Leader of the Pack (Bryant Rockwell Book 3)

by Jacky Gray

  Knowing the way junior boys fixated on swear words, Liv figured what was coming next and grinned.

  “Spot on. After the first day, she insisted each word had to have more than four letters and at least three syllables. Of course, I had no clue what a syllable was.”

  “What is it with guys and swear words?”

  A Christmas tree’s worth of twinkle lit his eyes. “These were the nastiest I could find. But they were actually pretty boring. I remember ‘avuncular’ being my favourite word. So onomatopoeic.”

  “And uncle-like.” She didn’t tease on the six syllables.

  “I knew you’d get it.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to see a woman about some tickets. Can I give you a lift home?”

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll see you by the front gate. I won’t be late this time; I made sure I’ve got my spare helmet.” Every molecule on his face conspired to radiate pure sass.

  “You were that sure I’d say yes?”

  For the first time, his assurance faltered leaving him achingly vulnerable. “Oh no, never. I just wanted it so much there was no way I wouldn’t be prepared if you said yes.”

  Still smiling at his impudence, she searched for the others in the usual places. She finally caught up with Kat just as the bell rang.

  “Where have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you.”

  “With Terry and Alison, again. Jude and Luke had to wolf their food down before sorting a feedback report or something with Miss Talbot. No point asking where you were, we saw you on one of the love seats with your Lothario. Luke couldn’t believe it was Jimmy; kept staring at him with a peculiar expression on his face.”

  “He does look different. I can’t believe he’s the same person anymore.” She told Kat how he’d come to her rescue by the lockers and some of the compliments.

  “Oh no. Now you’re thinking he’s your very own knight in shining armour. Trust you.”

  As they reached the sports complex, Liv remembered the note exempting her from PE for the next two weeks. She went to the library instead and had a go at the maths worksheet. For some reason, her brain couldn’t cope with algebra, so she finished her English homework, then read more of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

  As she reached the lockers, Luke approached with a worried look on his face. “I need to talk to you.” His voice sounded low and urgent.

  “I’m sorry Luke, I’ve got to go, I’m getting a lift ho ...”

  “With Jimmy Proud?”

  “Yes. Have you got a problem with that?”

  “No, but you may have. Just be very careful with him, Liv. He’s a user and you’ll just be a very well-known notch on his bedpost.”

  “What?” Her eyes widened at the very idea.

  “You need to know: He’s been on the wrong side of the law before.”

  He stopped abruptly as the others appeared, turning to Jude with a rather forced smile.

  Liv closed her locker and turned to go. “Sorry, you guys. Gotta see a man about a lift. See you tomorrow.”

  “Woah, girl. Are we not fit company for a superstar, anymore?” Jude did the whole nudge, nudge, wink, wink routine.

  Beneath it, Liv spotted something she didn’t want to believe was any flavour of hurt. She opted for a neutral tone. “Not at all. You should know me better than that. I’m just getting a lift. Bye.”

  13 What Will Ray Say?

  Wondering at Liv’s uncharacteristic behaviour, Jude noticed both Kat and Luke’s worried expressions. “What’s going on here?”

  “Jimmy Proud’s giving her a lift.” Luke’s dull voice matched his face.

  “What? How? Have I missed an episode?” Jude’s confusion lifted as

  Kat filled her and Luke in on the testimonials from Sarah Turnbull and Mr Clare while they grabbed homework books from their lockers.

  “Wow. You mean the guy all over her at lunch? He looks nothing like him.” Jude tried to reconcile the two images in her head.

  “He’s changed. Apparently.” Kat’s expression suggested the jury was still out. “Even Paddy speaks well of him now.”

  Jude’s mind was well and truly blown. “Liv and Jimmy Proud. I wonder what Ray will say about that?”

  “What do you mean?” As the other two chorused their question, Jude realised there was no putting this cat back in the bag.

  “Damn, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. He asked me to keep schtum, but he sent the rose when she came out of hospital.”

  Kat’s, “No way,” came a second before Luke’s, “Sly bugger.”

  Feeling more and more wretched about breaking the confidence, Jude continued. “It took a long time, but he finally admitted he fancies her.” Once she started, it was a relief to share the load. “Of course, he couldn’t do anything about it while she was going out with Terry.”

  “You knew all this and didn’t say a word?” Kat looked a tad miffed, until she caught sight of Luke’s face. Her expression deepened to full-on appalled. “And you knew, too? Am I the only one he doesn’t confide in?”

  Luke held his hands up. “He didn’t say anything to me. I just caught him a couple of times looking at her the way I used to look at Jude.”

  “Used to?” Jude shot gratitude to her fringe for stopping her eyebrows from taking off into the stratosphere.

  “Yeah, that look of total longing, before you finally realised I was the only one for you.”

  “I see.” Jude played along. “And I realised this exactly when?”

  “When I kissed you, of course. At the Halloween party. Or on the way home from Stratford. Or in front of the entire school on stage ...”

  “Ok, I get the picture. Defo TMI, you guys.” Kat grinned. “Now before you dissolve into pure mush, can you tell me what we’re gonna do about Liv and Jimmy?”

  Luke scowled. “I think she needs to know a few things about him before she gets hurt.”

  “Weren’t you listening to Kat? Even Paddy thinks he’s changed, and for Mr Clare to say what he did …” Jude shook her head. “Jimmy must have turned over a new leaf. You did it, so why can’t he?”

  “I … but … I still think … Oh, I don’t know, maybe you’re right. Didn’t you say Sarah Turnbull gave him a clean slate, too?”

  Kat nodded. “Yeah. Why, do you know her?”

  “Sort of. Paul had the hots for her, but she was too nice to get mixed up with the likes of him back then.”

  “I think he deserves the same chance you got.” Jude smiled at him.

  He nodded, with reluctance. “But where does that leave Ray?”

  Kat, as ever, tried to be fair. “I don’t think we should let on we know anything; it’s up to Liv to decide. If Ray is keen, he’ll find a way.”

  In Jude’s mind, they were a perfect fit; Liv was just overwhelmed by Jimmy’s charisma. “This may well be just a ‘Leader of the Pack’ thing with Jimmy. I can’t see them lasting too long, they’re too different.”

  “Except he seems to have her under some kind of spell.” Luke’s reaction summed up her thoughts perfectly.

  Jude saw her concern reflected in Luke and Kat’s expressions as they left the lockers to go home. She was pretty sure Liv would have snarked something about clucking hens if she could have seen them.

  14 You’re My Girl, Now

  Liv dashed out to find Jimmy waiting, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him astride his red and black Suzuki. With his blond hair flopping over one eye, he could have been a member of any one of the boy bands with a record in the charts at the moment.

  She could tell he was pleased to see her; he’d obviously had some doubts she’d turn up. His expression suggested he wanted to hug her or something, but he behaved like a perfect gentleman in front of the hundreds of kids hanging around. With the usual courtesy, he handed her a helmet and helped her onto the back, driving with care.

  When he stopped outside her house, he stayed on the bike, merely removing his helmet to give her a chaste
little kiss.

  She held out her helmet. “Don’t you want to come in for a coffee?”

  “Is anyone else at home?” He glanced at the house.

  “No.”

  “I’d better not then.” His gaze sizzled.

  “Why not? Mum and Davey will be home in an hour and Vicky sometimes gets in just after four. You weren’t thinking of having your wicked way with me, were you?”

  He grinned at the quaint expression. “No, but I don’t want anyone to get even the chance to think that.”

  “No way. They know I can take care of myself. And anyway, Dad and Mum were very impressed with you. She even asked why I don’t bring smart young men like you home.”

  He still looked doubtful and she pulled his arm. “Come on, it would be so nice to be able to talk for half an hour without having to worry about who might be listening. How else am I going to get to know the real Jimmy Proud?”

  “Ok, but just a coffee. Then I’ll have to go.”

  He moved the bike so it wouldn’t block anyone driving in, then knocked on the door, even though she’d left it ajar while she rushed into the kitchen to put the kettle on.

  She called for him to come on in, meeting him in the hallway.

  With impeccable manners, he commented on the way her parents had decorated the house, calling it “very stylish.”

  Sitting him down at the breakfast table, she spooned coffee in the cups and got milk and a packet of biscuits.

  “Very domesticated. I see you know your way around the kitchen.”

  She snorted. “I ought to, the amount of time I spend in here.”

  “Don’t tell me you can cook as well? Why don’t I stop messing around and just ask for your hand when your dad gets home?” He strode over and bent down on one knee, kissing her hand.

  “Prat.” Her smile softened the insult. “People don’t do that anymore. Anyway he couldn’t give it. I’m not sixteen, yet.” As her parents frequently reminded her.

  “We could get betrothed like in Shakespeare’s time; girls were promised from birth.” He got up and put his arms round her waist, looking down into her eyes. “How cool would that be? This is Olivia, my betrothed.”

  “You seem pretty sure I’d say yes.”

  “That’s the whole point, you wouldn’t need to. If your dad gave his consent, you’d be mine whether you liked it or not.”

  Did she imagine the Mr Darcy undertone? Or had she simply been watching too many period romances? She turned back to the biscuits, emptying them onto a plate, trying to lighten her mood. “I think if my dad had to sell, it would be to the highest bidder. He’d have to be sure of your credentials.”

  “But you could persuade him. I bet you wrap him round your little finger.” His hooded eyes were straight out of a Poldark episode, and she couldn’t help but answer with Demelza’s sass.

  “I’m sure I could, but I’d have to want to first.”

  “There’s a challenge if ever I heard one. I know I can do something about that.” He spun her round and kissed her with delicacy, making her feel like a precious object. She closed her eyes and rocked back slightly. His arm came round to support her and the pressure of his lips increased, becoming more demanding as she responded, placing her hand on his arm where her fingers curled round the leather almost involuntarily.

  The kettle clicked off and the sound broke into her consciousness, forcing her eyes open.

  He released her instantly, trailing a finger down her cheek. “I knew it; you are good enough to eat. Even better than these chocolate chip cookies.” He picked up the plate and returned to the table.

  She giggled and sorted out his milk and sugar options, then sat opposite him, placing the mugs on the table.

  Dunking a cookie, he wolfed the soggy bit with an appreciative sound. “So, what made you collapse after the show? I never found out the truth.”

  She told him briefly about trying to lose weight and what the doctor had said about some bits breaking.

  He whistled. “Sounds rough. But you didn’t need to diet; you were nicely curvy as I remember. What’s the word they use about those ladies in Ruben’s paintings? Voluptuous. Mmm, I love that word; it sounds so sexy as it rolls around in your mouth.”

  He took hold of her hand and absently traced a pattern round the lines on her palm, sending a shiver down her spine.

  Steeling herself not to flinch against the ticklish sensation, she sipped the too-hot coffee and tried to explain further. “It was all about my self-image. I felt fat and frumpy and, more importantly, grossly unfit. Now I can run twenty-five metres without falling in a heap.”

  “Sounds as though you were running an awful lot more than that. It’s a mile and a quarter round the outside of the park and you said you were doing two laps. That’s two and a half miles.”

  “The maths I can do, but there’s no way I could keep going for all that time; I have to slow down and do a fast walk every so often.” It didn’t occur to her to wonder why he knew the circuit round her local park.

  “Even so, it’s pretty good going for someone who couldn’t run. Now that’s a sight I would pay to see.”

  “What is?”

  “You in a running vest and shorts, your skin glowing with sweat ...”

  “It’s gross, believe me. Everything wobbles and my face turns purple.”

  “You sell it well.” He chuckled. “Now I have to see it. When are you out next? I’ll see if I can keep up with you.”

  “I’m not sure.” Liv backpedalled like crazy. “And anyway, you wouldn’t see a thing ’cos I’m all wrapped up in a tracksuit. This is winter, you know.”

  “Stop changing the subject. When’s your next run?”

  “Mum grounded me for a week. I would normally go on Saturday after skating but Kat and Jude were talking about going into town to do some Christmas shopping.”

  “Skating? I haven’t been in ages.” After initial surprise, his expression suggested fond memories. “I used to be pretty good. Why don’t I meet you there, and we’ll see what’s going on after that?”

  “You do realise the rest of the gang will be there?” She tried another sip, glancing over the top of the mug. “Including Luke and Kat.”

  “Yeah, I know you come with some baggage. They’ll just have to get used to the idea of me hanging around.” Another one of those penetrating gazes. “You’re my girl now.”

  Ignoring the melting sensation, she was quick to defend her friends. “I didn’t mean there would be any trouble. But the meeting is already arranged and I wouldn’t want them to think I’d dumped them just because something better came along.”

  “Uh huh. I see you’re not averse to the odd bit of flummery yourself, Miss Tranter. But I appreciate the loyalty. Yet another thing I love about you.” He tapped the end of her nose in a gesture of affection, then glanced at his watch. “I suppose I should be going, but you were right, this has been good. We must do it some more.”

  She stood up to see him out and he gave her a swift goodbye kiss. As she waved him off, Vicky turned up.

  “Who was that? I didn’t know any of your friends rode a bike.”

  “James.” At Vicky’s blank look, she grinned. “‘Waiter guy’ from Sunday. You were right, he did send the rose, and a quote from Shakespeare ...”

  Vicky’s eyebrows shot up. “Wow, talk about a fast mover. Did he bring you home from school?”

  “Yep.” Liv sighed as Vicky’s face came over all cagey. “Go on, do your worst.”

  “I know Mum’s given you the birds and bees pep talk, but did she also give you the one about safe sex? Using protection and all that?”

  “Vicky!!! How can you even think …?” Liv swallowed her outrage. “I’m not a slapper ...” Words failed her.

  “Ok, ok. Chill, baby. Just doing the big sis bit. It’s your life and I don’t want to preach, but I think you’d be better off waiting until you’re legal.”

  “You sound like dad. It’s like no one trusts me to make the rig
ht decision.” Indignation abounded.

  “’Nuff said.” Vicky gave her a sisterly hug. “So, what’s he like when he’s not putting on the ‘May I help you’ act?”

  “Still charming. Funny and smart. And well read.”

  “Sounds like Liv’s in lurve.” Vicky slid a glance. “Is he a good kisser?”

  “Oh, yes.” Liv cursed herself for being so easily duped. “I mean, that’s none of your business.”

  “But he is.”

  “Yep.”

  “Good.” Vicky’s grin deserved a full dish of cream.

  “And he’s taking me to the sixth form disco next Saturday.”

  “I might see you there, then. Laura said Sarah can get us a couple of tickets if we’re interested. Apparently they’re not selling so well.”

  “Ahhh. Does that mean you’ll be spying on me all night?”

  “As if.” Vicky’s expression owed a lot to TV comediennes. “We’re in two minds because the sixth form are all a bit young for us.”

  Liv frowned. “Doesn’t the college have their own do?”

  “Not ’til January ’cos everyone leaves to go home for Christmas. But on balance, I think we’ll go. A boogie is a boogie. And it’ll be way cooler if you’re there, I can always rely on you to get the dancing started.”

  Secretly pleased by the kudos, even if it was pure flummery, Liv grabbed her bag to make a start on the homework. Which held no interest compared to reliving the thrill of Jimmy’s touch and his soul-searching gazes. Instead of giving the physics homework the attention it deserved, her mind wandered through snatches of conversation over the past few days, marvelling at the breadth of his knowledge – even seventeenth century painters, for goodness sake. But something niggled. Something to do with Vicky and the availability of tickets for the disco.

  15 The Evil That Boys Do

  After dinner, Liv was still wrestling with homework which refused to engage her brain. For the first time in her life, she understood how Kat, with her non-maths brain, must feel when faced with the complexities of solving simultaneous equations. Or even simple factorising. The doorbell rang, interrupting her brief insight into life on planet Kat.