Page 45 of Raise 'Em Up

Finally, I let go of Mom and step back. “Who did you bring along with you?” she asks, looking at Rylee.

“Mom,” I say with a big grin. “This is my girlfriend, Rylee.”

While yesterday was awesome, today I’m back to being a ball of stress.

Rylee and I spent an hour with my mom. She spent half of it telling me all about the amazing help she’s been getting, and the other half I used up, telling her all about school and cheer.

Rylee just sat and listened, her hand on my thigh as a continuous show of comfort and support.

But now it’s cheer practice, and with a big competition looming over us like a storm cloud, I need to focus. While I love to cheer, it also stresses me the fuck out.

“Again!” I shout, and the team groans. We’ve been at it for hours, and while it’s nearly perfect, it’s not good enough.

“Rylee,” Serenity groans. “Do something about your boyfriend. He’s trying to kill us.”

“I thought he would be in a better mood since Missi is gone,” Felicia says with a huff.

“Are you not taking care of his needs enough, Rylee?” Ursula taunts. “Because if not, I’d be more than happy to.” She winks at Rylee, and I'm not gonna lie, I love the death glare Rylee shoots her way.

“Sorry to break it to you, Urs, but my man is well taken care of, thanks. And sorry, honey, but you wouldn’t stand a chance. Seeing as how you’ve been on the team with him for years, and nothing’s ever happened.”

Ursula glares back at Rylee. “Whatever.” She flicks her hair over her shoulder.

Sighing, I walk over to Rylee. “As hot as it is to see you go all wildcat for me, I need the team on good terms. There's no room for people who don’t have each other’s backs.”

“She started it.” Rylee pouts and I chuckle. “But you do seem a little wound up.” She trails her hand down my chest and my dick perks up. “I can help you relax. I’ll be real quick.” She grins.

“Rylee,” I say in a warning tone, although her offer is very hard to turn down. “Be good.”

Mateo snorts. “She’s never good.”

“Fuck you too.” Rylee bats her eyelashes at him.

“Name the time and place, baby.” Mateo chuckles, blowing her a kiss.

“If we’re being forced to stay here and practice some more, can we get on with it? Some of us don’t want to watch you all flirt,” Ursula scoffs.

“What's wrong, Urs?” Serenity says. “Jelly because no one wants to flirt with you?”

“Ren,” I hiss. “Enough.”

But my bratty girlfriend just grins at her best friend. I can’t with these two.

We get back into it, and spend the next half an hour getting everything perfect. “That's what I’m talking about!” I whoop. “Alright. I just want to see Rylee and the guys do their thing, and then we’re good to go.”

Teo and Len get into position as Fatima stands behind Rylee. They wait until the music hits and she’s tossed into the air. Bending his knees, Teo grips her ankles as she stands on top of his extended hands with Fatima.

“Okay, Rylee, when you feel comfortable, I want you to swing your right leg out and do a scorpion. Len, stand by in case Teo needs assistance.”

Usually this move calls for three people, but Teo looks pretty sturdy. Rylee takes a deep breath, then does as I asked. “Perfect, but remember to face the crowd and smile. Presentation is everything.

“Hold it, steady. Okay, bring her down. Are you ready to test out the kickflip double basket?” I ask her and she smiles.

“Um, yeah, just give me a second,” she mumbles, and I can tell she’s mentally getting herself in the right place. Stunts are not just about technique or skill, they are also mental, and if you’re not focused, you could be severely injured.

“Fatima, switch with Felicia,” I order, and they quickly get into position. “Whenever you’re ready, Ry.”

She nods at Teo and Len as they bend their knees and toss her high into the air. Rylee does the perfect toe touch, then spins completely around twice, landing on her back in the guys’ arms.

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