Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Rylie's POV

Just then, as though God finally decided to have pity on me, Blake's mom appeared at the door just in time to yell "What is going on here?!"

I hurriedly pulled away from Blake who didn't seem to be that bothered.

"We were… Uh, I was… just leaving. Bye!" I stammered, running out of the room, brushing past her as I did.

My face was probably as red as a tomato but I didn't bother stopping until I got home. I didn't even say goodbye to Grandma Nellie.

Once home, I rushed up the stairs to my room, locked the door and crashed into a heap on my bed.

The only thing I could think was, "What just happened?" or more aptly put, "What almost happened?"

Blake's POV

Amazing how a little back massage can get a girl who claims to hate you, or at least used to, ready to get down with you.

I might not have started the massage with “bad” intentions but it certainly ended up paying off in more ways than I'd imagined. Hearing Rylie moan was the probably the highlight of my entire day.

"So, young man, do you care to explain what I just saw?" my mom asked, bringing me back to reality.

"Uh no?" I shrugged.

"Blake…" she started.

"Mom!" I groaned. "It was nothing, okay? I was helping Rylie out with some stuff by giving her a massage and things just kinda got intense."

"Intense, huh? That's what we're calling it now?"

"Yes Mom. Because that's all it was," I huffed, plonking on my bed.

"Blake," my mom sighed, approaching me, "I know things haven't quite been the same since, you know…"

"Don't say her name!" I cautioned.

She sighed. "I know things haven't been the same since all that and with the modeling stuff and the popularity…but Rylie's a good girl and your grandmother, she loves Rylie a lot.

"What's your point, Mom?"

"Look, I just want to make sure you have your Nana's best interests at heart, okay?"

"Always Mom. Nana has always been a priority for me," I assured her.

"That's nice to hear. Well, I suppose I should get going now," she stood from the bed and walked towards the door, stopping a few feet away. "Also, keep the door open from now on, okay?"

"Okay Mom. Geez!" I chuckled.

"Love you son."

I hesitated. "See you later, mom."

She smiled, turned around and walked out of my room.

Once she stepped out, I laid back on my bed and let my eyes fall on the window directly opposite Rylie's room. As it did, I felt my lips curve into a smile as flashes of our last conversation flitted across my mind.

Wonder what she was doing now. Probably rolling on her bed in embarrassment.

My girlfriend sure was one crazy gal!

···

"Hey Rylie, wait!" I called, running to meet her but before I could catch up, she'd already gotten in her car and driven off.

I sighed as I watched her car speed away.

The girl sure was persistent. I'll give her that but how long could she continue to avoid me?

It's been roughly a week since I tried to “seduce” Rylie and other than a few passing words in public, I haven't been able to get her to speak to me privately again.

I've tried to use the guise of our relationship to get her to speak to me in private but she's always managed to get out of it.

I even once tried to get her promise to tutor me to get into her room and talk privately but she insisted we go to the living room or she would end our relationship.

Nothing seemed to work and frankly, I was getting desperate. Even though, neither of our families had started asking questions, I wanted to avoid such a situation at all costs.

And frankly, I missed her even though I would never admit it to her face. I missed our conversations, how cute she looked when she rolled her eyes at me, I missed putting my arms around her shoulders under the guise of our relationship…

I missed my frenemy…and I had no idea how to get her back.

Suddenly I began to regret giving her the massage in the first place. If I'd known it would end like this, maybe I wouldn't have done it. Maybe…

Though I found it funny that she moaned, that single sound alone turned me on more than anything I'd ever heard. I'd been with a lot of girls since my breakup but Rylie's moan was perhaps the best sound I'd ever had the pleasure of hearing.

In a way, it was worth having her avoid me for. If only I knew how to get her to start talking to me again…

I sat on the sidewalk and tried thinking of how to possibly get Rylie to start talking to me again. All of a sudden, it hit me!

The best idea I could ever have thought of. I really am a genius!

Rylie's POV

Once I was sure that Blake wasn't following me again, I pulled over in front of a cafe. Hopefully, I could get some work done here just in case Blake tried coming to my house.

I stepped out of my car, backpack slung over my shoulders and stepped into the cafe. Relieved to find that it wasn't very crowded and was quite serene, I chose a table in the farthest side of the cafe where no one was seated and got to work.

I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't notice him until he was right in front of me. Then he asked "Is this seat taken?"

I snapped my head up at the sound of the familiar voice to see a warm smiling face looking down at me.

"Sky!"

"Nice to see you too, Rylie," he smiled warmly, taking the seat opposite me.

"What are you doing here? You're a long way from Jefferson Heights."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm here to see a friend."

"This friend must be really special if you keep coming here to see them," I winked stylishly.

He chuckled. "It's not a girl, if that's what you're implying."

"Really? So I take it you're taken then?"

"Actually no. I don't have a girlfriend yet."

"Why not? Someone like you, well I thought you'd be every girl's dream over at J. Heights High?"

"You're right in that aspect but I guess I haven't found the perfect one yet."

"Oh!"

"I do like someone though."

"Oh! Pray tell," I pushed further.

"Well, I don't know her very well yet but the much I know, I like. The sad thing is she's taken."

"Oh! That's sad," I pouted. "Maybe she's not the one for you then."

"Maybe," he mumbled. "So, what are you doing here then?"

"Just finishing up on my assignment."

"Mind if I join in?"

"I guess. I'm just about done though."

"Lemme see that," he picked up the assignment. "Wow, this is some really good stuff but isn't this a little too much for one day?"

"Actually, this is the assignment for the week. I usually ask the teachers ahead."

"Oh! And she's smart too. You're just full of surprises, aren't you?

I giggled with a roll of my eyes. "Oh stop! You know, someone I know actually says I'm a nerd."

"A nerd? Hogwash! Just because you're smart doesn't make you a nerd."

"Thank you! At least, someone gets it."

"Happy to be of service. So, mind if I help?" he asked, referring to the assignment.

"Sure. Why not?"

He helped me finish up the rest of my assignment and I was amazed by how smart he was. Once we rounded up the assignment, we continued talking with each other and honestly, nothing could have been better.

When I was with Sky, I seemed to forget everything else that had been bothering me. Everything just seemed perfect, to say the least.

I was still laughing my lungs out at something Sky told me when my brother suddenly appeared out of the blue.

"Myles, what are you doing here?" I questioned, looking up at him.

"I should be asking you the same thing. What are you doing here with Sky?"

"Wait a sec, you know him?" I pointed at Sky.

"Duh!"

"Since when?"

"Since we met at football camp. I tried telling you about him when I came back but you were too busy moping about…"

I instantly shot Myles a look to stop him from going further.

"Wait, you're Myles’ little sister?" Sky asked, obviously noticing the tension between Myles and I.

"Little sister, huh?" I arched an eyebrow, glancing at Myles who quickly looked away. "We're actually twins but by some unlucky work of fate, he came ten seconds earlier."

"So Sky," Myles started, slipping into the seat beside Sky, "what have you and my butthead sister been talking about? How did you guys even meet in the first place?"

"We met a few weeks ago and she's actually pretty fun. Nothing like the bratty sister you described at camp."

"So I'm bratty now, aren't you? Watch me do your laundry this week, pinhead," I flicked my fingers at his forehead as I grabbed my bag and stood to leave.

"You're leaving?" Sky asked, standing as well.

"Yeah. You came to meet my brother and since I'm done with my assignment, it's time I get home."

He grabbed my backpack before I could react and walked me out to my car.

"So, when can I see you again?" he asked, handing me my backpack.

I stared at him as I thought of a reply. Then I remembered what Blake said. As long as I was with him, however take our relationship was, there was no chance of a relationship with Sky.

"I'm not quite sure of that, Sky."

"It's not a date, Rylie. Just two friends hanging out together."

He seemed really hopeful and I hated to dash his hopes but as much as I hated to admit it, Blake was right.

"Sky, I'm sorry but…"

"I know, I know. It's alright," he smiled warmly at me. "Can I at least have your number?"

"Sure."

We exchanged numbers and he helped me into my car.

"Bye Rylie," he whispered, his hand brushing my cheek.

I could tell he wanted to do more but he stopped himself and pulled away.

"Bye Sky," I whispered in return, driving away.

···

I groaned as I turned over on my bed and tried closing my eyes to sleep again but despite all my efforts, sleep didn't come.

I sat up, turned my pillow over and placed my head on it but still, I couldn't sleep.

Memories of my conversation with Sky flitted across my mind only to be replaced with an image of the kiss from Blake.

"Ugh!!!" I groaned into the pillow.

Why couldn't I stop thinking about these two guys? This was almost 12 midnight and I had school in the morning. Yet, I couldn't seem to go to sleep and it was all because my stupid brain wouldn't stop bringing up images of Blake and Sky.

I'd done everything possible to go to sleep. I'd drank milk, tried ASMR, just about anything possible but I still couldn't go to sleep.

So there I lay, wide awake under my covers, resigning myself to constant replays of my encounters with Sky and Blake.

Just then, I heard a sound just outside my window like a creak. I ignored the sound at first until I heard it again.

I tried to get myself to check it out but I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed. I was scared out of my mind.

I took a glance at my window just in time to see a big shadow appear. It was obviously a human. I watched as however it was, tried to open my window. The same window I'd forgotten to lock.

Crap!

I watched my window open and quickly covered myself with the blanket, hoping that if it was a thief, he would take whatever he wanted and just leave.

I lay perfectly still, listening for every sound, praying silently. Just then, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder.

Oh no! I thought as I lay frozen.

I felt a tear run down my cheek as I prepared myself for whatever came next.

"Rylie, are you awake?" the intruder asked.

That's when it hit me. That voice…

Whirling around, I felt my jaw drop as my eyes landed on him.

Blake Weston in my room at midnight? Hell no!