Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

I look down at my phone when it rings, seeing an unknown number on the screen. Brows furrowed, I wonder who it could be. I don't get many calls, besides the guys and Rylee. Maybe it's the rehab my mom's in?

Something tells me not to ignore the call, so I pick it up.

"Ahh, hello?"

"Oh, thank God." Rylee's voice sounds from the other end.

"Rylee? What's going on? Why are you calling from an unknown number?"

"Ah, so yeah." She laughs. "You love me, right?"

"Yes," I say slowly.

"Okay, good, just wanted to make sure. And please, remember your answer when I tell you this."

"Tell me what?" I ask, a spike of concern hitting me.

"So, yeah, I'm at the police station. Is there any chance you could come and bail me and Trevor out? And also, don't tell the others."

"What?!" I shout, bolting upright on my bed. "What happened?!"

"Don't worry, I'm fine. Everything is fine. Well, not everything because we were arrested, but like, I'm not hurt or anything."

"Okay, so why were you arrested?" I ask her.

"Just come down and get us. I'll tell you then. Pleaseeeee."

"I'm on my way," I tell her, grabbing my keys on the way out the door.

Fifteen minutes later, I'm at the police station. "Hi, I'm here to get Rylee Moore and Trevor Haynes."

"Them?" The man behind the counter nods his head and laughs.

I raise a brow. What did they do to get brought down here?

I sign all the paperwork that I need to do and pay their bail. After that, an officer brings Rylee and Trevor out.

"Colt!" Rylee grins, rushing over to me. I catch her with a grunt as she launches herself at me. Pushing my glasses up my nose, I narrow my eyes at her.

"Wanna tell me why you're here?" I ask her, my hands gripping her ass to keep her in my grasp as I look over at Trevor. He's got this guilty look on his face as he rubs the back of his head.

"Nothing that bad." Rylee grins. "We got caught fucking in the back of Trevor's car."

"Rylee." Trevor looks at her with wide eyes.

"What? It's true," she tells him, and then looks back at me. "It was totally worth it. We should try it sometime."

"If you plan on doing that again, Miss Moore, it better not be on public property. And not in the parking lot of the pier," an officer shouts.

"Rylee," I groan.

"Stop Rylee-ing me!" She huffs, wiggling her way out of my arms.

"Come on, let's get you home." I sigh, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the building while Trevor follows behind.

"Sorry you had to come down here, man," he tells me. "And I'll totally pay you back for both of our bail."

I want to tell him not to worry about it, but in all honesty, I need that money. With school, and everything going on in our lives, I've lost my tutoring job. And while my mom's rehab is paid for, I'll need to use what's left in my savings to live off for a while.

"Thanks," I tell him. "But, dude. You take our girl out on a date and it ends with you being arrested." I raise a brow, yet I can't help but grin at seeing the smile on Rylee's face.

"I'm sorry, but have you met our girlfriend? How could you say no to her?" He chuckles.

"He's right." Rylee nods. "You can't."

I grin and shake my head.

"So, how are you going to get the money?" Rylee asks Trevor. "Do you have some of your own, or are you going to have to ask step-daddy dearest? And if you have to ask him, are you going to say, ‘Hey, Dad. So, I need some cash. Had to bail me and your long lost daughter out of jail because I banged her in the back seat of my car?'"

"I can't even with you." Trevor sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tips his head back.

"Suck it up, buttercup." Rylee slaps his ass as she passes him, heading toward my car. "Get used to it. Expect the unexpected when it comes to me," she says as she walks backwards, wiggling her eyebrows.

"She's right," I tell him. "Never a dull moment with that one. Also, don't get on her bad side. She can be a savage little thing, if she wants to be."

"Noted." He chuckles.

Trevor says goodbye to Rylee before hopping into an Uber and I take the little felon home.

"So, what are you going to tell the guys?" I ask her as we head into the house.

"Tonight, nothing. I'm tired, and I just wanna shower and sleep with you."

"Really?" My brows jump. "Okay, yeah, cool."

Her laugh makes my cock twitch. She steps forward and fixes my glasses for me. "Thanks for saving me," she says in a husky tone. "I'll be sure to pay you back."

Biting her lip, she grins and takes off upstairs, leaving me with a stiff dick and no release.

"Rylee," I whisper into the dark.

I know she's not sleeping because she's trailing her finger up and down the little bit of hair I have above my dick, which is not helping me at all. Even though she just gave me an amazing blow job, my cock doesn't seem to think it's enough.

"Yeah?"

"Are you doing anything tomorrow?"

"Not that I know of. What's up?"

"Would you be up for hanging out with me? And maybe going to see my mom. I've heard she's doing a lot better."

She looks up at me and I can see her smiling in the dim light of the moon that's shining through the window. "Of course," she says softly. "I'd love to."

An ease settles over me and I smile. "Thank you."

The next morning, Rylee walks into the rehab with me, her hand laced with mine.

I let them know who I'm here to see, and we sign in as visitors. They show us to the visiting room, and we sit at a table and wait while they go and get my mom.

"Colton." Rylee rubs her thumb against the top of my hand. "Breathe, baby."

I didn't realize I was holding my breath, my eyes fixed on the door we just came through. My gaze flicks over to hers and something inside me relaxes at the sight of her. I sigh, letting out the breath. "I'm okay."

"Liar." She gives me a small smile. "But that's fine. You're allowed to not be okay. I've got you."

I cup her face and lean in, brushing my lips against hers as my heart goes crazy. "I fucking love you. I don't deserve you."

She grins against my mouth. "I'd say the same about you," she murmurs and kisses me again.

The sound of the door opening has us breaking apart in time to see my mom walk in. She looks good. Her eyes are clearer, and there's a healthy glow about her.

"Colt, baby." She grins wide. I'm up on my feet straight away, rushing over to her. I hug her so tight for so long. The little boy inside of me needed this. I squeeze my eyes shut to try and hold myself back from crying.

Finally, I let go of Mom and step back. "Who did you bring along with you?" she asks, looking at Rylee.

"Mom," I say with a big grin. "This is my girlfriend, Rylee."

While yesterday was awesome, today I'm back to being a ball of stress.

Rylee and I spent an hour with my mom. She spent half of it telling me all about the amazing help she's been getting, and the other half I used up, telling her all about school and cheer.

Rylee just sat and listened, her hand on my thigh as a continuous show of comfort and support.

But now it's cheer practice, and with a big competition looming over us like a storm cloud, I need to focus. While I love to cheer, it also stresses me the fuck out.

"Again!" I shout, and the team groans. We've been at it for hours, and while it's nearly perfect, it's not good enough.

"Rylee," Serenity groans. "Do something about your boyfriend. He's trying to kill us."

"I thought he would be in a better mood since Missi is gone," Felicia says with a huff.

"Are you not taking care of his needs enough, Rylee?" Ursula taunts. "Because if not, I'd be more than happy to." She winks at Rylee, and I'm not gonna lie, I love the death glare Rylee shoots her way.

"Sorry to break it to you, Urs, but my man is well taken care of, thanks. And sorry, honey, but you wouldn't stand a chance. Seeing as how you've been on the team with him for years, and nothing's ever happened."

Ursula glares back at Rylee. "Whatever." She flicks her hair over her shoulder.

Sighing, I walk over to Rylee. "As hot as it is to see you go all wildcat for me, I need the team on good terms. There's no room for people who don't have each other's backs."

"She started it." Rylee pouts and I chuckle. "But you do seem a little wound up." She trails her hand down my chest and my dick perks up. "I can help you relax. I'll be real quick." She grins.

"Rylee," I say in a warning tone, although her offer is very hard to turn down. "Be good."

Mateo snorts. "She's never good."

"Fuck you too." Rylee bats her eyelashes at him.

"Name the time and place, baby." Mateo chuckles, blowing her a kiss.

"If we're being forced to stay here and practice some more, can we get on with it? Some of us don't want to watch you all flirt," Ursula scoffs.

"What's wrong, Urs?" Serenity says. "Jelly because no one wants to flirt with you?"

"Ren," I hiss. "Enough."

But my bratty girlfriend just grins at her best friend. I can't with these two.

We get back into it, and spend the next half an hour getting everything perfect. "That's what I'm talking about!" I whoop. "Alright. I just want to see Rylee and the guys do their thing, and then we're good to go."

Teo and Len get into position as Fatima stands behind Rylee. They wait until the music hits and she's tossed into the air. Bending his knees, Teo grips her ankles as she stands on top of his extended hands with Fatima.

"Okay, Rylee, when you feel comfortable, I want you to swing your right leg out and do a scorpion. Len, stand by in case Teo needs assistance."

Usually this move calls for three people, but Teo looks pretty sturdy. Rylee takes a deep breath, then does as I asked. "Perfect, but remember to face the crowd and smile. Presentation is everything.

"Hold it, steady. Okay, bring her down. Are you ready to test out the kickflip double basket?" I ask her and she smiles.

"Um, yeah, just give me a second," she mumbles, and I can tell she's mentally getting herself in the right place. Stunts are not just about technique or skill, they are also mental, and if you're not focused, you could be severely injured.

"Fatima, switch with Felicia," I order, and they quickly get into position. "Whenever you're ready, Ry."

She nods at Teo and Len as they bend their knees and toss her high into the air. Rylee does the perfect toe touch, then spins completely around twice, landing on her back in the guys' arms.

I hold my breath as she does the maneuver, then burst out in a cheer at the end. "Fuck, yeah!"

"Holy shit, I think we actually have a chance." I clap my hands as the guys place Rylee on her feet. Len and Teo high-five, and Felicia congratulates Rylee.

"Nice to know you didn't have full confidence in us," Lennox says, raising a brow.

"Don't hold it against him." Donny chuckles. "You know he's a cheerzilla around this time of year."

"Vegas, baby, here we come!" Rylee shouts, and the whole room cheers.

I smile, feeling confident in our routine. And with Missi gone, we've had little to no fuck-ups since the drama is gone. Well, for the most part. Sometimes we get snippy moments like today, but it could be because we're all under a lot of pressure to do well. Mostly that is my doing, but still.

"How are you doing, baby?" Rylee asks as we walk out of the gym.

"Good," I tell her. "Life is good, you know? Mom is getting better, Dean Fuckhead is gone, and while his evil spawn is still here at the school, none of us are forced to deal with her bullshit anymore."

"Thank God for that. I told myself I'd never be able to take another person's life. But do you know how many times I've thought about finding the nearest sharp object and ramming it into the side of her throat, laughing as she bleeds out?"

I come to a stop and gape at my girlfriend.

"What?" She blinks at me innocently. "Too dark?"

"Just a bit." I huff out a laugh.

"I might be all cute and shit, but I will stab a bitch." She grins maniacally.

"Noted." I nod. "Guys, we can't ever leave Rylee alone. We will have to bail her out of jail, again."

"Oh, fuck off." Rylee laughs, pushing at my arm.

"I still can't believe you got arrested for having sex in a car," Donny says.

"You're just pissed it wasn't with you." Mateo rolls his eyes.

"Well, yes! It was on my bucket list."

"Do I want to know what else is on there?" I ask, raising a brow.

Donny grins. "Not if you want to keep believing I'm a normal guy."

"No one thinks you're normal, Donny." Mateo snorts.

"You're all fucking bullies." Donny pouts.

"Be nice to my baby," Rylee scolds us as she slips under Donny's arm. He pulls her close and grins like he just won the lottery.

They all keep up with the banter, getting each other going as we walk back to the Cheer house. I keep back a few steps and watch, smiling as I look at my best friends and our girl.

There was a point when I didn't think that this would be possible. With everything we've been through, I'm just happy we were given this chance. And I pray with everything in me it stays like this.

I lock the truck after grabbing the bags from the store, then make my way into the Cheer house.

It's weird having so much free time lately. I'm used to fighting almost three nights a week, and not dealing with split knuckles, broken ribs, and cracked cheekbones has been a nice break.

Opening the door, Donny rips the Chinese bag from my hand and I roll my eyes, but don't fight him on it.

He's been struggling lately. Everyone can see it, but he's not ready to open up to us. Which is fine. We will be here when he is ready.

"Did you get the strawberries and the chocolate, and the stuff to make brownies?" he asks, peeking into the bags I set on the counter.

"Yes, I also grabbed tampons, cherry-scented body wash, sour gummy worms, and that soda Rylee loves," I grumble, trying not to blush at the fact that she added items to our weekly shopping list.

But, I mean, it's kinda par for the course. She lives here almost as much as she's in the room she shares with Ren.

Donny mutters under his breath, and he looks like he hasn't slept in days.

"Everything has to be perfect. This is our first Valentine's Day. We have to show her what she means to us," he says for the third time today, and I grunt.

I agree that we need to make up for how we treated her before, but Ry isn't some high-maintenance girl. She would be happy going to the party the Community Center's hosting for the kids, not some five-star restaurant and all the other shit Donny is trying to organize.

Moving to the cupboard, I grab some paper plates and the Chinese food, then bring them into the living room.

Len is there watching something on TV, and I lean down to give him a quick kiss before handing him a plate and sitting beside him.

Colt is in his usual place, in the chair with Peaches purring on his lap. He's typing on his phone and seems to be concentrating really hard.

Nudging Len on his arm with my shoulder, I nod toward Colt, then raise my eyebrows. He shrugs before digging into his shrimp fried rice.

"So, we need a plan and…" Donny looks at us then pouts. "Where is Trev? We can't arrange the best Valentine's Day ever without him," he mutters, then stomps off into his room and slams the door.

"Okay, we need to do something about him. He's not sleeping. He's moody as fuck, and the way he's hyperfixating on the date isn't good for him," I mutter and Colton sighs. Petting Peaches on the head, he looks me in the eye.

"I've been doing some research and I think I've found someone he can talk to, but you know how he feels about therapy. I think we are going to need Rylee's help with this."

I go to reply, but Donny's door swings back open and he's talking to someone on the phone. There is a huge smile on his face, and he's his happy go lucky, golden retriever self once again.

Len leans closer to me and whispers into my ear.

"Let's get through Valentine's Day, then we can look more into getting him some help." I nod and dig into my lo mein.

"Great news, Trev is on his way, and then we can plan the most perfect day for my Cherry," Don says and I sigh, giving him a grin.

"Sounds good, but first, eat," I grunt, handing him his orange chicken. Yawning, he blinks a few times, then plops down on the floor to eat.

Someone knocks a few minutes later, but before he can jump up to answer, I yell for them to just come inside.

Trevor walks in, looking nervous, and I don't blame him. Ry and him seem to be doing okay after finding out he's her step-brother, so I don't see him leaving anytime soon.

"Hey," I mutter, and he gives me a fist bump. "Hungry?"

"Coach has me on a strict protein and carb diet," he says, rubbing his abs.

Donny groans in commiseration. "I would die. It's bad enough that Len has us eating granola in the morning. I miss my donuts."

Lennox throws an egg roll at him, and we all laugh at his dramatics.

"Sit down, Trev. We won't bite, unless Rylee asks us to," Don says and I roll my eyes.

"So what's the big emergency? Alex and I were about to play some games," he says, plopping down on the other end of the couch.

He's wearing a ball cap and sweatpants with a T-shirt. I can see the appeal, why Rylee likes him.

Len smacks me in the dick and I hiss, turning to face him.

"Jealous?" I whisper into his ear and he scoffs, shoving another bite of food into his mouth.

I smirk and sit back, finishing my plate as Donny starts describing the perfect date.

"Are you sure Rylee is going to want all that fuss?" Trev asks, cutting him off about the time he starts mentioning dolphins at sunset.

"Why wouldn't she? Every woman wants to be treated like a princess," Don says with a yawn.

I want to laugh in response, but I also don't want to piss him off. Our girl literally got arrested for fucking one of her boyfriends in the back seat of a car, and was on cloud nine about it, and Donny is worried about treating her like a princess. I mean, if it makes him feel better, sure, but Rylee is a simple girl. You can't buy her love.

He's cracking his jaw and blinking a lot. It's not even nine pm. "I like the dinner idea and the beach, but everything else can wait for another day," I decide, and all the guys agree with me, except Donny.

"But I wanted to swim with dolphins," he says with a pout and I laugh.

"Next birthday, we will all go swimming with the dolphins. But locally. We're not flying to Hawaii," I mutter, and he gives me a huge smile.

"Deal?" I ask him, and he leans forward to bump my fist.

"Deal."