16. Shirtless

Rylie's POV

"But," he started, "only if you let me kiss you."

I couldn't comprehend the shock I felt at those words and couldn't help but yell, "You said what now?!"

I stared into his eyes hoping that he was joking but he surprisingly looked serious. Then I saw his eyes crinkle as he fought a grin from appearing on his face. He snickered and eventually burst into full on laughter.

Not knowing how else to react, I stared at him silently, watching him laugh for reasons known only to him.

"God, you should have seen the look on your face. Priceless! Damn I wish I'd gotten a pic."

All this he said while still laughing.

Having grown tired of the whole thing, I crossed my arms and asked, "What's so funny?"

"You are! I was just joking with you and you totally fell for it."

"W-What...?" I stuttered.

"Geez Rylie, I really don't want to kiss you. It's against the rules, remember? The ones you made?"

"Oh yeah! I know that," I answered with a quick roll of my eyes.

"Right," Blake remarked, obviously not buying it but I didn't care.

I turned around and began walking quickly in the direction of my car. Blake easily caught up to me and we walked together.

"Rylie, you're not angry at me, are you?"

"Why would I be? We're not actually friends and you have every right to make fun of me just like I have the right to do the same to you," I intoned.

"Great. Glad we're on the same page."

When we got to my car which we'd both driven to school in, as Blake held the door open for me to enter, he asked "You really didn't think I was going to kiss you right?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Blake. I think about a lot of things and trust me, your lips on mine again is just about the last thing that would ever cross my mind."

···

"Okay Mom, I'm..."

"Lemme guess, on your way to Blake's?" she finished with a grin.

"You know me too well, Mother," I pecked her lightly on her cheek.

"You must really like Blake. You didn't spend this much time with you-know-who."

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly.

"That is so not true and you know it. Also Mom, you can call Asher by his name. It's no biggie."

She smiled and moved to hug me. When she pulled away, she said "I'm so glad to see you happy again, honey. After what happened with Asher, I thought..."

"Mom, I'm fine. Asher is a thing of the past now."

"I know and I'm happy you found Blake. He's a good guy and you two look so cute together."

"Thanks Mom."

"And you're happy with him, aren't you?"

I thought about it for a few seconds before replying, "Yes. Yes I am."

"That's good to hear. At least I'm sure he won't hurt you. If he does, he'll have me to answer to."

"What if he moves away as well?" I chuckled.

"Not gonna happen! Nina has told me that she have no intention of moving her family unless it is completely necessary."

Nina is Blake's mom by the way.

"That's nice to hear. I should probably get going now."

"Oh, of course. Don't mind me. I should probably get back to cleaning."

"Sure. Later mom."

I pecked her again before heading out of the house. On getting to Blake's doorstep, I rang the doorbell which was opened on my second ring.

Once I was let in by Ava, I caught with her and Grandma Nellie before heading up to Blake's room.

"Hey," I said on entering the room after knocking.

"Hi," he muttered in reply while putting on a shirt.

For a split second, I got a clear view of his abs and oh my! I had no idea he was that ripped.

I'd never understood why girls found him so attractive but with what I saw, I finally understood why. With abs like that, I could see why he was such a popular model and why his shoots often involved him being shirtless (or so I've been told).

Even with his shirt on, I could still see the imprint of his magnificent toned abs which his shirt did little to conceal.

Subconsciously, I licked my lips.

"Are you done staring yet or would you like me to show you the full package?" Blake remarked smugly, abruptly bringing me out of my reverie.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about," I answered quickly, struggling to recover.

"Of course you don't. Yeah, you definitely were not thinking about how glorious my abs are or how hot you think I look shirtless..."

"You have it all wrong. I was actually thinking that for a guy so revered and admired for being hot, you have such puny abs," I swiftly retorted.

That was enough to wipe the smug grin off his face but it returned just as quick.

"Well then, I hope you won't mind but I'm feeling kinda hot so I think I'll take my shirt off."

I tried not to gulp. "Suit yourself."

He smirked and took off his shirt.

As soon as my eyes fell on him, my throat dried up instantly.

Holy effing moly! That's hot!