’s shoulder.
I grabbed Tate’s arm. The tiny hairs on my arms rose. Fuck, the friction between us was magnetic. Lips tight he stared over my head.
“You can’t punish him. He did nothing wrong.”
His eyes dropped on me. “So, you admit this bullshit is your doing?”
“What? No.”
He shook his head and turned on his heels. Never looked back.
“You know he’s actually hung someone upside down from the flag pole. Let it go, Chelsea.”
I clutched my fists at my sides. “No. See you at lunch.”
Next order of business getting Tate to admit I wasn’t the blame for Mason’s death.
~
By Friday the rumor about Tate and Lena was put to rest. The buzzing and excitement about the football game was contagious.
“We will beat Forest River High,” Trevor shouted.
Students banged on the tables and cheered.
“What’s so great about this game?”
Connie slammed her hand on the table. “Our teams always have a close game. They won the year before last. Tate led our team to victory last year. We believe he can do it again. You’re coming to the game, tonight right?”
I leaned my head on Rocco’s shoulder. “No, I’m exhausted. Staying up late studying every night has caught up with me.”
Sleep became nonexistent this week. I’ve piled on foundation and concealer to hide the bags under my eyes. Lying in his arms every night was soothing. But he was right to make me face my demons head on.
“We’ll miss you.” Megan smiled.
“Y’all have fun for me.”
Megan peeked over her shoulder nostrils flared.
I had no intentions on glancing in that direction, but I needed to know what had my friend so upset.
Veronica’s arms looped around Matts neck. Her nose nuzzled his brown curly locks. Didn’t take her long to get over trying to get into Tate’s bed. It appears she moved on to Matt. Must’ve been so hard to be the most popular guys in school. Chicks couldn’t keep their hand
s off them.
Matt’s thin pink lips puckered as he stared at Megan.
She turned in her seat, cursing under her breath. “God, I hate him.”
I peeked around Trevor. “I’ll talk to him.”
She bit into her buttery roll. “You don’t have to.” She tossed her brown locks over her shoulder.
“I’ve got your back. Friends look out for each other.”
I glared over my shoulder one more time.
Matt mouthed, “What?”
I mouthed fuck you.
~
The second I walked into the house I fell onto the plush white sofa. “Home sweet home,” I yelled. The smell of lavender floated under my nose.
Nothing like an empty house on a Friday afternoon. Nina usually took the twins for ice cream. A nice after school treat.
“Patty, play Chelsea’s favorite song.”
I love our personalized home speaker.
Sugar by Maroon five blared through the surround sound speakers. Suddenly, a burst of energy shot through my body. I jumped to my feet and swayed my hips around the living room. Shimmying my arms and puckering my lips, I sang along.
The doorbell chimed.
I skipped through the atrium and swung the door open.
“Matt?” My eyebrows wrinkled.
I grabbed his hand and danced around him.
He didn’t question me. Matt sang along. When we were kids, we’d pretend to perform on stage. Best of times.
He twirled me around.
“Don’t you have a game tonight?”
“Yup. Go upstairs, shower and get dressed. You’re going to the game.”
“Patty, stop.”
The house fell silent.
“Matt, I don’t want to go.”
“Go for me.”
My arms crossed my chest. “I won’t do it for you either. What the heck was that at lunch today?”
His blond brows rose. “What? I don’t have a girlfriend. There’s no harm in a little flirting.” He sat on the comfy white chair.
I sat on the arm of the sofa. “There’s like tension between you two.”
“I know. It’s sexual tension.” He stared at the ceiling.
“We spent one summer together. That one moment in time changed our dynamic. We didn’t speak to each other when we returned to school.”
“Matt, you have to talk to her. I can tell you two really like each other.”
He peeked at me. “Funny, I can sense heavy tension between you and Tate. Stephen begged Tate to fuck you already.”
My lips twisted. “Tell Stephen to worry about his own sex life.” I fell on the sofa.
“How did Tate hurt his hand?”
“He beat the shit out of Ethan’s douche lawyer brother.”
A shiver swept up my spine.
“When?”
“Saturday. I wish he’d call me before he goes on a rampage. I don’t want to lose my buddy because of you.”
“Matt, please. I didn’t ask Tate to go around attacking random people in Ethan’s family.”
“He wants answers. He’ll get them too. One way or the other.”
My eyes widened. “He needs to stop.”
“You know him. He won’t.”
I had to change the subject. “It appears the only people not talking to me besides Tate is Kyle and Marissa.”
Matt stretched his long legs and threw his hands in the air. “Can you blame him? Mason was his best friend. He kind of blames you for his death too.”
“I come around because you and Tate are my best friends. That stunt you pulled a few days ago really set him off.”
I shrugged. “Good.”
“Jesus Chelse, he had your best interest in mind.”
“He knows he’s one of my triggers that’s why he called the nurse. I’m working hard to alleviate him as a trigger.”
“Good. Now go get ready while I raid your fridge.”
I laughed, running up the stairs.
∞
The band marched onto the field. Arms weighed down with hotdogs, sodas, and popcorn, I squinted, scouring the bleachers for my friends. The long sleeve school spirit shirt was sticking to me it was so fucking hot.
“Chelsea!” Trevor blurted out.
Rocco stalked toward me. “I’ll help you. I told you to text once you were in line. I would have helped you carry our food.” His brown eyes sparkled behind his glasses.
“Because I came to his defense did, he kind of like me now. Shit, if he did, it would be all my fault. He wore a navy T-shirt and a matching baseball cap. His golden locks were tucked behind his ears. He was cute.
I was sandwiched between Rocco and Megan. Connie and Trevor sat beside her. I scanned the stands and the field. Our school colors navy and gray were everywhere.
Our team took the field. Matt threw his arm around Tate’s shoulder, leaning into his ear.
That sexy chiseled face turned to the cheering crowd. His thick dark brows wrinkled. I felt like he was eye fucking me from the center of the field. Tate’s lips called my name. Fuck I hated how gorgeous he was. Every nerve in my body responded to the way he stared at me. His black hair was fuller in the top and cut low on the sides. Tate’s muscles bulged beneath the short-sleeved football jersey. My tongue slid across my lips.
He mouthed one word, “Don’t.”
Shit the butterflies fluttered in my stomach in waves. Chelsea don’t squeeze your thighs together.
Kyle patted Tate’s shoulder, breaking our trance. The team ran over to the bench.
I exhaled. Saved by king asshole.
“That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen, Chelsea.”
I fidgeted, sucking down my cola. “What?”
“You and Tate.” Megan grinned.
“Your boyfriend Matt insisted I come to the game for moral support.”
“For Matt or Tate?”
“Matt. Tate doesn’t want me here.”
A chuckle erupted from Rocco’s throat. “Are you blind? He clearly isn’t upset you are here tonight. I mean sure he was upset about the rumor, but it appears he’s moved past it.”
I rolled my eyes.
My friends had no idea how Tate could appear happy on the outside. On the inside a fire was burning. There was no doubt in my mind he was still upset about the rumor I spread. Who was I kidding? I knew Tate knew I spread the rumor as payback for calling the nurse. Guess were even.
“Megan, we’ll wait for Matt after the game.”
She poked out her red lips. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” I grabbed a hot dog out of the shallow box Rocco was holding.
I placed my hand over my brow shielding my eyes. The sun beat down on us. I peered to the right higher up in the bleachers. I almost dropped my hot dog. The bitch was here. Wait, why did I think she wouldn’t be? Her brother was playing football tonight. Stalking over and ripping her blonde locks out of her head was a thought. No not during the game. But after the game. A devilish smile curled my lips. I’d drag her ass down the bleachers by her hair. Such a refreshing thought. I thrust my fist in the air. “Go Cougars!”
The second the game was over I slid pass Rocco. “Guys, meet me near the locker room.”
“Chelsea, where are you going?” Connie asked.
“To talk to an old friend.” I grinned.
“Excuse me,” I said a million times as I walked to the bottom of the bleachers, waiting for Marissa.
She combed her long sharp nails through her crinkly bob cut.
“Catherine, there’s a reject bitch standing in my path. Are you seeing this?”
Her friend with the matching haircut stood before me.
“This side of the bleachers are for the popular students.” She turned up her brown button nose.
“Oh, you mean this is the skank section.” I snorted. “That makes sense.” My long high ponytail danced behind me.
“Why are you in my face? Are you looking for your boyfriend? He left town in a hurry I heard. Guess
he couldn’t get away from you fast enough.”
My fists curled at my sides.
Marisa stepped closer. “How did Tate feel about you giving Ethan your virginity?” An evil laugh fell from her lips.
I plunged my fist into her perfect pretty face. My fingers locked around her neck and I slammed her body against the ground.
“Where is Ethan?”
She laughed under my grip. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
“Back off Catherine,” I heard a familiar voice say.
Big strong hands gripped my waist. “Let her go, Chelsea. Don’t get kicked out of school.”
I glared into the eyes surrounding us. Their mouths a gape.
“Tate, I need answers.”
“Baby, I know. We’ll find another way. Turn her loose.”
I loosened my grip. Tate pulled me back flush against his muscled body.
Marisa held her throat, choking.
Catherine’s brown eyes roamed my frame. “You’re an animal.”
I reached for her. “Fuck you both. Evil bitches.”
“I’ll take you home,” Tate said against my hair.
“No. Connie can take me.”
“I’m not asking.” He leaned over and tossed me over his shoulder like a rag doll.
He stalked across the field.
“You never fucking listen. It’s not up for discussion. I said I will take you home. That is final.”
“You can’t hold me hostage.” I slapped his padded back with open hands. My hands throbbed.
He chuckled. “Are you tapping my uniform?”
“Tate, you big brute. Put me down.”
He pushed a door open.
“What a great game!” I heard someone shout.
“Tate, you’re the man,” Stephen yelled.
“Thanks guys. Darren, Stephen, and Mike. I need you guys to watch my woman while I shower.”
You're To Blame: A High School Bully Romance (Haven Saints High) Page 11
