3 Book High School Romance Bundle: A Kiss at Midnight & Prom King & Under My Skin

by Zara Rivas

  "What's he doing?" I whispered, wishing I didn't care.

  "Getting up. I'm pretty sure he's coming over here."

  I could feel my heartbeat accelerate. "If you're lying—"

  "What are you doing, Chris?" Casey said from behind me, the anger obvious in his tone.

  I kept my eyes on Blondie, not because I was afraid, but because I was having a hard time keeping my laughter in. Blondie had put on such an innocent face that I couldn't stop my shoulders from shaking. He gripped tighter on to my hips to stop me, but didn't change his expression at all.

  "Dancing," Blondie said carelessly. "This is a dance, you know."

  I wasn't looking at Casey, but I knew exactly the expression he had on his face. Not only was he angry, but he was now very frustrated. It was obvious the conversation wasn't going the way he planned it.

  "You should try it," Blondie said before untangling himself from me and scurrying away, leaving me and Casey to face each other alone.

  "That was smooth," I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest, feeling self-conscience for the first time that night.

  Casey just looked at me, his blue eyes full of something I didn't recognize, before stalking away. I watched him go, and on a whim, followed. He pretended like he didn't notice, but it was obvious that he did. He couldn't pick a pace; it was like he wanted to both slow down to allow me to reach him and speed up to get away from me, and he couldn't choose which he wanted more.

  I wasn't sure what I was doing, but when he didn't run to Stephanie, I knew I had to do something. He going to her would have been the only thing to make me back down.

  He sighed loudly before stopping dead in his tracks and turning around to face me. "What do you want, Katie?" All that indifference I had spent so much time working on seemed to come natural to him.

  It was infuriating. "I want to ask you something." He didn't say anything, but he didn't turn away again, so continued bravely. "That day when I was supposed to be gone, but I wasn't, and you told me that things weren't going to change. Was that really what you wanted?"

  He didn't speak, but his expression changed just slightly. If I had more time, I probably would have been able to decipher it, but Stephanie chose the most inopportune time to interrupt.

  "Let's dance, Casey," she hooked her arm through his. "I love this song." She didn't acknowledge me at all and I didn't blame her for it. I would have been just as angry as she was, so I let her do this. I kept my eyes on Casey, who was clearly disconcerted.

  "In a minute," he said softly to her. "I was on my way to the bathroom." He left without another glance at either of us.

  "You can't just take him back," she snapped at me. "He was never yours in the first place."

  I pushed back the urge to tell her that he was never hers either. I did not want to start anything with her. She was clearly looking for a fight, and I didn't have it in me. All I wanted was an answer to my question.

  "And you have to realize how stupid you were, once you got him, to throw him away," she continued when she realized she wasn't provoking me. "You got Casey to care about you, and you acted like it didn't matter at all. All those stupid faults you thought he had you created, you realize that now, don't you? That he's as close to perfection as possible, and you threw it away. And now he's mine."

  I shook my head, "He's not perfect." I said bluntly, surprising us both. "He's not even close."

  "Then I guess you'll never really know what you're missing," she hissed.

  "You have got it so backwards," I whispered, though I wasn't intending to offend her. I walked away from her without another word, lost in my thoughts. This wasn't one of those eye-opening moments where I realized suddenly that Casey was really a great guy who pretended to be egotistic to cover up his insecurities. Casey was anything but insecure. He was overwhelmingly overbearing, he always had to have his way, and he was definitely past being simply confident. I hadn't made up any of this, despite Stephanie's words. I was finally aware of something, however.

  He was what I wanted. Those stupid traits of his were what I wanted.

  Wanted in ways I hadn't really comprehended before. Before he was someone that got me out of my shell without much effort, but now it was obvious that he was the reason for it. Somewhere in my subconscious, I wanted to be close to him despite all my attempts to close off.

  When I opened the door to the bathroom, some junior I recognized but couldn't put a name to let out a horrible squeak and nearly peed all over trying to zip up. He scurried out of the bathroom without a word and I was left alone with Casey.

  He was standing in front of the mirror, looking but not really looking at his reflection. I slowly approached from behind him, and he looked at my reflection, a smirk playing on his lips. He opened his mouth to speak at the same time someone opened the door.

  "Get out," Casey and I said simultaneously, not pulling our eyes from each other's reflections. The intruder complied and we were alone again.

  "This is the boys bathroom, Katie. Are you confused?"

  "Nope. I'm sure this is where I want to be." I held his gaze in the mirror, though I knew how much harder it would be if he turned to face me. "You never answered my question."

  "No," he said quietly. It was only him twisting the cold water knob that apparently didn't work that made him appear anything less than composed.

  "So, did—" I watched as his expression changed, conveying impatience. "Oh." I said, unable to say anything else. He turned to face me, his blue eyes much more intense being only inches away. He lowered his head slowly, pressing his lips once to the place on my neck he found in the park so many weeks ago. "You should've said something," I said, only half-aware of what was coming out of my mouth.

  He shook his head, "That's not who I am. You know that. At least, I thought you did. I deserved some effort after you decided to leave me behind so easily."

  "Easily?" I asked incredulously. "You really think it was easy?"

  He just shrugged, "It's irrelevant. What I needed was you making some grand gesture. Kicking juniors out of the bathroom just to talk to me, for example." He sighed, "Though I'm not sure it would have mattered. You look so amazing tonight that I wasn't sure how long I would be able to stay away." He touched my cheek softly, his fingers rough.

  I turned into his touch and it was enough of an invitation for him. He pushed his lips to mine softly, holding my face so gently I was sure he thought I wasn't really there. Impatient and tired of waiting, I kissed him harder and it wasn't long before he had me pushed against the bathroom wall, kissing me so fiercely I thought my knees would give out.

  This was how it was supposed to be, me and Casey kissing in the men's bathroom. There was nothing romantic about it, or about us. It was dirty, broken and imperfect, like we were. I wouldn't have had it any other way.

  The door opened again and we were not in the mood for interruptions. "Get out," we said together between kisses. This time he pushed me up against the door to hold off intruders.

  I spent prom night in the bathroom with the prom king, who didn't even leave for his crown.

  Under my Skin

  Chapter One

  There were numerous things Essa Evans despised and Valentine's Day was definitely one of the many events she loathed with a passion. It wasn't because of her lack of a love life which triggered her bitterness to such an occasion; it was females and their high pitched squeals at the flowers or costly gifts they received.

  Rolling her eyes as another shriek of delight erupted in homeroom, she bit her lower lip before continuing with her sketch, begging for this ordeal to finish soon. Adding some tone to her picture, she skilfully used her pencil to add the effect but had barely even begun the process before she heard the morning routine of bedazzled sighs escaping her female peers.

  Watching as a relatively large group of males swarm into class, Essa had to refrain from groaning aloud. Another thing she abhorred was teenage girls and their annoying habit of swooning over some of the b
iggest jerks of all time. She didn't understand why half the males at Ocean High were worshipped as gods, nor could she grasp the concept that almost all the girls in school wanted one as their boyfriends.

  It was true that majority of them were handsome – however if you had witnessed the graphical nature some went into to describe a females anatomy, you'd begin to understand that the perverted part of their personality dominated their devilish looks.

  Averting her attention back to her work, Essa refused to acknowledge the presence of her homeroom peers for majority of them weren't worth her time. Focussing on her toning technique, she couldn't help but overhear the conversation taking place beside her.

  "He broke up with her to be with me," Cassandra Wilkins, a crafty blonde announced to her group of friends whilst eating up her lovely bouquet of red roses with those pale green eyes of hers. "Though I do feel bad that we started dating a day after their breakup, however Creston did reassure me that he held no more feelings for her," she explained as a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I have to say that out of all the Valentine's gifts I've received, these roses are the prettiest."

  Hiding her look of disgust behind dark locks of wavy jet-black hair, Essa's sketchbook snapped shut as the bell signalled for the start of period one. The number one thing on her 'hate list' was the one and only Creston Montgomery Spencer who was deemed the school's 'sex god'.

  She didn't abhor the guy because he was so well accepted by the schooling community – no – Essa had an even better excuse to loathe him.

  Creston Spencer was a charmer, not to mention an absolute heartbreaker with the girls and the number one hero for the boys. To add to his already perfect self, he was smart, sporty and wonderfully handsome. Although in everyone's eyes the guy was flawless, Essa hadn't failed to spot the imperfections he possessed. In her eyes, Creston Spencer was an overly arrogant vulture who had a heart that was black like coal.

  The guy preyed on women, revelled in female attention and was renowned for going through them like no tomorrow. The moment he was out of a relationship, in a flash he was in a new one with another. It had been this type of conduct which triggered the male species to be envious; leaving Essa to feel apathetic.

  To add to Creston's infamy was his most recent scandal – apparently the devil had wedged himself between two best friends, ruining the friendship within a matter of days. When he was done with one, he moved onto the other best friend.

  It was this type of behaviour which initiated Essa's deep dislike for the guy. It would have given her great pleasure if someone or something inflicted some damage to Creston's oversized ego.

  Stalking down the school corridors, she passed many smiling faces and frowned even more. In her eyes Valentine's Day was overrated, nothing but an excuse for the human species to cut down beautiful flowers in a pathetic substitution for affection.

  Approaching her locker, she entered her combination and opened the door, searching for her English books. She had barely packed her books in her bag before a face peered over at her from behind her locker door.

  "Morning sunshine," Tynan Christopher Welling greeted, a dazzling smile lighting up his face.

  Essa rolled her eyes at her best friend. "Just because ladies love you doesn't mean you have to charm me too," she stated whilst elbowing her locker shut.

  Able to see that Chris was still grinning, her bi-coloured orbs glared up at him in warning before she made her way down the corridor dismissively. It appeared Christopher didn't take the hint as he strode down the hallway beside her. Through the corner of her eyes Essa could see the single rose he was grasping. She never understood how she and Chris became best friends, but she knew that had they not been neighbours, the two of them would never have spoken.

  Tynan Welling was a good looking creature – the ladies loved him and it was evident he loved the ladies too. He was popular, sporty, and a total rebel. However one thing Essa adored about him was that he knew her and he tolerated her random mood swings. If it hadn't been for him, Essa knew she'd be close to nothing.

  They were total opposites of one another – Essa was serious, a little anti-social and highly opinionated. Chris on the other hand liked to make people laugh – he was generally the life of the party and was quite laidback.

  Though the two were like fire and ice, they still managed to get along somehow.

  "You only got one today?" Essa finally asked, her books held closely to her chest. "I would have thought you'd have an entire locker full of roses by now."

  Chris stared at her briefly and then at the lone rose in his hand. It was at her statement which prompted him to hold up the flower to her.

  "Actually," he began. "This one's for you," he voiced. "Happy Valentine's Day Essa," he announced and they were both at a stand-still.

  Staring down at the gift Essa met Chris' gaze. She had to admit that it was a very pretty rose – its petals were yellow with splashes of orangey-pink in the inner petals.

  As if the rose itself wasn't beautiful enough, nice red wrapping paper enveloped it followed by clear cellophane and a nice yellow bow.

  "Chris," she breathed as her brows clicked together in a frown. "Chris the thought is taken dearly to heart but I cannot accept this because I do not want to be bashed by your fan club," she explained.

  Chris cocked a brow at her in question. Essa Evans was an oddball indeed.

  Seeing that he didn't understand, Essa pulled him aside to elaborate. "I can't accept that rose," she stated firmly, "If the girl who gave it to you sees that I've got it, she'd hate me for life."

  He chuckled at her response, "Well sunshine you don't have to worry about that." He said, seeing her frown deepen, "This isn't a hand-me-down."

  Blinking at him as if he'd gone mad, loud ruckus filled the corridor treading to their direction. Chris extended the rose for her to take but she didn't.

  "What now?" He queried with a slight hint of impatience.

  "I don't want to die from death glares," she said aloud as he burst out laughing. Her face hardened, "No Chris, I'm being serious" she exclaimed, "Your fan club is crazy and I'm sure that they'll make my life hell the moment I accept your gift."

  No more words we exchanged between the two as a group of boys approached them.

  "Yo Tynan my man," Alexander Jamison greeted.

  Essa watched as Chris shook his companions' hands in that manly shake boys always used. The people that Chris hung around were guys from the soccer team and those guys were the exact same ones females were fawning over this morning in homeroom.

  Only able to observe, Essa was well aware of the fact that Chris was in deep conversation with his group of friends. Deciding it was time to make a run for it, she was slowly but stealthily, backed up against the wall and commenced to make a run for it. She had barely taken a step when a smooth, masculine voice intercepted her.

  "You must be a part of Tynan's fan club, wanna come over and join mine?"

  Startled by the question, Essa's eyes gazed up at the source. Her orbs came in contact with grey-blue and as she began taking in his profile, she realised the person before her was the number one person on her 'hate-list'.

  Creston Spencer.

  There was a knowing smirk on his face as he stood confidently in front of her.

  Irritated by his arrogance, Essa decided it was easy to take an immediate disliking towards him as she instinctively began to tear down his ego.

  "No thanks, I despise overly confident guys like you," she informed and threw him a mocking smile.

  Behind her, the group of guys – including Chris – had heard her statement, as soft chuckling filled the air.

  "Tynan where'd you pick this one from?" Alex asked, "She's a definite keeper seeing as she hasn't fallen for Creston's charm."

  One of the guys stood beside Creston, giving him a pat on the back as Essa remained silent. She was irritated by the fact that Alex had referred to her as an object.

  "It's okay man," Ivan Hawkins assured the st
ill smirking Creston. "This one must have been chased off by your new girl toy."

  It was then that Chris decided to step in and make an introduction. He wrapped an arm around Essa's shoulders and the guys didn't fail to spot the rose held in his left hand.

  "You're receiving roses from her already?" Came Jensen Marcosta, "She's a goner…"

  Biting her inner cheeks out of frustration, Essa didn't want to speak anymore. Instead she wanted to get away from the overwhelming testosterone and get to her English class. But she appeared to be trapped against Chris and the wall.

  "Guys I'd like you to meet Essa Evans," Chris introduced. "And this rose," he announced, waving it up in the air for emphasis, "Is from me to you Essa."

  Taking the held out rose from Chris' hold, she took it grudgingly before shouldering away his arm and stalking away from the group. Within the last ten minutes she had done two things that she didn't want to do.