Ashton's Lie

chapter four

Ashton was right about the attention.

The moment I stepped out of his car, he wrapped an arm around me and walked us through the hallway. People literally moved to let us walk by like we're superstars.

I've been at this school for four years as the rich kid's daughter. Everyone here was high class, some middle class, but more money than regular people with regular jobs.

Living in California is easy, everyone knows everyone. Nobody's judging anyone since it's easy to get a pair of Jordan shoes before it's even sold out.

Liam stood at my locker with his arms crossed an a grim expression. I bite my lip, knowing I'm in trouble.

"Taylor Sofia Maria Selena Ramirez, you whore," he growls.

I smack his arm for using my full name. "Okay, I get it. Ashton and I are dating."

Liam nods and rubs his arm. "I can see that."

Ashton holds his hand out. "Ashton," he introduces.

"Liam," they shake hands firmly. Liam looks like he's about to pass out by Ashton's strength. It's nice to show off my fake boyfriend, I've never had one before.

"Okay, kids, break it up," I step in between them.

I turn to Liam. "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you," I apologized. "It happened last night."

I turn to Ashton and ask him with my eyes if I could tell Liam about our lie. His eyes pierce my own and I know he's killing me in his head for even thinking about it.

I pout and he shakes his head. His body was stiff and tense. This lie must be important to him. As much as it kills me, I'll wait for him to tell me. I'm sure once we're done with our act, he'll tell me. I have every right to know. His parents sound like assholes. They were more popular and wealthier than mine.

I pull Ashton to the side. "He's my best friend," I say lowly.

"I don't care," he says. "This stays between us."

I take a deep breath to keep from strangling him. "Whatever," I mutter. I walk back to Liam with an apoplectic smile. "Do you forgive me, best friend?"

"No," he snaps.

The bell rings signaling first period. I sigh. "Come over today and I'll explain." Ashton wraps an arm around my waist and leads me to class. Everyone's already there and Ashton's not in this class but I guess he doesn't give two shits.

We both sit down in the middle of the classroom while people stare and whisper. Ashton pulls a chair closer to mine and puts my legs on his lap with his hand resting on my thigh.

"Go any higher and I'll cut your hand off," I whisper to him.

He grins in response.

Mr. Greene looks at Ashton and I in shock. I wave to get his attention but he seems to be hypnotized.

"Mr. Greene," I call out. "We're waiting for you to torture the class already so get on with it."

He clears his throat and pulls out the smart board. Ashton leans to my ear. "Nice going sweetheart," he whispers.

I glance at him. "Do you have any rules or is it just to not tell anyone?" I mutter flatly.

"I just need you to be your rebellious self," he says. "I know you know how it feels to have neglectful parents who want you to be what they want you to be. This is our payback."

I think about that for a moment. Ashton was right. My parents were always busy, always leaving Teddy and I alone with Houston. I didn't think he knew what it was like. Boys are either good at hiding their emotions or they just don't care or need their parents as much as girls did.

"I guess boys really do have feelings," I tease. "What's your next step?"

"Next step, we go on the news so the whole world knows," he says. "A couple interviews, some shots of us going on a date, charity, school dances and all that crap."

"Sounds like plan," I say. "You must've thought this through."

"You don't know me sweetheart."

I lay my head on his shoulder as Mr. Greene turns off the classroom lights and plays To Kill a Mockingbird movie. Ashton doesn't seem to mind at my move, so I get myself more comfortable.

Someone pokes my back so I turn around to see a girl I've had English with for a year now. I think her name was Josie. "Yes?" I ask.

"You guys are really cute," she whispers.

I could feel Ashton's smirk behind my neck as he nuzzles in between my jaw and neck. I pat his hair, playing along and fake blush. "Thank you," I respond.

I pull Ashton up by his hair and scold him with my eyes. He smiles innocently and I lay my head on his shoulder again as the movie continues and Mr. Greene doing some paperwork.

I felt a vibrate on my lower body. Ashton pulls his phone out and cursed under his breath.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Father wants to meet with me," he mumbled.

"Isn't that a good thing?" I ask, confused.

He sighs. "I don't think it's about our relationship."

I frown but don't push the subject. If the rumors are true, Ashton isn't someone to mess with. If he does something, I'm sure he has a reason.

"I want you to meet my parents," I tell him.

"Why?"

"Because I do," I say flatly. "A happy relationship means making the girl happy."

He lets out a soft laugh. "You amuse me, sweetheart."

I shrug. "It's in my blood, it's a Taylor thing."

"Maybe you won't be so bad, sweetheart."

"Is that my nickname now?" I ask.

He shrugs. "Why not?"

"I don't know ... It doesn't suit you."

He tangles our fingers together. "We'll work through it."

"Play with my hair and call me princess," I demand as I lean back on the chair.

He chuckles but does as I say. I've always wanted to be in a relationship where the girl was in charge.

Maybe this lie won't be so bad ...