Categories > Original > Romance > I Hate You But I Like You
As soon as the game was over (we won by the way, yay Pali High!) I headed straight to the locker room to take a shower (cuz after over an hour of pumping up the crowd, I prolly smelled kinda funky) and change. That was when I realized that I hadn’t packed a pair of pants in my gym bag. Shit.
Then again, since I was going straight home, it was cool; I could just wear my stupid short ass skirt.
I must have taken forever to shower, cuz when I left the locker room, the football field was practically deserted. For that I was glad cuz I knew if I ran into a member of the team or a fellow cheerleader, they would drag me to post-game celebrations. Now, usually, I was the life of the party, but today I just felt tired. In fact, all I wanted to do was go home and veg out in front of the TV. Dad, trophy wife and Jesse were on their way to Sacramento for the weekend and Jayden was at practice so technically, I had the whole damn house to myself. Which was a good thing, coz I wasn’t in a very sociable mood right now. Totally uncharacteristic behavior from me.
The parking lot was virtually empty by the time I got to my car. I stifled a yawn as I unlocked the door and slid in behind the wheel. Why was I so tired today? Couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that I was up all night on the phone with Neicey, arguing about whether Bow Wow was better in Like Mike 1 or 2. So we’re weird. We deal with it.
I pushed the start button, expecting to hear the cars engine roar to life. Nothing. Feeling annoyed (Grey’s Anatomy would be starting any minute from now and I wasn’t about to miss it) I pressed the button harder. Nothing, nada, zilch. Not even a squeak. The damn car wouldn’t start.
Frustrated now, I opened the door and went around to the front of the car. I popped the hood (about the only thing I learnt in Auto Shop before I was kicked out cuz I refused to get my hands dirty) and stared hopelessly at the shiny engine. Everything looked normal to me but then again, I don’t know jack about cars. I had no idea what to do next. I couldn’t call dad cuz he wouldn’t be able to do anything, there was no way I was calling Jayden (I remember the last time I had pulled him out of practice when I sprained my toe, he was not nice to me), I definitely couldn’t call 911 cuz it wasn’t a real emergency (last time I called 911 when my tire was flat, they told me to call only if it was a real emergency, like me being kidnapped or something) and I don’t have AAA’s number. Shitty.
I stood there for a few seconds, just staring into the engine, until I remembered that Vanessa might still be here. She’s been doing Auto Shop for years; she ought to know straight up what’s wrong with my car!
I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone. Just as I was flipping it open to dial Vanessa, I spotted a familiar looking guy coming up the stairs from the football field. As he reached the parking lot level, I could see him clearer with the powerful strobe lights in the lot. In spite of myself, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was Spencer.
Gathering up my resolve, I called his name.
“Spencer!”
Oh my God. My voice came out all squeaky and annoying, kinda like Lois in Family Guy. I cringed, embarrassed, as Spencer spotted me and made his way towards me, his customary smile on his face. I realized anew just how cute he was, especially in the oversize white Bathing Apes hoody he was wearing. He was so gorgeous!
“Damn, girl, you should have warned me!” he enthused, before I could say anything. “I had no idea you had so much energy! You can cheerlead for me anytime.”
Way to be random.
I stood there for like two seconds with my mouth wide open, just staring at him before I realized that I was staring, closed my mouth and said “Thanks,” with a surprised look on my face. But he wasn’t even done yet.
“So can I get a hug from the best cheerleader around?” he continued.
No fucking way! I’m not hugging this guy! My hormones go loco when he’s just standing near me, what’s gonna happen when he’s actually touching me? No way José.
“Huh…” I started, trying to come up with an excuse on why it was not cool for Spencer to touch me, let alone hug me. But before I could even finish my sentence (as per usual whenever Spencer’s around me), he stepped up in front of me, wrapped his arms around my waist and gently pulled me closer to him. My breath stuck in my throat as he rubbed his hands up and down my back slowly and I unconsciously leaned into his hard (yes! I knew it!), lean chest. He smelt divine and he felt so damn good, no one had the right to feel that good. Especially not Spencer. Just when I was really getting into the hug (the fuck is wrong with me?) he whispered in my ear “Oh man, they should make a teddy bear out of you.”
Way to ruin the mood.
I stepped back angrily, making Spencer’s arms fall to his side. I put my hands on my hips and shot him a dirty look.
“Are you saying that I’m fat?” I asked him challengingly, wondering why he always managed to say the most inopportune things at the wrong time. Spencer gave me a genuinely surprised look and said “No, I don’t think you’re fat. I just meant that you’re cuddly and soft, like a teddy bear.”
But he was staring at me, giving me a look that I really didn’t like.
“What?”
Spencer shrugged and said “You notice every time I compliment you, you manage to turn it round into something negative?”
I kicked at a stone on the ground embarrassedly. I knew it was pretty much true but that didn’t stop me from grumbling “No, I don’t.”
“Elektra,” Spencer said quietly. I looked up at him automatically. He was looking at me with the most sincere look on his face. “I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
God, but I felt like a bitch right then. I was so embarrassed that I said “Thanks,” in the smallest voice imaginable.
“So, what did you call me over for?” Spencer asked, changing the subject completely (something I was glad for).
“Um, I was just wondering if you know anything about cars. Mine won’t start.”
With a hugely infectious smile on his face, he said (slightly smugly if you ask me) “What don’t I know about cars?”
I watched as he lowered himself into the driver’s seat.
“Sweet car,” he remarked. I nodded.
“Yeah, I got it when I finally got my license after like 6 tries.”
Actually, it was more like 10, but who’s counting?
Spencer burst out laughing.
“When’s the last time you gassed her up?” he asked when he had sobered up.
“I don’t gas up my car. Jayden does it. Sometimes my dad. Never me,” I replied haughtily.
Spencer stared at me in disbelief.
“Ever?” he asked.
“That’s a guy’s job, anyway. I’m not gonna get my hands dirty.”
Spencer bent his head over the steering wheel and muttered “Spoilt,” loud enough for me to hear.
“I heard that,” I snapped.
“When’s the last time it was gassed up?” Spencer asked.
I shrugged.
“Before the accident. Maybe a week before.”
Spencer gave me an incredulous look. “But that’s like three weeks ago!”
Hmm, he’s right. That was three weeks ago. Damn, it’s been two weeks since I met him?
“Why, though? Does it matter? All I asked you is what up with my car. So, Mr. I Know Everything There Is to Know about Cars, why don’t you tell me what’s up with mine?”
I was so sure he was just talking smack. Can’t nobody be gorgeous, a piano player, a football player, a volunteer and a mechanic at the same time. No way Jose.
Spencer got out of my car.
“You’re out of gas,” he replied evenly.
I laughed. I couldn’t help it.
“You’re gonna have to come better than that,” I said mischievously.
“Check your gauge. Plus, no car is built to run on a tank of gas for three weeks. You been running on empty.”
I scowled, walked around to the driver’s side and checked the gauge myself. Sho nuff, the little arrow thingy was at empty. I groaned, slumping dejectedly against the car.
“Now what?” I complained. Spencer shrugged.
“Call your dad, Jayden,” he suggested.
“Dads in Sacramento, Jayden’s at practice,” I sighed. “Guess I’ll just call a fucking cab.”
I kicked the front tire of the stupid car viciously; feeling tears of exasperation come to my eyes. Spencer came to stand next to me and he put his arm around me.
“As soon as my car gets here, I’ll take you home,” he said.
I sighed. It was a tempting offer. Maybe too tempting.
“You don’t have to, I’ll call a cab,” I protested.
Spencer drew me closer and said in my ear “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”
I smiled gratefully at him and said “Thanks.”
He smiled back and said “That’s what knights in shining armor do.”
Could this guy get any sweeter? Honestly.
I looked around the now empty parking lot.
“So, where’s your car?” I asked curiously.
“My homie borrowed it for something. He should be on his way here now,” Spencer replied.
I nodded and we stood there in comfortable silence for a while. Then I suddenly asked “What happened to Vanessa?”
I had totally forgotten about her.
“Oh, she left in the middle of the third quarter,” Spencer said.
“She’s nice, huh?” I asked.
“Oh, yeah,” Spencer nodded. “She’s cute too.”
Oh no you didn’t! Then again, it was so obvious that Spencer liked Vanessa on first sight, judging from the way he checked my girl out. And Vanessa- well, she’s down for whatever. I knew that they would make a cute couple, so why did I feel so disappointed?
“She’s single, you know. And so are you, right?” I asked, trying to keep a lid on my feelings.
Spencer gave me a wry look but all he did was nod.
“And she has a weakness for guys like you,” I continued. “I think I should try hook you two up. You liked her, didn’t you?”
Okay, so I was babbling, but it was for a good cause. Spencer and Vanessa could make each other happy, I was sure of it. Anyway, Spencer and me- hell no! Can you imagine that? He’d drive me loco!
Spencer looked me in the eye at that point and said calmly “Elektra, I like Vanessa. She’s very nice and pretty. But she’s not you.”
Talk about random.
I stared at him, completely unnerved. Yet I couldn’t stop my big mouth from talking.
“Oh. I thought that-“ I started.
“No,” Spencer said, interrupting me. “I don’t like her in that way. I like you.”
Oh, my God. Of all the things I expected to hear from this guy (and I had been expecting to hear anything from ‘I hate you’ to ‘I wanna marry Vanessa’), this was definitely not one of them.
I looked up at him to find him looking down at me, a slight smile on his face as though he knew exactly what I was thinking.
“Oh. Oh,” was all I had time to say before a blue and chrome Hummer H3x rolled into the parking lot.
“You better lock this baby up, that’s my ride,” Spencer said matter-of-factly, patting the roof of my car. I burst out laughing.
Spencer looked at me. “What’s funny?” he asked.
“I didn’t think you were the Hummer type of guy. I figured you like your cars like you like your women,” I giggled helplessly.
Spencer grinned. “Oh, yeah?” he asked. “And how’s that?”
“Fast,” I replied primly. Spencer laughed and started walking towards his car, which had parked a few spots away from us.
“FYI, I loathe fast women. C’mon, let’s go.”
I stared at him with exasperation and asked “So just what is your type?”
Because right now, I really needed to know. Not because I liked him (though that was a big determining factor) but because I – oh, fuckity. I kinda liked the guy, okay? A little.
Spencer laughed again and said “You, Elektra. You’re my type.”
I had no idea if he was being for real due to the big smile on his face or if he just got off on making me feel uncomfortable but I decided to play it cool as he took my hand in his (ignoring the electricity that swept through my body as soon as our fingers connected was harder, so was trying to ignore the fact that his hand fitted perfectly in mine) and led me to his car.
I saw two people in the car, a pretty girl with a long ass ponytail in the passenger seat and a guy who was moving to the back seat. The instant we were at the car, the girl stuck her head out of the window and said “You said you were going to watch the game, Spenthony. You didn’t say nothing about picking up cheerleaders,” in a mocking tone. She gave me a smile and said “No offence.”
The guy also stuck his head out of the back window, let out a wolf whistle and said “When I go watch football, all I get to see is some cheerleader panties. Spencer goes to a game and not only does he get a peek at some panties, he also hooks up with a fine ass cheerleader! Life is such a bitch for me.”
Spencer rolled his eyes and flashed me his adorable smile as if to say ‘And these are the guys I call my friends.’
He said “Elektra, these are my- people. This is DD, AKA Dirty Diana, AKA Diana Miller. And the fool in the back is Pete Harris. Guys, this is Elektra West. She’ll be riding with us tonight, her car’s outa gas.”
At the sound of my name, both DD and Pete said “Ooh,” and DD gave Spencer a knowing smile.
“So, we finally get to meet the girl whose life you saved, huh?” she asked him and then turned to me. “Nice to meet you, Elektra. We were all beginning to think you were just a figment of Spenthony’s overactive imagination.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said. “I assure you, I’m not a figment of anybody’s imagination.”
Whoop whoop! Score one for Miss West!
Pete stared sleazily at me and said “Spence never said how hot you were. Bet he was trying to keep you for himself,” he leered.
Spencer groaned. ”Aight guys, that’s enough. We better get going. Who’s riding shot gun with me?” he asked.
I mean, duh.
“Me!” DD exclaimed immediately, strapping herself in before anyone could even say anything. Pete patted the seat next to him and said “Don’t worry beautiful, you can ride in the back with Big Daddy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Wow, my lucky day,” I muttered sardonically.
Spencer put his hands on my shoulders and whispered in my ear “You’ll be fine. He’s harmless, pretty much.”
He gave me a reassuring smile and I found myself smiling back.
“I’m sure I can handle it,” I replied. Spencer opened the door for me.
“Watch your step,” he told me. Once I was seated, he closed the door and walked around to his side. DD turned in her seat to look at me.
“Bit cold for that outfit, isn’t it?” she asked me. I tried to smooth my short skirt down.
“Yeah, I forgot my pants at home,” I replied flippantly. Pete stared blatantly at my legs.
“Me and the boys are sure glad you did,” he told me. “You have some sexy legs, beautiful.”
I smiled and said “You know the rule, look but don’t touch.”
DD burst out laughing and turned to Spencer, who was gunning the engine.
“I like this girl,” she said cheerfully.
We drove in silence for a while until suddenly Pete said “I’m starving. What do ya’ll say about grabbing some dinner at MC Donald’s?”
“Only if you’re paying,” DD quipped.
Spencer shrugged. “Sounds good to me,” he said and looked over his shoulder at me. “How bout you, Elektra? You hungry?”
Now, I was as hungry as hell but I didn’t think it would be fun for me to hang with a cute guy and his two friends that I didn’t know so I said “Why don’t you just take me home first then you guys can go out?”
DD muttered “Party pooper. C’mon, live a little. Or is your curfew like 9 or something?”
“I don’t have a curfew,” I replied haughtily.
“Yeah, beautiful, live a little. Do it for me. Maybe later we can go back to my place and – you know,” Pete said, winking at me suggestively.
Well gag me with a spoon and call me Criss Angel. Seriously.
I fixed Pete with a level glare and told him “I wouldn’t even go back to your place if pigs started flying.”
Now Spencer was the one who was laughing. Pete just stared at me in confusion.
“I was just saying-" he started.
“No way,” I snapped. Now you can call me touchy.
“Fine, Spenthony, just drop us off at Mc Donald’s, it’s just up the road. Then you can take Elektra home,” DD decided.
Spencer nodded and drove up the road to the nearest Mc Donald’s. He parked the car and DD and Pete jumped out, Pete giving me a puppy dog look.
“You sure you don’t want a chance with the Petemeister?” he asked in an ‘I’m not joking’ tone.
“Jeeze, Pete, get the fuck in the damn restaurant,” Spencer exclaimed finally. What the hell took him so long?
“See you around, Elektra. Or maybe in five minutes. Spencer’s powers of persuasion are real high,” DD told me offhandedly, waved and walked into Mc Donald’s with Pete in tow.
Huh. Powers of persuasion my ass.
“You sure you don’t wanna come in and eat something?” Spencer asked. I rolled my eyes.
“Yes. I’m sure,” I said calmly. Spencer turned to face me, twisting in his seat.
“Don’t do it for Pete, he’s tripping. Do it for me. We haven’t eaten together yet,” he said.
“Yeah, we have. That dinner, remember?” I reminded him. Spencer grinned ruefully and took my hand in his.
“I remember,” he said softly. “But, yeah, I really want you to come eat. I know you’re hungry, I heard your stomach rumbling when we were in the parking lot.”
Low blow.
“I’m not that hungry,” I modified.
“Please,” he pleaded. “Don’t make me beg. Do it as a favor to me.”
Who could resist that, coupled with a puppy dog expression? Um, me.
“No,” I said shortly. But I could totally feel my resistance cracking. Maybe just some fries. I really was hungry.
“Just 30 minutes. I promise. Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?” Spencer implored me.
Now that I couldn’t say no to.
“30 minutes. No more,” I reluctantly agreed. A huge smile spread on Spencer’s face.
“Cool! C’mon, let’s go,” he said happily, opening his door and coming around to open my door. “Ready?”
“Yeah, sure,” I replied, getting out of the car. “Where did you learn to beg like that?”
“My sister was the queen of making people do things they didn’t want to do. I guess you could say I picked up a few of her skills,” he replied over his shoulder as he shut my door. I frowned. I knew Spencer had a brother, Darnell, but I was pretty damn sure I hadn’t heard anything about a sister.
“You have a sister?” I asked curiously.
“Uh- yeah. Had one,” he replied slowly.
Okaaay.
As I waited for Spencer to lock up his car, I hugged myself. It was real cold now and in my outfit, I was freezing.
We walked up the paved walkway to the restaurant.
“You cold?” Spencer asked me suddenly, seeing me shiver as we walked up the paved walkway to the restaurant.
“A little bit,” I admitted. Before I even knew what was happening, Spencer had taken off his Bathing Apes hoody and was arranging it on my shoulders. I opened my mouth to protest.
“I don’t even wanna hear it,” he said before I could say anything. “You’re cold. Anyway, I’m a guy. I got all this muscle to keep me warm.”
“Thanks,” I said, wrapping the hoody closer around me. It smelt good- actually, it smelt just like him.
“No problem,” Spencer smiled. He opened the door for me (a girl could get used to this) and we walked into the restaurant. DD and Pete were sitting in a corner booth and DD began to cackle when she saw me.
“I knew he’d make you come in,” she laughed, moving up to make space for me. I sat between Spencer and DD and we waited for a waiter to come by. This was definitely not the way I envisioned spending my evening. It was way better.
Then again, since I was going straight home, it was cool; I could just wear my stupid short ass skirt.
I must have taken forever to shower, cuz when I left the locker room, the football field was practically deserted. For that I was glad cuz I knew if I ran into a member of the team or a fellow cheerleader, they would drag me to post-game celebrations. Now, usually, I was the life of the party, but today I just felt tired. In fact, all I wanted to do was go home and veg out in front of the TV. Dad, trophy wife and Jesse were on their way to Sacramento for the weekend and Jayden was at practice so technically, I had the whole damn house to myself. Which was a good thing, coz I wasn’t in a very sociable mood right now. Totally uncharacteristic behavior from me.
The parking lot was virtually empty by the time I got to my car. I stifled a yawn as I unlocked the door and slid in behind the wheel. Why was I so tired today? Couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that I was up all night on the phone with Neicey, arguing about whether Bow Wow was better in Like Mike 1 or 2. So we’re weird. We deal with it.
I pushed the start button, expecting to hear the cars engine roar to life. Nothing. Feeling annoyed (Grey’s Anatomy would be starting any minute from now and I wasn’t about to miss it) I pressed the button harder. Nothing, nada, zilch. Not even a squeak. The damn car wouldn’t start.
Frustrated now, I opened the door and went around to the front of the car. I popped the hood (about the only thing I learnt in Auto Shop before I was kicked out cuz I refused to get my hands dirty) and stared hopelessly at the shiny engine. Everything looked normal to me but then again, I don’t know jack about cars. I had no idea what to do next. I couldn’t call dad cuz he wouldn’t be able to do anything, there was no way I was calling Jayden (I remember the last time I had pulled him out of practice when I sprained my toe, he was not nice to me), I definitely couldn’t call 911 cuz it wasn’t a real emergency (last time I called 911 when my tire was flat, they told me to call only if it was a real emergency, like me being kidnapped or something) and I don’t have AAA’s number. Shitty.
I stood there for a few seconds, just staring into the engine, until I remembered that Vanessa might still be here. She’s been doing Auto Shop for years; she ought to know straight up what’s wrong with my car!
I reached into my bag and pulled out my phone. Just as I was flipping it open to dial Vanessa, I spotted a familiar looking guy coming up the stairs from the football field. As he reached the parking lot level, I could see him clearer with the powerful strobe lights in the lot. In spite of myself, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was Spencer.
Gathering up my resolve, I called his name.
“Spencer!”
Oh my God. My voice came out all squeaky and annoying, kinda like Lois in Family Guy. I cringed, embarrassed, as Spencer spotted me and made his way towards me, his customary smile on his face. I realized anew just how cute he was, especially in the oversize white Bathing Apes hoody he was wearing. He was so gorgeous!
“Damn, girl, you should have warned me!” he enthused, before I could say anything. “I had no idea you had so much energy! You can cheerlead for me anytime.”
Way to be random.
I stood there for like two seconds with my mouth wide open, just staring at him before I realized that I was staring, closed my mouth and said “Thanks,” with a surprised look on my face. But he wasn’t even done yet.
“So can I get a hug from the best cheerleader around?” he continued.
No fucking way! I’m not hugging this guy! My hormones go loco when he’s just standing near me, what’s gonna happen when he’s actually touching me? No way José.
“Huh…” I started, trying to come up with an excuse on why it was not cool for Spencer to touch me, let alone hug me. But before I could even finish my sentence (as per usual whenever Spencer’s around me), he stepped up in front of me, wrapped his arms around my waist and gently pulled me closer to him. My breath stuck in my throat as he rubbed his hands up and down my back slowly and I unconsciously leaned into his hard (yes! I knew it!), lean chest. He smelt divine and he felt so damn good, no one had the right to feel that good. Especially not Spencer. Just when I was really getting into the hug (the fuck is wrong with me?) he whispered in my ear “Oh man, they should make a teddy bear out of you.”
Way to ruin the mood.
I stepped back angrily, making Spencer’s arms fall to his side. I put my hands on my hips and shot him a dirty look.
“Are you saying that I’m fat?” I asked him challengingly, wondering why he always managed to say the most inopportune things at the wrong time. Spencer gave me a genuinely surprised look and said “No, I don’t think you’re fat. I just meant that you’re cuddly and soft, like a teddy bear.”
But he was staring at me, giving me a look that I really didn’t like.
“What?”
Spencer shrugged and said “You notice every time I compliment you, you manage to turn it round into something negative?”
I kicked at a stone on the ground embarrassedly. I knew it was pretty much true but that didn’t stop me from grumbling “No, I don’t.”
“Elektra,” Spencer said quietly. I looked up at him automatically. He was looking at me with the most sincere look on his face. “I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
God, but I felt like a bitch right then. I was so embarrassed that I said “Thanks,” in the smallest voice imaginable.
“So, what did you call me over for?” Spencer asked, changing the subject completely (something I was glad for).
“Um, I was just wondering if you know anything about cars. Mine won’t start.”
With a hugely infectious smile on his face, he said (slightly smugly if you ask me) “What don’t I know about cars?”
I watched as he lowered himself into the driver’s seat.
“Sweet car,” he remarked. I nodded.
“Yeah, I got it when I finally got my license after like 6 tries.”
Actually, it was more like 10, but who’s counting?
Spencer burst out laughing.
“When’s the last time you gassed her up?” he asked when he had sobered up.
“I don’t gas up my car. Jayden does it. Sometimes my dad. Never me,” I replied haughtily.
Spencer stared at me in disbelief.
“Ever?” he asked.
“That’s a guy’s job, anyway. I’m not gonna get my hands dirty.”
Spencer bent his head over the steering wheel and muttered “Spoilt,” loud enough for me to hear.
“I heard that,” I snapped.
“When’s the last time it was gassed up?” Spencer asked.
I shrugged.
“Before the accident. Maybe a week before.”
Spencer gave me an incredulous look. “But that’s like three weeks ago!”
Hmm, he’s right. That was three weeks ago. Damn, it’s been two weeks since I met him?
“Why, though? Does it matter? All I asked you is what up with my car. So, Mr. I Know Everything There Is to Know about Cars, why don’t you tell me what’s up with mine?”
I was so sure he was just talking smack. Can’t nobody be gorgeous, a piano player, a football player, a volunteer and a mechanic at the same time. No way Jose.
Spencer got out of my car.
“You’re out of gas,” he replied evenly.
I laughed. I couldn’t help it.
“You’re gonna have to come better than that,” I said mischievously.
“Check your gauge. Plus, no car is built to run on a tank of gas for three weeks. You been running on empty.”
I scowled, walked around to the driver’s side and checked the gauge myself. Sho nuff, the little arrow thingy was at empty. I groaned, slumping dejectedly against the car.
“Now what?” I complained. Spencer shrugged.
“Call your dad, Jayden,” he suggested.
“Dads in Sacramento, Jayden’s at practice,” I sighed. “Guess I’ll just call a fucking cab.”
I kicked the front tire of the stupid car viciously; feeling tears of exasperation come to my eyes. Spencer came to stand next to me and he put his arm around me.
“As soon as my car gets here, I’ll take you home,” he said.
I sighed. It was a tempting offer. Maybe too tempting.
“You don’t have to, I’ll call a cab,” I protested.
Spencer drew me closer and said in my ear “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”
I smiled gratefully at him and said “Thanks.”
He smiled back and said “That’s what knights in shining armor do.”
Could this guy get any sweeter? Honestly.
I looked around the now empty parking lot.
“So, where’s your car?” I asked curiously.
“My homie borrowed it for something. He should be on his way here now,” Spencer replied.
I nodded and we stood there in comfortable silence for a while. Then I suddenly asked “What happened to Vanessa?”
I had totally forgotten about her.
“Oh, she left in the middle of the third quarter,” Spencer said.
“She’s nice, huh?” I asked.
“Oh, yeah,” Spencer nodded. “She’s cute too.”
Oh no you didn’t! Then again, it was so obvious that Spencer liked Vanessa on first sight, judging from the way he checked my girl out. And Vanessa- well, she’s down for whatever. I knew that they would make a cute couple, so why did I feel so disappointed?
“She’s single, you know. And so are you, right?” I asked, trying to keep a lid on my feelings.
Spencer gave me a wry look but all he did was nod.
“And she has a weakness for guys like you,” I continued. “I think I should try hook you two up. You liked her, didn’t you?”
Okay, so I was babbling, but it was for a good cause. Spencer and Vanessa could make each other happy, I was sure of it. Anyway, Spencer and me- hell no! Can you imagine that? He’d drive me loco!
Spencer looked me in the eye at that point and said calmly “Elektra, I like Vanessa. She’s very nice and pretty. But she’s not you.”
Talk about random.
I stared at him, completely unnerved. Yet I couldn’t stop my big mouth from talking.
“Oh. I thought that-“ I started.
“No,” Spencer said, interrupting me. “I don’t like her in that way. I like you.”
Oh, my God. Of all the things I expected to hear from this guy (and I had been expecting to hear anything from ‘I hate you’ to ‘I wanna marry Vanessa’), this was definitely not one of them.
I looked up at him to find him looking down at me, a slight smile on his face as though he knew exactly what I was thinking.
“Oh. Oh,” was all I had time to say before a blue and chrome Hummer H3x rolled into the parking lot.
“You better lock this baby up, that’s my ride,” Spencer said matter-of-factly, patting the roof of my car. I burst out laughing.
Spencer looked at me. “What’s funny?” he asked.
“I didn’t think you were the Hummer type of guy. I figured you like your cars like you like your women,” I giggled helplessly.
Spencer grinned. “Oh, yeah?” he asked. “And how’s that?”
“Fast,” I replied primly. Spencer laughed and started walking towards his car, which had parked a few spots away from us.
“FYI, I loathe fast women. C’mon, let’s go.”
I stared at him with exasperation and asked “So just what is your type?”
Because right now, I really needed to know. Not because I liked him (though that was a big determining factor) but because I – oh, fuckity. I kinda liked the guy, okay? A little.
Spencer laughed again and said “You, Elektra. You’re my type.”
I had no idea if he was being for real due to the big smile on his face or if he just got off on making me feel uncomfortable but I decided to play it cool as he took my hand in his (ignoring the electricity that swept through my body as soon as our fingers connected was harder, so was trying to ignore the fact that his hand fitted perfectly in mine) and led me to his car.
I saw two people in the car, a pretty girl with a long ass ponytail in the passenger seat and a guy who was moving to the back seat. The instant we were at the car, the girl stuck her head out of the window and said “You said you were going to watch the game, Spenthony. You didn’t say nothing about picking up cheerleaders,” in a mocking tone. She gave me a smile and said “No offence.”
The guy also stuck his head out of the back window, let out a wolf whistle and said “When I go watch football, all I get to see is some cheerleader panties. Spencer goes to a game and not only does he get a peek at some panties, he also hooks up with a fine ass cheerleader! Life is such a bitch for me.”
Spencer rolled his eyes and flashed me his adorable smile as if to say ‘And these are the guys I call my friends.’
He said “Elektra, these are my- people. This is DD, AKA Dirty Diana, AKA Diana Miller. And the fool in the back is Pete Harris. Guys, this is Elektra West. She’ll be riding with us tonight, her car’s outa gas.”
At the sound of my name, both DD and Pete said “Ooh,” and DD gave Spencer a knowing smile.
“So, we finally get to meet the girl whose life you saved, huh?” she asked him and then turned to me. “Nice to meet you, Elektra. We were all beginning to think you were just a figment of Spenthony’s overactive imagination.”
“Nice to meet you too,” I said. “I assure you, I’m not a figment of anybody’s imagination.”
Whoop whoop! Score one for Miss West!
Pete stared sleazily at me and said “Spence never said how hot you were. Bet he was trying to keep you for himself,” he leered.
Spencer groaned. ”Aight guys, that’s enough. We better get going. Who’s riding shot gun with me?” he asked.
I mean, duh.
“Me!” DD exclaimed immediately, strapping herself in before anyone could even say anything. Pete patted the seat next to him and said “Don’t worry beautiful, you can ride in the back with Big Daddy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Wow, my lucky day,” I muttered sardonically.
Spencer put his hands on my shoulders and whispered in my ear “You’ll be fine. He’s harmless, pretty much.”
He gave me a reassuring smile and I found myself smiling back.
“I’m sure I can handle it,” I replied. Spencer opened the door for me.
“Watch your step,” he told me. Once I was seated, he closed the door and walked around to his side. DD turned in her seat to look at me.
“Bit cold for that outfit, isn’t it?” she asked me. I tried to smooth my short skirt down.
“Yeah, I forgot my pants at home,” I replied flippantly. Pete stared blatantly at my legs.
“Me and the boys are sure glad you did,” he told me. “You have some sexy legs, beautiful.”
I smiled and said “You know the rule, look but don’t touch.”
DD burst out laughing and turned to Spencer, who was gunning the engine.
“I like this girl,” she said cheerfully.
We drove in silence for a while until suddenly Pete said “I’m starving. What do ya’ll say about grabbing some dinner at MC Donald’s?”
“Only if you’re paying,” DD quipped.
Spencer shrugged. “Sounds good to me,” he said and looked over his shoulder at me. “How bout you, Elektra? You hungry?”
Now, I was as hungry as hell but I didn’t think it would be fun for me to hang with a cute guy and his two friends that I didn’t know so I said “Why don’t you just take me home first then you guys can go out?”
DD muttered “Party pooper. C’mon, live a little. Or is your curfew like 9 or something?”
“I don’t have a curfew,” I replied haughtily.
“Yeah, beautiful, live a little. Do it for me. Maybe later we can go back to my place and – you know,” Pete said, winking at me suggestively.
Well gag me with a spoon and call me Criss Angel. Seriously.
I fixed Pete with a level glare and told him “I wouldn’t even go back to your place if pigs started flying.”
Now Spencer was the one who was laughing. Pete just stared at me in confusion.
“I was just saying-" he started.
“No way,” I snapped. Now you can call me touchy.
“Fine, Spenthony, just drop us off at Mc Donald’s, it’s just up the road. Then you can take Elektra home,” DD decided.
Spencer nodded and drove up the road to the nearest Mc Donald’s. He parked the car and DD and Pete jumped out, Pete giving me a puppy dog look.
“You sure you don’t want a chance with the Petemeister?” he asked in an ‘I’m not joking’ tone.
“Jeeze, Pete, get the fuck in the damn restaurant,” Spencer exclaimed finally. What the hell took him so long?
“See you around, Elektra. Or maybe in five minutes. Spencer’s powers of persuasion are real high,” DD told me offhandedly, waved and walked into Mc Donald’s with Pete in tow.
Huh. Powers of persuasion my ass.
“You sure you don’t wanna come in and eat something?” Spencer asked. I rolled my eyes.
“Yes. I’m sure,” I said calmly. Spencer turned to face me, twisting in his seat.
“Don’t do it for Pete, he’s tripping. Do it for me. We haven’t eaten together yet,” he said.
“Yeah, we have. That dinner, remember?” I reminded him. Spencer grinned ruefully and took my hand in his.
“I remember,” he said softly. “But, yeah, I really want you to come eat. I know you’re hungry, I heard your stomach rumbling when we were in the parking lot.”
Low blow.
“I’m not that hungry,” I modified.
“Please,” he pleaded. “Don’t make me beg. Do it as a favor to me.”
Who could resist that, coupled with a puppy dog expression? Um, me.
“No,” I said shortly. But I could totally feel my resistance cracking. Maybe just some fries. I really was hungry.
“Just 30 minutes. I promise. Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?” Spencer implored me.
Now that I couldn’t say no to.
“30 minutes. No more,” I reluctantly agreed. A huge smile spread on Spencer’s face.
“Cool! C’mon, let’s go,” he said happily, opening his door and coming around to open my door. “Ready?”
“Yeah, sure,” I replied, getting out of the car. “Where did you learn to beg like that?”
“My sister was the queen of making people do things they didn’t want to do. I guess you could say I picked up a few of her skills,” he replied over his shoulder as he shut my door. I frowned. I knew Spencer had a brother, Darnell, but I was pretty damn sure I hadn’t heard anything about a sister.
“You have a sister?” I asked curiously.
“Uh- yeah. Had one,” he replied slowly.
Okaaay.
As I waited for Spencer to lock up his car, I hugged myself. It was real cold now and in my outfit, I was freezing.
We walked up the paved walkway to the restaurant.
“You cold?” Spencer asked me suddenly, seeing me shiver as we walked up the paved walkway to the restaurant.
“A little bit,” I admitted. Before I even knew what was happening, Spencer had taken off his Bathing Apes hoody and was arranging it on my shoulders. I opened my mouth to protest.
“I don’t even wanna hear it,” he said before I could say anything. “You’re cold. Anyway, I’m a guy. I got all this muscle to keep me warm.”
“Thanks,” I said, wrapping the hoody closer around me. It smelt good- actually, it smelt just like him.
“No problem,” Spencer smiled. He opened the door for me (a girl could get used to this) and we walked into the restaurant. DD and Pete were sitting in a corner booth and DD began to cackle when she saw me.
“I knew he’d make you come in,” she laughed, moving up to make space for me. I sat between Spencer and DD and we waited for a waiter to come by. This was definitely not the way I envisioned spending my evening. It was way better.
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