I know where he's coming from, I’m still angry too but at the same time, I wanna figure her out.
And she won't be around if we treat her like shit.
Abi
REECE IS QUIET DURING the whole ride to school.
I ask him to stop at ‘casa de torta’ and I get breakfast for everyone but the guys know that I’m Max’s rally girl and they look at the to go bag on my lap as if it contained radioactive waste.
I’m nervous about approaching Max: he always has this aura of popularity and coolness, as if he were on a different level than anybody else.
Ayla told me that my brother was the same way and he intimidated her at first.
I guess Max and Reece both tick the intimidating alpha male box.
I stop at his locker on our way to class and Reece and Chaz walk past me, while Pryce puts a light hand on my shoulder and his silver eyes are serious when he says that he’ll save me a seat next to him.
I sigh with a heavy heart: I know how the guys feel about Max and I feel as if I were betraying them by bringing him breakfast.
I shouldn't feel this way after the way they've been treating me, especially since I’ve got nothing to do with that rumour.
I hate myself for feeling that I owe them something and I hate feeling constantly on edge, especially with Reece.
My thoughts are interrupted by Max, stopping in front of his locker with two of his teammates.
His brown eyes flash with something, maybe amusement as he looks at me in my cheerleader uniform.
The orange and grey colours are the same as our school uniform but the top is tight and the pleated skirt is super short.
I’m not used to wearing such short skirts and I feel a little self-conscious but I don't think I look ridiculous or sluttier than any of my teammates or the other girls who get their regular uniform skirts shortened to barely cover their panties.
“Hey, Max ... I just heard that you love breakfast burritos from ‘casa de torta’, so I got you one to say good luck with tonight’s game.”
His smile widens as he takes the paper bag from me and for a second, his guarded expression disappears, giving way to a boyish smile.
He looks breathtakingly handsome without the frown he wears constantly around school.
“A good luck burrito. Thank you, rally girl!”
He doesn't say it in a mocking tone but I feel the need to correct him:
“My name's Abi.”
He smirks.
“Oh, trust me, I know. I’ll talk to you at the game, Abi. Thank you again for the burrito.”
He turns to open his locker, dismissing me with another smile and for a moment, his aura of assured superiority reminds me of Reece.
Or at least, the way Reece has been with me since school began.
CHEERING IS FUN: I would’ve never thought that I’d enjoy performing in front of a couple thousand people.
But the most thrilling part is that I feel that all three boys have their eyes on me.
Even Reece.
And he smiles at me a couple of times, that same smile he gave me at the beginning, when he didn't think of me as a scheming, lying, attention seeking bitch.
And yes, this school is seriously rubbing off on me: I’ve never been swearing so much, not even in my own mind.
I know Father Ryan would bury me under Hail Marys for the shit I’ve been saying and doing.
Gabbie notices the smile on my face and beams at me.
“Are things better with the guys?”
I told her about the night I spent with Chaz and about how he was a real gentleman with me and she seemed relieved.
However, I didn't tell my new bestie about my deal with the guys: she's pleased that they stopped people at school from badmouthing me but if I told her what Reece expects in exchange, she’d talk me out of it and possibly bitch slap the A-Team leader.
I spoke to Alex earlier on, he called me to wish me good luck on my first cheer performance and he asked me how it's going with the guys.
I didn't tell him anything about the rumours and the misunderstandings and especially nothing about the rest, or I know he’d come here on the first flight to kick their asses.
I don't want him or Gabbie or anyone else to fight my battles.
I’m capable of handling myself: Reece promised that I wouldn't have to do anything I don't wanna do and I believe him.
So I feel perfectly safe.
What isn't safe is my heart: it breaks every time one of ‘em gives me a look that says that they don't believe that I’m genuine and that I’m around them because I want to, not because of some social status.
BHPA wins the first game of the season and at the end, all three guys surround me to tell me how awesome I was, they're all smiling and even Reece looks relaxed; the usual tension in his shoulders is completely gone.
“So, since we got into the state championship tournament, last year, Principal McArthur hosts a bonfire on the beach, outside his house to celebrate the first home victory of the season. We’re riding on the team bus, ride with us?”
His voice is soft, his dark blue eyes have the same kindness he had at the party last weekend.
I nod.
“Meet you in the parking lot as soon as me and the guys are showered. Gabbie, there’s room for you too.”
The atmosphere on the bus is euphoric: everyone’s singing the Academy anthem, including me.
Knowing the words is part of the entrance exam.
I sit between Pryce and Chaz: they both have their arms on the back of the seat and I feel their comforting warmth against my body.
Again, memories of last week’s party spring to mind.
The party’s absolutely huge: almost everyone at school is here.
Being a school sponsored event, obviously there's some supervision but for the most part, the teachers and parents are having their own grown up, civilized party in the house, while we all hang out on the beach.
There's a couple of bonfires, music blaring off a digital boom box and people are dancing, eating and swimming.
Chaz and Pryce come over to me with big smiles and shiny eyes: there's no booze allowed but I’ve got the feeling that there must be a secret supply somewhere.
“Hey, Abi! Let’s go swim!”
Chaz begins shedding his letterman jacket and his top, while Pryce is undoing his belt.
It’s already dark and the sea is calm but the unmoving black mass of water looks everything but inviting to me.
I’m terrified of deep water and there's no way that I’d get in when not only I won't be able to see the bottom, I won't be able to see anything at all in the water.
I don't wanna tell them that I’m scared, I don't want them to see me that way: the sheltered, inexperienced, scared girl.
I know that's who I am right now, but it isn't who I wanna be and I’m working hard to change, to catch up with normal girls like Gabbie and Lissa.
So, I come up with the most reasonable excuse I can find:
“Uhm no, thanks. I don't have a swimsuit anyway.”
Chaz wears a little smirk on his strikingly handsome face: his features are softened by the soft light of the bonfire, making him look impossibly hot.
He takes a step closer, now bare chested.
I saw him in his swimming trunks last week at the party but back then, I was way too overwhelmed with the totally unknown environment and too busy keeping him upright, so I didn't pay much attention to his body.
Chaz is the most slender among the boys but his body’s toned and hard and chiselled, with a perfect six pack of abs, defined pecs and sexy shoulders.
He also has several tattoos: all black ink, that gives him an edgy and sexy look.
He wraps an arm around my waist and his lips come extremely close to my ear, not touching but making me shiver with the warmth of his breath.
Bringing memories of last night, of how those same lips covered every inch of my face and left no corner of my mouth unexplored.
>
He never removed any of my clothes, he never tried to touch me beyond holding me close to him but I admit that if he had, I’d have seriously considered letting him.
His voice is soft like the light of the bonfire when he whispers that he and Pryce aren't wearing a swimsuit either.
Heat rushes to my face and neck and I thank the bonfire gods that my embarrassment isn't more obvious because of the dim lighting.
“I ... I tend to get cold, I’d rather ...”
Pryce winks at me: the light of the fire makes his silver eyes shine like stars.
“Don’t worry about that sweets, we’ll keep you warm. They say body heat’s the best way to—”
“She can’t swim with you because she promised me a dance. Come on, Abi.”
Rescue comes from Reece: he’s offering me his hand and I take it gratefully, following him further up the beach, nearer the music, where several couples are slow dancing.
He doesn't say anything but he takes me in his arms, holding me close and swaying in sync with the music.
His golden blonde hair is shining when we turn towards the light of the tiki torches that have been lit to illuminate the makeshift dance floor and his dark and mysterious blue eyes are fixed on me.
If his gaze weren't enough to weaken my knees, the way his arms around me make me feel isn't any less exciting.
I know I shouldn't feel safe in his embrace, especially after the way he's treated me all week but since that earthquake, his arms feel like a refuge.
I know, I know!
I’m a sentimental, weak, pathetic mess.
And my own thoughts are starting to sound even to myself like those dramatic but ever so poetic heroines in the harlequin romance novels that my school mates used to stash under a loose floorboard in the floor of the boarding school library.
I used to sneak in to read them, facing twice the risk of being discovered: not only by the nuns but also by the other girls, who loved to exclude me and would never share their forbidden novels with me.
I know that if Reece could hear my thoughts, he’d probably laugh and think that not only I’m a gossipy, lying bitch but I’m also a looney psycho.
And the unnerving thing with Reece is that he’s always observing, even when he doesn't look like he's paying attention.
“What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
His tone isn't mocking, so I don't take offence at his choice of words.
“I’m just enjoying the dance. You're a good dancer, Reece.”
The corner of his upper lip lifts in just the hint of a smile.
“I wish I could thank my mom. She’s made me take dance classes since I was ten. Something to do with the education of a proper gentleman not being complete without being able to lead in a dance.”
It's the first time he talks about his family and since this whole mess with that nasty rumour, it's the first time he's not scowling or being mean to me.
“Well, I like dancing with you.”
My voice is just a whisper: I want him to kiss me so bad but I’m still scared that this sweetness won't last.
“You’re a good dance partner, easy to lead. And I heard that you're an even better kissing partner ...”
I officially love bonfires!
I blush again but we’re in a really dim spot at the edge of the dance floor, so I’m pretty positive that he can't see it.
His face comes nearer, the tip of his nose is touching mine.
I close my eyes, anticipating he softness of his lips but the kiss never comes.
When I open my eyes, Reece’s hands are still on my waist but he’s turned his head to look at Max.
Our QB1 is standing too close for comfort and has a hand on Reece’s shoulder.
He doesn't even look at his former friend, he looks directly at me.
“Hey, rally girl! I’d love the next dance.”
“As you can see, she’s dancing with me! And last time I checked, she has a name and you fucking know it!”
Max flashes his arrogant and dismissive smile at his former bestie and continues to address me.
“Come on, as my rally girl you're supposed to lift my morale, not the rest of the team’s. I promise you I’m way more fun than this asshole. And if you like it with more than one guy at once, like I’ve heard, I can ask Tripp and Ashton.”
I’m about to tell Max to get lost when Reece turns completely around to face off with the football team captain.
If I thought his voice was menacing when he was mad at me, the tone he uses with Max is bone chilling.
“I don't like the way you're speaking to Abi. I thought I’d made it clear that I won't tolerate any disrespect towards her.”
He’s clenching his fists, his jaw is tense, one of his feet is slightly forward in an aggressive stance.
Max’s about to react, when Coach Benson’s commanding voice intervenes:
“Is there any problem here, boys?”
Max immediately seeks his coach's backing.
“He’s taking up all Abi’s time. She’s my rally girl, after all and I want at least a dance with her.”
Unbelievably, Coach Benson sides with his captain.
“He’s right, Abbott. A dance isn't the end of the world. Have some respect for your captain.”
And then he jerks his chin towards me with the most patronising and chauvinistic tone I’ve ever heard: it rivals my own father's.
“Young lady, dance with your captain.”
If I had no intention to dance with Max before, now I wanna do it even less.
And then, the small crowd that has formed a semicircle around the spectacle that we’re offering, starts chanting:
“Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance!”
I look at Reece: if he could incinerate pretty much everybody on the spot, the school hallways would be half empty come Monday morning.
He nods at me, I guess not even he can take on his coach and the whole football team.
As I reluctantly move towards Max, Lissa walks up to Reece:
“Come on, honey. You got your own rally girl, let’s dance.”
He’s about to refuse, his earlier good mood totally gone but we both spot coach looking at him with a stern expression and this time I nod at him to just dance with the cheerleader captain and avoid another confrontation.
8.
Rally Ready Check List
Reece
“REECE ABBOT AND MAX Alistair to Coach Benson’s office.”
It’s third period and I wonder what the fuck this is all about.
What couldn't wait until practice to discuss.
I’m in a bad mood anyway: I haven't seen Abi all weekend.
Gabbie invited her for a sleepover on Friday night and she ended up staying until Sunday.
And I know I’m not the only one who missed her, because Pryce and Chaz drove me literally up the wall.
None of us wanted to text her and I’m sure that my two bros were waiting for me to send the first text before turning into two needy bitches.
The thing is ... I’m conflicted.
I fucking like this girl more than it's healthy or sane.
And I’ve been trying to find a way to forgive her for telling that fib about sleeping with us.
The thing is that with those huge puppy eyes and that sweet little smile, she's already tricked me into letting my guard down once, during that earthquake.
I know I could totally fall for her: I still remember that timid, hesitant kiss and the way she felt in my arms ...
But I can't, I can’t let myself feel like this for her until I’m sure that she won’t lie again and until I’m ready to forgive her for trying to use me and the guys.
Even just dancing with her messes with my sanity and my self-control, this is why I’ve been so hard on her.
I hate myself for feeling this weak when she’s around and I hate her for making me feel weak and for exploiting that weakness trying to become popular.
I thought that
I had the perfect solution: our deal.
She has sex with us in exchange for us keeping people from treating her like the slut that stupid Facebook post made her sound.
It was perfect: I could hate her and fuck her instead of making love to her and risk being hurt.
I could control the whole situation.
But Abi isn't who I think she is: she's a lot more innocent than I thought and I think my deal’s already turning against me.
It took Chaz a couple of kisses to look like he’s ready to walk into the sunset with her.
Pryce at least is keeping it together on the outside but I’ve known him since we were five and I know his whole speech about the way I’ve been treating Abi, meant that he likes her way more than he’s letting on.
And he’s fucking right too!
If I’m too harsh with her, she’ll walk away.
I can't let her do that, not after the way Max has been looking at her.
I don't know if he's genuinely interested in her or if he's just trying to piss me off and to get revenge for what he thinks we did to Emily.
But either way, I can't let him win: Abi is mine!
She might be a heartless little liar under that angelic exterior but she’s my fucking liar!
I’m rambling, lost in my own thoughts when I knock on Coach Benson’s door.
So I’d actually forgotten that Max was gonna be there too.
He’s sitting in one of the two chairs facing coach's desk and his little arrogant smile pisses me off instantly.
“Good morning, son. Take a seat, please.”
The way coach calls me ‘son’ reminds me of my own father: it's patronising and doesn't manage to hide a certain amount of distaste towards me.
I know that coach is on Max’s side.
He thinks that the guys and I did what Max accused us of.
“What's this about, coach? We’ve got Latin Literature and I don't wanna miss Ms Webber's class.”
Coach’s lips tighten in a narrow horizontal line.
“I’ll give you a permission slip. We need to sort this out between you, your friends and QB1. This year we really have a shot at winning State, so I want fucking harmony on my team. None of that bullshit you pulled off on Friday night!”
Beverly Hills Prep Academy The Complete Boxset : A Light Bully Romance Page 39
