Chasing Riley Cooper

Chapter 4: The Public Eye

The walk from the library to the wing felt like forever to Riley.

The main corridor at Oakridge High was crazy during the five minutes. Lockers slammed shut, sneakers squeaked on the shiny floors, and a lot of people were talking at the same time, making a really loud noise. As Riley hurried to catch up with Ryder's long strides, she noticed that the atmosphere was changing.

The noise was getting quieter. It wasn't all at once. In a wave that followed them down the hall.

"Ryder, give me my binder ", Riley whispered, keeping her eyes ahead. "People are staring."

"Let them look ", Ryder said casually. He didn't slow down, easily navigating the hallway while carrying her big AP History textbook like it was nothing. "That's the point of a public relations campaign, Cooper. If they don't see us together, the principal starts checking your ID. Smile a little. You look like you're going to get in trouble."

"I feel like I'm going to get in trouble ", she whispered back, her face burning as she saw Mia standing by her locker.

Mia's jaw dropped. She dropped her cheer pom-poms on the floor, her eyes going from Ryder's leather jacket to the binders under his arm and finally to Riley's flushed face. She mouthed one word: *What?!*

Riley gave her a look that said *I will explain everything later or bury myself alive, whichever comes first.

Before Mia could come over, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.

"Well, well. I didn't believe the rumors. Seeing really is believing."

Ryder. Riley almost ran into him. Standing in front of the honors wing was Ella Morgan. She had her arms crossed, a perfect calculating smile on her face. Next to her stood Caleb Stone, Ryder's friend, who looked more amused than surprised.

"Hey, Ella ", Ryder said, his tone dropping into that drawl he used with the administration. He didn't move. He stepped a little to the left, blocking most of Riley from Ella's view. "Move it. Lose it. Some of us have places to be."

"Since when do you care about being on time to class, Ryder?" Ella countered, her eyes dropping to the textbooks he was holding. Her smile got tighter. "Since when do you carry books? Especially hers? I didn't think the candidate associated with people who always get in trouble."

Riley felt a knot of anxiety in her chest. She stepped out from behind Ryder, forcing her voice to stay steady. "My associations are my business, Ella. Don't you have a calculus grade to worry about?"

Ella's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I'm just trying to make sense of the math, Riley. Because yesterday afternoon someone destroyed the principal’s office. Today, the rumor mill says you were almost suspended until Ryder here gave you a convenient alibi." She stepped closer, her voice dropping so only the four of them could hear. "We all know you were late setting up the auditorium. So what were you two doing behind the bleachers?"

The hallway around them got quiet as students slowed down to listen.

Before Riley's panic showed on her face, Ryder let out a low chuckle. He leaned down slightly, his shoulder brushing against Riley's.

"We were doing exactly what people do when they want some privacy, Morgan ", Ryder said smoothly, his eyes flashing with a warning edge. "If you want details, you're going to have to ask. Otherwise, clear the doorway. Riley has a future to protect. You're wasting our time."

Caleb snorted, covering his mouth. "Burn ", he muttered.

Ella looked like she swallowed a lemon. She opened her mouth to retort. The warning bell shrieked through the PA system, signaling one minute left before the late bell.

With a glare at Riley, Ella spun around and marched into the honors wing.

"Man, she really hates you ", Caleb remarked, shaking his head as he leaned against the lockers. He looked at Ryder, a grin spreading across his face. "So... Behind the bleachers, huh? You kept that quiet."

"Drop it, Caleb ", Ryder said warningly, though there was no heat behind it. He shoved Riley’s binder and textbook into her hands as they reached the door of her AP Government classroom. "Go to class, Cooper. Don't let negative thoughts ruin your attendance."

Riley took her things, her hands still shaking slightly. She looked up at Ryder, noticing his expression relaxing now that the crowd was dispersing. "Thank you ", she said softly, her voice barely audible. "For... Handling that."

"Part of the deal ", Ryder murmured, his smirk returning quietly. "See you after the bell. Don't forget your algebra notes. We've got a lot to catch up on."

He. Walked away, joining Caleb, who was already laughing. Riley stood in the doorway for a second, watching Ryder's faded denim jacket disappear around the corner before stepping into her classroom, completely unaware that the real test of their alliance was only just beginning.