FALL IN LOVE

Chapter 1

AUTHOR POV

Ashlyn strode down the hallway like a boss, books in one hand and bag in the other. Her face showed more anger than a hangry cat at dinnertime. Especially when it came to her sacred hair -touch it and you better watch out!

She shot death glares at anyone who dared to cross her path, making her way to one specific target. Her so-called friend, Amara, had sent her a cringe-worthy photo of her and Ethan supposedly being "lovebirds" in the cafeteria. It was enough to make her skin crawl.

Pausing in the middle of the hallway, Ashlyn scanned the area for her next victim - er, I mean, friend. "Amiee, where's Richie ?" she demanded, the response came quickly, "he's playing football on the field.", junior pointing her towards the football field. With a nod, Ashlyn headed off in that direction.

Her blood was boiling with fury as her gaze landed on Richie , who was laughing and clapping with his buddies after scoring a goal. His good looks couldn't hide the fact that he was a total snake.

Ashlyn marched over, slamming her bag and books to the ground, grabbing everyone's attention, including Richie who gazed at her with confusion. That confusion quickly turned to pain as Ashlyn's fist met his nose, sending him stumbling back, muttering curses and nursing his bruised face.

As Richie whimpered, Ashlyn couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"What a fantastic actor," she thought sarcastically.

As she prepared to deliver another blow, a loud whistle interrupted and a gentle hand grabbed her wrist, another placed on her shoulder to prevent her from causing further harm.

"What in the world is going on here?!" the coach exclaimed, witnessing the chaotic scene unfolding before him.

"Remove that ruddy post and keep your nose out of my affairs," she snarled, breaking free from the slight hold of whoever had been grasping her.

She moved in closer, staring down Richie as blood dripped from his nose. "Who do you think you are? I'm not afraid of your dad!" Richie bellowed, trying to wipe away the crimson liquid that seemed to not stop-at least not so soon.

Ashlyn just snorted, locking eyes with him. "Then maybe you should be afraid of his daughter."

With another swift punch, she sent Richie stumbling backwards, groaning in pain.

As she turned, she spotted Ethan with the group of guys Richie had been with. Ashlyn was certain he had been the one holding her just moments before she landed an another blow on Richie . Her eyes widened as they locked with the coach, who appeared far from pleased with her outburst during football practice.

She let out a sigh when she caught the raised eyebrows, fully aware of what it meant.

"Principal's office, Ashlyn," came the stern command.

She bent down to grab her books and bag, rolling her eyes slightly as Ethan chuckled beside her, offering to help with the books.

"Richie , you too! Principal's office!" the coach barked, leaving no room for argument. Ashlyn couldn't help but smirk at the situation.

"Looks like trouble follows you everywhere," Ethan teased, causing Ashlyn to laugh. "He had it coming."

With a playful grin, Ashlyn glanced back at the coach who was shooting daggers her way before heading towards the principal's office, knowing there was no way out of this one.

• • • • • • •

Asher Reiley sat comfortably on the seat with one leg crossed over the other, his elbow resting on the handle and his fingers lightly grazing his lips as he observed Richie standing with an ice pack on his hand, pressed against his swollen nose.