Semi-Edited! (What else is new :P)

Song above is...Burn Fast by Bryce Fox (I think this song kind of fits Alex)

Happy Reading! <3

"Gotcha."

I looked up at Alex, his hands softly gripping my hips, holding my in place. His beautiful grey eyes staring down at me. My hands somehow landed on his bare chest and I could feel the hard muscle under them.

Any and all words were stuck in my throat. Alex didn't say a single word either as he stared down at me. I was trying my hardest not to freak out about the fact that Alex was touching me. Touching my bare waist! Before anything could be said we were interrupted again.

"Hello!" Harper yelled. Alex sighed above me. He slowly untangled his arms from around me, but not before making sure to brush his hands across my stomach. I knew my face was bright red and the feeling of eyes made it even worse.

Alex sent me one last look before closing his eyes and yelling 'Marco'. I moved out of the way and swam towards the other end where Noah, Liv and Derek were swimming around.

"It is the perfect day to be swimming." Liv sighed, moving onto her back and floating.

"Why do you have a pool in one of the wettest, greyest cities?" I asked Noah.

"I honestly don't know why my parents put it in." He added, shrugging. "But it's nice on days like this."

"Definitely." Liv said, her eyes closed as she floated next to Derek. I had to agree with her. It felt so nice being in the pool and the warm sun shining down on us. Days where it doesn't rain you can't take them for granted. I bet a lot of people were up at the beach where the bonfire was at today.

Another few minutes passed of Alex yelling 'Marco' until finally Lexi was tagged, followed by Nico who still held Harper. The game took a lot longer than I thought it would.

"Took you long enough Alex." Noah teased, at which Alex sprayed him with water. While the two of them hit water at each other, I moved away. Slowly swimming to the deeper end.

It felt so good out here and it was relaxing, even with Harper squealing every few seconds. Just as I reached the deep end I felt someone come up behind me. Seeing that it was Lexi I turned around.

"Hey Lexi?" She stopped a few feet from me, staring at me with that intimidating look. "Thank you...for earlier."

"It wasn't a big deal."

"Yeah it was." I wanted her to know I appreciated what she did. She not fully like me but that doesn't mean I can't be grateful. "So thank you."

"Like I said, wasn't a big deal." With that Lexi turned and swam off. I stared after her slightly shaking my head but I knew she meant well. I could tell anything having to deal with feelings Lexi didn't like. I wasn't sure why but I knew there was way more to Lexi than I think anyone even knew about.

"What did you say to make Lexi swim away so fast?" A voice spoke behind me making me jump.

"What the hell!" Turning I slapped Alex on the shoulder. "Stop sneaking up on me." How the hell did he even get behind me?

"Not my problem you didn't see me swim by you." Alex shrugged. I could tell he enjoyed scaring me by the twinkle in his eye.

"Yeah well stop Mr. Wanna-Be-Ninja."

"Nah I like scaring you." He smirked.

"Just beware. Payback is a bitch, Alex." I smirked back. I was going to get revenge on him for scaring me some time. Just had to plan the perfect moment.

"You can't scare me freckles."

"Says who?"

"Me. You're too soft. You wouldn't hurt a fly."

"Hey! I punched a guy last night if you don't remember!" I defended myself, placing my hands on my hips. I will not let the fact that I punched a guy fade away. I hurt myself for that and I will keep bringing it up until the dawn of time.

"And?"

"And? That's pretty bad ass if I say so myself." I stuck my chin out. "So I can hurt a fly. I kill them all the time at home!" I watched as Alex's face twitched, almost like he was trying to hold in his laughter.

"Wow, you are a bad ass freckles." I knew he was making fun of me with his tone but I nodded along.

"Yes I am. You are just jealous."

"Jealous of how bad ass you are?"

"Yep." I grinned.

"Hm Hm." Hearing him have no comeback I smirked in triumph. Proved him wrong. With a permeant smirk on my face I turned and started back towards the group.

I didn't make it far when I suddenly felt two large hands on my shoulders. Before I could even think I was shoved down hard and my head went under water. The pressure on my shoulders were gone instantly and I felt the water move around me.

Popping my head back out of the water I wiped the water out of my eyes. My soaking wet hair dripped down my face, ruining the bun I put my hair in. Thank god I didn't have any makeup on or I'd look like a raccoon. With narrowed eyes I looked around and found Alex laughing loudly as he swam away from me.

"Alex Kinley you are so dead!"

I swam towards him, ready to shove his head in the pool. As soon as I got close enough I moved my arm across the top of the water, sending water flying towards him. I had barely finished the action when Derek suddenly yelled.

"Water Fight!"

Derek's words seemed to send us all into war. Almost instantly I was hit with water from all angles. I tried to see through the water where Alex was so I could get my revenge but with 7 people splashing water it was hard.

Being pelted on all sides I slowly moved out of the way. Finally I was able to see Alex standing a few feet in front of him, his body half turned towards me as he flicked water at Harper.

Feeling an evil grin spread across my face, I silently swam towards him. I made sure to stay out of his line of sight, a plan forming in my head. With him distracted it was perfect to catch him off guard.

Alex was now turned full around showing me his bare back. Seeing my chance I quickly came up on him. Taking a deep breath I brought my hands up.

"Pay back is a bitch." I whispered/yelled into his ear, before slamming my hands down on his shoulders. Using my entire body weight I pushed him down under the water, just like he did to me.

As soon as his head was under the water I pushed away from him and headed for the other side of the pool, trying to get far away from him. I should have known I wouldn't get far, I really should have thought it through.

I barely made it a few feet before I felt a hand grasp my ankle and yank me back. I was jerked underwater. For a split second I freaked out as I was continued on being tugged downwards. The hand on my ankle disappeared, and I quickly turned around. Opening my eyes underwater briefly I found Alex already looking at me with a smirk on his face.

Shaking my head I kicked towards the surface, quickly wiping my now burning eyes. I always hated opening them underwear and the burning feeling afterwards.

"You're so mean." I finally said as Alex came up beside me.'

"You dunked my head." He explained, as if it was perfectly fair.

"You did it first!"

"And?" Alex had the nerve to say.

"You...I...ugh." I splashed water at him not even knowing what to say. "You started it!"

"And your continuing it!" He shot back, spraying me with water.

"Do you always have a come back for everything?" I used the back of my hand to send water towards him.

"Do you always ask so many questions?"

"Yes I do, get use to it." I replied, knowing he didn't mean it rudely.

Every time one of us said a remark we'd send a splash of water at each other. Of course Alex being Alex to had to hit me with more water than I did him. So by time we ran out of remarks to each other I had water running down my face so bad I couldn't almost see.

"Are you done bickering like an old couple?" Noah suddenly yelled from across the pool. Alex and I looked away from each other to find everyone else standing on the side of the pool watching us. "Come on we are ordering food!"

How long were we bickering? I silently wondered. Everyone looked like they were slightly dried off to. With pink cheeks I followed Alex towards the other side of the pool. When Alex reached the stairs to get out I couldn't help but stop and stare.

His back was perfectly muscular and every time he moved you could see the muscle ripple. Mitch did have a nice body from football and working out but there was something different about Alex. His just fit him more. And I had a feeling if you put them side by side Alex would look better.

What I didn't notice until now though right on his right rib cage was what looked like a tattoo. When he turned to grab a towel I noticed the black ink almost looked like words but from here I could tell exactly what it was.

I hadn't realized I had stopped mid-motion until I heard a throat being cleared. Glancing up I found Alex standing there holding out a towel for me patiently. Embarrassed that I literally zoned out I ducked my head and quickly got out of the pool.

The slight breeze nipped at my exposed skin making me shiver. Getting out of the pool was always the worst. It can be super hot and you can still get goosebumps when you first get out.

The feel of a towel being wrapped around my shoulders made me finally look up. Alex looked down at me with an expression I didn't recognize but made me so badly want to know what he was thinking.

Gripping the towel around my shivering body, I sent him a thankful smile. At this point I wasn't sure if I was shivering from the breeze or the way he was looking at me.

"Come on, lets get something to eat." Alex extended his hand for me to take. I didn't even hesitate in grabbing it. Alex laced his fingers through mine sending a shock through me but I didn't say anything as he tugged me after him.

If anyone would have looked at us they would have seen my bright red cheeks as well as a beaming smile.

* * * * ** * * * *

Alex....

Leaning against the counter I once again found myself staring at Riley. She sat across from me laughing at something Derek said. I looked away only to turn back to her a second later. No matter what I did my attention always came back to Riley.

It was crazy how fast Riley fit in with my group of friends. It's not like I didn't think they would be welcoming but I didn't expect them to get so close to her so fast. I mean its only been 2 weeks!

But Riley had this air about her that you couldn't help but like. She was so innocent and yet feisty. It was an interesting combination. It's been only recently I've seen that side of her come out. Like she was finally becoming a bit more comfortable around us...around me.

"You could try and be less obvious you know." A voice said next to me, making me snap my head away from Riley.

"Obvious about what?" I tried to act nonchalant as I looked at my best friend.

"The staring."

"I wasn't staring."

"Even if I hadn't been watching you, watch her I wouldn't believe that." Noah shook his head at me. I had no response to that. Out of everyone Noah knew me the best. "You two seemed awfully close in the pool earlier."

Thinking back to when we played "Marco/Polo" and how I touched Riley, it made me smile. She blushes so easily and it was starting to become my favorite thing. All I did early was grab her waist and her face was as red as a tomato and she seemed severely flustered.

My mind instantly went to the image of Riley in her bathing suit. I hadn't seen her fully in it until she got out earlier and all I can say is wow. Riley looked amazing in a swimsuit and the green color matched her skin perfectly.

I had a feeling Riley was the reason we all had to turn our backs around earlier but I couldn't understand for the life of me why. She was beautiful. But I had a feeling she didn't know that. She had no clue how pretty she actually was. And because she didn't know that it made her easy prey, especially with a guy like Mitch Lingston.

"Are you going to ask her out?" Noah asked softly, leaning closer to me. I quickly shook my head.

"No I..." I trailed off trying to find the right words. "I barely know her Noah. There is still so much I don't know, and then you have the whole Mitch thing. And I can't date someone right now. I have Harper to take care of."

"Harper seems to like her."

"But how do I know she's not here for something else? Here to tame the 'bad boy'." I said bitterly. That's happened so often and I'm tired of it.

"Ask her then. I mean she did punch Marcus last night though."

"Yeah." I turned my gaze back to Riley, a thousand thoughts running through my head. I did need to ask her about the rumors and the Mitch thing. I needed to know before Harper or anyone else gets attached. Before I get attached.

After everything that Harper and I have been through in the last year, the last thing I needed was some girl using me only to disappear. I won't put Harper through getting attached only for them to be gone.

If today was a judge for anything I really needed to talk to Riley before she can hang out with the group and me again. Not wanting the rest of today to be ruined I shoved those thoughts to the back of my mind until later. Thankfully the sound of the doorbell ringing brought me back.

As a soon as Noah walked back into the kitchen with four pizza boxes and three smaller boxes, everyone stopped what they were doing. In a matter of seconds everyone was up and grabbed plates.

While everyone grabbed what they wanted I lifted Harper up into a seat at the bar and grabbed a plate for her. Only placing one slice of pizza and two breadsticks I slid the plate in front of her, watching as she happily dug in; her little body swaying as she kicked her legs under the counter.

After making sure she was fed, I went about making my own plate. Just as I was reaching for a slice a hand grazed mine and I could have sworn I felt a shock go up my arm. My eyes trailed up the bruised hand to see Riley already looking at me.

Her cheeks were tinted pink which I found cute. Riley blushed so much, even at the littlest things. I wasn't quite use to girls blushing or being so shy. Most of the girls at school threw themselves at me. It was actually a nice change.

I kept standing there blatantly staring at Riley. Only when she grabbed her slice and moved away did I jerk out of my staring. Wow Alex, you couldn't have looked more like an idiot could you? I silently asked myself.

Sliding in the seat next to Harper I silently ate my pizza as everyone talked. Occasionally I added to the conversation but I was still lost in my thoughts. I had to be honest, when I first talked to Riley that day in the parking lot I didn't expect any of this to happen.

I didn't expect to talk to Riley more than I have, to have her suddenly hanging out with my group of friends, or to have her meet my sister. I don't like to let people into my life, especially now, but Riley has just wiggled her way into my life. Well maybe not wiggled, more than stormed into my life.

And if I was being completely honest with myself, I didn't really mind that she did so.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Riley....

"Okay everyone in their seats? Got snacks?" Noah asked.

I nodded along with everyone else, as I got moved to get more comfortable in my seat. After we ate pizza and went back to the pool for a while, we were all now situated in Noah's entertainment room getting ready to watch 'The Office'.

And yes you heard that right, entertainment room! The dude's house was big enough to have its own mini movie theater in it. There were chairs and multiple couches for everyone to sit on. Plus, off to the side was a fridge as well as a cabinet that held so much snacks it was unbelievable.

I spent a good five minutes just standing in the door way staring at the room. Why Noah needed a room like this, I have no clue, but I wasn't going to complain with my butt now sitting on one of the softest couches I've ever sat on.

I was seated perfectly in the center of the room because apparently the only reason we were all here was to watched 'The Office' since I never have. Noah wanted me in the best seat of the house so I could 'soak in the amazing-ness that is the show'; his words not mine.

While Noah got the projector thingy ready for the show, I glanced around the room. Derek and Olivia sat in the armchairs behind me, Liv throwing popcorn into Derek's mouth even though he missed almost every single one.

Down below me was Nico and Lexi with Harper sandwich between the pair. From my seat I could see her fighting against sleep, her eye lids closing every few seconds. I knew in minutes Harper would be sprawled on Nico's lap dead asleep.

It didn't surprise me how tired she was. The girl has energy I tell you. After we had pizza she was right back outside in the pool swimming and running around. It was now all catching up with the poor 5 year old.

My eyes finally landed on Noah who plopped down next to me on the couch. He looked far too excited for this but the excitement radiating off of him was almost addicting. As he pressed a button on a remote making the lights dim, I looked at the door.

Alex left a good five minutes ago and has yet to come back. I shouldn't have been too concerned and I told myself I wasn't, but every few minutes I found myself looking at the door waiting for him to walk through.

A nudge on my arm made me look away from the door towards the huge screen in front of me. As 'The Office' started I swore I felt Noah wiggle in his seat beside me. Forcing Alex out of my head I tuned into the show.

Five minutes later I was laughing along with Noah. Surprisingly the show was pretty good. I was too busy laughing to notice a figure walk through the door until I felt the other side of the couch dip down.

My eyes moved on their own as I glanced at Alex. No one else seemed fazed that he was gone and he didn't seem like anything was wrong either. Pushing away my curiosity I turned back to the screen.

A good hour and a half passed of us watching episode after episode of 'The Office', until Derek finally started whining about watching something else. When everyone else started to agree with him, Noah reluctantly turned off the show. I had a feeling he was planning on watching every episode tonight.

"You should have told him you already watched them." Alex whispered from beside me.

"Why?" Alex was leaning his head back against the couch, arms crossed over his chest, legs spread out in front of mine. The total opposite of how I was sitting; legs crossed, head up, and hands in my lap.

"Because he is going to make sure you see every episode."

"Talking from experience?" I raised my eyebrow.

"Everyone in this room has gone through this. It's almost like the 'Noah test'." Alex shrugged.

"Watch 'The Office' and then I'll like you?"

"Pretty much."

"You have a good group of friends." I said, a smile gracing my lips as I gazed at everyone spread out in the entrainment room.

"Yeah." From the corner of my eye I saw a small smile appear on his face as he looked at his friends. Alex was quiet for a moment before he looked over at me. "Are you close with a group of friends?"

The way he asked let me know he was trying to not sound rude or invasive; which I could appreciate.

"Not really." I shook my head, not looking at him. "Even before the whole Mitch thing we weren't close like you guys are. We hung out occasionally but we were only friends because we had classes together." I shrugged.

It hurt when I thought about it like that. The two girls I was friends with only were my friends because we saw each other everyday, not because we actually enjoyed each others company.

It would have been nice if our friendship was strong enough to last through the Mitch stuff, but it wasn't. As soon as everyone started making fun of me my two 'friends' were no where to be seen. I'd see them standing off to the side as I was picked on but they never interfered.

I guess I couldn't blame them. High school can be a dangerous place. No one wants to be bullied and made their years there horrible. And having it be our final year didn't help matters either.

It was one of the reason I was so jealous of Alex's friend group. None of them were like that. They will stick with each other through thick and thin. And they actually enjoy each others companies. I mean in just the last two weeks, every day they do stuff together. If that isn't real friendship, I don't know what else is.

"Look Riley-" Alex started to say but was interrupted by Noah.

"Okay so either Grown Ups, which is comedy. Or Avengers, which is action?" Noah asked, holding up both movies.

Judging by the muttered curse from Alex he was bothered to have been interrupted. It was clear by the change in tone that what he was about to say was something serious. I opened my mouth to say something back to him but with everyone voicing their opinion on a movie, I knew it wasn't the right time.

After everyone settled on the first Avengers, Noah plopped back down beside me and hit play. Alex still hadn't said anything else and a quick glance I found him staring straight ahead, his jaw clenched.

Something was clearly bothering him but I knew better than to pry. So leaving him to his own thoughts I turned back to the movie.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Two and a half hours later everyone was struggling to stay away. Behind me I could hear Derek loudly snoring. Beside me Noah was trying his hardest to stay away but his head would drop and snap back up every few seconds. And in front of me Lexi was leaning against Nico with Harper dead asleep on his lap.

The only people that were still up was Nico, Alex and I, although I was fading by the seconds. Having not gotten any sleep the night before I was exhausted. A quick glance at my phone let me know it was nearing 11:30. As the ending credits to Avengers played across the screen Noah sat up.

"Want to stay tonight?" He looked at both Alex and I, his voice soft.

"Sorry I have work early tomorrow." I whispered back.

"I'll take you home." Alex spoke up.

"No, its okay! You can stay here and-"

"Riley you don't even have a car, how will you get home?" Alex deadpanned. Okay I may not have thought that through.

"Okay fine." I muttered. I hated making him drive me all the way home though.

Satisfied with my answer Alex nodded and stood up. Slowly everyone around us got up, everyone quiet. I started to clean up the blankets and snack wrappers when Noah stopped me.

"You don't have to Riley. We'll get it tomorrow." He waved me off. While I didn't want to make a mess I didn't argue. I wasn't sure I had enough energy to clean up anyways.

Slowly we all made our towards the front door, picking up our things as we went. Harper was passed from Nico to Alex, still sound asleep. I smiled at her innocent face as she snuggled deeper into Alex's arms.

"Thanks for letting me come over." I smiled over at Noah. Today was a good day, a really good day.

"You're welcome here anytime." He smiled tiredly back at me.

It was almost comical how tired everyone was. Even Derek wasn't say anything as he headed for his truck, Liv beside him. Nico and Lexi not too far behind us. After a quick bye to everyone, I went over and held open the back door for Alex as he slid Harper inside. The poor girl was severely exhausted.

The entire car ride back to my house was silent. Neither Alex or I said a word. It wasn't too awkward silence though, thankfully. I could tell something was on Alex's mind and keeping him occupied. And I myself was too tired to make pointless conversation.

By time Alex pulled up to my house I was seconds away from falling asleep. Just knowing I had work tomorrow made me groan inwardly.

"Thank you for the ride home." I whispered not wanting to wake Harper up.

"No problem." Alex's voice was just as quiet. Not wanting to keep him here any longer, I opened the door stepping out.

"I'll see you later." I was too tired to notice the look on his face as I shut the door. I barely remember entering my house and changing out of my clothes. In a matter of minutes I was collapsing in my bed. I fell asleep smiling as I thought about today.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I know, I know! Please don't come at me with pitch forks!! I'm so sorry this chapter is late...and it isn't as long as the past chapter. Like I said a few chapters ago I am about two-ish chapters ahead of what I post. I like having a few chapters pre-written so just in case I can't write I can still post. But I want to be able to finish a chapter before posting one, that way I'm still ahead. That is why this one is a bit later because I've been stuck on another one. But never fear I finished it today and even started another chapter, which just means I can update sooner. 

My parents are leaving this week for Europe (YES WITHOUT ME! HOW RUDE!) and I am severely hoping I can write a lot and update a bit more for you. Besides watching "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" on netflix I don't have much plans. I do plan on doing an instagram live sometime! So if you'd like to see me do that make sure to head to my insta (OutOfMyLimit17) and hit follow and we can talk :)

I hope you guys liked this chapter. This book is starting to get good I tell ya! As of now I'm not sure how long this book will be. Could be 30 chapters, could be 50. I want to get everything I want in it and to have well rounded story. But don't worry it isn't ending any time soon that's for sure!!

I want to say a quick thank you guys for getting this story to as many reads as it has! You guys are incredible! And for getting me to almost 73K followers! AHHHH. I love you guys so much, and I hope you know I appreciate you!

Anyways, I will stop going on and on now.  I hope you guys like this chapter and pray for me that I can get a lot written this week so I can update again :) Love you!

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-Ken