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Breathe Marnie, just breathe.

My heart is beating rapidly, my small hand clutched tightly in Reese's big hand and at least a dozen eyes look upon us in shock and disbelief since we entered the school building.

I knew this is the reaction we would receive once we stepped foot inside the school. There is no turning back now.

Unsurprisingly, Reese walks down the hallway with confidence and ease. I trail behind him like a little lost puppy with my eyes glued to the floor.

Reese can see how tense I am with this situation and his eyes soften. Yet his face doesn't show any sign of worry or doubt.

We head to our first lesson of the day, English Lit and Reese sits beside me. My face can't seem to wipe the silly smile away, especially as he drags his chair closer to mine -- holding my hand under the desk.

Throughout the entire lesson, I could sense many girls throwing daggers my way and some with curious or envious looks. Of course, I was expecting this reaction. Nevertheless, I won't let it scare or worry me.

I wish I knew how Reese felt since he hasn't spoken one word this morning. Although his actions display everything I need to know. I don't want to push anything. So I guess we'll see how things go.

At the end of class, Reese and I part ways as I walk to my next lesson, hoping the rest of my classes go as smoothly.

Thankfully I survived all my other classes to lunch without any drama. I walk up to my locker, placing my books away when Sky practically jumps on me.

"Holy-- Sky, you scared me!"

She giggles, her chocolate eyes bright and fixed on me. "I'm sorry. So... I heard something interesting." she leans against the lockers, looking me in the eyes. "A little birdie told me about you dating Reese Black. That can't be true though, right?"

I bite my lip, trying to suppress my smile. "We kind of been... hanging out..."

Sky's jaw drops and I grin sheepishly. "Hanging out? Like hanging out as friends or more than friends?"

I can't restrain my guilty look any longer and she frowns. "Look, Marnie, I'm not going to tell you to watch your back because I know you're sensible. If you wanna hang out with the guy, that's cool. Just... be careful. You know his reputation and you know I'm here for you, right?"

My heart swells. Sky is the sweetest girl.

"Thanks, Sky, I appreciate it." she links her arm around mine and guides me toward the cafeteria.

"So tell me everything! Don't leave out any details. Where did you guys end up going?"

We spend the next ten minutes in the lunch line while I fill her in on my date with Reese on the weekend. Sky was happy for me and then I asked her about her friend Kyle from the party. We haven't spoken about him since the night of the party. Sky told me they kissed, however they didn't have that romantic spark they were hoping for. They decided to remain just friends. To be honest, I'm stunned at how Sky is so mature and confident.

"By the way, are you going to the Halloween party coming up?"

Sky's question sparks my interest instantly. I've never celebrated Halloween and I've always wanted to dress up for the occasion.

"Are you going?" I ask.

"Yeah, the whole school is going. It's the angels and demons dance taking place here, at the school and then Tina is throwing a wicked party later. So everyone will be going there straight after."

"I thought you don't like parties?"

Sky shrugs a shoulder. "I like Halloween."

I smile. "Well, then of course. I'm in."

All of a sudden my phone buzzes in my back pocket. I look down at the Snapchat notification from Reese. I still fangirl when I receive a simple message from him.

I click onto the snap and a picture pops up. It shows his handsome face sitting on what looks like the grass bank outside the cafeteria. The message underneath says, 'Come join me? ;)'

My heart does a strange flip inside my chest and a family of butterflies fills my tummy.

He wants to see me.

"What are you looking all smiley about?" Sky smirks. "Your face is pinker than my strawberry milkshake." she giggles. Despite my excitement, I realise I can't leave Sky here all by herself.

"Oh nothing, it's just Reese. He wants to see me right now but I'm gonna message him and say I'm eating lunch with you--"

"It's okay, go ahead. I need to head to the library anyway, I've got this Chemistry paper due next week. Go! Go get your man girl!"

My face turns crimson, and I smile but I'm still in two minds. "But are you sure?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." Sky is the coolest best friend I could ever ask for.

"Thanks, Sky. I'll see you in Biology." I swing my leg over the bench and grab my backpack.

As I make my way out the door, I notice Reese's usual table is full and strangely quiet. His bandmates are there, looking sullen.

I wonder what's wrong with them? And why is Reese not there?

I step outside, the sun beaming down on my face. I shield my hand over my eyes as I look around, trying to find the dark-haired bad boy.

I spot him sitting next to a tree, looking down at his phone. He looks so hot with his dark ripped denim jeans, black loose t-shirt and biker boots. His hair is unstyled but he still looks like a model.

I approach him slowly and when he notices me staring, he flashes me a boyish grin.

Oh God, that million-dollar smile.

"Hey, you."

Speak Marnie, he's talking to you.

"H-hey."

He reaches out a hand for me. "Come here."

I do as he asks and I sit down next to him, giving us a little space between us. I don't think anyone knows we're a thing yet and I don't know whether Reese wants to showcase that or not. Are we even dating?

"Marns," I jump up in surprise when I hear the nickname he calls me. His forest green eyes watch me in amusement as his arm opens up for me.

Holy shit. Does he want me to cuddle him right here?

I raise an eyebrow, making him grin wider. Holding my breath, I shuffle into his embrace. He feels warm and solid and his masculine scent engulfs me, comforting me.

"Hmm, you smell good," I whisper softly and then my heart stops. Did I just say that out loud?

I could feel a rumble of laughter coming from Reese's chest and he looks down at me, his eyes sparkling with what I could only describe as contentment. I hide my face in the crook of his neck while he places a hand on my face, his thumb caressing my chin softly.

"So how was your day so far?" he asks, gazing into my eyes.

"I-- It's been good. You?"

He winces slightly. If I didn't look too closely at his facial expression, I would have missed it. Something is wrong.

I decide to build up the confidence to ask him what's bothering him. Is it me?

I look down at the dead grass in fascination. "I saw your friends earlier, they looked kind of... upset. Is everything okay?"

I'm not oblivious. I know people might not be happy we are hanging out. Are they giving Reese a hard time about it? Is that why he wants to chat with me? To break this off quickly?

Reese sighs, wrapping his arm around me. "We had a disagreement earlier. Lately, I can't help getting angry when people talk shit about people. I'm just sick of everyone having an opinion about things... about people."

I can relate to that.

He scowls, "Frankly, I used to judge people too... all the time. This high school seems to have an opinion about everyone. I was wrong for the way I was." my eyes widen at his honesty.

"Anyway, I came out here to cool off. It's not the first time I withdraw and I actually enjoy the quiet." he grins down at me, "I was sitting here... and then I thought of you and how much I enjoyed our date yesterday."

His eyes hold mine and I knew he was being genuine. I feel so happy I want to sing and dance with glee.

Instead, I smile shyly. "Me too."

He grins wider. "Does that mean I get a second date?"

I pretend to think it over for a second. "Hmm... I'll have to think about it."

He chuckles and my chest squeezes watching his whole face light up. "Yes. I'd love to go on a second date with you."

He interlaces our hands together and I melt into him. I could get used to this, all day and every day.

At one point, I hear whispers and curious stares of students walking past. Nervousness builds up in my stomach and I glance up at Reese -- worried about his reaction.

He has a passive expression but I notice the tiniest gleam in his eyes and a ghost of a smile on his lips.

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