Chapter 18 Chapter: 18
SHEPHERD
Cole jogged close, stopping before me, following my line of sight. “Ooh, what do we have here?”
“Shut it,” I said quickly.
“Hey, I don't judge, with that kind of body I would stare too.” He whistled. Just as Nate jogs over, he grabs a bottle from the cooler and gulps half the bottle.
“Damn, is that your girl, Pres?” he asked. Cole starts to chuckle. I sighed, asking God for patience.
“Don’t you have laps to run?”
Cole smirked. “Just fucking admit that you like her.”
“Fuck you!” I threw a bottle of water at him, he dodged it and started jogging backwards.
“Coach!” Cole yelled suddenly. “Shepherd is pussy whipped except he's not getting any pussy!” Fucking dumb ass.
“Cole! Nathan!”
The whistle blew. “Both of you, ten laps,” Coach barked at him and Nate. I chuckled when they both groaned and started running while they shoved and pushed each other.
My eyes flick over to the girls, our eyes locked when Addie glanced over just long enough to catch my expression, and then she frowned in that cute way she did when she's irritated before looking away.
I know what she's been trying to do. Only avoiding me won't work. I won't allow her to run away from me.
I wouldn't push it or try to ask for her now that my leg is better.
Not because our deal is over as she believes but because I need the perfect timing to execute my plans. Especially now that Angela is back.
I tried to concentrate on my workout, ignoring my need to look her way. I gave up the fight and looked her way.
My brow pulled together when I saw her talking with Angela and her little gang of spoiled friends. And soon enough I saw Addison coming towards me.
“Oh shit! What the fuck is going on?” Nathan asked, I didn't even know when he got back here.
“I don't know.” But I'm getting a strange feeling about this.
“Hey,” she said, standing before me, the wind whipping her long hair back, she looked so cute at the same time sexy in her cute yellow and red cheerleading clothes.
“Hi sweetheart,” I replied, her eyes widened and she nervously glanced back before turning back to me.
“Don't call me that,” she hissed, glaring at me. I glance at the group of girls all standing and watching the show. I have a sneaking suspicion I know what this is about since I saw Angela heading her way.
My suspicion was confirmed when I noticed the phone in her hand. I could barely suppress my grin as an idea instantly formed in my head. This is going to be good. “Whatever you say babes.” Her face flushed pink as she glared even harder.
“Stop this nonsense Shepherd, I'm not here for your games,” she said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I need you to tell your girlfriends the truth and clear any misunderstanding.”
“What girlfriends? And what misunderstandings are you talking about?” I replied face blank.
“About me and you, tell them the truth, I don't want any more drama,” she replied.
I feign confusion. “But didn't you say we need to keep it a secret?”
“What secret? What are you talking about? Shepherd please, I just need you to tell them there's nothing between us,” she said.
“Addie baby, you want me to lie to them? I know we said we'll keep it low key, but I don't think I can do that anymore,” I replied, my face hard. Despite the laughter bubbling inside.
“What the hell are you going on about?” she spat her eyes impossibly wide. Nathan chuckled.
“Baby let's just be honest, I'm tired of hiding our relationship, aren't you?” I drawled, she was so utterly shocked that I stepped closer and tucked her hair behind her ear.
She gasped when she realized how close we were and suddenly tried to move back but I wouldn't let her go. I held her tight against me, my hand wrapped around her waist, her hands trapped between us, my head bent to her height.
From my peripheral I could see all the guys were also now watching. And Coach was suddenly nowhere in sight.
“Damn you Shepherd, let me go and fucking tell them the truth.”
“Alright, fine!” I murmured, I could see the instant relief in her eyes.
“There's nothing between us guys! So please leave Addison the fuck alone. She's nothing to me. Nothing at all! That's why we kissed each other behind closed doors!” She gasped shocked and that almost had me breaking character.
“You asshole!” She snarled, enraged as she somehow managed to free one hand and started hitting me. I let her get in a couple punches before I grab the hand firmly.
“God, Addie stop it. Enough is enough! I can't pretend anymore. Do you have any idea what I was feeling watching guys hit on my girl Saturday night? How angry and jealous I was?” I growled loudly, enjoying the surprise on her face, this is fun.
“Damn you Shepherd. Why are you doing this to me?” she whispered, her eyes wet with tears.
“I'm doing this for us, baby. We don't have to keep pretending we hate each other, now that everyone is talking about it. Let's just put a stop to all the lies.”
Her mouth falls open. I grinned, glance at the group of girls still watching with shock, I just need one last thing to seal the act.
“I swear you're going to pay for this asshole,” she hissed.
“It's okay babe don't be scared, I love you and I will protect you.”
“You…you…what are you…” she stuttered, blinking repeatedly.
I pull her close so fast and slam my mouth on hers, kissing her passionately. For a while her body relaxed into it probably because she was too stunned, but then she yanked her mouth free, her eyes wide with pure shock and anger.