As I endlessly gazed in the bathroom mirror. I couldn’t help but smile contently.

I was clean and mud-free.

By the time I blow-dried my hair and looked presentable, Mr. Carter was long gone and the front door was open. Taking a quick peep, I noticed Reece talking to Valentino, who was comfortably situated behind the steering wheel to his beloved vehicle.

“You know, you’re actually such a pussy.”

“Fuck you, I’m not!” Reece gritted. I watched as his eyebrows knotted in frustration and the way his muscles tensed as he clenched and unclenched his fist.

Valentino laughed, “Hit a nerve, have we, lover boy?” He teased, “Naw, is Reece finally unleashing his inner femininity?”

Lover boy? Since when did Valentino call Reece ‘loverboy’?

Even from where I was standing, I could almost feel Reece’s penetrating glare at his best friend, which only caused Valentino to snicker some more. “Jeez. Calm your tits. Stop looking at me like I killed your bitch.”

“You are my bitch.”

“Damn straight I am, mothafucka!”

A chuckle escaped my lips before I could even help it, causing Reece and Valentino’s attention to become directed towards me instantaneously.

“Hey.” I smiled sheepishly, giving them a little wave.

“How long were you standing there?” Reece questioned, his green eyes filled with intense accusation. I blinked, trying to get past how defensive and livid he was acting again. Was this the same guy I just had a water fight with not long ago?

I frowned. “Relax. I just got here.” 

Reece grunted and averted his gaze. Valentino just sat there, looking at Reece with a thwarted expression. I tried looking casual as I examined my nails.

“Besides, it’s not like I’d ever tell anyone about your inner femininity, anyway.”

I peered through my lashes, before completely tilting my head up and shooting him a wicked smirk.

Reece’s face was priceless.

Valentino laughed with me, “Man, I’m definitely going to miss you for the next couple of days, Little C. Life’s not amusing enough without you around now.”

My forehead creased in confusion, “You’re going somewhere?”

Valentino nodded, enthusiastically tapping the steering wheel in a rhythmic beat, “Roadtrip. All five of us are heading off soon.”

“Wait, seriously?”

Valentino pointed towards Reece, “Reece’s championships, remember? The place takes a day and a bit to drive there. And we’ll probably camp out for a few nights then head home.”

“Sounds like fun.” I managed to make out, trying not to sound too disappointed.

Obviously, I failed.

“Wanna come?”

I opened my mouth to reply but a harsh tone beat me to it. “No.” Reece denied, his voice dripping with authority and finality. “She’s not coming.”

I stepped back, almost as if his words had physically hurt me.

Trying not to act too affected, I my hands up in defense mode, “Alright, chill. I wasn’t going to accept his offer anyway. I know when I’m not wanted.” With that I managed to share a quick glance at Valentino before storming inside the house.

By the time I got to the kitchen, I was fuming. What a jerk! He didn’t have to be such a dick. So what if they were going camping? I didn’t even want to go on a stupid road trip with them anyway.

Okay that was a total and utter lie.

The truth was, that I’d never been camping. Ever. And a roadtrip? I could only ever dream of going on one. But I get it; the boys want to go alone. I would only be intruding. I’d be nothing but a problem to them. Especially to Reece, the boy I was madly crushing on, who clearly doesn’t want me near him.

That jerk.

“You know, you’re cute when you’re angry.”

I spun around to see the devil himself, leaning against the wall with his toned arms crossed and a smirk planted on his face.

I turned back and ignored him.

What was he doing here, anyway? A moment ago, he was more than happy to be vulgar and malicious. What does he want now?

Two strong arms snaked around my waist, surprising me as my back clashed against a stone hard chest.

I felt the vibration from his laugh as he brought his lips to my ear, “Aww, are you mad at me, Chloe?”

I tried to get out of his grasp, but his hold only tightened around me, making my knees weak at our proximity. He was basically hugging me from the back, and his chin was comfortably rested on my shoulder, our cheeks almost touching.

I softly shook my head, “Not mad. Hurt.”

A second later, I was swiftly twirled around to meet his intense green eyes. He picked me up and placed me on the counter, before standing between my legs as if it were a casual thing. My heart, on the other hand, couldn’t distinct anything casual about his behavior and had rapidly picked up it’s pace, wildly pounding against my chest. With me sitting on the kitchen counter, we were relatively the same height now, allowing us to stare at one other, as if we were memorizing every aspect and detail of each other’s faces.

Reece opened his mouth to speak, but apparently he couldn’t find any words to say. I looked down, sad that he couldn’t even bother denying that he meant what he said, and that he didn’t want me around.

“I’m sorry.”

My head snapped back up instantly, my lips parted in shock.

Wait, hold up…

Did he really…?

Reece had just apologized.

And in first person too, I thought as I remembered him asking me to forgive him when I was stitching him up that night after Tyler’s party. It was then that I’d noticed that apologizing was clearly not something he did often, but here he is, standing in front of me, saying sorry. 

Feeling the blood rising to my cheeks, I look down and away, nodding.

“You know, if you hadn’t been quick to run off, I would have explained why I didn’t want you to come.”

Refusing to look at him, I let out a deep breath, “You don’t have to explain anything. You don’t want me around, that’s okay and I understand. I’m wasn’t even upset over that, I was offended by how rude and blunt you were when –“ The remainder of my sentence became muffled when Reece put his hand over my mouth, shutting me up.

He rolled his eyes. “Fuck, you’re dramatic.” Reece muttered. “Relax, I want you around.”

I ripped his hand away from my face. “Then what?!” I snapped.

Unaffected by my sudden outburst, he chuckled.

Then he locked gazes with me and became sincere. Reece can his fingers through his hair, before finally letting me out of the dark.

“I didn’t want you to get scared.”

“What?”

Reece exhaled and shifted uncomfortably, “That fight after school, and what happened at that party…it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how much you hate violence.” He looked away, embarrassed, “I just pictured you, scared, and thought it would be best if you didn’t have to witnesses another.”

I was speechless.

Utterly thunderstruck.

Did he just…?

Before I could even control myself, I reached up and touched his cheek, making him look at me. Instead of letting go, I just kept my fingers lingering on his soft skin, so close to his inviting lips.

The bet.

Dammit. Why the heck did I make that stupid bet?

I flicked my eyes towards his lips, and to his eyes, signaling him.

Just ask me to kiss you already, idiot!

And as if I had said it aloud, Reece leaned in and opened his mouth to speak.

I was certain he could hear my heartbeat.

This was it; it was going to happen.

Reece was going to ask me to kiss him.

But of course, it seems as if life always finds the perfect time to interrupt us.

“Chloe?”

Reece pulled away, cursing under his breath and I hastily got off the counter and straightened myself, before meeting the confused gaze of my best friend.

I ran my hand through my hair nervously, “Charlie.” I breathed, “What are you doing here?” 

His bright blue eyes stared back at me with an unreadable expression. “Front door was open,” He told me, gesturing behind him. “I called to say that I was coming down to see you but you didn’t pick up – No surprise there though, of course.” He grinned.

I smiled remorsefully before going over to him and hugging him. It seemed like ages since we’d hung out and I couldn’t help but feel slightly guilty, knowing it was definitely me that wasn’t making the effort. “Sorry! How have you been, Charles? What’s new?”

He shrugged and dug his hands into his pockets, “Not much, I’ve got another swim comp next week, will you be there?”

I nodded instantly, “Of course! I’m your number one fan, remember?” I reminded him, poking his sides with a grin.

A flash of relief crossed his face, before he quickly composed himself and smiled back at me.

“Oh, have you met Reece?” I asked, realizing Reece’s presence as he stood behind us silently. I flashed him a smile, “Reece this is Charlie King, my best friend.” I stated proudly, “And Charles, meet Reece Carter.”

They both just did one of those boy-ish head nods.

“Hey Chloe,” Charlie started, giving me a warm smile. “How about you give us a moment to get to know each other properly, yeah?”

I smiled widely. “Sure! I’ll be outside with Valentino.”

The urge to eavesdrop on their conversation as I walked out of the kitchen was excruciating, but somehow, my willpower overcame the impulse and I found myself greeting Valentino again.

“Hey Val, missed me?”

“Too much, Little C, too much.”

~*~ 

☮Reece Carter ☮

“Stay away from her.”

I couldn’t help but crack a smile as I watched this kid glare back at me. “How come, pretty boy?”

“Because you’re no good for her. She deserves so much better.” Blondie stated as if it were obvious.

“So, I’m guessing she deserves someone like you, right?” I mocked, laughing at how worked up he was getting. “But mate, last time I checked, you were totally friend-zoned."

His blue eyes darkened, filling with so much emotion. “You’re nothing but trash.” He began, entirely ignoring my remark. “You’re a poor low life who’s not going to get anywhere. Unlike you, Chloe actually has a future – and a bright one, too. She doesn’t need someone like you to come in her life and fuck things up.”

I felt my jaws clench as anger washed over me like a tsunami. I forced a chuckle to escape my lips. “Just consider yourself lucky that you’re Chloe’s best friend, kid.”

Or else I would have repeatedly slammed your face with a brick.

Haha, not really.

I’d probably just use my fist.

He took another step towards me, “I know you were the one she skipped school with. You’re a bad influence. You’re changing her into someone she’s not.”

“No, idiot. If anything, I’m bringing out the person she always was.”

Blondie scoffed, “I think I know the type of person Chloe is, I’ve known her my entire life, idiot.”

I shook my head. “No.” I conflicted, “You’ve only known her for the person everyone always wanted her to be.” 

The look on this kid’s face had me thinking of Dennis; frail and vulnerable. I continued to watch as he opened his mouth to speak and shut it every time he couldn’t form his thoughts into words. Normally, I’d look at him and think, pathetic, but then I’d be a hypocrite, especially considering the fact that I was completely mimicking his actions a few moments ago…

…When I was about to ask Chloe to kiss me.

“Just, don’t hurt her.”

My head whipped back up, his words pulling me out of my miniature daydream. Did Blondie actually say that?

Was he giving up that easily?

Haha, pussy.

But instead of making a witty remark, I have him one nod of agreement and watched as he studied my face with mistrust and repulse, a look I had grown used to receiving from too many people to give a shit anymore, before he walked off.

Whatever.

~*~

♡ Chloe Armel ♡

Charlie left without saying goodbye.

Moments later, Reece emerged and stood beside me. When I asked him what happened, he just shrugged.

Dennis, Jake and Jayden had arrived ready with their bags. My longing to go with them was rapidly increasing by the second as I watched them push the back seats down until it looked like a little room.

When they were almost done, Valentino, Dennis and the twins looked at Reece expectedly.

Then they looked at me.

And back to Reece again.

Reece groaned, “Fine.”

Not understanding what the heck was going on, I laughed nervously, “What?”

He shut his eyes, as if what he was about to say was physically hurting him, “Five minutes.”

“Excuse me?”

Reece sighed, “You have five minutes to go get your stuff, nerd. Or else we’re leaving without you.”

My eyes widened in shock. He was kidding, right?

“Seriously?”

“Four minutes and fifty seconds…

My heart picked up it’s pace again.

Reece smirked.

I ran.

Hell, I bet with the sudden rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins, I could beat every champion sprinter competing in the Olympics this year.

Barging through the door to my room, I stuffed a pair of tights, jeans, a hoodie, a top, my basic toiletries and necessities (make up), plus my phone into my Country Road bag.

Oh my God. I’m actually going on a Roadtrip with the boys.

I’m actually, really going on a –

BEEEEP.

I nearly jumped out of my skin at the loud siren. Rushing to the bedroom window I saw Reece pushing against Valentino’s car horn.

“One minute.” Reece laughed, noticing me hold a hand against my heart from how much the sound had startled me.

“Jerk.” I muttered as I raced downstairs and put on my converses. With one last glance at the mirror, I shut the door behind me and chucked my bag towards Reece’s chest, which he obviously caught with ease.

We kind of just stood there, smiling at each other like idiots.

BEEEEP.

This time, it was Valentino who almost made me collapse in fear.

“Today, please.” He winked, shooting me a sweet smile.

I rolled my eyes and got in, “Geez Val, calm your tits, mate.”

What was once silence, had now been replaced with the boys having proud smiles on their faces, all aiming straight at me.

“Yup.” Valentino finally spoke, “Definitely one of us now.”

 ------------------

 A/N - I hate writing in Reece's POV, it flows more smoothly in Chloe's.

Hahaha, so anyway, I'm thinking that after TBBC&M is well and truly over, I'll add in a few bonus chapters, such as my own version of Allie & Dennis' date, the entire conversation between Reece and his father and any other scenes you guys might request. Sound good? (:

Also, a lot of people have been asking me who the guy on TBBC&M's cover is, that hottie is no other than Brazilian Supermodel, Francisco Lachowski. (;

Thank you all for being so patient and supportive, like always. Sometimes I truly wonder how I got so lucky to get the best fans in the world :') 

P.S - COTE! Gimme some good comments, not about when I'm next uploading...lol. 

P.P.S - The pretty banner's made by peanutFACE, thank you! <3