Discolored

Chapter 4 - Happenings in the Hallways

As she fumbled with her locker combination to get what she needed to go home, Becca’s mind went into overdrive. What in the world did I just do? I’m not ready for a relationship; not even close to it. And, despite that, I went and kissed him. Granted, he is a very, very good kisser... Focus, Becca! You totally crossed a line. Now Rhys will think that we’re together and everything will be awkward and I’ll lose him as a friend permanently. Way to go, Becca, really.

Her reverie was broken by a pair of strong arms wrapping around her waist. “Hello there, beautiful.” Rhys whispered into her ear, his voice dropping to a husky tone. Becca shuddered slightly, immediately kicking herself afterwards. I swear to God this boy doesn’t know how to be unattractive... Oh, for all that is good, Becca, pull yourself together! You don’t want this!

Becca spun around in his arms, causing her face to be only a few inches away from his. Rhys smiled at her, making her heart beat irregularly. Seriously? Could you possibly be any more of a teenage girl right now? She bit her lip, composing herself, before saying “Uhm, Rhys, I need to talk to you.”

For a split second, Rhys glanced over to the side before leaning to her ear again and stating, “You can tell me whatever you have to in about two minutes, but right now Mitchell is coming down the hallway. I’d advise you to act natural, darling.” Becca smirked, relieved by the fact that he was only holding her to put on a show.

“Well, in that case...” She wrapped her hands around his neck, plastering on a sweet smile. “How’s this?” She asked.

“Good, just... One more thing...” He leaned in, placing his forehead on hers. “Now, just look at me like you haven’t seen a more attractive guy in your entire life.” A smirk played across his face. “I mean, that shouldn’t be too hard, considering who you’re looking at,” he joked.

Becca rolled her eyes. “Rhys, your ego is showing.”

“Is it? I couldn’t tell,” he replied sarcastically. Becca laughed, earning a sincere smile from Rhys. In her peripheral vision, she saw Mitchell pass with a few friends of his from the football team. He glanced over, and immediately contorted his face into a snarl. “Did he see us?” Rhys asked quietly.

“Yup, and his reaction was priceless,” she replied, triumphant. They parted, but Rhys kept his hands lingering on Becca’s waist. She let her hands fall from his neck, looking down awkwardly. “Rhys, about earlier...”

“You mean when you started making out with me in the middle of our English classroom?” He laughed lightly.

Becca hit his chest. “We did not make out! I just kissed you. Lips to lips, that’s it. It was just to get under Mitchell’s skin.” She turned, opening her locker and placing her book-bag on the floor. Bending down to her knees, she placed her needed books into her bag, closing it and standing again, her back still towards him as she slammed her locker shut.

“That was one hell of a kiss, then, for an act just to get under someone’s skin.” He crossed his arms over his chest, shifting his weight onto one foot. “It was convincing. Kudos to you, darling. I’m pretty sure we made him believe us.”

Becca’s whipped around, a look of near-disbelief on her face. “So, wait, you’re aware there wasn’t anything else behind it?”

Rhys rolled his eyes. “Becca, I was the one who initiated the fake-boyfriend idea. I know it was only part of the act.”

“Bu-but you said ––”

“I know what I said, darling.” He stepped closer to her again, replacing his hands on her waist and bringing his face within inches of hers again. The sudden proximity caused Becca’s back to press against her locker, and her lips parted slightly as she took in a sharp inhale. “I am incredibly attracted to you, and I would not mind at all if I got the chance to kiss you again.” He stated, his voice showing passion in such a way that she had to try her best not to shiver in his hold. Becca chewed on her lip, something that was becoming a habit within the last two days, and looked straight into his eyes, which were darker due to his dilated pupils. “In case you weren’t aware, darling, you are an incredible kisser.” She felt heat crawl up her neck and onto her face. This blush will be the end of me, I’m sure of it. Once again, he pulled back, smirking a little at how red her face was. “But,” he raised his hands in a surrendering matter, “I’m aware you just got out of a relationship and, in case you haven’t noticed, we haven’t known each other for too long. You don’t need to worry about me, love.”