by Shane Morgan
I guess I’m going out tomorrow, after all.
My hair had dirt in it despite wearing the scarf at the mud games yesterday. But thankfully, my twist-out is a success. After fluffing my curls, I apply lip-gloss and glance over my striped top and dark jeans. Parker may have won, but I won’t go as far as to wear a dress for him.
Leighton chuckles. “You look lovely, Bell.”
“Thank you,” I reply, then clarify, “It’s not a date.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.” She resumes reading her lines for the stage play in December.
Putting on my flats, I grab my clutch and tell her, “See you later.”
“Have fun on your not a date.”
I walk out of the room and head to the stairs.
It’s six by the time I exit the dorm, so I quicken my steps to student parking.
My stomach sinks when I reach the area. Parker’s SUV isn’t in his reserved spot. He’s nowhere around.
“Great. What was I even thinking?” Feeling like a fool, I pivot to return to my dorm.
“Sydney!”
I spin quickly at his urgent voice. Parker jogs over from the boys’ dorm on the other side.
Once he’s closer, he takes a moment to regard my appearance. “You look nice. I like your curls down.”
Instead of saying thanks, I roll my eyes at him. “So much for you’ll be here waiting.”
“Sorry. My dad had the car washed.” A gloomy shadow appears just briefly. He motions behind him. “It’s out front.”
“K.”
Parker smiles at me. “You’re mad. You thought I pulled one on you, huh.”
“Let’s just go,” I mutter, stepping past him.
He scoffs and catches up to me, walking at my pace.
When we’re inside the car, Parker asks, “Are you a fan of veggie pizza?”
“Yeah. That’s fine.”
He starts the engine and heads to the gate, showing the security guard his ID and mine.
A few seconds after leaving school, he asks, “How about getting the pizza to go and eat at the park? That way, we won’t be late for the movie.”
So, it’s a movie in the park again. I hold my elation and keep my voice even as I reply, “Sounds good.”
Parker gestures to the backseat. “I didn’t forget a blanket this time. Grass stains and all.” He chortles.
I cut my eyes and look out the window, hiding my smile.
Parker called ahead to order the pizza. But we still end up waiting after arriving at the place, since it’s Saturday evening and we’re in a popular area.
He drums on the steering wheel, counting down the minutes. “What did you do today?”
“Had soccer training,” I reply, blinking away from his piercing gaze. I look at my lap instead.
“Right.” He sounds impressed. “I’ll check out your matches.”
I shrug. “I’m not starting. I’ve never played before, so I’ll need a lot of training before I’m able to join the team. Who knows if I’ll even make it?”
“I’m sure you will,” he says with certainty. “You’re a determined girl, Sydney Bell. Like the way you’re hell-bent on pushing me away, even though it’s driving you insane.”
“Whatever.” I suck my teeth.
Parker chuckles. After a beat, he asks, “So, what are you doing tomorrow?”
“I have a ton of homework.”
“Don’t forget to have fun, too.”
I manage to glance up at him. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
He smirks. “True.” Silence fills the car for a second. “Were you at the opening football game?”
“No.”
“You should come to the next one. It’s fun.”
“Maybe.” I swallow deeply at his enthralling gaze. “Um, pizza should be ready now, right?”
Parker crinkles his forehead as he observes me. He parts his lips to say something but changes his mind, opening the door instead. “Be right back.”
I release the nervous breaths when he gets out of the car. I’m having a hard time controlling my body’s reaction to him. Not sure how much longer I can fight.
Returning with the pizza and drinks in no time, he drives a few minutes to the park. I grab the blanket from the backseat and the napkins, while Parker carries the pizza and the small tray of sodas.
We walk to the field and find a spot near a tree. I spread out the blanket on the grass, and we sit Indian style and eat while waiting for the movie to start.
“Know what they’re showing tonight?” I ask.
Parker shakes his head. “It’s usually a surprise. I like that.”
The sky has darkened by the time Bruce Willis’s supernatural classic ‘The Sixth Sense’ comes on the screen. I jump at a few scenes.
“Scared?” Parker whispers.
“I’ve seen this movie a few times, but it always creeps me out.” I warn him, “Don’t even think about putting your arm around me.”
He chortles and holds up his hands. “Wasn’t gonna. But clearly, me touching you is on your mind.”
“Pfft.”
We turn our heads and continue watching the movie. Parker shifts position, resting his left hand on the blanket. His fingers graze mine. My body tingles. His touch, though slight, makes me so warm. But to my dismay, I don’t move my hand. Even stranger, I allow him to lightly rub my fingers.
“I could never get sick of that movie,” he says when it ends.
“Yeah, as creepy as it is, me neither. How come you’re so into classics?”
He frowns a tad before answering. “Watched a lot of movies as a kid. My parents have a huge collection.”
“I see.”
Everyone begins clearing out.
Parker stands and reaches down to help me to my feet. I hesitate at first, but eventually slip my hands inside his calloused palms and allow him to pull me from the ground.
His hands are welcoming, so are his eyes. Like yesterday on the wooden wall, his touch and intense gaze provoke a weird current in my body.
Freeing the rigidity in my throat, I pry my hands free and lower to retrieve the blanket, folding it. We return to the car after dumping our trash.
I place the blanket on the backseat before getting in the passenger side.
Once again, that nervous rush sneaks up on me. Parker isn’t starting the car. He’s looking at something on his phone.
“Any time now,” I joke and pick at my jeans.
All the cars are leaving one after the other. We’re so alone.
“Sorry,” Parker says, putting his phone away. But when he looks over, he stalls with the key in the ignition and creases his forehead. “Why are you nervous?”
I meet his gaze. “I just don’t know you well enough to be comfortable alone with you like this.”
Parker exhales and removes his hand from the keys. “Why are you fighting me so much, Sydney?” The yearning in his voice causes my heart to sprint. “What are you afraid of?”
“We should go,” I mutter after a gulp.
“We’ll go in a sec,” he says, reaching for my hand on my lap. “I wanna know what’s holding you back.”
I pull my trembling hand free and cut my eyes from Parker, looking out the window at the shadowy park. “Listen, if you think we’re gonna have sex in your car tonight, I have news for you, buddy. That’s never gonna happen.”
“Geez.” Parker huffs a short laugh. “That’s what you think is on my mind right now?”
I snap my head to him. “Well, isn’t that on every teen boy’s mind? Besides, your reputation precedes you.”
“Sheesh.” Parker shakes his head. “You’re so determined to prove the rumors are true. Why won’t you open up to me?”
Uneasy, I lower my eyes again. “You have a lot of work to do.”
“But I’m starting to get through. Aren’t I, Sydney?” He leans over and brushes my arm sensually with the back of his hand. “That’s why you came out tonight. A part of you wants me.”
A nervous breath ooz
es from my mouth. I ease away and huff, “Let’s just go.”
“All right. Damn.” He starts the car at last and takes off from the park.
We listen to music the drive back to school while I stare out the window struggling to keep my defenses up. But it’s hard to diminish the fact that I wouldn’t mind Parker touching me again.
12
The soccer team usually trains at the same time as the footballers. Following Monday’s practice, I swing by the field to possibly catch a glimpse of Sydney. She says she’s a beginner, and I have a hint she’ll be going harder even after the other players have left.
My guess is right. There’s one lonely figure kicking the ball around, practicing control.
Just like the mud run, Sydney grunts in frustration whenever she messes up, but gets right back to it, pushing harder.
I move from the fence and walk to the sideline, staying quiet so as not to disturb her.
Sydney fumbles to the grass. This time, she stays there, covering her face and breathing profoundly.
“Don’t quit,” I yell, surprising her. She springs up. I add, “You’ll get better. Keep at it.”
“Why are you watching me, Parker?” She sounds irritated. “Anyway, I’m not quitting. I’m tired. Been at it for a while now.” She observes my football jersey and relaxes her shoulders. “Guess that’s nothing compared to your training.” Her tone is softer.
I amble over. Sydney turns awkward as I lower to the grass beside her.
“Until when is your trial?” I ask.
She releases a long exhale and wipes beads of sweat from her forehead. “Until the third match. How’d you know I was on trial?”
I shrug and reach for the ball. “My brother played soccer while he was here.”
“Oh.” She appears interested. “Where’s he now? Does he still play?”
“He’s in college. No, Evan doesn’t play anymore.”
Sydney worries her bottom lip while I linger on her face, visible in the lights from the tall posts. Even sweaty, she’s still so beautiful and hot.
She drops her eyes to the grass.
“Why soccer?” I ask.
A poignant look crosses her features. “My mom—” She stops herself, saying instead, “I just like it.” I suspect it’s more than that.
Sydney snatches the ball from my hands and pushes to her feet.
Getting up, I fix my bag on my shoulder. “I’ll walk you to your dorm.”
She hugs the ball before her. “Who says I’m done?”
“Don’t overwork your body. You have to pace yourself, especially since you’re just starting.”
Sucking her teeth, she flicks away and shifts from one leg to the other. It’s obvious she’s considering my words but wants to play stubborn because it’s me.
“Fine,” she concedes. “I should put this back.”
“I’ll do it.” I move to take the soccer ball and touch her hands. It makes the ball slip from Sydney’s grasp.
Her tiny fingers feel so damn good to hold on to. I don’t want to let go. They quiver against mine. Her breathing has increased. I’m doing this to her, and I love it.
Sydney tilts her head back and looks up at me, lips slightly parted. Soft breaths exuding. My blood pumps faster as I peer down into her glistening eyes.
Wetting my lips, I edge closer, wanting so badly to feel hers against mine. To get a taste of that fiery tongue that fights me on everything.
But just as I slope my head to move in for the kiss, Sydney pulls her hands away.
“I can’t,” she mutters and snatches up the ball.
I shadow her as she walks to the bench and drops it into the pile before grabbing her bag.
When Sydney turns, my stomach clenches, and I consider wrapping her in a tight hold to steal a kiss.
But I won’t force it. I’ll wait until this infuriating girl is ready. Maybe more time together will do it.
“Let’s shower and meet back at my car. We’ll go somewhere.”
Sydney dips her head, thinking. Elation rises in me when she peers up and asks,” Where?”
I realize something now. The way she looks at me is changing. I’m definitely breaking the ice.
A satisfied smile tugs at my lips. “Someplace fun.”
13
Parker’s idea of fun is a delightful seaside amusement park in Newport Beach.
After buying tickets, we stroll along the pier. I feel anxious while gazing up at the Ferris wheel, alight in its grandeur, and most likely giving each rider a spectacular view of the harbor. The stall looks really long, though.
“Wanna go on that?” Parker asks, nudging my arm.
I drop my head quickly, looking at him. “No, I’m scared of heights.”
He smirks. “Maybe later.”
“Uh, I just said…”
Parker resumes walking. Scoffing, I follow him inside the massive pavilion and over to the arcade. The academy has game rooms. But I guess it’s more fun here since the arcade has other machines.
My eyes dazzle while looking around. The place is lively with sounds of games and chatter from kids and adults.
I recognize a few classmates. Why are Spencer kids everywhere? Of course, the girls give me nasty looks and cut their eyes. I guess they’re jealous, wondering why Parker is interested in me. I’d like to know that, too.
He waves about and asks, “What do you wanna play?”
Browsing the place, I spot two vacant pop-a-shot basketball games. “That,” I say, pointing.
Parker brightens with excitement. “Nice choice.”
We walk over, and he feeds tickets into the machines, starting the games.
“Let’s make the stakes interesting,” he says while the seconds count down. “If I win, I get to kiss you.”
My heart skips a beat. “No. Just play.”
He sneers. “Afraid you’ll lose?”
The timer starts. I ignore Parker and begin taking shots at the net the same time he does.
I land points back-to-back, scoring more than him. As time runs out, I raise my hands in triumph.
“Woo! I won.”
Parker snorts as he looks at me. “I missed a few on purpose.”
“Yeah, right.” I roll my eyes. “Sounds like an excuse, Prescott.”
“Whatever you say.” He gazes around, then declares, “Racing’s next.” We head to the machines and wait for the guys to finish, sitting once they get up.
Parker puts in the tickets for both of us. “Let’s see what you got, Miss Bell.”
“I’m gonna beat you again,” I proclaim.
“Wanna bet?” he asks, flashing a sly grin.
My throat goes tight. I feel the flutters in my tummy again. “No bets. Stop it.”
Soft chortles results. “If I win, you’re going on the Ferris wheel with me.”
The race starts. I refocus on steering my car.
We go hard as if it were real. Parker knocks me off the road when we reach the corner.
“Oops,” he jokes. “Didn’t see you there.”
“Ugh!” Taking revenge, I reach over and block his view with my hand.
“Hey, that’s cheating.” He pokes my side for me to move.
His sudden touch throws me off, making me lose control of my car again.
Parker speeds across the finish line, chuckling as he does. “Yeah!” He turns to me. “What was that about beating me?”
“Whatever. You cheated.” I snort and straighten from the seat.
“Hungry?” Parker asks when he gets up.
“Kinda.” I squint at him. “I’m not going on the Ferris Wheel.”
“Another time. Let’s get something to eat.”
We head into the bistro. Parker buys fries and vegan nuggets, and we sit at a table outside. The temperature isn’t too hot. There’s a light breeze, and the air is drenched in sea salt.
Parker drinks some of his soda before asking, “Aside from soccer and movies, what else are you into?”
&nbs
p; This is feeling more and more like a date. I actually don’t mind. It’s fun.
I don’t want to make it easy for him, though. “My life’s pretty boring. I don’t know why you’re so interested in me.”
Parker wrinkles his brows. “Why’s it hard to believe I like you? I like how you don’t care about status.” He pauses and picks up a fry. “And although you’re stubborn, it only makes me more intrigued.”
“You still have a long way to go,” I remind, eating my last nugget.
“Do I?” His lips steadily curl. “Tell me some things you like. Don’t mention avocado toast again.”
“Fine. I like amusement parks.”
Parker grunts and shakes his head.
“I really do,” I insist. Somehow, the words continue to spill out of me. “I also like music—anything except classical and jazz—blush pink and rose gold tones, Fall weather in Seattle, my family, and,” Looking at the night sky, I finish in a murmur, “stars.”
A strong current surges through me when I glance at Parker. The intensity in his gaze makes me shiver.
“Let’s get out of here,” he says. “I wanna show you something.”
Leaving Newport Beach, Parker pulls off the road into a storage area minutes later.
“You wanted to show me something in storage?” I mutter, staring out the window.
“Come on.” He gets out.
Curious, I follow him to one of the units. He unlocks it and lifts the blue rollup door. My eyes expand at the two black motorcycles inside with shiny red details on each. Both seem fitting for street racing.
I snap my head to him. “You’re out here riding bikes?”
He shrugs. “Just one. The other belongs to Evan.”
“As if that makes it better.” I turn my head.
Stepping to the bike on the right, Parker grabs the helmet off the seat and takes the key from his jeans pocket.
“No way,” I say, realizing his intention. “I’m not getting on that thing with you. It’s dangerous.”
“Everything’s dangerous.” He leans over to pick up Evan’s helmet, reaching it to me. “There’s nothing like riding around the Hills. You’ll love it.”
Iffy, I cross my arms and gnaw at my bottom lip while staring at the helmet.