Page 66 of The Rivals' Touch

While waiting for the driver to return with Bennett from the train station, I pace the living room. I’m hours away from cheering for Aycliffe High for the first time. Not only that, but Bennett will also be there to watch, and I don’t know if that makes me excited or sick.

Since I woke up this morning, Ariana has been fussing over my cheer uniform nonstop. It’s heaven to be back in my jeans and t-shirt.

My father sits in the recliner chair by the fireplace, watching her fuss like a mother hen.

“We have to make sure your hair is perfect!”

I ignore her as I move the curtain aside for the hundredth time.

“Oh! I ordered another cheer uniform for you. I didn’t think one was enough. You never know if you’ll get a tear in the fabric or a stain that can’t be washed out.”

“I’ve cheered a million times before, Ariana. I’ll be fine.”

She comes to stand next to me. “I can’t wait to meet Bennett! Your father thinks so highly of him.”

My insides twist with unease. “I’m sure you’ll like him.”

“There you are!” Ariana says to Zayd when he steps into the living room. His hair is damp from a recent shower; an olive-green t-shirt hugs his chest, and his black jeans sit low on his hips. He bites into an apple, chewing loudly as he points at the window. “Who are we waiting for?”

“Bennett!” Ariana beams, letting the curtain back in place.

He stops chewing. “What about him?”

“Don’t be silly!” Ariana replies, laughing lightly. She walks up to him and pats his cheek in a motherly gesture. His stubble is starting to grow back. He could have done with a shave yesterday, but the look suits him. “Bennett is coming to stay for the weekend.”

Zayd’s eyes snap to mine. “Is that so?”

I look back out the window.

“He’ll be coming with us to watch the game today,” Ariana smiles, oblivious to the energy shift in the room. I swallow thickly when I spot the car in the distance.

“And where will he be staying while he’s here?”

Ariana looks confused. “In Remi’s room, of course.”

Zayd’s jaw turns to granite. “Is that a good idea?”

My father clears his throat. “Remi is seventeen and old enough to make her own decisions regarding such matters.”

This time I do roll my eyes.

The car pulls to a stop outside, so I let go of the curtain and hurry past Zayd to open the front door. Even though I’m confused about my emotions, I’m excited too. I’ve missed Bennett and my old life.

“You didn’t fucking tell me he was coming,” Zayd hisses as he follows me out into the hallway.

My bare feet move silently on the floor. “It didn’t come up in conversation.”

His fingers latch around my arm and pull me to a stop. “He’s not fucking sleeping in your bed!”

The doorbell sounds, and I tear my arm free from his grip, smiling a sugary smile. “I hope you can sleep when my bed frame rocks against the wall tonight. I happen to know firsthand how thin these walls are. Strange, don’t you think? Considering what an expensive house this is.”

I leave him to fume as I open the front door.

In the short time I’ve been gone, I forgot how tall Bennett is. He towers over me with his arm on the doorframe. I crane my neck, and he smiles down at me, unfazed by the blonde hair falling over his eyes.

Scooping me up in his arms, he crushes his lips to mine and kicks the door shut. “Fuck, Remi, I’ve missed you!”

He kisses me again but stops when Zayd clears his throat. “I didn’t realize you were here,” Bennett says, sliding his arm around my shoulder.

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