The Bad Boy Kissed Me *ON HOLD*

Roar

 It's just like I remember. The packed stands, bright lights, wafts of greasy concession foods, laughter—boos and cheers. And the band.

"Why are you smiling like a weirdo?" Becca yells at me because the noise is so intense.

"I love this," I yell back, my eyes glued to the track around the field as the band marches out with the drum line playing their cadence. It's the same tune I've always heard, but instead of sitting at home and pretending I don't want to experience it, I'm at the game with a friend on one side and my boyfriend on the other. He's chatting with the guy I'd seen at the cafe, Roman, his best friend. Gabe had wanted me to meet him and his cousin, Liliana, officially, but I was not missing the game after I'd been pumped all day.

So, because they wanted to see Gabe, they met us here about ten minutes ago. We only exchanged handshakes before the stands got too crowded and rowdy to talk, though I don't know what I would say to his cousin, considering Becca and I wanted to take her out yesterday.

Becca smiles, pulling me to my feet. "Then enjoy it properly!"

I stand, laughing, and start dancing with Becca as the band gets closer. Other students are doing the same, though the loudest bunch are seated closest to where the band will eventually sit. Gabe wasn't in the mood to be around our peers more than he had to.

"You're drooling, brother," Roman yells behind us.

I peek over my shoulder and realize Roman is talking to Gabe, who is staring right at my ass. I'm wearing cutoff jean shorts over black tights that Becca forced me to try on. She'd wanted me only to wear the shorts, but after seeing the marks Gabe left on my thighs, she went with her backup plan and offered the tights. I ended up loving the combination and decided to pair them with the school sweater Mr. Juarez had given me and combat boots. The look on his face suggests I'm wearing the skimpiest outfit and preparing to give him a lap dance, though.

Gabe finally looks at my face, smirking. Roman chuckles but quickly frowns and leans close to Gabe, whispering something.

His attention jerks away from me and toward a section of students, where a few guys appear to be looking at me. The mean bad boy I remember transforms his awed expression, and he settles a hand on my hip and slides me to stand in front of him.

The movement gets their attention, and they quickly turn away once they realize Gabe sees them staring.

My confidence vanishes, and I move away from him to sit again. Becca joins me, frowning toward Gabe, but I shake my head at her. I don't want to advertise I'm being made fun of. It's already hard to be with Gabe and see all the stares he receives and the looks of disdain when they realize he's with me.

"Hey." His arm slips around my shoulders, and he leans so close his lips brush my ear when he talks. "I wasn't trying to ruin your fun. You can keep dancing—I'm not jealous."

"Obviously," I mutter, hating how ridiculous I suddenly feel. I want to pull my legs up and squeeze them under the sweatshirt. I want to leave. Why did I even come?

He sighs, pulling me closer. "Do you not want me to show others we're together?"

My brows knit together, and I stare at the field even though none of what is happening registers. "What does that have to do with people making fun of me for dressing like this?"

"What?" He leans away slightly but doesn't let me go. "No one was making fun of you. I was marking territory because I don't feel like getting in a fight tonight. I want you to have fun, and I can't do that if I'm knocking assholes out for mentally stripping my girlfriend."

"Stripping me?" I turn to look at him finally. "Why would anyone do that?"

His expression is blank before he snaps out of it and gives me a quick kiss. "Don't do this. You know you're gorgeous. I just got lucky you are a little badass, and your middle finger was covering up all this." He shifts, settling a hand on my thigh. "As much as I like being the only one to see you, I know there's still a girl who wants to be seen. I'm not gonna tell you how to dress or to cover up. I only want to make it clear we're together."