The Battle of The Bad Boys (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 11: Two Boys, One Dinner

"LeeLee, we gotta go!" Hunter shouts over the crashing of the waves, his choice of my childhood nickname earning him a frown from me as I flip off the side of the cliff for the umpteenth time today. This time I land neatly in the water in a streamlined position, a great improvement from earlier when I decided that I could execute a triple front flip and landed flat as a pancake on my stomach. Not my finest moment, though the video that Hunter got on his phone did provide a source of amusement for him for the next couple of hours.

"I'm serious Leila, your mom wanted us home for dinner!" Reluctantly I pull myself out of the water and walk over to Hunter rather than back up the cliff.

"Look at you being the responsible one." I joke, reaching down to grab my clothes from the rock where we put them earlier.

"No time for that!" Hunter says, whipping the material from my arms and sprinting off to the car. I roll my eyes and chase after him. Due to my previously mentioned lack of fitness and Hunter's often mentioned muscular body, he easily reaches the bike before me.

As I jog towards him. Scratch that, 'jog' is too official a term for the flailing limbs that I currently sport. As I attempt to jog towards him, red-faced and gasping, my expression morphs into one of disbelief as he revs the engine and moves the bike another few meters away from me. Impassioned, I sprint after him only for the same thing to happen again.

"What the hell Hunter?!" I say half laughing, half pissed off.

"Don't mind me, just enjoying the view." He winks, shaking my clothes in his hand. Mature Hunter, real mature.

"What happened to getting home in time for dinner?"

"Hmm, my resolve is fading. Let's stay out for a bit." Hunter cocks his head to the side and pouts.

"Mom's making apple pie for dess..."

"What are you waiting for? Get on!" Hunter chucks me a helmet and I hop on the back of the bike. Soon, the scenery is flying past and the wind is back to its old tricks, whipping my brunette locks everywhere; across my face and Hunter's. He proceeds to take a sharp turn, causing me to be half throw off. I scream and he stops immediately.

"Leila, oh my god are you okay?" He asks, swiftly picking me up and gently placing me back on the bike.

"That was amazing!" I gasp.

"What? Babydoll did you hit your head or something?" His face is still concerned but the slight teasing is coming back.

"It's just... Never mind, it's nothing." I say. Hunter looks at me curiously but lets it go. I'm just not ready to tell Hunter something that I haven't even told Sam.

***FLASHBACK***

"He doesn't treat me like I'm going to break if that makes sense."

Mom nods her head thoughtfully. "I understand that honey, given your past."

***END***

"Let's go back, we're gonna miss dinner." I say quickly. Hunter gives me another look of concern mixed with curiosity before getting back on the bike and wrapping my hands firmly around his waist.

*~*~*

Hunter kills the engine and parks the bike before we head to my front door.

"What about your car?"

"I texted Jordan and he said he would pick it up for me."

"He has keys?"

"We all have keys for each other's cars. How else would we get home from parties when we're smashed?" Hunter gives me a look as if that should have been obvious.

"Duh, silly me." I mutter, sarcastically. Fumbling with the key in the lock, I open the door. Hunter shouts a quick greeting before heading to the toilet.

"Mom, we're home." There's no answer for a few seconds before mom quickly walks into the room.

"Umm LeeLee, you have another visitor." Wait what? Oh shit. I completely forgot that I invited Tyler over for dinner. Well this just got very awkward.

"Let's go, I'm starving. It smells amazing Lisa." He smiles at mom as he walks back into the living room. As mom and I exchange a nervous look, he grabs my hand and pulls me to the kitchen. As we walk in we see Tyler leaning against the kitchen counter, chatting with my dad. Subconsciously I find myself checking him out as he wears black drainpipe jeans and a tight fitted white top with a navy beanie on his head. I love guys in beanies. As he hears footsteps approaching, he turns around.

"Hi Leila..." He trails off as his eyes find Hunter standing right next to me.

"What is he doing here?!" They both ask in unison. My eyes flutter between the two of them as I realise that mom was right: I have to choose. Both pairs of eyes (Hunter's green ones and Tyler blue-grey ones) express incredulity and hurt. I need to stop messing them around.

"Hunter, I invited Tyler over because I went on a date with you earlier rather than with him. I completely forgot as I didn't check my phone - I'm so sorry." I quickly explain. "However, I have messed you guys around long enough - if either of you wants to leave, I completely understand." To my relief they both stay glued to their spots. Faltering again, I am saved by mom.

"They're both here now, why don't you guys both stay for dinner and then chat with Leila after?" She suggests. The boys both nod stiffly, glaring at each other. The air of competition oozes from both of them Oh well, this should be over by the end of the night. But who am I going to choose?

*~*~*

Mom hands out warm plates of sloppy joes and I'm relieved that the food now provides an excuse for the awkward silence that has descended.

"This is amazing Lisa," Hunter smiles warmly, evidently using the family connection to piss off Tyler.

"Yes Mrs Fawn, it's so good," Tyler gruffly agrees.

"Please, call me Lisa." Mom kindly replies, "and thank you, it's a family recipe."

"So. Tyler, Hunter." Dad says, turning to each of them, "do you boys play football?" I roll my eyes, knowing that the conversation may as well be in a foreign language from now.

"Yeah, we both play quarterback and I also play linebacker when Tyler's on." Hunter says. Of course. Of course they both play the same position. As predicted, I understand nothing out of the next part of the conversation. Surprisingly, mom is fairly knowledgeable and joins the conversation quite a bit.

"Leila, you should go to their next game." Dad suggests, observing how quiet I am.

"Yeah, maybe." I muse, pretending to be distracted by the remnants of my sloppy joe. Football games are so not my scene - loud, sweaty crowd and jealous cheerleaders practically shoving their cleavage in the guys' faces.

"It's decided then, Leila, you're coming to our game this Friday." Hunter's statement is met by loud, involuntary groan from me. Everyone turns to me with a curious look.

"I'm just really full." I lie.

"Too full for dessert?" Mom teases.

"Dessert?" I perk up instantly.

*~*~*

"Okay now I really am full!" I groan.

"Never thought I would see the day." Tyler jokes, "although five slices of apple pie with whipped cream is a little bit excessive for anyone."

"Right, you guys go and talk, I'm going to clean up." Mom utters the words that I have been dreading all evening. Reluctantly I get up and lead Tyler and Hunter to the living room. Okay, deep breath. It's time to choose.

Hey Guys!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, let me know what you thought of it in the comments!

Love always,

Charlotte Hope <3