Hearts on Fire Read online

  Yeah, I was captain of the cheer squad. But, guys seemed to know that I wouldn’t put out and so I guessed, I wasn’t worth the time. Whatever! I wasn’t going to compromise myself for a guy that would use me and throw me away.

  But I might… for Tyler. Take the chance, that is. He made me feel things I had never felt before. Would it be so awful to be bad with him? No. But, would I be able to handle the rejection afterwards? Again… no.

  We fell into a routine. Every morning, we met before school. Third hour we had World Lit together and then went to lunch. After school, we both had practice out by the football field. It was hard to concentrate on the cheer routines at practice, when I knew he was just across the field doing his thing. The butterflies became the comforting normal as the days went by. Easy laughter and conversation filled our days. I wanted more from him, but was too scared to initiate anything. Maybe I was reading too much into his words or the way he placed his hand on the small of my back as we walked to class together. I didn’t want to get friend-zoned by our star QB. I could only hope that he had the same feelings for me that I was having for him, and that he would make the first move.

  It was October and Homecoming was fast approaching.

  At the end of the day, Tyler met up with me at my locker. He looked at me sheepishly, “Kyla, I was wondering if you might want to meet up after practice today? I mean…” he stumbled, “I know it’s kind of last minute so if you’re busy… I just thought maybe we could grab something to eat.”

  “No… I mean yes.” Breathe, I told myself. Taking a deep breath, I started over. “No, I’m not busy and yes, I’ll go out to eat with you. Just let me text my mom and dad to let them know.”

  Relief washed over his face. Seriously? He was nervous? “Meet you by the locker rooms at 4:30?”

  “Sounds good,” I tried to sound casual.

  “Okay, I’ll see you then,” he turned and jogged down the hallway to practice.

  I leaned back against my locker. What was wrong with me? This is what I wanted and I immediately turned into a bumbling idiot? I needed to pull it together! Maybe it was something, but maybe it was nothing. It was just food, but maybe it was kind of like a date. Maybe?

  We arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a booth towards the back. The waitress came over and took our orders. I couldn’t help the nervous feeling that was in the pit of my stomach.

  “So, I know you’re like really smart, and pretty, and a cheerleader,” he started, leaning over the table towards me, “but no boyfriend? What’s the story with that?”

  I nearly choked on my water, “Wow! Nothing like getting right to the point.”

  “Well, I’ve known you for what, like a month? I’m just trying to figure you out. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

  I took another long sip from my water, trying to think of how to respond. “I’ve had boyfriends,” I assured him. “I don’t know. I spend a lot of time studying. Grades are really important to me. I want to get a scholarship for college, take the pressure off my parents. I just don’t have time for something that isn’t real. You know?”

  “I kind of get that,” Tyler answered. “I’m pretty much guaranteed a scholarship for football, but I have to keep my grades up too. I don’t want to be the cliché dumb jock.”

  I relaxed a little bit and leaned across the table on my elbows. “I’m pretty sure you’re not. I’ve seen your grades in World Lit. They’re allllmost as good as mine,” I said with a smirk.

  “Well, maybe if I color coded my notes, I’d do better.”

  I narrowed my eyes at him, “Are you making fun of me, Tyler Jackson?”

  “Never!” he looked offended. “Okay, maybe a little bit,” he said flashing me his million-dollar smile.

  Just then, the waitress brought our burgers. I was just about to take my first bite, when it happened.

  “I was thinking,” he said nervously, not really making eye contact. “You wanna go to Homecoming with me? We could double with Tori and Chris. It could be fun.”

  I had been waiting for Tyler to initiate something. Finally, the invite I had been waiting for. I hoped it was more than just a double date, but I would take what I could get. The butterflies were going crazy, churning in my stomach, ready to take flight. Maybe this made me pathetic, but I didn’t care.

  I tried to play it cool. “Yeah. Sounds like fun.”

  “Cool! So it’s a date,” he said with a smile.

  “It’s a date,” I confirmed trying to hide the smile that was dying to break free.

  The next couple of weeks flew by. With Tyler being our quarterback and me being captain of the cheer squad I knew all eyes would be on us at the dance. I found the perfect dress. It was a purple halter style, covered in sequins. It hugged my curves and flared out at the bottom. My high heels would make me a little taller, although I would still be dwarfed by Tyler’s height and muscular body. I was dying to get my hands on his body. I had never felt so attracted to anyone. It wasn’t exactly a mystery what was under those henleys he was constantly wearing. I saw him at practice and running on the track in all his shirtless glory. The toned muscles in his arms and chest went down to a perfect “V” at his hips. High school guys should not have been allowed to look like that. But he did. I wanted nothing more than to run my hands over those muscles.

  I liked him. A lot. I just hoped he liked me in the same way. For the first time in my life, I was willing to let go of the “good girl” image I had created for myself. Straight A Student. Rule Follower. Dependable… Virgin. These were all words that could be used to describe me. I was the girl who was everyone’s friend. And I had always been okay with that.

  Until now.

  I wanted to push boundaries and cross proverbial lines with him. Did he want me the same way, or was I just convenient? That thought rattled around in my brain, even though I knew he could have asked any of the girls that flirted with him on a daily basis. I tried not to think about it. I just wanted to have an awesome night, and so I put it out of my head.

  The day of the Homecoming game arrived. I cheered louder than ever before. I knew that Tyler could win this game for us. At half time, convertibles lined the track waiting for the Homecoming Court. Both Tyler and I were on Court, but we weren’t coupled together. We got in our respective cars, dressed in our uniforms, and made our way around the track. I did my obligatory waves to the crowd as everyone cheered from the stands.

  Once we had circled the track, we all exited our cars and stood by the podium on the field. Guys on one side, girls on the other. Tyler was almost guaranteed to be crowned king. Even though he was the new kid on the block, football had paved the way for his popularity. I was hopeful for myself, but guaranteed? Definitely not.

  Finally, the announcer started introducing everyone on the Court. “And the moment everyone has been waiting for. Our Homecoming King and Queen are…. Tyler Jackson and Kyla O’Malley. Congratulations!”

  The crowd went crazy. They clapped wildly while hooting and hollering. We made our way to the podium. Tyler was given a ridiculous crown, which he still managed to make look good. A silver jeweled tiara was set on my head and a dozen roses placed in my arms. Tyler put his arm around my waist and kissed my cheek. He leaned towards my ear and whispered, “Can’t wait for tonight, baby!” I plastered on a smile, but couldn’t stop the red from creeping up my neck and into my cheeks, even though I knew no one had heard him.

  My mind worked overtime, as we posed for pictures and were congratulated. Soon it was time for Tyler to return to the locker room, and me, back to my squad to finish the rest of the game. All I could think about was him whispering in my ear. Can’t wait for tonight, baby.

  “You look hot!” Tori exclaimed as we got ready for the Homecoming dance. “Tyler is going to totally fall for you tonight.”

  “You think so,” I said timidly. I wasn’t used to looking so glamorous, but Tori had pulled out all her magic tricks that night. She curled my long, blond hair in just the righ
t way and my make-up looked sultry and sexy. I had to admit, I barely recognized the girl in the mirror, but she was hot! I was so ready for this date.

  Chris and Tyler showed up at the same time, ready to whisk us off to a night of dancing and who knew what else. My parents took all the requisite photos, bragging about what a “cute couple” we were. When I’d had enough, I made the excuse that we would be late and quickly got us out of there. I was ready for this night to start.

  “You look beautiful,” Tyler complimented me, as he opened the car door. He was driving a new black Challenger. It was all sleek and muscular, just like him. I swooned just a little before I regained my composure.

  “Thank you,” I glowed. Tori and Chris would meet us there. I was thankful that we had two separate cars, because I wasn’t sure how this night would end. Although I hoped for more, I wasn’t sure just how much more. I just wanted more than the platonic relationship we had. But, what did “more” mean? I wasn’t ready to give up my V card yet. I wasn’t sure what he would expect from me. I hoped to find out by the end of the night. And I hoped that he wouldn’t be turned off by me not giving it up to him.

  Chapter 4

  Tyler

  Wow! Just wow! I was a lucky son of a bitch. This girl was gorgeous and she was with me. We entered the dance, and I swear heads turned to look at us. We did look pretty good, if I did say so myself. She was the captain of the cheer squad and looked fucking hot. And I, well I was the high school’s ticket to a championship season. We looked like the power couple of Oak Valley High. And I guess we were.

  I ignored the stares of other guys towards my girl. That’s right….my girl. She was mine, at least for the night. She had no idea how beautiful she was, and that made me like her even more. Like? Was that all this was? I wasn’t sure. But “more” was definitely a possibility.

  We danced all night. Most guys just liked to stand around and shoot the shit while their girls did all the dancing. But I wasn’t going to waste this chance with Kyla. She was a great dancer. I loved putting my hands on her hips. I pulled her closer and rocked up against her. When the song slowed to Trying Not to Love You, she threw her arms around my neck and my hands went immediately to her waist. I closed my eyes, this song couldn’t be any more perfect for the way I was feeling. I pulled her in a little tighter, pressing myself into her, hoping she could feel how she was affecting me. God, this song, coupled with her body, was killing me.

  Kyla bit her bottom lip and stared up at me from under her long, dark lashes. “I’m having an awesome time,” she whispered. “Thank you for bringing me.”

  I stared into her green eyes. They were captivating. I was starting to fall for her and I wasn’t sure if I could stop it. Damn. I didn’t want to stop it.

  “My pleasure. Trust me.” I shifted my hands lower so they were resting on her ass. I’d been waiting to feel it under my hands and I had to give it a little squeeze. Her tight little body stiffened, then relaxed at my touch. I was going to have to go slow. My instincts told me she was as innocent as she looked. Getting antsy, I lower my mouth to her ear. “You about ready to get out of here? I want to spend some alone time with you before I take you home.”

  Her breath hitched, but she slowly nodded yes. I wrapped her hand in mine and started towards the door.

  “Whoa! Where do you two think you’re going? Cutting out early on us, is not cool,” Tori teased. We’d been caught! So much for sneaking outta here.

  “Tyler and I are just… well the dance is almost over anyways. Talk to you in the morning?” Kyla said over her shoulder.

  “Definitely. And I’ll want details girl!” Tori yelled. I led Kyla towards the door. I turned around just in time to see Chris give a raised eyebrow and a chin lift. Was that a vote of confidence or a warning? I wasn’t sure. I needed to go slow with Kyla. She was trusting and vulnerable…God I hoped I wouldn’t fuck this up.

  I got her situated in the car then rounded to open the driver’s side, letting out a puff of anxiety. I gave myself a little pep talk. Take it slow. Don’t scare her off! She’s worth the wait.

  I got in and started the car, focusing on the smooth rumble of its engine. “Where to beautiful?”

  “Umm… there’s a park a couple of blocks from my house. How about there?”

  “Sounds good!”

  Chapter 5

  Kyla

  What the hell am I doing? I was so out of my league here. God, why didn’t I talk to Tori about this? She’d know what to do. Yeah right! She’d tell me to go for it. She’d been busting my ass about that damn V card for months. I was so not her and I was so not ready! I wished I had that confidence.

  Okay, this was getting awkward. We’d been parked for…how long? And I still hadn’t said a word. Instead I sat there like a scared rabbit. I turned to look at him. He was already looking at me. His dark hair was spiked up in front, making me want to run my hands through it. I stared into those blue eyes and got kind of lost.

  “I’m not gonna bite, Kyla.”

  “I know, obviously. It’s just…I don’t normally do this,” I stuttered.

  “Do what? We haven’t even done anything yet.” Then he flashed that smile. One side of his mouth rose up and showed off that damn adorable dimple.

  I threw my hands up in exasperation. “This! All of this! Parking in a dark lot! Sitting next to a hot guy in a car late at night!”

  “You think I’m hot?” Tyler laughed, full on smiling now.

  “Seriously? That’s what you got out of what I just said?” I sighed, “And yes, I think you’re hot.”

  “Well at least you’re talking now.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and scooted closer to me, leaning over the console. He moved in closer, coming in for a kiss. A kiss I desperately wanted. He ran his hand up my arm to my shoulder, then gently cupped my face. He pushed my lips apart and let his tongue explore my mouth. I returned the kiss and let my tongue mingle with his. I got lost in it. It became feverish and frantic. I let out an involuntary moan, as I felt my lady parts clench. His kiss sent an electric shock through me, right to my core.

  I put my hand on his chest and gently pushed him back. “Look Tyler, I like you. A lot! And I don’t want this to make things weird between the two of us. So, if you don’t feel the same way, tell me now. I don’t want to screw with our friendship. Because we’re starting to cross a line here.”

  He looked in my eyes. “I like you too, Kyla. And I want more than a friendship. I want you to be my girl.”

  His girl? Yesss! “I wanna be your girl, but I don’t know what I’m doing here.” I was totally messing this up. “It’s just that…. well…I’ve never…you know…” I stumbled over my words. “I’m a virgin!” I blurted. I dropped my head into my hands and felt the color creep up my neck into my cheeks. Could I be anymore mortified? If I could have crawled under the seat, I would have. Kill. Me. Now!

  I felt his finger come up under my chin to lift my head. I peered at him from under my lashes. My embarrassment was evident. “It’s okay, baby. Me too,” he said softly.

  “You too, what?” I asked.

  “I’m a virgin too,” he whispered.

  “Really?”

  “Really. We take this as slow as you need. I’m not gonna lie. I want you, but you call the shots,” he said, searching my eyes for understanding.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?” he leaned towards me, holding my face in his hands. “I’m gonna kiss you again now. That okay?”

  “Yes,” my voice was raspy and breathless. “More than okay.”

  His lips met mine gently. Softly. His tongue traced along my bottom lip and slipped inside my mouth. Our tongues searched and twisted together in a gentle dance. I pressed further, deepening the kiss as his hands ran through my hair. He gently tugged and another moan escaped me. I felt my panties getting wet. What was this boy doing to me? I was pretty sure little red hearts were floating around my head. The kiss seemed to go on forever. His lips traveled down the side of my mouth, over
my chin. I leaned my head back to give him better access as he kissed my neck.

  Reluctantly he pulled back. “I better take you home, or I won’t be the good guy I just promised you,” he admitted.

  “You are a good guy. Thank you for making this night perfect.” I’m sure the smile plastered on my face was ridiculous, but there was no controlling it.

  He drove the few short blocks to my house and parked. He came around to open my door and took my hand to lead me up the front walk. When we got to the door I turned to him and he took my face in his hands. He gave me a gentle last kiss. “Best first date ever.”

  “Goodnight, Tyler,” I said, bringing my fingers up to touch my swollen lips.

  “Goodnight, sweet Kyla.” He turned and walked back to his car.

  I quietly turned the knob, opened the door, and crept up to my bedroom. I spun in a circle and flopped back on my bed. I was in love!

  Chapter 6

  Tyler

  “So, you and Kyla, huh?” Chris said, as he spotted me while bench pressing. I let out an exasperated breath as I pushed the weight up and back to set it on the stand.

  “Yeah, What about it?” I taunted.

  “Nothing, man. Just asking. Defensive a little?” he smirked. “Where’d you two disappear to last night anyway?”

  I moved to the leg lift machine and adjusted the weight. I sat down and started lifting, pushing myself just a little harder. “Just stopped at this park by her house. Talked. You know?”

  “Talked, huh? That what you’re calling it? She and Tori have been on the phone all morning. I know something’s going on.”

  “What? You want me to share with you, like we’re a couple of chicks? Feeling left out?” I had 20 more reps to go. I pushed harder.

  “Nah, man. It’s just that Kyla’s a sweet girl. I don’t want to see her getting hurt. Plus, if this goes bad, Tori will tear my balls off for introducing you two. And I kind of like my balls right where they are.”