The Bad Boy Effect

Chapter 16: What A Turn Of Events (Part 2 To Previous Chapter)

"Almost there," I hear Arran whisper. He's covered my eyes and is guiding me towards our destination. All I can smell is the saltwater of the ocean. I can hear the seagulls above us and the waves crash against each other. I hear laughter and children and I can faintly smell food.

"Arran where are we going?" I giggle. I hear him chuckle.

"Patience, shorty."

I roll my eyes and continue to walk. Suddenly I feel the pressure of his hand leave and I raise an eyebrow. "Am I allowed to look now?"

"Yes, smartass." he laughs.

I open my eyes and my jaw drops. I kind of had a feeling we were coming here, but I wasn't 100% sure until now. I gaze around the Santa Monica Pier, a smile slowly spreading across my face.

"This is amazing," I whisper. "I know I'm going to sound lame, but I've actually never been here before."

"Well, now you have." Arran whispers softly. I turn around and look at him, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thank you."

"Psh. Don't thank me yet. Come on, let's go have some fun." He grins as he grabs my hand.

We walk around a little as I take the view in. It's absolutely gorgeous. The waves are a bit calmer, and the sun is dancing on the water like gold confetti. It's a sunny day with not a cloud in sight. I rest my head on Arran's shoulder as we walk along the railing. The scent of saltwater fills my nose and I love it.

He kisses the top of my head and I feel it send tingles throughout my entire body. I grin stupidly, but as we continue to walk, Robbie's words hit me like a punch in the gut.

Guys like that don't change overnight.

I frown a little and my heart aches. The feelings are so real that I almost forget this is a bet. I think I'll have to thank Robbie after I win. If it weren't for him, I would actually be believing this whole charade. I feel Arran stop and I look back at him. I grab his other hand so we're standing eye to eye. Well, more like eye to nose, but whatever.

"Why do you keep frowning?" Arran asks softly. I sigh.

"It's really no reason."

"Bullshit."

I laugh a little. "You really want to know?"

"Yes, I do."

"I... I guess I'm worried about my mom a little." I say, praying to god he buys it.

"Why?" Arran asks softly.

"Well," I say. "It's a very long story, and it's super depressing and I don't want to say it right now. How about we go have some fun?" I ask smirking. Arran looks me in the eyes, obviously searching for the truth and for some answers, but I give him a pleading look.

"Today is all about us, right? Let's keep it that way." I grin.

"Okay," he says, his eyes softening.

I look over at some of the carnival games and Arran's gaze follows.

"You interested in anything particular over there?" he grins. I shrug.

"I'm not interested in anything here except for you," I say smirking. I need to up the anty here if I'm going to win this bet.

His breathing hitches and then he smirks. "I could say the exact same thing about you, shorty."

It's about three-thirty and we've been here since noon. We've done just about everything except for the Ferris Wheel, which I have been avoiding because of my deathly fear of heights.