Beverly Hills Prep Academy The Complete Boxset : A Light Bully Romance

by Melissa Adams

  He nods but doesn't let me go, holding onto my hand like a lifeline.

  “I know. All I ask you is a chance to let me prove to you that I care. Please, baby, I know I’ll have to earn your trust and that it won't be easy. But please let me try.”

  For the first time since we got back from the beach, the sound of that pet name, ‘baby’, doesn't bother me.

  It actually feels good.

  And I know it’ll be hard to overcome all the mistakes we’ve made but I tell him that I can try.

  “I can't promise anything, Devon. What happened between us might be too much for us to rebuild anything meaningful. But you can try. I'll be honest though if things don't work out. I owe it to you and to the others. Because I care a lot for each of you in this room. So much that I’ve no idea how I’ll ever choose.”

  17.

  Rally Boys

  Aubrey

  THEY ALL LOOK AT ME and for a poignant moment, none of the boys utters a word.

  I sit down again by Knox’s side and while the boys discuss getting some food and I give Teague my phone to find the apps of my favorite takeout places, I think about the fact that I have to tell them about Tyler.

  They decide to order Mexican and despite having had dinner with my parents, I'm starving.

  In reality I was so pissed at Daddy that I barely touched the food in front of me.

  I wait until Teague has everyone’s order and puts it through the app and right before I tell them what's on my mind, I think how awesome it is to see them work together.

  I know they aren't best friends like Abi’s boys but I can't help it, I wish they could decide that they're ok with me dating them all, because the idea of choosing and losing all of them but one is heartbreaking.

  Even Devon, for as much as I don't know if we can repair our relationship.

  “Guys, there's something I need to tell you.”

  I explain the situation with my parents and how I agreed to show this Tyler guy around.

  As expected, none of them looks happy.

  Teague is the one to voice a feeling that they all share, judging by the nods the others give when he's done expressing his perplexity about the ‘Tyler situation’.

  “Princess, I don't wanna be an asshole but I think your father’s playing you. He probably thinks that you’ll keep seeing this Tyler and you’ll accept to date him after a while.”

  Knox agrees and the expression in his grey eyes is so dark that the normal silver/grey of his irises has dulled into a stormy, steely grey.

  “Teague is right. Plus what loser would go out with a girl introduced to him by his dad? I really, really don't like this.”

  I reassure them that I’ve no intention to get involved with this guy more than on a polite ‘my father asked me to be nice to you’ level.

  Devon shakes his head, unconvinced.

  “Yeah, I get your intentions, baby. But does this guy know that there's no chance of anything romantic?”

  I nod.

  “Look, he’s gonna meet me at the game tomorrow night. And I’ve invited him to come with me and Landon to Margaux’s party. So not only you’ll all be there, but I made it really clear in my text that I have a date with me and I just want him to meet my friends and get an idea of how we have fun here in LA. That's if you still want to be my date, Landon.”

  I look at him and I’m a little worried: since he got here, he hasn't uttered a word.

  And if I thought that Knox's gaze was dark, Landon’s blue eyes are just as cloudy.

  “I want to be your date, Aubrey. As long as you haven't changed your mind.”

  He says that with a subdued tone, so different than the normal enthusiastic, happy way he talks.

  I look at the others, widening my eyes interrogatively: they've obviously been talking before coming here, so maybe they know what's bothering him.

  But my gaze is met by three sets of blank stares, so I'm gonna have to figure this out on my own.

  And I saw how much damage untold things can do to a relationship with Devon, so I decide that there's no time like the present and I drag Landon into the kitchen with me with the pretext of getting some napkins and cutlery for the food that should be here soon.

  I set some cutlery down on the kitchen island and then turn to look at Landon, meeting his gaze head on.

  For a second I think that despite the way he's been supporting me since this whole thing with those drinks began, maybe he changed his mind and he doesn't believe me anymore?

  “Landon, I really wanna be your date tomorrow. Please tell me that you haven't changed your mind?”

  I take his hand in mine and I’m relieved that he doesn't reject me and closes his arms around me, welcoming me when I rest my head on his chest.

  Landon is as gorgeous and built as the others but he doesn't act with the same alpha-male, brooding attitude that the others display to varying degrees.

  He isn't timid in any way but he doesn't hide his sweet, softer side, while the others reveal it only when they're alone with me.

  This is why his quiet demeanour is worrying me now.

  His lips are resting on the top of my head and I feel his warm breath on my scalp when he says that he hasn't changed his mind.

  I lift my face to meet his gaze and ask him in a whisper:

  “Then what's bothering you? Because I know that something’s on your mind. Is it this Tyler thing?”

  “Somewhat.”

  My hand reaches up to cup his jaw: I won't be satisfied with monosyllables or one word answers, I really need to know what's wrong.

  “Landon, talk to me, please.”

  When he doesn't utter another word, I do the only thing I can think about: I crush my lips on his and when he responds with a soft, barely audible moan, I run my tongue along the seam of his mouth to tell him that I want this to be a real kiss.

  Landon kisses me back and tonight even his kiss is different.

  He's a great kisser but his kisses are normally bright and almost joyful in their exploration.

  This is different, it's deep and intense almost as if he were planning on going away for a long time.

  We break apart and look at each other, trying to even out our erratic breathing rates.

  “Landon, please talk to me.”

  He sighs and his arms tighten against me, showing me that whatever’s bothering him, he cares.

  “It’s ... I don't know, Aubrey. Maybe it's just jealousy but I just realised, when we decided that for now we’ll all date you, that you slept with each of the others.”

  His tone isn't judgemental, he sounds more disappointed.

  “And I’m not saying that you did anything wrong, so this isn't what this is about. If you have to choose one of us, it's only right that you gather all the elements that can affect your decision.”

  I lower my gaze: I know that Landon isn't trying to judge me but I can't help but feel embarrassed.

  If I looked at my actions from the outside, what would I think?

  In the space of two months, I’ve slept with three guys and I have feelings for all of them.

  “Aubrey, please look at me. The fact that this bothers me, has nothing to do with you. It has everything to do with me. I feel left behind because we aren't anywhere close to that level of intimacy and I’m worried that your choice is already made as far as your relationship with me is concerned.”

  I lift my face back up to meet his gaze and tell him that he’s totally wrong.

  “Landon, it's not all about that. I mean yeah, sex is important. I realised that I like it, a lot. I like that it feels amazing but mostly because of how close it made me feel to Knox and Teague. The fact that we didn't sleep together is not because I like you any less. It's because we haven't spent a lot of time alone, so I know you less than I do them. And this is one of the reasons why I don't wanna choose yet. I like you a lot, Landon. I feel so drawn to you in every way. I need to explore that before I make any decision. If anything, the one that has more
to worry about my choice is Devon. I care about him a lot but I don't know if the history between me and him is more than we can overcome.”

  Landon smiles, a hint of his usual mirth coming back in his next question.

  “So bad sex is worse than no sex?’

  I giggle.

  “Yeah, I guess you can say that.”

  Landon becomes serious again.

  “It’s just that ... I haven't had as many girls as the other three, Aubrey. I—”

  The way he says ‘many girls’, puts a really troublesome thought in my mind.

  I grab Landon's hand and run back to the living room where the guys are already attacking the food.

  “I just thought that this is a fucking mess!”

  Devon looks apologetic.

  “I’m sorry, I was gonna clean it up. I spilled my enchilada sauce on the floor.”

  “See? I told you to clean it up immediately—”

  Teague and Knox are giving him grief about it but I shake my head.

  “I don't give a shit about that!”

  All four guys turn confused gazes towards me and Devon asks me what mess I’m talking about.

  “Other girls! I ... I’m getting to know you guys and you said you're ok to let me date you all but ... I’m not ok with any of you seeing other girls! I’m sorry, I know it's unfair but—”

  They all chuckle.

  Knox is the first one to talk:

  “Pretty girl, seriously? There's no one else I'm interested in. Only you. Damn my bratty sister for interrupting us yesterday. I want to date you exclusively. I know that you're gonna date these other three clowns for now but as far as I'm concerned, you're my girlfriend. End of story.”

  Teague nods.

  “Same here, princess. You're all I want, and all I can think about since that day in the parking lot. By the way, thank you for almost running her over and making her wet asshole!”

  He smirks at Devon, who looks really worried.

  “I know I screwed up royally with you, Aubrey. But if you give me the chance, I’ll show you that I’m not a selfish prick. And Teague, damn it, next time I’ll aim better and run you over!”

  His joke makes them all laugh but I sit down and stuff my face with food.

  It helps me not to think too much.

  So they all want just me and I want them all.

  And they expect me to choose, eventually.

  Fuck me!

  Landon

  FRIDAY IS A REALLY surreal day: we all arrive at school early for a short practice and that's when coach informs us that effective immediately, Devon, Teague, and I are reinstated into the team on a probationary basis.

  “Since you’ve all passed two random drug tests a week for the last two weeks, I was able to pull some strings and got you reinstated. However, you three still have to submit to a mandatory drug test after every game. I want to make it clear gentlemen, that if you fail any of those tests, we risk being given a forfeit for the first time this occurs and we risk a ban from the State Championship for a year if there is a second positive test. The principal has also decided that regardless of the anti-doping body testing you three, the whole team will be tested on a regular basis to avoid any nasty surprises in the future.

  We're being watched and the academy’s honour is at stake. So I'm sure you understand how carefully you must tread.”

  We all nod aware of the extra pressure on us but elated that we’ll get to play tonight.

  Devon pulls me and Teague aside at the end of practice.

  “Guys, last night before leaving Aubrey’s we talked about those drinks. We thought that it would be a good idea for us three to only drink stuff that we sourced personally on game day. Aubrey offered to look after our drinks on the DL (down low).”

  I nod, and feel relieved that Devon is trusting Aubrey with this.

  But I guess that if he wants to date her, he must definitely be convinced that she had nothing to do with the whole thing to begin with.

  Something else that's surreal is that while we have rally girls, roles today seem to be reversed at least as far as Aubrey is concerned.

  Teague got her a cup of her favourite tea, Devon got her a hot breakfast sandwich, Knox got her some special cupcakes for after lunch and I was less practical and I put one single pink rose on her desk.

  So today, we seem to be her rally boys.

  Especially the one among us that has more to prove to her: Devon carries her books, since today we have Ms Webber's Latin translation and we have to carry our huge Latin dictionaries to class.

  Margaux has been pleading with our teacher to let us download the dictionary on our school issued tablets to no avail.

  For Ms Webber’s class we’re required to surrender all our electronic devices, including smart watches.

  So Devon carries Aubrey’s dictionary, moves her chair for her and even produces an extra bottle of water.

  “Just in case you get thirsty.”

  Yeah, he’s laying it on really thick but I don't blame him.

  If I were in his shoes, I’d do the same thing.

  At the end of the last period I approach Aubrey and remind her that we have to go super early for some mandatory team spirit building shit and that we’re all getting drug tested, so she’ll be done way before me.

  “When are you meeting this Tyler guy?”

  She tells me that she’s meeting him before the game starts but that she informed Tyler that she’ll be riding with me to the party.

  “We agreed that he’ll drive his own car.”

  I nod.

  “Good. I wanna spend some time with my girl.”

  I almost wish I didn't have to play tonight when she whispers in my ear:

  “I love the sound of that. Your girl.”

  I give her a kiss on the cheek and run to the gym, if I hug her or get any closer to her, I’ll play with a permanent hard-on.

  Aubrey

  I ARRIVE EARLY TO THE game: I need to meet Tyler by the gate as Daddy made me buy him a ticket.

  I did it because I wanted to avoid a huge row about it but I mean we have apps, who buys real paper tickets anymore?

  Of course my father said that it would be a more personal touch and it would make Tyler feel welcome, which is what ‘we’ want.

  I just wanna keep the peace with my parents right now, I’ve had enough conflict in my life lately as it is, so I went along with it.

  But if my parents think I’m an idiot, they'll be sorely mistaken: I'm gonna make it more than clear that I'm taken, so there's no chance of anything other than friendship between us.

  Just in case Tyler hasn't been informed that this is a friendship thing.

  I wouldn't put it past my dad to go ahead with his world domination plans, one marriage at a time after what he tried to do to Abi last year.

  I spot Tyler immediately: he's wearing his school letterman jacket, so he looks exactly like his Instagram profile pic.

  He's about six feet tall, he's got chin length black hair and dark brown eyes.

  I don't miss the once over he gives me when I approach him in my cheerleader uniform and I accept his hug when he greets me.

  I'm normally not a very touchy feely person with strangers but since I moved back to the US from Hong Kong, I had to get used to different social conventions.

  I show Tyler to his seat and tell him that the plan is to go to a party after the game.

  “If you wait for me in the parking lot, I’ll meet you there but we need to wait for my date to be done.”

  His smile doesn't falter when he asks if my date’s playing tonight.

  I answer proudly.

  “Yeah he's one of the two starting running backs.”

  What I don't say is that I'm also dating the other starting running back ... and also the two quarterbacks.

  Tyler seems to consider my answer and then he winks at me.

  “I should say that I'm disappointed not to be your date tonight, but I guess you can introduce me t
o your girlfriends?”

  I nod enthusiastically: he seems a nice enough guy but definitely not naive, so I’m sure he'll be more than ok swimming in the piranha tank that's the BHPA cheer squad.

  Once Tyler’s settled in his seat, I take my cooler bag with me and knock twice on the locker room door.

  I already warned the guys that I was on my way, so Devon opens the door and takes the bag with their water and sports drinks from me.

  “Thank you for doing this, baby.”

  His eyes are impossibly intense and when he takes the bag, his fingers brush against mine intentionally.

  His touch makes heat rise to my face: despite everything and how mad I still am at him, I can't help but feel attracted to him, that's never really gone away.

  “The bag has been with me the whole time.”

  I reassure him and when he whispers that he trusts me, I’m surprised at how much I needed to hear that.

  “Good luck on the field tonight.”

  He gives my hand a squeeze, and I wait until he closes the door behind him, to go join the other cheerleaders for our pre-game routine warm up.

  Landon

  WE WIN THE GAME: WE're absolutely on fire.

  I know that I'm not the only one playing to impress Aubrey, I see how the others try to meet her gaze after a winning play.

  At the end of the game, I unapologetically jump the queue for the drug test and take a quick shower: I don't want to leave her alone too long with this Tyler guy.

  But as I run towards my truck, I realise that maybe I worried too much.

  Aubrey is standing by my Ford F-150 with a tall guy who’s literally surrounded by a gaggle of flirting cheerleaders.

  When I see the way Margaux, Rachel and Macy are all touching him and giggling at everything Tyler says, I don't know if to high five the guy or feel really sorry for him.

  I mean he's definitely getting laid tonight but then again, I wouldn't wish those three on my worst enemy.