Not So Bad After All (BWWM)(EDITING)

Chapter Four

Not So Bad After All
Book One
Chapter Four
Rose's Pov
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Mr. Conner gave us a great grade on yesterday's homework, and luckily, he didn't assign anything for the weekend. Most of our teachers had finally realized that giving homework on Fridays was pointless—no one was doing it anyway. It was a smart move, but of course, there were always a few who seemed to enjoy torturing us with last-minute assignments. I had two teachers like that last year, and let me tell you, it was not fun.

"Yeah, bro, we're lit tonight," Ryan said to Jayden and Brandon, practically buzzing with excitement.

I folded my arms and shot him a disapproving look. "Really?"

He turned to me, confused. "What'd I do?"

"You're hanging out with them tonight? Today is our date night," I said, my voice sharp with frustration. "But of course, you forgot—like always."

"Aw, poor baby," Jayden mocked, reaching out to pinch my cheek.

I slapped his hand away and pointed a warning finger at him. "I will smack you."

He chuckled and leaned casually against the wall, his attention already shifting to a pretty Spanish girl walking by. Typical Jayden—always distracted.

Ryan, meanwhile, barely looked apologetic. "Babe, the guys are throwing a party tonight. It's gonna be lit. I gotta go."

"Ryan—"

He cut me off with a laugh. "I totally get it if you don't wanna come. It's not really your scene anyway. We might be too lit for you." He nudged Brandon, who smirked but didn't say anything.

"Plus, you're not invited," Jayden added, his smirk infuriating. "You'd ruin it."

I turned to him, glaring. "And how exactly would I ruin it, asshole?"

"Just by being there," he said with a casual shrug, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I rolled my eyes. "Jayden, I'm gonna need you to shut up now." Then I turned back to Ryan, who, to no one's surprise, looked high. "Here's what's happening. We're hanging out at my house for a while, and then we're going to that party. And yes, I'm coming."

"You're not coming!" Jayden said, his voice louder now, irritation clear.

I stepped closer, squaring up to him despite the height difference. "Yeah? Who's gonna stop me?"

He held my gaze, his jaw tightening, but he didn't say a word.

"That's what I thought," I said, turning on my heel. "Let's go," I told Ryan, starting to walk off, but when I glanced over my shoulder, he was still standing there with Jayden and Brandon.

"Ryan! Now!" I called, my voice firm.

"Coming!" he pouted, dragging his feet as he finally jogged over to me.

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As Ryan's hands roamed my back, I could feel his breathing grow heavier. He kissed my neck, murmuring something I couldn't quite make out, but I caught the word sexy. My heart raced, but my mind was a chaotic mess of thoughts. I liked how he made me feel in these moments, but there was always a nagging voice in the back of my head that kept me from going further.

"Ryan," I said softly, pulling back slightly. He leaned his forehead against mine, his eyes half-lidded but full of desire.

"Yeah, babe?" he whispered, his hands still gripping my waist.