Tough Love

Chapter 32

James POV

I walk into the studio, just as I see Riley walking out of Kate's office, looking very on edge and insecure.

"Hey Ri." I say.

"Oh, um, uh, hi." She quavered.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Um, I'll tell you after practice." She said hurriedly and walked away from me.

"Okay?" I said uneasily.

As we practiced, I couldn't stop looking at Riley. She wouldn't look at me, but I kept on thinking what was going through her mind, and what she was keeping from me.

Two long hours later, I finally heard Michelle call out the joyous words,

"Alright, that's good for today!"

I sprinted over to Riley and grabbed her arm.

"Are you going to tell me now?" I demanded.

"Y-yeah, of course." She responded nervously.

"Studio B?" I inquired.

"Actually, how about Culture Shock?" She suggested.

"Okay?" I said, although it sounded more like a question.

Riley's POV

I chose to go to Culture Shock, because I was afraid that James will get mad, and if were in public, he won't make such a scene. We walk down there in silence and sit down across from each other.

"Well, are you going to tell me?" He demanded.

"Okay, but just promise you won't get mad." I say nervously.

"Um, okay?"

"Well, Kate decided to enter another duet in the upcoming competition, and she asked Charlie to do it, and told him to pick his partner." I tell him slowly. "And he chose me."

James sits back and looks at me with a blank expression. I shift uncomfortably on the couch as he continues to stare at me.

"James, I know your not happy-"

"Your right. I'm not!" He yells in a whisper. "But I know that raging about it won't get us anywhere, so let's just leave it." I was shocked that he would say that, but also relieved.

"Alright, thank you." I replied.

"When's your first rehearsal?" He asks.

"Tonight. In an hour actually." I reply.

"Okay." He replies. It goes quiet and I look up to the door and see Charlie come in. He sees me, smiles and waves, and than starts to walk over.

James POV

I notice Riley staring at the door, and when I look over, I see Charlie.

Please don't come over here! Go away!

"Hey Ri." He says as he walks over. He glances at me. "Oh, hi James." I don't answer him but glare instead.

"Hi Charlie." Riley says kindly.

"Thanks for agreeing to the duet by the way." He tells her. I roll my eyes.

"Yeah, no problem." Riley replies. He sits down on the couch next to her. A little too close to her.

"I mean, your such an amazing dancer, yet you still chose to dance with me." He says, putting his hand on her shoulder. Was he seriously flirting with my girlfriend when I was less than five feet away? I cough loudly, and he removes his hand.

"So, how's your duet with Beth going?" He asks me. I glare at him.

"Fine." I growl. He seems to be getting uncomfortable, which is good, because that was just what I was aiming for.

"Well, I'm going to get a bottle of water." Riley says standing up. "Do either of you want anything?" We shake our heads and she leaves. Nows my time to lay down the laws for Charlie.

"Listen here Charlie." I hiss. "I know you have a thing for my girlfriend."

"I do not!"

"Than why did you ask her to be your duet partner? Huh?" I ask smugly. He shrugs and slumps in the seat.

"That's what I thought." I smirk, but than glare at him again. "I swear, if you dare make a move on Riley, I will make you regret it. Because if you haven't noticed, she's mine and if I catch you doing so much as being any closer to her than you just were, I am not afraid to mess you up! Got it?"

"Got it." He gulps.

"Good." I reply, just as Riley comes back. She goes to take her spot beside Charlie again, but I quickly grab her around her waist and haul her back onto my lap. I kiss her cheek and hug her close to me, as Charlie sits across from us, fuming.

"James-" I cut Riley off by smashing my lips into hers, to get the clear message to Charlie.

Riley. Is. Mine.