There are too many people on the bleachers, but I spot Amber waving at me right away. It's a challenge carrying two pops and two servings of Nachos through the crowd, but somehow, I manage. When I finally reach the eighth row, Amber moves the blanket she used to save my seat and I hand over her portion of the food.

"You are a lifesaver!" Amber thanks me before digging in. "The game has barely started and I'm already eating through my boredom."

I chuckle. "If you get so bored during games why do you come?"

"Why did you?" She challenges with her know-it-all smile.

"Shut up." I nudge her with my elbow, heat rising to my cheeks.

I had told Amber about the whole Bradley and Whittney fiasco when I gave her a ride home today. Charlette was in the backseat with a cognizant look on her face when I said Whittney freaked out on me. She must have thought that what Whitney did was out of jealousy, still fully convinced that he's into me. It is a ridiculous, impossible thought. He told me to stay away from him and if he likes me, wouldn't he want me around?

"Hey, you okay?" Amber grabs my arm, her eyes filled with concern.

When I look out onto the field, I spot Bradley right away. Our eyes connect as if our gazes are drawn to each other. His smile sends a tingle up my spine and I send a small, awkward wave his way. He chuckles and shakes his head before putting his helmet on.

"Yeah." I smile.

I spot Austin and also wave in his direction, but he just throws on his helmet.

"Douchebag," Amber says under her breath.

"What? He probably didn't see me," I defend him.

Amber's eyes narrow while glaring at Austin. "No. He saw you."

I shuffle uncomfortably on the cold bleacher. "He wouldn't just ignore me."

A sad sigh leaves her lips. "Whatever you say, Hare."

Time flies when I actually start getting into the game. There are only a couple minutes left on the clock, so I hold back the urge to make a run for the bathroom. Austin seems really distracted, but his focus returns when Rodney calls the play. The crowd roars around me when Austin catches Rodney's pass, dodging everyone he can on the way to the goal post. He has to plow through number ten to reach his goal, but he makes the touchdown.

Everyone on the bleachers is going crazy, and although it was fun to watch, I know I'll never be able to be as fully invested. My attention is more focused on the interactions on the field after the game.

An opposing player walks by, and he must have said or done something because Austin takes a step forward. Rodney secures a grip around his arm to keep him from charging at the guy. After all the stories I've heard from Austin, that guy must be Ryan Berkley, the Quarterback of Rodnick High. I have never personally encountered him, but from what I've heard, I don't want to.

When all the players are dispersing from the field, I notice Amber's fingers snapping in front of my face. "Hello, Harry. You in there?"

"Uh, yeah." I shake off the distraction, my attention fully on her.

"I'm giving Sabrina a ride to the party. Do you want me to drop you off at home on the way?" she asks, already pulling out her keys before stuffing the small blanket in her purse.

"Well, I was actually thinking of going to the party, too."

Amber's brows rise. "Harry Whittemore wants to go to a party?"

"It's not like I never go to them."

"True." She smiles. "But you don't without a reason."

"Fair enough."

I wait for Amber out front while she goes to find her friend in the locker room. Of course, I was left holding her handbag like I'm still her boyfriend or something. I receive a couple of funny looks from Rodney and Brett as they walk by, but to my surprise, they leave me alone.

Amber and Sabrina come into view and it's obvious they both want to get to the car fast when Amber starts dragging my ass across the parking lot. As usual, I'm in the backseat while the passenger seat is saved for Sabrina, but I don't mind. I use being the third wheel to my advantage when Austin's name pops up in the conversation. Though my feelings for him have been dwindling, I'm still deeply interested in the relationship issues his girlfriend is talking about.

"Is it surprising that he's being so standoffish? It is Austin we are talking about." Amber's eyes roll in the rear-view mirror.

She has never been subtle in her opinion of Austin, but I'm glad it doesn't get in the way of our friendship. I honestly don't know where I'd be without her.

"Yeah, but it's more than that." Sabrina sighs. "He's hiding something big from me."

That doesn't surprise me. Unlike me, Austin's emotions are always on lockdown.

"Austin is always hiding something," Amber grumbles. "It's become his defining quality."

Apparently, Austin had told Sabrina that he was going to reveal to her what has been going on after the Homecoming dance. When those words left her mouth, a green monster dances in the back of my mind, but I keep it at bay.

"You really think he's going to tell you the truth after all this time?" Amber is still skeptical of him, but I don't blame her. The two have been rivals for as long as I can remember.

Sabrina crosses her arms before looking out the passenger side window. "If he doesn't want to lose me, he has no choice."

Not long after we walk through the doors of the party, I spot Bradley in the living room. His arm is wrapped around Charlette's shoulder and he smiles when she whispers something in his ear. A tightness spreads through my chest and I stop in my tracks.

I turn to follow Amber and Sabrina out back, but Bradley's voice breaks through the crowd when he calls out my name. Slowly, I turn around, trying my best not to be awkward. He grins from ear to ear while walking over.

"You didn't tell me you were coming to this." His mouth lingers next to my ear in order for me to hear him over the blaring party music.

"Wasn't sure I would either." I drop my gaze when his makes my cheeks burn.

He looks in the direction of the kitchen. "Have you had anything to drink yet?"

Bradley doesn't give me time to answer before grabbing my hand in his, but I pull away, shoving my hands in the pockets of my hoodie.

Piercing eyes catch my attention when I glance around the crowded room. Whittney's gaze doesn't leave mine as he exhales the smoke from his joint and into the mouth of some sophomore girl with dreadlocks. Just when she's about to lock lips with him, he turns his head so she catches his jaw instead, but he doesn't push her off when things get heated.

"He's just trying to get to you," Bradley's voice breaks me from my trance. "He knows now, so he's trying to get a reaction. Don't give it to him."

As much as I don't want to admit it, Bradley is right. When I turn to follow him into the kitchen, I see Whittney push the girl off him. This only confirms Bradley's theory about it being my attention that Whittney was fishing for.

Madison Jones, the sweet redheaded girl who often hangs with Austin, is pouring herself a drink when we enter. Some of her drink misses the cup when she spots Bradley. She fumbles nervously with a napkin as she smiles up at Bradley with red in her cheeks.

"Drinks usually taste better when they're in the cup," Bradley teases.

The remark earns him a playful glare. It's obvious that she's into him and the fear that he's bisexual briefly crosses my mind.

"What do you want to drink?" Bradley asks when he turns to me.

"Uh, beer's fine."

He stares at me with a blank expression. "Oh, come on. There's almost a fully stocked bar on this table. Plus, it would be foolish not to take advantage of my bartending skills."

"Whip me up something you think I might like then."

The challenge makes his face light up and he gets to work. He's told me over text about his family's night club and how he has been practicing mixology, but I never tried picturing it. Now that I'm seeing it first hand, it's baffling how effortlessly he moves through the kitchen. His movements are in sync with the beat of the song in the background while he skillfully does his thing.

When he's finally finished, he holds the red plastic cup out to me. Our hands brush for a moment and the small contact is enough is enough to spread a tingle through my fingers. My eyes find his and I'm lucky he breaks contact first because even through his glasses, I was lost in those blue pools of his.

A 'thanks' no louder than a whisper leaves my lips before I bring the drink to my lips. The explosion on my tongue makes my taste buds dance in delight. "Oh my god, this is really good. What's it called?"

There's a devious glint in his eyes and a corner of his mouth quirks up. "Sex with the bartender."

My face pales and I almost choke on the next sip.

He chuckles when I grab his arm, pulling him behind me. "Where are we going?"

Cool air greets us when I open the door to the garage, closing it behind me once we're both inside. There's a pounding in my chest that's all-consuming, but I throw all my jitters aside when I cup his face with my hands. My distracting heartbeat fades into white noise after I lean in, his warm lips meeting mine for the first time.

Warmth spreads through my entire body, engulfing my heart in a warm blanket. The kiss lasts for no more than two seconds, but the feeling doesn't leave even after I pull away. Pink rises to my cheeks and my stomach is in knots, yet I find the courage to open my eyes. While surprised, he looks over the moon. His pearly teeth shine through the dimness when his soft lips part ways for a smile.

Bradley's eyes focus on my mouth, his lingering just out of reach. My back is pressed firmly against the wall, but there's nowhere I'd rather be. In this moment, feeling his hot breath on my skin and his body flush against mine, I feel like I'm in a dream.

I soar to new heights when he's kissing me again. This time, it isn't innocent like mine was. It's hungry, yet passionate. My fingers move from his face and become tangled in his when the kiss deepens. Shivers run up and down my spine when his arms wrap around me, pulling me closer. His tongue teases my top lip and my legs feel like they're going to collapse underneath me.

Without hesitation, I let him in, our tongues intertwining with a heavy need. A part of me wants things to heat up even more and I tug at the hem of his jeans, but his hands enclose around mine, stopping me. His forehead leans on mine as we catch our breath.

"I really like you." Bradley's words are almost lost in his coarse whisper.

I smile. "I really like you, too."

"Which is why I don't want to do this here." His grip on my hand stays when he pulls me back towards the party.

He releases my hand when we're in the open, but remains distractingly close at my side, his hand finding a spot on my waist while he pushes me through the crowd in the main room. When the stairs come into view, my stomach twists into an uncomfortable knot and I stop in my tracks.

Austin has Sabrina pinned against the wall. His mouth is buried in the crook of her neck while she tugs at his hair. It almost looks like she's not fully enjoying herself, but I can't imagine why not. There was a time where I would have given anything to be in her position, or maybe, there's a part of me that's still wishing.

The diversion draws my attention just long enough to realize I no longer feel Bradley's comforting presence. My eyes scan over the crowd of people, searching frantically for him. Fear eats away at me when I realize he probably caught me staring at Austin and ran off.

Seconds that feels like an eternity pass when I finally spot him. Fists clench tightly at his sides and his mouth is stretched in a tight line. I follow his menacing glare, my jaw dropping when I see what has set him off.

"Oh, fuck," I hiss under my breath.

Bradley is stiff as a board as he watches Whittney provocatively dancing with his younger sister. There's no doubt it's to draw a reaction from Bradley when Whittney makes the mistake of groping her behind while smirking with a smug look in his eye. What the hell is he trying to do?

I rush to Bradley's side, but it's too late, he's already storming towards my stupid as shit friend.

"What the hell, man?" Bradley's intense glower doesn't leave Whittney when he secures his sister protectively behind him.

Whittney looks sickeningly content with himself at Bradley's reaction. "Now you know how it feels when someone fucking touches your things."

"You're a piece of work." Bradley shakes his head, seemingly at a loss for words. "What are you trying to prove, huh? She's fourteen!"

"Braddy, come on. I'm fine." The young girl tries to calm her brother, but he doesn't budge. "Let's just go."

"No," he growls.

To my surprise, he shoves Whittney as hard as he can, who doesn't waste a second with his retaliation. Bradley almost loses his footing from the powerful blow to his chest, his face red in frustration.

"Stephanie can dance with whoever she wants." Whittney pushes Bradley again, making him stumble back.

"Not if that person is you."

If I were Whittney, Bradley's display of alpha would have sent me running away with my tail between my legs, but he's completely unfazed.

"Just stay away from her," Bradley huffs.

A sigh of relief leaves me when he starts to retreat, but all hope is lost at the sound of Whittney's laughter. "Will she stay away from me, though?" He cocks an eyebrow, and I wonder if he's even talking about Stephanie anymore when he sends a wink my way.

Bradley glances at me for a second before he loses it, his fist colliding with Whittney's cheek before I can blink. Before Whitt can even react, Bradley tackles him to the ground, getting a couple punches in before Cole and Jameson pull him off. I've been standing idly by long enough, so I help by grabbing Whittney, who would have escaped my hold if Austin hadn't swooped in to help me.

"Get your friend out of here, Austin!" Rodney's bark breaks through the commotion.

The smell of liquor on Whittney's breath is overpowering and it's a struggle holding him up. A heavy stone settles in my heart when he roughly tugs his arm away, mumbling incoherently under his breath.

"Come on, Whitt." Austin doesn't even try to hide his anger while pulling Whittney behind him. "You need to go."

He forcibly hands our drunk friend over to me, not even noticing the reluctance on both ends, while he searches the crowd. No doubt he's looking for Sabrina. Knowing her, she probably bolted when everything started going down.

"She's gone, jerkwad." Amber's voice pops up out of nowhere, and I can't help but smile at her bluntness.

Austin, on the other hand, doesn't seem impressed. His groan being my first clue. "Go wait by my car. I'll take you both home."

Like always, it's an order, but I don't blame him. Whittney has really outdone himself this time.

I nod before half dragging him through a sea of stares. When Bradley's face comes into view, I send an apologetic look his way, but he still seems extremely pissed off. To my surprise, the anger is focused at me instead of the drunk in my arms. As much as it hurts, I have to prioritize, and right now I have to settle this with Whittney.

Whatever this is.  

***

Things are heating up between Harry and Bradley, but of course, Whittney was there to bring the attention back to himself. But, at least he didn't stop the kiss from happening this time! Do you guys like Harry and Bradley together? (AKA: Brarry/Hardley) Why, or why not? I'd love to know what you guys think, so leave a comment! Also, if you think the chapter is deserving, don't forget to click that little voting star!

To my small circle of fans, thanks so much for sticking by me and my lagging updates. My life isn't that busy, but I somehow always find something getting in the writing. So, thanks to those who haven't given up on me or my stories. Really means so much! Will try to get the next BMR chapter up sometime next week, but as always, no promises. Don't know my work schedule yet, either, so that could get in the way....

Anyways... Til next time,

TheWriterD