Collide: A High School Bully Romance - Madison Falls High Book 1

by K. Walker

  My thoughts drifted back to my current situation. How did this become my life? It seemed I was damned if I did, and damned if I didn’t. And Callie always came out on top.

  “Why the long face?”

  I turned slowly to the voice and my heart fluttered when I saw Chad. “Nothing,” I told him.

  “Doesn’t look like nothing to me. But let me guess…Callie.”

  I let out a sigh and replaced my chin with my forehead. “Yep. She crashed my game and got me evicted.”

  “Well, how about you go do something else? Like surfing. Some pretty sweet waves out there.” He grinned.

  I sighed again. “No. I’m good here.”

  “You do surf, right?”

  “I used to, but then…” I signed and rested my chin on my knees again.

  “Then…?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Doesn’t look like nothing to me. Quite a few times I’ve noticed you just sitting here looking out, watching the waves. I know that look. I get that look. You want to go out there, so what’s stopping you?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it.” I rubbed the back of my neck over my tattoo of Rachel.

  “What’s that?” he asked, pointing to the back of my neck

  “It’s a tat in memory of my best friend.”

  “Oh, shit. I’m sorry,” he said. Then he took my hand. “Okay, no more of this shit. Come on.”

  “No, Chad! I can’t,” I argued, looking up at him.

  “What do you mean you can’t? What’s got you so scared?”

  My heart hammered, and my head pulsated as I saw Rachel’s face in the distance, and my eyes watered, filling up with new tears.

  “Sophia,” he said in a soft, calmer voice. “What’s wrong? You can tell me.”

  I sighed and sank back down onto the beach. “The last time I was out there, my best friend died. We had been at a party and had a few too many drinks. We decided to go in at dusk and we paddled out far—too damn far. She ended up hitting her head on a coral. I couldn’t get to her in time… I couldn’t get her back to shore fast enough,” I murmured as the tears streamed down my face and I couldn’t catch my breath. “I couldn’t save her. It was all my fault.”

  “Fuck!” he replied and sat next to me as his board clattered to the sand. His arm went around me and my head rolled onto his shoulder as he pulled me in to his embrace. “I’m so sorry, Sophia. I didn’t know. And I was such an asshole about it. Shit!” He kissed the top of my head.

  “It’s okay,” I sniffled. “You didn’t know.”

  “We’ve all had rough times, some worse than others but you can’t let that hold you back. I can see it your eyes, your face. You have that look that all surfers have,” he said. “Can I see the tat?”

  “Sure.” I leaned forward and could feel his fingers trace her name.

  “Were you guys any good?”

  I couldn’t help but smile and rocked into him with my shoulder. “We rocked the waves. Rachel was such a bad ass. She had been surfing since she was a kid. She was going to enlist into the surfing Santa competition this year.”

  “Wow. She sounds amazing.” He stood with his hand outstretched towards me. I looked up and saw him smile down at me, his wet tousled hair falling around his face and his green eyes sparkling with something I had never seen before. “I don’t know your friend but I know for a fact that she would be pissed that you’re sitting here moping and blaming yourself about what happened.” He paused and stared at me until I nodded in agreement. “You want to get out of here?”

  “Yeah,” I replied without thinking and took his hand. I let out a laugh feeling the weight lift off my shoulders.

  “Okay,” he chuckled and helped me up. “Now that’s what I’m talking about girl. Let’s go.”

  I didn’t know where he was taking me, but I didn’t care. I wanted to go and forget about the water and Rachel and volleyball and Callie. I wanted my mind to be blank – rid of everything that had happened lately.

  Everything but Chad.

  I stared out at the open road while he drove, not seeing anything – not wanting to think about anything. I jumped when I felt his hand on mine.

  “You okay?” he asked, giving me a sideway glance.

  I sniffled and kept my head away from him. “Yeah.”

  It was getting dark, and it wasn’t until the car stopped that I realized we were nowhere in particular. “Come here. Let me show you something.”

  “Where are we?” I asked and wiped my eyes as I got out of the car.

  He came around to my side and took my hand. We were on the edge of a cliff, and the view below was spectacular.

  “Wow,” I choked. “It’s…this is incredible.” The sun was just setting in the distance. It looked like the dark blue of the ocean was eating the burning orange glow of the sun that was almost gone for the night. It was so beautiful.

  “Yeah. I come here sometimes.”

  “With other girls?” I asked without looking at him. I don’t know why I asked because I didn’t want to imagine him being there on the regular.

  “Nah,” he replied, and I felt a million pounds lighter. “I come here to think sometimes. Here,” he said as he lifted me up and placed me on the hood of the car. He slid behind me and wrapped his arm around me.

  The warmth traveled through me, like hot cocoa would on a cold day. I relaxed my head against his chest and stared out at the gray blue sky in the distance. In that moment I felt at peace and I wished it would never end.

  “I’m surprised you think at all,” I teased.

  “Don’t make me throw you off the cliff,” he teased back.

  I bit my lower lip and melted when he kissed my cheek. This was the side of Chad that I didn’t know existed. I was pretty sure most people didn’t know it either.

  “So, what’s your story?” I asked and shifted so I could see his face.

  “My story?” he asked, chuckling.

  “Yeah. The high school bad boy, Mr. Popularity, the jock, and now this? What gives? No comprende.”

  He laughed, and the vibration traveled throughout my body. It felt damned good to be sitting there with him, and I was kind of glad Callie had messed up my game or I would never be there with him in that moment.

  “That’s the idea.” He winked. “Don’t let them know what’s going on.”

  “I feel you,” I replied and turned around again. I could tell he didn’t let anyone in so easily. Maybe he had been hurt before. Like I had been, so I could easily understand, even without him saying a word.

  “So, what was that poor girl thing? I’ve seen your house. You’re not filthy rich, but it doesn’t necessarily scream give me a hand either.”

  I giggled. “That was a lame attempt she took. My mom is her uncle’s nurse. I guess that makes me poor in her book.” He didn’t say anything, and I could feel the tension in his body. “Hey, was it something I said? You got quiet on me.”

  He toyed with his lighter I hadn’t noticed before. “My mom’s a nurse too,” he said forcibly.

  I knew then it must have struck a chord with him. But I hadn’t expected his mom to be any different than Callie’s – the socialite wife of a real estate mogul.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah,” he said without looking at me. “She lives about two hours away now – after the divorce.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” I said sadly, knowing all too well why his voice had dropped a couple of octaves. “My parents got divorced too. Jack cheated on my mom, so, here we are, in this new town, with me getting hassled because of it. Everything sucks now. Yay me.” My hand pumped a fist in the air at an attempt to be sarcastic.

  “Everything?” he asked as he traced his hand down my face.

  “Everything…until now,” I whispered and he turned me around. He placed his lips on mine, and it was the most heart-melting, mind-blowing experience I had ever experienced.

  “Wow,” I said when he pulled back. “Do you kiss all the girls like that?”


  “You’re not like all those other girls, Sophia. None of them know about this place, and none of them know anything about me. Only the guys.”

  “Are you telling me I’m special?” I asked playfully.

  “You are. You’re not constantly trying to impress everyone. You’re comfortable in your own skin and you don’t give a shit what people think.”

  If he said one more word, he would have to scoop me up off the ground. I fell back against his chest and closed my eyes as a peaceful calm descended upon me. Who would have thought I would be sitting with Chad on the hood of his car watching the most beautiful sunset? Definitely not me.

  His phone began to vibrate and he shifted so he could check it. “It’s Cody. They’re ready.”

  “Ready for what? Do you have to go?”

  He kissed the top of my head and slid off the hood. “Yes. Come on.”

  I hated the thought of the moment coming to an end. “Where?”

  He turned to me, a sly grin on his face. “You’ll see.”

  I got in and my heart raced. I felt on top of the world and giddy in the moment. He flashed me that signature sexy grin and his green eyes sparkled. I could tell he was up to something, and it was no good. Still, the thrill had me anxious and excited.

  He drove off and turned onto a back road off the interstate. I constantly asked, but he refused to bite. It was already dark and I peered through the thickness of it, but it was no use. I wasn’t familiar with that part of town or any other part as a matter of fact.

  I began to get nervous when he turned onto a dirt road that led to nothing but more darkness and nothing but trees.

  “Relax,” he reassured me and rubbed my shoulder. “Besides, there are easier ways to kill you.”

  “Not funny, Chad,” I said and swiped at his hand.

  “It kinda is,” he laughed as the trees opened up to several red tail lights.

  My eyes scanned the view in front of me. “What’s this?”

  He revved the engine as several men and women swarmed the car. A girl in knee-length boots and a checkered bikini and matching flag ushered him forward. I looked over at Chad, but he looked perfectly at ease.

  But I had seen that scene before.

  Somewhere.

  In the movies, maybe?

  I wrinkled my brows as I wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into again. It wasn’t until he was through the crowd and they pressed back that I saw the track and the other cars lined up on the sides.

  “You’re kidding me!” I cried. “This is a race?” He just smiled as he revved the engine and nodded at Brody to our left and Zeke on the right. “Chad! Let me out!” I cried and tried to open the door.

  “Really?” he asked. “You want to stay out there? With them?”

  I looked out at all the teenagers watching. He was right. I didn’t know where I was or who those people were. They had to be shady. “I’m going to kill you,” I threatened.

  “I hope so,” he said and winked.

  He was lucky he was so damned hot. He could get away with anything with a smile like that.

  I clung to the bar over my head with my right hand, and with my left I sank my fingers into the leather seat. He kept his eyes focused on the road as the girl walked to the front. She stood between the cars and lifted her hand.

  Engines roared, as loudly as my heart, and I closed my eyes when she waved them off and the car jerked forward. I wanted to scream, but I didn’t want to look lame. Except, the car didn’t feel like it was moving too fast.

  I risked opening my eyes. I was wrong. It was whizzing around the track. Chad had full control of it, and even when my body slid to my right as he drifted around a bend, he didn’t even flinch. I looked behind me and saw the other headlights creeping up on us.

  “Don’t you dare lose,” I told him and smiled as my heart beat almost out of my chest.

  I saw the smile as it cracked his cool demeanor. “Not today babe.”

  He stepped on the pedal and the car shot even farther ahead as he rounded the last turn. It was so freakin’ hot being in the car. It was like my first taste of drugs, and I knew I would need another fix.

  The car sailed through the waving checkered flag, seconds before the others. Several hands banged the hood of the car. I wanted to hoot, but instead, I reined it in and pressed my hand to my chest. I could feel my heart thudding so fast that it might implode in my chest.

  I was pumped up, and I took one look at him and slid my hand across the divider, grabbing his thigh. “I think we should go back to my place.”

  He glanced down and his eyes told me he understood my meaning. He didn’t wait to talk to his guys. He pressed hard on his horn and started driving through the crowd. It took him half the time to get back to my house.

  Luckily, Mom wasn’t there, and we had our clothes half off by the time we got through the door with his lips pressed against mine.

  In minutes he had me upstairs, heading to my room as I clung to him, the heat between us undeniable and strong. We made it to the room and he kicked the door shut as his hands started to grope me.

  His hand cupped my breasts as the other pinched my nipple. His abs were chiseled to perfection and one arm was sleeved with ink. My eyes followed the V that drifted down between his legs and my heart raced like never before.

  I lay on the bed and watched as he rolled a condom on. He kneeled on the bed looking down at me and finally asked, "Are you sure?"

  "Yes," I said, pulling him down against my chest. I licked my lips when I felt his fingers run between my wet folds and then slide inside of my warmth.

  "Mmm." I moaned softly at the sensation it caused. Then I felt the tip of his thickness at my entrance and bit my bottom lip as he slowly slid inside of me. He pumped slowly, making sure not to hurt me. He looked down at me with soft expression. "Are you okay?"

  I nodded yes and egged him to pump faster as the pain subsided and the pleasure started to take over. I knew he was watching my facial expression and then he picked up the pace thrust faster and harder. I closed my eyes as my nails dug into his back. It felt so good and I didn't want him to stop but I felt the burn start and then the pleasure ripped through me like nothing I had felt before. I yelled out in ecstasy as Chad thrust hard into me one last time. I knew he had come as well when his body fell to the side of me, both of us wet from sweat and our chests heaving for our next breath.

  My lips were parched and I licked them when I looked over at him. He wore a smile on his face with one hand resting on his forehead. I watched as he rolled onto his side and glanced at me. “That was amazing,” he murmured and dipped down to give me a kiss.

  Chapter 20

  It had to have been a dream. It must have!

  But then I touched my swollen lips, and my tender nipples, I knew it was true. He had stolen my heart in the middle of the night, and taken it with him before mom figured out that I had snuck a boy into the house. I could feel the ache between my thighs.

  It was two nights ago, but it could have easily been minutes. I could still feel his effect on me, and I giggled and kicked with glee. I couldn’t believe that had really happened. He had come over yesterday too, and we had spent the evening making out and watching movies.

  I had seen him again at school, and I wasn’t sure how to act. Would he want anyone to know we were kind of a thing? I didn’t care and would go with his lead.

  I was on top of the world when I emerged from the bathroom, just as my phone started ringing. It was him. “Are you ready?”

  I rushed to the window where I saw his car parked out front. “Are you seriously going to take me to school?”

  “Yep. So get your fine ass out here.”

  “Chad, you don’t have to…” I started.

  “Sophia. This isn’t a discussion. Get dressed and get out here. We don’t have much time.”

  “Chad!”

  He hung up and I stared at the car. I clenched my jaw and finished dressing. “Mom?” I called. �
��Mom!” There was no answer. She probably left early. I was walking past her door when I noticed it was slightly ajar. “Mom?”

  I walked inside, but I didn’t see her. The bed looked like it hadn’t been slept in. Did she spend all night at the Humprys’ again?

  I shook my head in disbelief and walked out. I was about to text her when I heard the front door open. “Mom?” I didn’t want to think Chad could let himself in so easily. Though I wouldn’t put it past him to do something like that.

  “Yeah,” she replied as her keys clattered on the counter. She was standing by the door, a wild look on her face, and her eyes swollen and puffy. “There’s a car outside. Is that for you?” she asked and kicked off her shoes.

  “Yeah, but Mom, are you okay?” She looked frightened, and she was shaking. “Mom!”

  “Yeah,” she said and smiled. “Just tired. So is that someone I need to meet?”

  “Maybe,” I told her, but I wasn’t convinced she was all right. “Do you want me to stay here with you?”

  “No, God no,” she said quickly. “Go to school. I’ll be fine. I’m supposed to worry about you, remember?”

  “Okay. I’ll call you,” I said and hugged her. “Get some sleep. I love you.”

  “I will. I love you too, and I want to hear about this boy.” She smiled weakly.

  I did too as I walked out and closed the door behind me. The door lifted open as I approached. “Thought you were putting on a different face,” Chad joked.

  “No,” I said and looked back at the house. “Mom just came home and she looked weird. Something’s wrong.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Don’t worry about it. At least she’s home,” he said as he started the car. “Maybe she’s just tired like you said.”

  “Yeah,” I said stealing another glance at the house. “Maybe.” But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.