Chapter 16: One and Only

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I need a beer.

Alfie put an arm around me as we walked up to the house together. The party was already in full swing. Typical. High school parties didn't wait for fucking anyone.

"Don't wanna be a shitty pooper," he started, "but don't you think you're coming on a little too strong? You wouldn't wanna scare her away."

I glanced at the faded blue mustang parked on the road when we passed it. Pretty old, but looked well taken care of. It was obvious that the owner loved the thing.

I looked away and shook my head.

"I can't help it," I sighed.

Whenever I see her . . . I don't know. It all just clicks.

"Chill out," he chuckled. "Just, you know, get to know her a little more. If you like what you see, then charge head on." He shrugged. "I ain't gonna stop you."

"As if you can," I muttered.

"Unless you're being a dumb fuck, then I gotta hold your ass in line."

I snorted and shoved at him. "You're gonna hold my ass in line? You, who rarely goes to practice without a hangover."

"Football is football," he firmly stated. "But when it comes to to love . . ." he trailed off, shaking his head before opening the door. "You, my dear friend, are a sorry fucker."

"Shut the hell up," I laughed, playfully pushing him inside the house.

He snickered and faced the crowd, who cheered at our arrival.

My phone pinged, making me reach into my pocket to take it out.


Connie

I got Halo's number. No thanks to you.


Great.

She managed to have it before I did.

I looked up and walked through the sea of people on our way to the living room. They parted to make way for us, which wasn't really something new. I felt guys patting me on the shoulder as we passed them.

"Congrats on your win!"

"Way to go, man!"

"One helluva game!"

I absentmindedly gave them nods, but still kept an eye out for Halo. I couldn't believe how my stupid ass forgot to ask for her number.Damn.

"Hey, Oz," purred a blonde girl, as she smoothly slid her curvy body up against mine. "Your were great out there."

I hung my head, already knowing where this was headed. I was not in the fucking mood for this shit. I was about to turn to Alfie when I saw him give me a smug look, saluted, and disappeared in a flash.

Thanks for being a friend and helping me out get rid of this girl, douchebag.

"Really, you were," she added, whoever the fuck she was.

"Frisco ran the winning touchdown," I replied blankly.

Go bother him, not me.

"You up for some fun?"

"Yeah," I said, looking around the room. I wondered if that dork was in the kitchen again. Better check there. "Just not with you," I added, then walked away.

Blondie scoffed. "I'm flexible!"

"Be a cheerleader."

"I already am!"

I didn't bother giving her a response. It wasn't worth it.

I cut through the crowd and went straight to the kitchen. When I entered, I caught sight of Connie and Halo's two friends. They were leaning their backs on the island, while a laughing Connie sat on the counter across from them.

My childhood friend was the first to notice me.

"Ah," she smirked. "How nice of you to finally grace us with your presence."

I scowled and walked over to her.

"A bang bunny made a pass at me."

"Shocker," she gasped sarcastically, handing me a cup of beer.

"It's fucking annoying," I complained, before taking a sip. I looked around the counter and my eyes landed on the nachos.

"Never bothered you before."

I shot her a bored look, then nodded towards the food.

She raised an eyebrow. "Get them yourself."

I cocked my head to the side and stared at her, waiting. I knew she'd give in sooner or later. Not many people knew it, but she was a softie when it came to me and Alfie.

After a minute, she rolled her eyes and jumped off the counter. She moved to take a plate of nachos with the cheese dip and everything. I felt Milo and Brooklyn watching us, but I was used to it.

I grinned when Connie handed the plate to me, shaking her head in amusement.

"What?" I asked innocently.

"She went to the bathroom," was her only reply.

No need to be a genius for me to figure out what she meant by that.

I nodded. "Thanks." I switched my eyes to the other two, who straightened up when they realized I was looking. "Watch out for this one," I warned teasingly, gesturing to Connie. "She tends to get in trouble a lot. Just holler if her ass needs saving."

"I can take care of myself," huffed Connie.

"Sure you can."

She flipped me the bird, making me sneer.

I left her with her new friends. She needed a new scene, new friends besides a bunch of football players who knew nothing but boobs and booze. I was glad it was with Halo's friends, too. They seemed cool. A bit on the quiet side, but they seemed nice enough.

"What's a bang bunny?" I heard Brooklyn ask.

"No idea," beamed Milo. "But it sounds dirty. I love it!"

I could hear Connie's laughter travel all the way to the hall. I shook my head, pushing my way to the bathroom. There was a long line leading there. I scanned the faces.

No sign of Halo.

Maybe she went to the bathroom upstairs. It'd be a helluva lot less crowded there. And if Connie was the one who told her the directions, I'd bet she told her to use the safer option.

I quickly headed to the second floor, one hand clutching a cup of beer and the other one holding the plate of nachos. Being a running back gave me the skill to maneuver around people, cutting here and there without spilling anything.

Just when I got to the second floor, the bathroom door opened. I held my breath. Halo stepped out, stopping when she saw me. My eyes traveled down her body. She wore a white tank top under a denim overall, pairing it with loose-laced combats boots. I liked how she put little effort on how she dressed.

She flashed me a smile, raising up a hand in a wave.

I sighed, placing the beer and nachos on the table near the stairwell. I walked to her after that, not stopping until her back was pressed against the door. I put my right hand on the wall beside her head and leaned down.

She had an intake of breath and blinked up at me, making me realize how long her eyelashes were.

God, she was pretty.

I reached out my free hand and dug into the front pocket of her jeans.When I felt her phone, I took it out, swiped to the right, and opened the keypad. Swiftly, I dialed my number. I ended the call when my phone started ringing.

"There," I breathed out, giving her back the phone.

She held it to her chest, which was rising and falling in a fast pace. That was a sign that her heart was beating rapidly. Her lips slightly opened, as if catching her breath. Her cheeks tinted pink, like she was hot. Damn.

I affected her, just like how she affected me.

"Now you have my number," I continued, as I leaned my face closer to hers until my lips brushed against her ear. "And I have yours."

I felt her body shiver against me, doing things to my body that I couldn't exactly act on right now. Fuck, if it didn't kill me.

"You're giving me goosebumps," she whispered, out of breath. "Aaand I don't think I should've said that out loud."

I started to grin, but then a loud thud made me pull away from her. We turned and saw a couple climb up the stairs. I recognized the guy as a teammate of mine.

"Oops, sorry!" sniggered the drunk dickhead. He staggered in his steps as he dragged a bang bunny into one of the bedrooms. They slammed the door shut behind them.

When I faced Halo, her cheeks flamed red. It made me wonder for a second just how innocent she was in all things about sex. I made a mental note to ask about it later.

"Hey," I whispered, lightly tugging her shirt.

She turned and looked up at me, while she put her phone back in her pocket.

"Wanna see something cool?" I smiled crookedly, my eyes full of mischief.

Her eyes squinted in turn. "Does it involve a body part where the sun doesn't shine?" she asked suspiciously.

I burst out laughing. Holy shit.

"No," I assured her, still grinning. "I'm pretty sure that body part is hot, not cool," I added with a wink.

"I bet," she laughed.

I grabbed her hand, and said, "Let's go."

I half-expected her to ask where we were going, but she didn't. I noticed that about her. She didn't pry. She never fished. That was why when she suggested we play twenty questions, it kinda surprised me.

"You forgot your beer," she reminded me, when I turned to leave.

Oh, yeah. Damn.

I walked to where I put them down, not letting go of her hand.

"Get the nachos," I told her, while I picked up the cup.

Her eyes practically lit up at the sight of it. Boy, did that simple look made me feel like a caveman beating his chest, yelling, 'Me, man. Me, provide.'

Fucking hell. What the fuck was that about?

Halo beamed, washing away my thoughts.

"Thank you."

I only grinned, then led her to one of the rooms I knew so well. It wasn't exactly the first time I hid out from a party in this particular house.

I let go of her hand to lock the door. I turned and pulled up a window, then I carefully climbed out to the roof. When I looked back at her,a mixture of reluctance and excitement filled her expression, making me grin wickedly.

"C'mon, I promise I'll come after you if you fall."

She let out a small laugh. "Nice. Way to calm my nerves."

I reached out a hand for her to take. After a second more of hesitation, she took it and slowly climbed out. She settled herself beside me, placing the plate of nachos on her lap. My eyes studied her body. She was as stiff as a board.

"Deep breaths, dork."

She closed her eyes and did what she was told. When her body finally relaxed, her eyes opened and she looked down below us.

"It's not that high," she commented, as if she didn't expect it.

I followed where she was looking. All the people down there were partying, laughing, dancing – just plain having fun. It was the same old high school party scene. And here we were, having our own little world. Yet again.

I ain't a least bit complaining.

"You're right," she admitted, before munching on the food. "It's pretty cool up here."

I smirked. "Told ya."

"I like watching people."

"That's not creepy at all," I chuckled.

"Observing them," she explained, laughing.

"Uh-huh," I nodded mockingly.

"Shut up," she giggled, throwing me a chip. "Some don't believe it, but . . . actions do speak louder than words."

I looked at her curiously now. That explained a lot – why she didn't always ask was one of them. I was seriously starting to get her. Huh .I guessed we had something in common, then. We preferred watching out for the bullshit, rather than listening to it.

"How 'bout we pick up where we left off?"

She stared at me for a whole minute, dumbstruck.

My eyes narrowed. The hell is that look for?

"Oh!"she laughed awkwardly. "You mean the twenty questions! Of course, yeah." She looked away, squeezed her eyes shut, and bit her lip.

Okay, now I was fucking curious.

"Your turn to ask," she reminded me, refusing to meet my eyes.

What did you think I meant?

But I didn't wanna embarrass her. So I cleared my throat, watching as I swirled the beer in my cup. I took my time before I asked.

"Are you always this shy, or just when I'm around?"

I could practically feel her hesitate, but then she exhaled.

"Just when you're around."

I looked at her questioningly, but her eyes was staring off the distance. I liked hearing her say that, but a part of me also didn't. I was confused as hell right now, couldn't fucking grasp my emotions. Damn, this girl was driving me crazy.

"Why?" I managed to say.

"Sorry," she mumbled sheepishly. "My turn."

Fair enough. I gestured a hand for her to go ahead.

"Why are you suddenly interested in me?" she asked seriously, frowning in confusion. She looked down and laid her eyes on her nachos.

Ah, she finally asked it.

"I know I said I prefer observing actions and all," she continued, sighing. She raised her head and her purple orbs landed on me. Looking helpless, she admitted, "But I honestly can't figure you out."

"Not many people can," I shrugged, leaning back an elbow so I could blankly look up at the starry night sky as I considered how to answer her. It wasn't fucking easy putting it into words.

"Y – You don't have to answer. I can ask something else."

My eyes wandered to the people below, thinking about that night when Halo got drunk as hell. It was the first time we really talked.

"You're a breath of fresh air," I answered quietly. "It's like I had no fucking idea I was drowning 'til someone shoved me the oxygen mask."

I was way more honest than usual with her, too. And I was a hard nut to crack, so that was sure as hell saying something.

I knew that this thing should scare me. I got burned before. I shouldn't let someone in so easily like this. But funnily enough, I couldn't help it. I couldn't stop it.

She hummed, causing me to return my eyes on her. I watched as she looked down and played with her hands. I tilted my head, and stared at her.

"What did you mean when you said, 'I miss that look'?"

Her head whipped to me, her eyes wide.

"You remember that?" she gasped.

"Hard not to," I smiled, shrugging.

She groaned, hanging her head forward. "I'm not sure if I should tell you." She paused to bite her lip. "It's mortifying on my part. Like, swallow-me-now-hole kind of mortifying."

"Halo," I began in a low voice, and I realized it was the first time I called her by her name, "I just told you that you're my oxygen mask. I sound like a fucking creep." I shook my head. "Geez, I don't think it can get any worse than that."

I was raising the cup of beer to my lips when she snorted.

"Oh, yeah?" she challenged, lifting her head and raising an eyebrow at me. "Try telling the guy you like that you've been crushing on him for years and the reason you miss his relaxed happy look is because you've been watching him all this time. Try telling him that without sounding like a freaky weirdo stalker geek."

Holy fucking shit.

I stared at her, taken aback. My hand frozen in the air as my wide eyes stayed on her, my mouth was left open in shock. I couldn't move.

She visibly stiffened when she realized what she blurted out, her hands flying to cover her face. I caught her peeking through her fingers, then I saw her mouth open slowly as if to say something, but no words came out.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, while my heartbeat quickened like I was running a goddamn marathon or something. I blinked, shaking my head in disbelief.

All along, I had a hunch that she liked me. I hoped big time for it. I just didn't think it went that deep. I mean . . . Whoa. She'd been watching me all this fucking time?

Having other people's eyes on me wasn't something new. If anything, it was normal. But hearing Halo admit it was just . . . It was a whole different ball game.

"Did I just . . . ?" squeaked Halo, finally finding her voice.

I nodded cautiously, waiting unless there was another outburst.

"Oh, boy," she breathed out, looking away.

I didn't want her to feel shy and embarrassed again. Sure, what she told me was kinda a big deal. Still, she shouldn't feel bad about it. Especially when I fucking wasn't.

"Your turn to ask, dork," I whispered, lowering back the cup.

"Um, right," she mumbled, nibbling on her bottom lip as she looked down on her lap. "Do you find me creepy?"

The corner of my mouth lifted up.

"No," I said softly. "I still find you adorkable."

I caught small smile appear on her face.

"Any ex-boyfriends?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual.

Any other guys I should be worried about?

"Just one, in freshman year," she confessed a-matter-of-factly, starting to relax again. "Who's your absolute all time favorite superhero?" she asked, taking a mouthful of nachos.

Oh, hell no. She wasn't getting away that easily.

"Deadpool." I sat up and drank my beer, before asking, "Does he go to our school?"

"Who, Wade Wilson?" she joked in a muffled voice, giggling and covering her mouth because it was still full of food. Her cheeks were puffy, while her eyes squinted.

Cute.

"Funny," I muttered sarcastically. "Your ex."

I was curious about this fucker. Did I know him? Was he an athlete? Could I take him on? Was he a dickface? Was he still hung up on her?

Fuck, I'm doing it again.

I patiently waited while Halo chewed and swallowed, then she shook her head.

"Not anymore – Favorite song?"

"See You Again," I quickly answered. "Why'd you guys break up?"

I wasn't gonna let this shit go until she gave me something.

"He couldn't handle it," she replied, as if it wasn't a big deal. "Pops is very strict, and I think Dustin was scared of him."

Who the fuck names their kid Dustin? Sounds like a dustpan.

"Nana said he's not worth it if he scares easily."

Damn straight.

"I'm with your Nana," I nodded, raising my cup as if I was toasting to her before I took sip.

"Me, too," she laughed. Looking thoughtful for a moment, she added, "You know, I'm starting to realize twenty questions are too many."

"Aight, let's break it down to ten," I decided, after putting down my beer. "So it'll be harder."

"Okay," she agreed, with a determined look. "Pizza or pasta?"

"Wow," I mocked, scoffing. "That's so fucking hard."

"That's what she said," I heard her say under her breath.

"The fuck?" I choked, dumfounded. I could swear it came from her.

When she looked innocently at me, I burst out laughing. Never would I have ever thought that that phrase would come out of her pretty plump mouth. It was awesome.

"Pizza," I finally said, chuckling because I hadn't gotten over my shock yet. Maybe she wasn't as innocent as I thought. "Still a virgin?"

She suddenly started coughing. Her cheeks turned pink, but she met my eyes head on. Without breaking eye contact, she spoke.

"I see we have no filter, Mister Lacy."

I smirked. "I don't see the point, Miss Buckley."

"Fine, I am," she answered, with her chin up. Raising a fist, she comically declared, "Virgin and proud!"

"Alright, dork," I laughed, inwardly thankful for her answer. "Your turn." I brought the cup of beer to my lips and drank the rest of it.

"What's your favorite position in bed?"

I spluttered the beer every-fucking-where.

"You do know that I'm referring to when you sleep, right?" she smiled at me with her lips pressed together, stifling a laugh.

Well played.

I grinned, wiping my mouth with the sleeve of my letterman jacket. Not taking my eyes off her, I threw the cup away – not giving a shit if it hits someone below us.

"Sprawled out," I said softly, with a low voice. "Naked."

"Oh," she mumbled, flushing red and looking away.

It was obvious whenever she blushed because her skin was too pale, that even the tiniest touch of

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