Kitty hamilton a high sc.., p.24
Kitty Hamilton: A High School Romance, page 24
Our dads are close colleagues and work for the same firm. Needless to say, they were over the moon when Rick asked me out after school two years ago, and I said yes, not because he sets my soul on fire but because it’s the most logical decision.
“Are you okay?” Rick asks with a sidelong look in my direction as he cuts the engine. “You’re quiet.”
I unfasten my seatbelt and plaster on my most convincing smile. “I’m great.”
Rick looks unconvinced but doesn’t comment. We exit the vehicle, and he puts his arm over my shoulder as we make our way over to our friends. As always, Rick is oblivious to the longing looks girls throw his way. Or he simply doesn’t care.
“Hey, man,” he says to his best friend, Jamie. They do some weird handshake and shoulder thump while Hailey pulls me into a bone-crushing hug like we didn’t see each other yesterday.
I laugh through a mouthful of her hair.
“He fucks like an animal! I can hardly walk,” she whispers, looking pointedly at Jamie.
I follow her line of sight. Jamie, the school’s star receiver, looks pleased with himself as Rick and the other guys laugh at one of his rare jokes. He reaches up and sweeps his unruly blonde hair off his forehead. I can see the appeal, but he’s a notorious player.
“I called it, didn’t I?” My smile is boastful. They flirted with each other for the better part of last year, but they both refused to act on it until summer. I now know more about Jamie’s cock than I care to admit, thanks to Hailey.
We make our way into school. The hallway is bustling with students and bleary-eyed teachers who look anything but happy to be back after their summer vacation. Rick keeps close to my side with a possessive hand on my hip as Jamie talks about the upcoming football season.
I tune out, lost in my own thoughts. My workload this year will be even more challenging with cheer practice and art classes. I need to keep my head level.
I move the pasta around on my plate as Hailey launches into the latest gossip. Interestingly, this stuff fascinates her so much when I literally can’t care less about who sucked whose dick and pulled what girl’s hair. Sometimes, I feel like an outsider looking in. Still, I appreciate the normality of my friends laughing and gossiping in the lunch hall.
A football flies over my head. Rick catches it, then passes it on to Jamie. I push my tray back, leaving my food untouched. Unease twists my stomach for reasons I can’t pinpoint. It’s been happening a lot lately.
Rick pulls me onto his lap and kisses me until I’m lightheaded. I don’t pull away. He angles my head to the side and trails kisses over my jaw. His cock hardens in his jeans, poking me in the thigh.
I scan my eyes across the bustling lunch hall. My mask is still intact. But only just.
Students laugh with their friends, and teachers look fed up at being back at work even though it’s only lunchtime. An empty coke can flies across the room.
Rick grabs my ass, nipping my skin with his teeth.
Am I the only one who feels empty inside?
I feel eyes on me. Not the everyday envious glances from other girls or appreciative looks from boys. Someone is observing me.
I shake off my self-deprecating thoughts and sweep my gaze across the room until they collide with a set of kohl-rimmed blue eyes.
Dallas Garcia.
She’s new to the school. I don’t know much about her. Only that she hangs out with the emo kids and is a regular in detention.
I swallow past the thick lump in my throat while she continues studying me as if she can see right through me. It makes my skin itch.
“Let’s get out of here,” Rick whispers in my ear, then steals another kiss.
I avert my gaze from Dallas’ penetrating eyes and kiss him back, ignoring the unease knotting my stomach.
There’s a crack in my façade.
Mr. Greenwood stands at the front, pointing to his barely legible handwriting on the whiteboard. There’s a dried coffee stain on his wrinkled shirt, which is also missing a button.
My eyes drift over my shoulder.
Dallas pops gum and taps her foot to the beat playing in her earphones while typing on her phone. I count at least three piercings, one in her nose and two in her eyebrow. Both of her arms are covered in tattoos.
“Dallas!” Mr. Greenwood sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Steph, Dallas’ best friend, nudges her shoulder. My eyes drop to Dallas’ legs beneath the desk. Creamy skin peeks out through the holes in her ripped black jeans.
She pulls out her earplugs and frowns at Steph, who nudges her head to the teacher.
Mr. Greenwood holds out a detention slip. “I’m running out of detention slips, Dallas.”
She slides out from behind the desk, grabbing her bag off the back of the chair. Her scuffed black chucks are so unlike my expensive heels.
She puts the detention slip in her bra, then grins at Mr. Greenwood. “Better get some more then.”
I stare after her. She’s everything I’m not, and it’s intriguing me. What’s it’s like to simply not care? I’ve lived my whole life under the spotlight. Always had expectations of me.
Hailey nudges me. “Are you okay? You seem distracted.”
“I’m fine.” But she’s right. I am distracted. When the bell rings, the notebook in front of me remains blank.
Want to read more? Download now. Counter Bet is available for free with kindle unlimited.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’ll keep this short and sweet. Releasing a new book is always exciting and nerve-racking, so I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. Paula for reading everything I write and injecting me with a healthy dose of bravery. Chris, for taking hours out of his day to edit what I write. My hubby, for being supportive, even when I lock myself away for hours on end to write. You, the reader, for taking a chance on me. This story is very close to my heart, so it’s my hope that it made you smile, laugh, and maybe shed a tear or two. It would mean the world to me if you left a review. I always love to hear from my readers, so follow me on social media for news and updates on my upcoming releases. Let’s chat :)
Much love,
Harleigh.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harleigh Beck lives in a small town in the northeast of England. She has three children and a hubby who’s supported every crazy idea that’s popped into her head throughout the years. She also has a black and white cat who never ceases to surprise her with the weird and wonderful places he finds to sleep. Since she was a little girl, she’s been writing stories, and her teachers complained to her mum that they had to bring her stories home on the weekends. New writing ideas tend to strike at the most unlikely times, like when she’s at work or queuing in the supermarket. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her head down in a book, munching on something undoubtedly unhealthy. She mainly reads romance, and her favourite books are high school romances and dark romance. She has lots more books planned, so be sure to follow her social media for updates.
ALSO BY HARLEIGH BECK
Counter Bet
Harleigh Beck, Kitty Hamilton: A High School Romance
