Chapter 3 Got caught in camera

Bella

Kylie frowned.

“Babe, I thought you said you already broke up with this countryside pumpkin?” she let out with a sneer.

I looked up at him. Did he really call me that?

Asher’s face tightened. “Kylie, stop.”

Kylie stepped closer to him, pulling him toward her.

“How dare you think you could date someone like Asher? He belongs with someone who actually fits into his world.”

My eyes burned. “Someone like you?” I asked quietly.

She lifted her chin.

“Someone rich, beautiful, and that can help his hockey career. Someone who belongs on the ice with him.”

I looked at Asher. He said nothing. That silence hurt more than anything.

He doesn’t know yet that I am a hockey player, that I am going to be playing professionally from now on. I wanted to belong on the ice with him.

Kylie looked me up and down, a clear look of disdain on her face.

“Not with a town girl like you,” she dropped and let out a little chuckle afterward.

I clenched instantly. The words hit me like a blow. Yet, I turned to Asher. My eyes shut as I grabbed his hand, letting out a heavy breath.

“Say something. Tell me all this is a lie, and I will believe you,” I whispered. My tears threatened to fall again. I sniffed and continued.

“Asher,” I called his name affectionately. “Please."

He stared at me. His eyes softened, and I felt hope again. Just then, Kylie snatched his hand away.

“You’re embarrassing yourself. Leave.” She shoved my shoulder angrily.

I stumbled back. Asher still didn’t move.

Something inside me broke, and it was only then I realized. Our relationship ended the day he left Bristle Town. I was the only one holding on to him like a fool.

I clenched my skirt, fighting the tears threatening to fall. “I guess this is it. Let’s break up,” I said.

Even though I know we already did, I wanted to say it out clearly. I turned to walk away, and just then, Asher moved. His feet suddenly found their strength.

I tried to run, refusing to stop when I heard him call my name. I was afraid I would soften, that I would believe whatever excuse he would cook up and forgive him.

In my haste, I bumped into someone. My head hit against his chest, and I was forced to stop. I looked up, grabbing my head, and my eyes flashed in surprise.

Tyler was standing in front of me. His hands were kept in his pockets. He stared at me with an irritated frown.

“Can you watch where you’re going?” he snapped.

I heard Asher’s voice behind me, and my hands tightened into fists. I wasn’t sure what on earth I was thinking or why I suddenly grabbed Tyler’s arm.

“Do me a favor,” I asked.

His eyebrow rose. “What favor?” he asked, like it was the most ridiculous thing.

I didn’t answer. Instead, I turned toward Asher and Kylie. Then, acting on pure anger and pain, I wrapped my arms around Tyler, pulling his neck down as I stood on my toes.

My lips smashed against his without caution. I went stiff in a second. My heart raced as I felt his soft lips against mine. Whatever boldness I had a second ago disappeared. I tried to pull back immediately, but Tyler’s palm gripped my back, pushing back slightly.

I tried to understand what was happening. His lips moved against mine, and I blinked rapidly, not sure if he was trying to kiss me or bite me to death.

But I parted my lips slowly. His mouth captured mine at the same speed, slow and cautious. My arms tightened around his neck as the kiss went on.

I knew I should stop it. This was probably the craziest thing, but I couldn’t.

Our heads moved like we were in a choreography, our lips seemed to melt into each other, and when we finally stopped, a crowd had gathered around us.

Asher was standing there, his eyes almost popping out of his sockets. I looked down to see his trembling fists, and a satisfied look settled on my face.

His rich girlfriend was also watching, astounded and fuming.

Tyler’s eyes settled on me, and I looked at him, my lips pressed together. His hand was still behind my back. I don’t know what happened just now, but I was grateful he didn’t push me away.

“You’ve got a good explanation to make when we get to the house,” he let out.

I nodded slowly, and without glancing back at Asher, I walked out of there with Tyler.

We both walked back to the house in silence. Just as I stepped into the house, his hand grabbed me back.

“Care to explain why you kissed me?” he asked sharply.

I stared at him, my words evading me.

How do I explain that the reason why I joined the team was because of my boyfriend, who, by the way, has been cheating on me all along with a more beautiful and richer girlfriend?

Not only will he mock me, but he will think I wasn’t sincere about the team.

“The reason why I kissed you…” I swallowed hard.

Tyler waited, his eyes boring into mine. Just as I was about to think of a good lie to cook up to escape the moment, we heard noises beside us.

The rest of the team were standing five feet away, staring at us with their mouths agape. I quickly pulled away from Tyler, who let go of my hand at once.

We both looked away from each other, clearing our throats noisily.

“Are you two…really dating?” one of the boys asked.

I threw a glare at him.

“No,” I answered sharply.

They all stared at me like they couldn’t believe me. Tyler gave a scoff, turning his back to me.

“I will not date you with a gun to my head,” he said.

I crossed my arms against my chest and let out a hard chuckle. “Feelings are mutual.”

We noticed the team still staring at us, astonished. Hard frowns appeared on both our faces as we turned to them this time with questioning looks.

“Are you two trying to play hate while in love with each other?” another asked.

Tyler stepped forward this time. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“This,” they all replied, stretching the phone toward us.

We both moved forward and stared at the picture displayed boldly on the screen. A little yelp of shock escaped my mouth before I could stop it.

I turned to Tyler, who snatched the phone in anger. He scrolled up fast, his countenance tightening.

“What the…?” he let out angrily.

The picture was making headlines already. I covered my mouth, still in shock. Before we could both say anything, Coach appeared behind us.

“Tyler, Bella.”

We both turned to him, my breath hitched.

“Come with me, now,” he ordered and moved immediately. I could feel the anger in his eyes.

I couldn’t believe I got into trouble on my first day in the city.