EMMA'S POV
"So teach has already done us a favour by listing down the questions we would need to answer"
"More like a billion questions, we will never never be done on time" I say to Tyler who seems too optimistic to be real. I guess you're wondering how we got to the point were I'm able to talk back at him without stuttering or blushing uncontrollably, the answer is simple...... GPA. I DO NOT joke around with my GPA and I definitely will not allow my girly feelings stop me from working on this project. If it were to be someone else, I would have been barking out orders till we were finished but since it was Tyler, I was trying to go slow.
"Look at you being all...."
Amusement written on his face. He stops talking, racking his brain to find the right adjective, though still in the educative zone, I can't deny the fact that I skipped one heart beat in anticipation waiting for him to complete his sentence, until finally.
"I can't find the word but it'll come to me"
Both disappointed and relieved from not getting to hear the word, I flip open the book and start scribbling down answers on my worksheet. He leans in trying to make out what It is I was writing, I ignore how close he had gotten to inable him read properly, I ignore the fact that his hot breath fanned my face causing my stomach to do somersaults. What I couldn't ignore was the fact that he wasn't doing his work, What? That's the bookworm in me.
"You're suppose to be working on yours you know?"
"Weren't we suppose to be doing this as a team?" He shoots back, who could blame me for being skeptical of the fact that he wanted to actually do the work together, I mean no one wants to ever do it especially when they've got a Nerd as their partner, one of the reasons I don't like to work with people.
"We don't have to work together if you like"
"What?" His brows furrow in confusion.
"Like if you don't want to work together, I'm willing to do it on my own"
His optimistic look immediately falls so does the glint in his eyes, an emotion i couldn't quite read runs through them but leaves just as fast as it came.
"I'm down but I'm getting the vibe you're not, I could leave if that's what you want"
He says already getting up, on impulse I grab his hand to stop him, once again ignoring the butterflies that comes with his touch.
"No that's not what I meant, I just thought someone like you wouldn't want to do any work"
"Someone like me, what is that suppose to mean?"
"A jock, it's cliché for you not to care about school and push the load to somebody else"
"Emma you know that's stereotype right, I didn't think you were the judging type"
He says, clearly not happy about it, why did I have to go and say that. I search my brain for an excuse or something to justify myself.
"I... Well usually t.."
Still going through a debate in my head, Tyler's face immediately goes red like he couldn't breathe, before I could go into full panic mood, he burst out laughing.
"Wh... at?"
I stutter trying to make sense of the situation, but this only seem to enhance his laughing spree.
"You sh.....ould have se...en y...o..ur face"
He responds in between laughs. When he finally calms down, it was my turn to go red, out of embarrassment and anger.
"Here I was thinking I had hurt your feelings, why you were just making fun of me!" I huff folding my hands below my chest.
"Come on Johnson, grow a humour"
He says, unfazed by my outburst. Huffing once more I go back to my work angrily flipping pages. He must have sensed my dampened mood because he grew silent. For a second I had begin to think I had overreacted until he reaches for my face, his warm hands tilt my head away from my worksheet to his face.
" I meant for it be just a harmless joke, I'm sorry if it did more"
His voice comes out hoarse and I visibly gulp. All evidence of humour gone. If anyone would have told me before now that Tyler Briske would be in my room, so close to me and apologising to me too, I would have laughed my head off, but yet here I was living exactly that. Afraid that I would soon become lightheaded from his touch on my face, I jerk my head away.
"It's fine, I sh....ouldn't ha...ve overreacted that way"
"You have nothing to be regretful for" He continues to hold my stare not once looking away, the intensity of his stare making me not able to do otherwise. My fingers shake wondering every which way on the table having grown a mind up of their own and my heart beats louder making me pray to God that he wouldn't hear.
"Shit!"
He gets up abruptly, the droplets of the drink my wondering hands had hit out of nervousness leaves a trail leading from the desk, to his chair down to the floor.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid
"I'm so sorry my hands.... Slipped?" Not sure what term I could use to describe my hands having minds of their own without coming off as crazy
"It's fine" we both stare at his now soiled shirt, it doesn't help matters that the drink had made his shirt transparent enough for me to get a glimpse of his defined chest.
Is it getting hot in here because I couldn't seem to breathe, In out, in out...
I drag my eyes to his face where they should have been from the beginning.
"You can go clean up in the bathroom while I'll get you a shirt to change into"
Not waiting for his reply, I launch for the door too quickly in dire need of air, locking the door. I race into the guest room, once I had secured the door, I lean on it releasing the breath I had been holding. I should be fan girling by now but the knowledge of my parents downstairs aids in giving me a reality check.
I open the closest to my cousin's bag where I take clothes from occasionally, grabbing one of my cousin's old shirts, I walk back to the room, bracing myself and sucking in a huge amount of air cos I was sure I was going to need it. Finally going in, the sight before me stops me right on my tracks.
Tyler Briske shirtless, Tyler freaking Briske shirtless!!, It was indeed a sight to see, my eyes shamelessly wonder about savoring as much as it could. I DRAG my eyes from his defined abs to his face, he had a boyish smirk plastered on, his smirk jerking me back to reality. I quickly check to see if I have been drooling, thank God I haven't, at least I still have a miserable amount of dignity left, just when I thought things couldn't get more spiced up, I hear my dad's voice.
"Honey your mom wanted me to tell you your friend could sleep in the guest ro.."
His voice dies down as he takes in the sight In front of him. Eyes blazing in anger and knuckles whitened from tightening he launches for his prey. He grabs Tyler by the neck, tugging him towards himself.
"Dad wait!"
As expected he doesn't listen to me so I try another approach. I walk up to him to pull him away from Tyler or at least loosen his grip on him but he doesn't budge.
"Dad please stop!" I scream already panicking as dad attempts to throw a punch, what got me even more worried was Tyler not making any move to defend himself, maybe out of respect. If I were to be in that situation, respect be damned. I would at least try to protect myself if I couldn't fight back. I watch helplessly as dad's fist makes a beeline for Tyler's nose.
"Henry!"
It was mom's time to scream, she goes in front of the punch without warning, dad freezes and drops his hand upon seeing her.
"Claire get out of the way" dad says with gritted teeths, I take this as my opportunity to swoop in.
"Dad it's not.."
"Don't you even think of telling me, it isn't what it looks like"
Not sure what to say, I mean it wasn't what it looked like but I'm smart enough to not push any of dad's buttons at this point, so I turn to mom hoping she'd understand.
"Mom" I quietly say, once again my eyes pleads with her to help me out.
"Henry I'm not exactly sure what's going on in here" she stops her eyes on Tyler who hasn't spoken a word and by the looks of it, isn't planning on doing otherwise anytime soon.
"But I am sure there is a logical explanation for this" cocking her brows at me, mouthing a thank you to her, I take a long breath and start my job as the narrator.
Mom literally had to drag dad out of my room even after I had explained what had happened, he still asked that my door be left open and once again I ignore, making sure to shut it as loudly as I could. Pushing the anger now directed to my dad aside, I pick up the shirt that had longed been forgotten and toss it to Tyler making sure to keep my stare on his face this time.
"I'm really sorry about everything"
I say staring at the ground so I wouldn't gawk at him while he dressed and so he wouldn't see my cheek which were now visibly red from embarrassment.
"I think it's a little too late for modesty Johnson"
I can literally hear the smirk in his voice, and I here I was thinking i had somehow gotten away with my drooling session earlier. I ignore his comment instead busied myself with cleaning the drink spills so it wouldn't stick.
"This is one night I'm not forgetting anytime soon" he says unfazed by my silence.
"You have no idea" I mutter under my breath, judging by the way his lips tugged up, I'm guessing he heard anyways.

******
Beep beep!!!!! Beep beep!!!!!!!! Beep beep!!!!!! The sound immediately jerks me awake causing me to fall from the bed straight to the floor. Wait bed? The last thing I remember was working on my worksheet with Tyler which we had somehow managed to get done, I had begin to finish off minor details I did just because. Backup, Tyler? I get off the floor only to see him sleeping, it's a wonder the monstrous device didn't wake him up too. Even if it were from hell, I'm sure it wouldn't have the heart to wake him up with how peaceful he looks. His lashes looking much more longer than should be legal, and his pink lips part slightly allowing soft snores every now and then.
Could he have been the one to help get me safely in bed, who else could it be? I had made sure to lock the door and I was pretty sure Tyler wouldn't leave my room without me being awake at least not when my dad was out there.
I reach for both our sheets, not being able to hold the smile that found it's way to my face when I see that he had done his and had even helped me finish off the minor details I must have fallen asleep doing with him following suit no doubt.
Making sure to be quiet, I tiptoe to my bathroom, grabbing everything I would need for a shower.
I step out still quite thankful that Tyler wouldn't witness my crazy bed hair or morning breath, and move to my closet grabbing a random cloth selection not bothering to check if it was okay or not, i make for the door, heading for the guest bathroom.
After doing my business I felt fresh and I headed back to the room, I have to wake him eventually regardless of how peaceful he looks. Pushing the door open still being sound conscious not wanting to wake him until I was close enough. My eyes widen in shock. He had left along with all of his things. Many possibilities ran through my head as I jog downstairs and let me tell you, none were positive. I rather not see dad right now, not after yesterday with me still very upset but I also can't risk what would happen if they were together. Sighing in relieve as I see dad feets away from him.
"Morning mom" I smile at her as she places a glass of orange juice and a plate of eggs in front of me. I pick up the glass to have a sip.
"Morning sweetheart, I can see you slept well" she winks at me suggestively. I place the glass down thankful that I hadn't already downed in some of it's content cos I sure would hell have spat it out.
"Tyler, dad" I manage a smile at the former not bothering to glance at the latter, still he nods at me, from my side vision I could see his eyes filled with remorse it doesn't soften my face, he should have trusted me.
"Hey Em"
Tyler responses casually like he being in our kitchen this early was a usual occurrence and like he had not almost gotten killed yesterday.
Like always I ruffle Max's hair but he doesn't do anything just sits, hands crossed looking like he much rather do math than be here. What is it with everyone acting strange from Freya now Max.
"You're leaving together?"
My mom questions not looking up from the coffee she was making. I turn to Tyler not knowing what to say.
"Unfortunately not Mrs..."
"Claire" he corrects when mom warns him with a side glare but tilt her head edging him to go on"
"But I have to head out and get ready for school"
"That's too bad, but you're going to eat something yeah?" My mom pouts making me to Internally roll my eyes.
"As tempting as that sounds, I can't afford to be late"
I honestly didn't picture him as the punctual type then again, I didn't picture myself feeling like the stranger in my own house but here I am. Everything is possible when Tyler Briske is involve.
"That's alright, Emma be a dear and walk him to the door"
"Sure"
I say leading the way when she stops us.
"Here" she says handing a basket of cookies to Tyler. When did she even spare the time to bake these, and most importantly they better be extras.
"Thanks" he gifts her with his heart warming smile not once trying to decline.
"No problem dear, be sure to drop by anytime you want" as if rethinking it, she adds "actually try not to come unannounced okay"
"Wouldn't dream of it" he laughs politely his body tenses, dad really did a number on him.
We continue our short walk to the door, I trail behind trying to cover as much view of baby me as I could. We get to the door and he steps out turning back to my direction.
"Um.. I guess I'll see you in literature?"
I say shyly, attempting to push a strand of hair behind my ears, the stubborn hair refuses to budge making me more nervous by the second.
"Even if I knew your dad was planning on beating me to a pub, I would still do it all over again"
He whispers as he suddenly comes close to me his fingers gently reach for my face, I freeze still as he agonisingly takes his time in pushing the strand behind my ear, the intense look I had witnessed last night back and once again I am hypnotized to the spot.
He lips makes it way to my ears, his hot breath tickling where ever it fanned"
"It was sure as hell worth it"
My cheeks immediately becomes warm, without another word he gets to his car I'm somehow just noticing and drives off but not before giving me his signature wink.
That's one way to get a girl speechless.

(A/N): you guys have no idea how long I have been wanting to write this lol 😂😂 I have. (You wouldn't get it, it's an inside joke) you know the drill, vote and comment. Love you guys 😘😘