Newbie

34: We make a pretty good team

Skylar's POV

Most girls would probably kill to be in my position. It's not every day that your boobs are less than an inch from the high school quarterback's chest. My right leg was stretched out, barely brushing the person next tome, my left leg was bent keeping me upright, my right hand was straight underneath me helping me remain stabilized, and my left hand was slightly bent on a red dot with Luca's hand on top. Needless to say, this twister game was putting me in an uncomfortable position in more ways than one.

I could tell that Luca was amused by our situation, especially since I was being forced to look directly into his dark blue eyes at the moment. Normally- not that this a normal instance for me- I would have given up due to my arms aching. However, Luca and I were a team and there was some weird feeling that was stirring in my chest that made me want to win and not let Luca down.

"You're quite flexible Rowan" Luca grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

I narrowed my eyes at him, not enjoying what he was insinuating, but I was afraid if I used any energy to respond I would collapse.

"You know Rowan," he continued "Ever since I woke up that day in your home, I must admit, the idea of being on top of you has crossed my mind."

"Shut up you pervert" I mumbled, forgetting that I was trying to conserve energy.

I may have acted annoyed at his remark, but I had to turn my face to hide the blush that was sneaking its way across my cheeks.

Luca let out a chuckle. He knew that remark would draw a reaction out of me but I had to stay composed. If I wanted to avoid falling on my face in front of the student body I would I have to remain quiet. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Luca.

I guess all the years of working out and playing sports have given him an advantage because he seems quite comfortable holding up his body weight.

"Yo Reid" Luca and I both turned our heads at the same time toward the voice. This caused both of her cheeks to brush at the movement. I squinted my eyes, trying to figure out who called his name, but it was some random football player whom I had never met. He had a baby face, very soft features, and pale skin that was covered in freckles that were the same red color as his hair. "You look quite comfortable holding your weight over Rowan. Is this a common occurrence for you?"

It felt like all the blood just exited my body. I'm sure if anyone were to look at me they would have thought I had some terminal illness with how pale I just turned. I couldn't believe someone would say that about us-about me- to our face. I'm not naive. I know people are constantly making comments behind my back, but to my face with Luca right next to me, truly shocked me. My brain could not even formulate a response. Every IQ point that I had left my brain. My eyes widened, my hands were clammy, and my skin went pale but those were the only responses my brain was capable of forming.

I glanced at Luca, expecting to see a smug look on his face, but instead, his jaw was locked and his eyes were narrowed. I could see him pressing his tongue on his left cheek, clearly trying to figure out if that boy was worth retaliation. The problem with Luca is that I don't know if he plans on snapping back or fully committing to beating the kid up. I don't know what his relationship is like with this random football player but whatever it was, I would be pretty confident in labeling it bad now.

Luca's hand, which was resting on top of my own, slowly started to form a fist. I quickly grab his hand, pressing it back down with a force that surprised him. His attention turns back to me and he opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off.

"You can't beat up your teammate Luca. You have a game tonight and the rest of your team is counting on you." I explain

I can see his face begin to relax because he knows I am right. However, if Luca Reid is one thing it is stubborn.

"I'm not going to let some spoiled freshman shit talk you, Skylar" he snapped "homecoming game or not"

"Why? Is that only reserved for you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Luca's eyes held a little gleam after that comment and his signature smirk started forming on his lips. But my reply only distracted him for a few seconds because in only a few seconds he remembered what started the conversation in the first place.

"Hey Ryan," Luca said, calling the boy who made the comment to begin with, "I'm not sure how you know what a guy being on top of a girl looks like but do shut the fuck up. Or I'll handle it at practice Monday"

I don't understand what "handle it at practice" means but Ryan does considering his face is even paler than mine was a couple minutes ago. Ryan nods his head and turns his attention back to the girl who is his partner- where it should have stayed.

The twister game continues without any other incidents besides the awkward touching between me and Luca. Nothing inappropriate happens, Luca is too respectful and we are both ways too aware of the entire school watching us. Luca and I are one of the three teams left in the competition and my arms were currently killing me. Ryan and his partner got out a couple minutes after our exchange and I would be lying if I said that it didn't boost my ego.

"Left hand yellow" the head cheerleader called out.

I gritted my teeth and shifted my body to follow the girl's directions. I could sense Luca doing the same but this was light work for him.

I heard the student body let out a groan and turned my head seeing that one of the teams had just got out.

"Well shit Rowan" Luca said in an excessive southern accent "We are in the final two"

"It's because I'm so strong" I smirked

Luca rolled his eyes but let out a little smile. Luca's smiles are so rare because he often opts for his smirk, but when he truly smiles, even if it's small, I feel a swarm of butterflies invade my stomach.

"Right foot red!" the cheerleader yells.

This wasn't a hard position to transition to. Luca and I both did it with ease and locked our joints to continue holding us up. However, that ended up being useless because the other couple somehow managed to fall.

A roar of groans- depending on who they were pulling for -bounced off the gym walls echoing around me and Luca.

I heard the cheerleader say something about declaring me and Luca the winner but everything was muffled. My mouth was slightly gaping in shock that I had somehow won a game requiring even a little bit of athleticism.

Luca reached his hand out, offering to help me up. The second I grasped his hand I was quickly whisked off the ground and into his chest.

I had barely gotten to my feet when I felt Luca's strong arms encircle my waist. In one swift, fluid motion, he lifted me off the ground and spun me around, much like the junky yet thrilling rides one would find at the local fair. I quickly pulled my legs up to avoid them dragging on the gym floor. As he continued to spin me, I buried my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply. The scent of his expensive cologne mixed with his unique scent was intoxicating. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed when he placed me back on my feet.

I met Luca's gaze, completely oblivious that the entire school was watching our exchange but I couldn't help it. Luca had a huge grin on his face that forced a similar one on mine. There was something about seeing Luca this happy, this genuinely happy, that just made everyone around him mirror his joy. Luca Reid was a contagious son of a bitch.

"We make a pretty good team Rowan," Luca said, his smile never fading.

"I guess so" I replied, nonchalantly giving him a shrug, but my face betrayed me. He could tell that I was just as happy as he was. 

A.N

Hey y'all! I know it's a short chapter but I figured a short update is better than no update! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. We got to see a little bit of jealous/protective Luca and see our lovely Skylar stepping out of her comfort zone ( not sure why tho...hehe).

Anyways... happy reading!!!
xx