Page 107 of I Don't Need Your Love
Addie and I lock arms as we leave our room and make our way downstairs. A kid or two smiles at us or says hello, some even wish us good luck. But most of them ignore us. The dance team isn’t that popular around here, but I think a handful of them might come to the competition because they have nothing else to do on a Saturday afternoon. Ryder is more hopeful and claims they’re coming because they know how awesome we are, but I suspect a large percentage of girls might come just for him. Some of them still haven’t yet gotten the memo that Ryder Bennett istaken, but I’m positive they’ll get the message after we perform our romantic duet.
I’m so stoked for it. Now that he and I are boyfriend and girlfriend, Moreno claimed our chemistry is off the charts and we’re sure to wow people at the competition. I’m glad about that, but I care more about the fact that the most special guy in my life and I will be sharing something wonderful on stage. There’s no one else in the world I’d want to make magic with.
When we exit the girls’ dorm, we find Naya standing there, looking like a ball of nerves and excitement. As soon as she sees us, she squeals and hurries to launch herself at us. Of course we’re careful not to ruin our hair and makeup.
“You look so good!” I tell her.
“Thanks. You guys do, too. Guess what? My mom’s coming!”
“Yay.” I hug her again. “That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks. Can you believe she canceled super important appointments just to come to the competition? She’s finally being the mom I’ve longed for so long.”
We gush about a few things, and then a voice says, “Who are these gorgeous young women standing before me?”
I spin around and come face to face with Ryder. My jaw falls open. Oh wow, does my man look so darn smokin’ hot. His hair is slightly messy—theperfectamount of messy—and his danceuniform fits him even better than before. Maybe because of all that extra workout he’s been getting due to our duet? Or maybe it’s because of the way his face shines.
“Look who’s talking,” I say.
With a smile, he steps closer and gathers me in his arms. “You look so beautiful, Captain. Stunning. A million dollars.”
He leans down to kiss me, but I gently push him back. “Watch the hair and makeup.”
He pouts. “That’s what sucks about competitions. I can’t kiss my magnificent girlfriend. But she can kiss me, right?” He taps his cheek.
With a laugh, I stretch to plant a kiss on his cheek.
He sighs happily. “I’m now ready to own the stage.”
“We’ll meet you guys on the bus,” Addie says with a wave. Naya waves, too, and then they walk away.
Ryder wraps his hands around the back of my neck and looks into my eyes. “How are you doing, Carly?”
“I’m oddly calm,” I say. “But I’m sure that will change once we actually get to the competition. How about you?”
“A little nervous,” he admits. “But mostly excited. Let’s hope the boys don’t go on vacation today.” He nods at his biceps.
I laugh. “I’ll have to give them a good scolding if they do.”
“Hear that?” he says to his biceps. “Don’t let my girlfriend down.”
I smile before moving closer and resting my forehead on his chest. “I’m so happy you’re here, along with Addie and Naya. I really feel like the luckiest girl on the planet.”
“I’m the lucky one,” he murmurs as he sweeps his lips across my temple. “Because I get to share the stage with you.”
We remain in each other’s arms for a little while, just enjoying being with one another. I don’t think I could ever get sick of justbeingwith Ryder. I catch sight of many students passing by and glancing at us, many girls. Most of the femalepopulation of Harrington Bay Academy has accepted the fact that Ryder Bennett has a girlfriend (some begrudgingly), but there are a few here and there who think he’s going through a phase and will come to his senses soon. It bothered me a bit the first few days, but now? I don’t give a crap. Ryder is a human being who deserves a loving, stable, committed girlfriend. He wasn’t put on this planet to fulfill their own fantasies and desires. He wants to be happy just like everyone else, and I’m so grateful I get to be that person for him.
We reluctantly pull out of each other’s arms and head to the bus. Most of the dancers have already loaded onto it, including Addie and Naya. Moreno looks relieved when Ryder and I step up to her.
“For a minute there, I thought you two were having second thoughts.”
“You kidding?” I say. “There’s no way in heck Ryder and I are not performing at the competition, not after how much blood, sweat, and tears we put into it. Not to mention his poor arms.”
“And we look far too good to let that kind of opportunity pass,” Ryder jokes.
“Humor is good,” she says with a smile as she checks us off on her attendance sheet attached to a clipboard. “Go ahead on the bus. We’re waiting for a few more students.”
Once we get on, Addie waves us over, motioning to the seat behind her and Naya. Ryder and I settle down, with him wrapping his arm around my shoulder and me snuggling to his chest. I wish I could smoosh myself to him, but I don’t want to ruin my hair and makeup.
