Crush Crush

Chapter Two

"God, that test practically murdered me," Chloe sighed dramatically.

I rolled my eyes. "You did fine, I'm sure."

"How did studying with Billy go?" Chloe's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Get a lot done?"

I grunted in annoyance. "My stupid neighbor barged in and Billy ran off with his tail between his legs."

Chloe licked her lips, "The hot one? What's his name, Rylee?"

I shook my head. "Ryder, but yeah. Can you believe my parents gave him a key?"

"There are worse things than your babe of a neighbor coming into your house late at night. Oooh!" Chloe stopped walking and turned to me. "You should walk around in your underwear and seduce him!"

I laughed. "Yeah, right. Me, seduce someone? That would be disastrous."

Chloe gave me a look. "You haven't gotten laid since Brody—"

I punched my best friend's arm. "We promised never to say the B-word again!"

Chloe rubbed her arm pathetically. "You know it's true! You need someone new to pant over. B-boy was like a test run. With a man like Ryder," Chloe shivered dramatically, "he could teach you a few things and bring you pleasure like you've never known."

"Then why don't you sleep with him?"

"I would, but he's totally already in love with you."

I choked on my own spit. "Yeah, right. He's been a pain in my ass since we were kids."

"Don't you remember? Boys who pick on you like you!"

"We're not in elementary school anymore, Chloe!"

"Still applies." We started walking out to the parking lot. The entire school was hyped. It was the first playoff game of high school football season tonight. Everyone believed we had a chance to go to state. Tonight, we were playing the Jefferson Tigers, a minor rival and possibly an easy win.

Chloe blew me a kiss as she went off to her car. I chuckled as I climbed into mine, unceremoniously dropping my books in the passenger seat. I waved to a few of my friends passing by. Billy smiled at me shyly as he made his way to his car. He'd talked to me at lunch, never mentioning Ryder or the night before.

I blasted my stereo, Kendrick Lamar seeping through my speakers as I sped home. I entered the house and sprinted to my bedroom. The junior varsity cheer team was joining ours for playoffs and I had to go help them learn some varsity cheers before the game and rehearse our halftime show. I changed into my uniform and threw on my comfy Ugg boots to wear until I had to change into the painful Nikes we wore during games and competitions. 

I ran back downstairs to make a sandwich and grabbed a couple snacks for the game. I threw three water bottles into my cheer bag and tossed on my letterman jacket. I decided to put my hair up a little later. I had curled it that morning, so it just needed to be in a ponytail with a bow to adorn it. I locked the door behind me as I left the house. I threw my cheer bag and pom-poms into the backseat and went around the front of the car to the driver's seat. 

I don't know what made me turn around, but when I did, I found Ryder getting out of his car, his eyes staring at my bare legs once again. I watched him examine me from toe to head. When he finally caught my eyes, I wiggled my fingers at him in a cheeky wave. "See something you like, Ry?"

That did not just come out of my mouth, I thought. A blush spread across my cheeks at my bold flirtation.

His eyes narrowed. "They actually make you wear that ridiculous outfit?"