by Shane Morgan
“You never have to be afraid with me, Sydney.” Sincerity exudes from his raspy voice. It mellows my heart. “I’ll go as slow as you want.”
Is he talking about the bike ride or us?
“Hm.” I stare into his baiting eyes, relaxing my arms as hesitation dissolves little by little.
“I know you want to,” Parker says assertively, a chortle underneath. “Part of you is seeking a thrill.”
“Fine.” I snatch the extra helmet from his hand, watch as he puts on his own, climbs onto the bike, and turns the key. The mighty engine roars to life, making me wince.
Parker motions over his shoulder. “Hop on.”
Freeing my mind, I secure the helmet on my head and settle behind him on the seat.
My heart rate and body temperature soar when Parker grasps my hands, locking my arms around him.
“Hold on tight,” he advises, “and try to relax.”
Although nervous, I do as he says, gripping him harder when he revs out of the storage area and speeds down the road.
The breeze whipping at my back is exhilarating. But it’s so small compared to the sweet rush from clinging to Parker, inhaling his intoxicating scent, and being so fricking close to him.
I shut my eyes, getting lost in some kind of trance until he starts to slow down at a footpath on the side of the road. He comes to a stop near a cliff.
Strangely, I don’t want to let go, much less climb off the bike. But Parker zaps me to my senses when he gets off and gestures with a wave of his hand. “This is what I wanna show you.”
The cliff rewards with a spectacular view of Laguna Hills and a bit more of Orange County. “Oh…wow.” The magnitude of lights makes it even better.
We both take off our helmets, setting them on the seat. Silence engulfs us while we continue to stare at the city below.
“You once asked about my favorite place in Orange County. This is it.” Parker releases a deep breath before saying, “I come here when I wanna get away.”
“What are you getting away from?” I ask softly, turning to him.
He steers his gaze to me and shifts closer, making me tremble. “School. My dad. My life.”
I gulp as he lifts his hand to touch my face. When he starts leaning in, I instantly become nervous and stagger backward.
Parker sighs. “Why won’t you let me in? What are you scared of?”
My voice sounds unsteady as I speak. “It’s hard because…”
He creeps closer, backs me up against the bike, and rests his hands on either side, his face mere inches from mine. “Because?”
“I’m afraid to trust you. Girls are always trying to get your attention. They’re always around you. And there’s that thing where you only date them for a few days.”
He looks at my mouth and carries his alluring gaze back to my eyes. “Those girls weren’t genuine. Give me a chance. I guarantee we’ll last longer than a week.”
Parker hovers his lips near mine again. I move my head before he kisses me.
Frustrated, he grunts and pivots away, combing over his hair.
“Look, thanks for bringing me here,” I murmur, picking at my jeans. “For the arcade, too. But—”
“You wanna go back to school,” he says, assuming that’s what I’m going to tell him.
I need more time, is what I want to admit.
“It’s getting late,” I say instead. “I’m tired.”
Parker comes back to me, picking up his helmet to put it on. I do the same. He returns to the storage unit, locks away the bike, and we leave in his car, driving in silence to the academy.
I wonder if he’s exhausted with me. Well, if he is, he doesn’t show it. In fact, Parker accompanies me to my dorm. He grips my hand before I enter. Perhaps he wants to try one last time.
As he moves nearer, my heart wallops with anticipation. But I know if he tries to kiss me again, my mind will get in the way.
I shiver when he traces my jawline with his thumb.
“Mm,” I whimper out of nowhere.
Voice laced with desire, Parker mutters, “Go on another date with me this weekend.”
“Tonight wasn’t a date,” I weakly counter.
He snorts. “Yeah, it was.” He skates his gaze over my face. “I bet you’re dying for me to kiss you even though you turn away when I try.”
“No, I’m not.” My wobbly voice makes the lie apparent.
“Really?” He lowers his eyes past my waist. “I’m sure your body says otherwise. Can I check?”
I quickly pull away and open the door. “Goodnight.”
Parker smirks. “See you in class, Sydney.” He waits for me to enter before walking away.
When he’s no longer in sight, I lean against the wall in the lobby and touch my chest. My heart is still sprinting like crazy.
Honestly, I want Parker to kiss me and do more. So why can’t I stop being scared and just let this happen?
Last night is stuck on repeat in my head.
As nervous as I was about the bike, it felt exciting riding around with Parker.
Maybe I should just trust him. I mean, my gosh, he made endless attempts. No player would be rejected so many times but keep coming back for more. Right?
I’m daydreaming about the near kisses when my Chemistry teacher places the results of last week’s quiz before me. The letter ‘D’ in bright red ink instantly wipes the grin off my face.
“Ahem. I’ve emailed the office and have assigned you to a fellow student in my other class. This is unacceptable at Spencer.”
I say in a low tone, “Sorry. I’ll do better next time.”
My shoulders sag when he walks away to hand out the remaining papers. I seriously need to rid Parker from my brain and direct all my focus on school.
“Don’t get too down about it. I’ve had my moments.”
Talking with Leighton lifts my spirits a little about failing my first Chemistry quiz.
“Thanks, roomie. I’m just really hoping to land some kind of scholarship for college, though. If not, at least have good grades to even get accepted.”
My phone starts to ring. I glance at the unfamiliar number and sit up in the bed to answer.
“Hello?” comes out like a question.
“Sydney Rain Bell.”
Hearing his voice on the phone places a sweet feeling in my stomach. “Parker?” My tone is more thrilled than expected. I snap my head to Leighton.
She giggles at me and lowers her eyes to her phone.
I climb off the bed and move to the window. “Um, how did you get my number?”
He snorts. “From the office, since you wouldn’t give it to me. Besides, didn’t you know I offer one-on-one tutoring to girls who like me but pretend they don’t?”
I snort in wonder. “Of course, you’re the kid my Chemistry teacher asked to help me.”
“So, I hear you didn’t do too well on the last quiz,” he says in a kind tone.
My shoulders droop with embarrassment. “I did horribly. Think out of the twelve questions, I might have gotten five.”
“Ouch. We’ll fix that. Next quiz, you’ll get all the answers.”
“So overly confident.”
Parker chuckles. “Let’s meet in the garden after classes tomorrow. We’ll study together.”
My body relaxes. “Guess so. It’s for my own benefit.”
“And mine,” he says on a soft chortle. “So, are you coming to my game on Friday?”
Leaning against the wall, I begin playing with my curls. “Maybe.”
“Your ‘maybe’ sounds like yes, know that?”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever, Parker.”
Leighton gets off her bed and walks to the door. Opening it, she whispers, “I’ll give you some privacy.”
“Oh.” I scowl and murmur, “It’s not like that.”
“Sure. Be back in a bit.” She steps outside and closes the door.
“What was that?” Parker asks. “Not like what?”
“Nothing,” I blurt. “Leighton was saying something to me. Girl stuff.”
“Hm.”
“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“What’s the hurry?” he asks, stopping me from ending the call. “Are you busy?”
I sink down on my bed. “Uh, no, not really.”
“Good. Talk to me.”
It only takes a second for me to give in. “What do you wanna talk about?”
He replies, throatily, “You.”
Lowering onto my back, I stare up at the ceiling and press my free hand to my stomach. I can’t settle my nerves. “What about me?”
“What’s your story, Sydney?” he asks. “How’d you end up in California, and at Spencer for your final year of high school?”
I squeeze my forehead. “That’s a long and personal story.”
Parker does his usual short laugh before he says, “It’s cool. I’ll keep working on you until you break completely.”
I scoff. “There’s that cockiness again.”
“I just know what I want,” he counters.
My body instantly goes warm. It’s as if I can feel him right next to me. Feel his hot breath on my face. “Which is what, exactly?”
Parker says firmly, “You, Sydney. I want you.” The yearning in his tone ignites a fire in me.
No matter how I fight to restrain it, a low moan escapes and gives me away.
He responds with a grunt on the phone.
Powerless to my emotions, I press my eyes shut and imagine his hand caressing my body.
He chortles and zaps me out of it. “What are you doing, Sydney? You’re breathing hard.”
“Nothing,” I answer fast. “Um, I actually have homework to finish.”
“Running away again.” Parker sighs in a perceptive way. “All right. See you tomorrow.”
“See you.”
I end the call and cover my face with both palms. What in the world is happening to me?
The following afternoon, I meet the boy who is chipping away my guard in the beautiful and vast school garden before his football practice.
We sit on one of the stone benches near the small fishpond and go through Chemistry notes.
Parker is rather serious about helping me. He doesn’t break at any time to idle. Although Nia mentioned it, I’m still surprised by how focused he is. The headmaster must be so proud.
I watch him as he looks through the textbook and refers to his notes. Uncontrollably, I begin to admire his features again, taking in his dreamy eyes, thick dark brows, long lashes, sleek black hair, and those lips. Why can’t I just let him kiss me? So I’ll get to experience what it’d be like to taste them. To trail my fingers across his skin. To know how it feels when he touches my body.
What? Where’s all this emotion coming from?
“Yeah, so…” I drop my eyes when Parker looks up. “We’ll go over everything until it makes sense.”
“Cool. Thanks.” I blink away the naughty thoughts and look at my notes.
We test each other on the questions at the end of the chapters we’ve covered. Of course, Parker answers all of them correctly, much better than me.
I slump my shoulders, doubtful I’ll improve.
“Try to relax,” he advises. “You’re thinking way too hard.”
“Hm.” I roll my eyes. “Easy for you to say.”
“About me,” he remarks teasingly.
“Pfft.”
He smiles, and out of nowhere, heat floats across my skin. I glance at the book, repressing the emotions.
Parker’s phone starts to ring. When he takes it out of his pocket, he groans and lets it go unanswered.
“Is it your mom?” I ask, sounding sadder than I want to.
He frowns. “Yeah. Don’t get mad again.”
“I won’t. But you should answer your mom’s calls.”
A mischievous guise morphs his features. “How about brunch on Saturday?”
I snort. “You don’t strike me as a brunch type of guy.”
“I’m not. But my mom wants me to attend this fancy shit since my brother won’t, and my dad’s busy, it seems. That’s why I’ve been avoiding her calls.”
“Just suck it up and go,” I tell him, peering down at my notes.
Parker snatches them away. “I will if you go with me.” A smile reemerges, and I feel a jab in my chest.
He’s undoubtedly charming. Damn it.
Dismissing the emotions, I sputter, “No.”
“No?” He huffs. “Fine, then.” Setting my notes back on my lap, he slides his ringing phone inside his pocket and returns to skimming through the textbook.
His mom doesn’t stop calling. The phone buzzes annoyingly, and it bothers me that he won’t talk to her.
I shift on the bench, frustrated. “Just answer.”
Parker takes out his phone. I snatch it from his hand before he ignores her call again.
“What are you doing?” he snaps.
“Hello?” His mom blares after I answer it. I hurry to put it to his ear.
Parker grumbles at me before saying, “Yes, Mom?” He listens quietly as she speaks. Afterward, a cunning grin appears. “Sure, and I’m bringing a friend.”
My mouth falls open. I whisper grunt, “What?”
The smile stays on his face even after he ends the call. “You’re coming with me to brunch.”
“Excuse me? When did I agree to that?”
“The moment you answered my phone,” he replies. “It’ll be nice having your company in that stifling setting.”
“No way,” I argue. “I can’t go. I’m clueless about that lifestyle.”
“You’ll be fine. Besides, you need to spend a lot of time with me.”
Pursing my lips, I dip my head and peer up at him. “Sorry, why do I need to do that?”
“So you’ll start trusting me.” A smug expression ensues. “It’s obvious you like me, Sydney.”
“Huh.” I lower my eyes, but I don’t deny it.
“Anyway, you’ll need to wear a dress. Something summery. If you want, I’ll take you shopping.”
I speak with my eyes down. “Parker, I’m not going, and I don’t want you to buy anything for me.”
“It’s at noon,” he goes on. “As usual, I’ll wait for you in the lot.”
My head flies up. “Parker Prescott.”
He reaches for my hand, stirring the butterflies as he declares, “You’re going with me.”
His captivating gaze pulls at my heart. What the hell. I can’t believe how much my shield has weakened.
I draw my hand away, unable to stand the heat from his touch. “Fine.”
“Thank you,” Parker says with a smirk. “Damn. You’re so pretty, even when you act annoyed with me.”
Sucking my teeth, I make to say something smart in return, but I’m left speechless by his intense gaze.
Oh shit. I’m in trouble.
14
Like most kids called to the headmaster’s office, I’m nervous. But unlike my peers, he’s my dad, and he’s much tougher on me.
“You wanted to see me?” I say, entering after a knock on the door.
Dad looks up from the papers on his desk and leans back in the leather chair. “Close the door.” His tone is gruff, menacing.
I do as he asks, but remain standing, fighting for the strength to endure the looming criticism. I know one day I’ll explode from bottling up so much, and it won’t be pretty.
“You went into the storage unit,” he says.
Shit. I forgot about the cameras.
I swallow the knot in my throat to speak. “I just wanted to go for a ride.”
He pushes up from the chair. “The agreement was that you wouldn’t go riding. Hence, why I put both bikes in storage.”
“Dad, they’re just sitting there. It’s not like I take it out every day. It was one time.”
Crumpling his aged features, he shoves his hands into his pockets and walks to the hung windows, peering down at the sch
oolyard like the king of his kingdom.
His office is so enormous with tall shelves aligning the walls. It always looks as if it’s drowning his desk in the middle.
“I don’t know what Dylan was thinking. I should’ve had him return them, to begin with.”
“They were gifts,” I argue. “Uncle Dylan said we could ride them when we’re older.”
Dad slants and glares at me. “Evan doesn’t even mess with his. He knows better.”
There’s the Evan comparison again. It’s a wonder my brother and I are close.
Balling my hands into fists, I tell him, “I need to get to warm up. I have a game tonight.”
“The other team is a joke. If you need to warm up, clearly, you’re not ready for Charles Prep.” He waves me off. “Go on, and leave that damn bike alone.”
I don’t respond, just turn and march out of his office.
Like hell, I will. If Sydney wants to go for a ride again, I’m damn sure going to give it to her. It felt so good when she gripped me tightly on the bike while bracing against my back. I was her protector. I felt trusted. If only she’d succumb to me entirely.
Dad’s right. Jones High doesn’t have a strong football team.
We end up winning by a blowout. I don’t even feel like celebrating and rubbing it in with the rest of my teammates.
Instead, I walk to the sideline and search the bleachers for Sydney. She said she’d come to the game. As much as she pretends to be irritated, she always shows up for me.
My stomach sinks when I can’t find her among the spectators. Not even my family is here. All I’m greeted with are girls yelling my damn name, trying to get my attention. This is part of the reason why Sydney won’t give me a chance.
Frustrated, I yell at them, “Quit it!”
They clamp their mouths, smiles vanishing as they lower their signs, and start to leave.
Guilt sets in when I compose myself. I try to rectify the situation, saying in a kinder tone, “Thanks for the support.”
That does the trick. Their beams resurface. I turn away before they decide to start cheering again, and head to the locker room to shower and retrieve my duffle bag.
The guys are going to a party. I’ll show my face for a little and leave early as usual.