Love Like This (Interracial Young Adult Romance)

Chapter 1

I woke up with my boyfriend Clay’s arm draped across my midsection. We’ve been together for a year now. It was just last year around this time we had made things official. It had been my sixteenth birthday and Clay’s parents agreed to let him plan me a big bash hosted at his house as his gift to me. Most of the school had been invited and the party lasted all night. My mom had given my brother and I permission to sleep over at Clay’s after the party so we didn’t have to get home so late.

I was so happy that night my party was perfect, Clay had made sure the night was special. A little before my birthday he and I had started flirting more than usual and we had made out a couple times when my brother wasn’t around. It was that night after the party was over when I was so happy that Clay had pulled me aside. He wanted to talk about us making things official.

He said he didn’t want to just be a guy I flirted with and kissed sometimes. He said he wanted to be my boyfriend. I was so excited. I had always thought Clay was attractive and nice. But he was my brother Aaron’s best friend. They had been friends since we all were kids. Before Clay’s mother got married he use to live next door to Aaron and I. It had only been during his freshman year that his mother married a rich doctor and became a housewife. Clay’s mother had always been a good friend of my mom’s. Our mother’s had bonded over being single mothers. Clay’s father had done just like mine and bolted the second the child was born.

Well sort of.

It wasn’t until after my mother had my brother and became pregnant with me that my father had decided he didn’t want to be a parent.

I felt Clay stirring beside me and looked over to notice him waking up. He always looked so cute when he first woke up. The first time I ever woke up next to Clay had been the morning after my sixteenth birthday. We had woken up next to each other in his bed. We hadn’t done anything that night except make out and fall asleep but it was still such a special moment I would never forget.

Morning beautiful, Clay said.

He leaned up enough to kiss my lips. I loved waking up like this even though it didn’t happen nearly enough. The only reason I had been able to have him sleep in bed with me last night was because my mother had a double shift at the hospital. She’s a nurse.

Clay and Aaron had been at football camp all summer. It was hard on us because we went from being together everyday to not at all for two whole months. We talked and texted over the course of two months but it was still hard.

So when he and my brother got back from camp he texted and asked if my mom was home.

I told him she wasn’t and he said he’d tell his parents he was sleeping over. My brother didn’t mind because Clay was his best friend its just he had no clue Clay was my boyfriend. Clay had stayed up talking to my brother up until Aaron invited his girlfriend Angela to spend the night. When Angela arrived she and Aaron went up to his room for the rest of the night. Clay hadn’t really talked it over with my brother about sleeping over so he had no clue that Clay never left our house.

Morning handsome, I said against Clay’s lips. Clay rolled us over so I was straddling him.

You look good in my shirt baby, he said as his hands moved to my waist.

After my brother went to his room last night. Clay and I sat on the couch watching a movie until he began kissing me. Soon we were making out and breathing heavy. He had picked me up and carried me upstairs to my bedroom where I welcomed him home properly.

Clay and I had taken an intimate turn in our relationship after the homecoming game and dance last year. We had only been together a couple months then but we had known each other for so long it just seemed right.

I thought you said I looked better with nothing on. Was that a lie? I teased.

Clay laughed and pulled me down into a kiss. It wasn’t long before he had his shirt off me and had me pinned underneath him.

I love you so much Kendra, he whispered in my ear as he his hands moved along my sides.

I love you too Clay, I said. He began kissing my neck on down just as my bedroom door opened.

Clay jumped off me and nearly fell on the floor and I pulled the covers up to my neck. I looked up afraid I was going to see my brother or mother’s face. But calmed down when I saw it was Angela.

Damn it Angela can’t you knock, Clay said annoyed. He sat up leaning his head against the headboard.

Angela moved inside my room and closed the door. I felt so awkward, I quickly grabbed Clay’s shirt and put it on under the covers so I wasn’t so exposed.

Sorry. But isn’t it better I’m the one who walked in on you two instead of Aaron, Angela said. Clay you know if he found you in here about to… well you know with his sister he’d kill you.

Angela wasn’t exaggerating. Aaron loved Clay like a brother but he wouldn’t think twice about kicking his ass if he knew we were together.

Where is Aaron? I asked in a panic.

Angela laughed.

He’s taking a shower. I thought I’d warn you and give you a chance to get your boo thing out of here before Aaron saw him, Angela said.

Angela was a good girlfriend to Aaron but an even better friend sister figure to me. She and I were both on the cheerleading team together and had become friends when she and Aaron got together. She knew my brother would hate my relationship with Clay but she supported it, as much as she could. It was only Angela and my best friend Jenn that even knew Clay and I were together. We had to keep our relationship quiet for many reasons.

Thanks Angela I’ll get Clay out of here, I said.

Angela smiled and walked to the door. One thing to remember next time lock your door, Angela said right before she walked out.

I got dressed and Clay did too. I peeked outside my room before I walked Clay out. When I saw the coast was clear I walked him downstairs. When we got to my front door Clay stopped and pulled me into a hug.

He kissed me right behind my ear and whispered, I love you, see you in a hour and a half baby.

Clay always drove my brother and I to school even though he lived halfway across town.

Bye Clay, I said trying to pull myself away from him. I knew if I didn’t soon we’d run back up to my bedroom and finish what Angela interrupted.

Once Clay was gone I took a shower, did my hair and makeup, then put on my back to school outfit Jenn and I had picked out the day before. The outfit consisted of a mini skirt, a tight blouse, and wedge heels. She told me that since we were juniors and cheerleaders we needed to make an impression always but especially on the first day back from summer vacation. She also said with the quarterback as my secret boyfriend I needed to keep him on his toes. He needed to know that I was a hot ticket and could easily get snatched up by someone else, as she put it.

I gave myself one last look in the mirror before I walked downstairs. I could already hear Clay and Aaron talking in the kitchen. When I walked in to join them I took a seat next to Angela at the counter.

Go upstairs and change Kendra! Aaron ordered after spitting out his coffee. I never particularly liked the coffee drinking habit he’d just randomly taken up.

No, I said firmly. I looked to Angela for help but Clay chimed in giving her no time.

Your brother’s right go change, Clay said sternly. He looked over at me a little pissed.

What was his deal why was he pissed? I thought I looked good… didn’t he agree?

Guys calm down and leave her alone, she looks nice. Besides it’s nothing less than what the other girls at school wear, Angela said. She tried to help but I could tell it wasn’t working.

The other girls at school are sluts. Go change, Clay repeated. My brother, Angela, and I looked all looked at Clay in shocked.

Man what’s up your ass. You’ve hooked up with more than half those girls and they weren’t sluts then, Aaron said mockingly. Clay just shook his head amused.

Thanks everyone for your input but screw you both I’m wearing this and that’s final. Now I’ll meet you guys outside, I said. Angela and I both left the boys in standing in the kitchen.

The car ride to school was quiet. Angela and I sat in the back of Clay’s G-Class Mercedes Benz SUV. It had been Clay’s eighteenth birthday present from his mom and stepdad. I remembered the day he got it. It was right before school let out for the summer. He had gone home to get surprised with the car in the driveway. He drove right over to my house and took me out on a date and a drive around town.

When Clay pulled up to the school and got parked Aaron and Angela hurried out of the car clearly over the tense silence. I gathered my school bag and was about to open the door when Clay asked me to stay in the car.

What Clay, I said in an annoyed tone. I was seriously mad at him for siding with my brother this morning.

Could you get in the front seat so we can talk? he asked.

I got out of the car and slammed the door. I walked over to the passenger side and got in slamming the door once more.

Talk, I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. Clay turned to look at me. I just sat staring straight ahead not wanting to see his face at the moment.

Baby I’m sorry for telling you to change. It’s just you look… hot. I don’t want other guys thinking you’re single. It drives me crazy when guys flirt with you during football games and during cheer practice. Now you’re just putting it all out there as if you want someone else, Clay apologized and explained.

I turned to see Clay’s pleading face. He was worried I wanted someone else.

Clay I don’t want anyone but you. I just wore this because Jenn thought… It doesn’t matter what I wear I’m with you and that’s that, I said.

Clay took my hand and kissed my fingertips.

I just love you so much and don’t want to lose you K, Clay said while being affectionate. I loved it when Clay called me K. It was his special nickname for me.

You aren’t going to lose me, I assured him while looking in his eyes. He looked at me deeply.

Promise? he asked hopeful.

Promise. You’re stuck with me forever, I teased. Even though I really could see myself with Clay forever.

After shorting things out with Clay he walked me to my locker. He stood there as I got my books and put my school bag away.

You really do look good baby, he said inches from my ear. I wanted nothing more than to just lean over and kiss him but I knew I couldn’t.

Hey sexy, I heard a female voice say. I shut my locker to see Allie the head cheerleader walking toward Clay and I.

Allie approached Clay and I and threw her arms around Clay’s waist.

I missed you last night, she said to him. I was looking between them both.

She missed him?

Why would she miss him?

Allie had dated Clay back when they had been sophomores but that was short lived.

Allie hey, Clay said pulling away from her. She looked a little disappointed.

Baby what is it? You over me again already, Allie said to him.

I was seriously confused. What was going on between them?

Allie can we talk later, Clay said looking uncomfortable. Allie looked as if she was going to protest but didn’t.

Ok. But don’t forget about me, she said. She gave Clay a wink and walked off.

What was that? I asked Clay as we started walking to my first class. Clay became quiet and awkward.

I don’t know she’s just overly flirtatious you know that. Clay said brushing off what just happened.

Maybe I should find someone to flirt with. I teased. I began to walk off as if I was going to find someone.

Clay ran up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. If you did that I’d have to rearrange the guy’s face. Do you want your man getting into a fight, Clay said. I blushed at the thought of Clay being my man.

No I need you safe and sound so I have someone to sleep next to and kiss, I teased. We pulled apart and kept walking.

So you’re just with me for my body. I’m hurt, Clay said playing hurt. I playfully pushed him as we got to my class.

I’ll see you at lunch, I said. Clay gave me a reassuring nod and I walked into the classroom.

Just as I got into my first class and took my seat I saw Jenn walk in. I was finally going to be able to catch up with her. I missed my bestie.

Hey girl, she said as she sat in one of the empty seats next to me.

Jenn and I caught up for awhile and just before the bell rung a boy walked in and took the other empty seat next to me. Jenn had noticed the guy walk in and stopped talking and just looked at him. I could tell she was in lust.

Are you new? Jenn asked the guy.

He looked over to her and said, Like you don’t already know me Jenn.

She and I looked at each other then at the guy. I hadn’t really been paying attention to the guy when he walked in but once I looked over at him I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Trey, I said. He smirked and looked me over.

Still as hot as I left you, he complimented.

Trey had been my boyfriend back when I was a freshman but he had moved away the summer before sophomore year. He had called it quits when he moved because he didn’t want to do the long distance relationship thing. I had been a little heart broken back then but once Clay and I started seeing each other I managed to forget about Trey.

Still the flirt you’ve always been, I see something’s never change, I said.

Jenn nudged my arm as if snapping me out of something. I looked over at her and she gave me a warning look.

We’ll have to catch up, Trey said. He was still looking me over and all I could think was Clay had been right about this outfit getting the wrong type of attention.

Yeah we should, I agreed.

Trey finally made eye contact with me and I don’t know what it was but I felt a weird feeling wash over me.

I managed to get through the class with out Trey talking to me or looking in my direction. When class was over Jenn and I got up getting ready to leave when Trey asked for a favor.

I was wondering if either of you could show me around. I have my schedule here, he said. Jenn and I looked over his schedule and she had a disappointed look on her face.

I guess Kendra will be showing you around because all of your classes are with her, Jenn said. It was sad but true.

I only had my first period class with Jenn. So that meant with all my other classes I would be best friendless. But now I had to make sure I made Trey feel welcomed back and show him to all of our other classes.

I have a question, Trey said as we walked down the hall. I looked at him so he knew he had my full attention.

Ok, I said. He looked over at me with a flirty smile.

Have you missed me? he asked.

I laughed thinking he was joking.

I’m serious. I’d ask to pick up where we left off but I figure that would be moving too fast seeing that we haven’t seen each other in like a year, he continued.

I laughed again. You’ve always been blunt, I said.

He looked at me seriously. Life is too short to beat around the bush you know that. So have you missed me, he said.

I didn’t know how to answer that. I had missed him a lot when he first left. But lately I hadn’t really even thought about him.

Yeah but that doesn’t mean I want to pick up where we left things. A lot has changed Trey, I said. He just shook his head.

I’ll wear you down shawty, he said with a smirk. Now I was getting annoyed. I never much liked his cocky gangster act.

I managed to get through my morning classes with Trey perfectly fine. He wasn’t too annoying.

By lunch I entered the lunchroom with Trey looking for a place to sit.

So you going to make me eat alone or are you going to eat with me? Trey asked.

I usually ate with my brother and his friends along with Jenn. I didn’t know how everyone would react to Trey being back. Most of my brother’s friends knew Trey.

I guess I can let you eat with me, I said.

I waited for Trey to get his food then we walked over to my brother and his friends. I never got in the lunch line because Aaron and Clay always let me eat from their trays.

Hey Kendra, Angela said. She smiled at me then it sort of faded when she saw Trey.

Everyone Trey is back, I said.

I just wanted to get the awkwardness over with. Trey took a seat next to me and was flooded with everyone welcoming him back. I didn’t see Clay yet but Aaron was across the table in deep conversation with a friend of his. He hadn’t even noticed Trey’s return.

So you just forgot all about me, Jenn teased while taking a seat next to me.

No I had to show this one around, I said gesturing to Trey. Trey was too busy catching up with everyone to notice Jenn and me anymore.

So have you told Clay that Trey’s back? Jenn asked. I hadn’t seen Clay since we arrived at school. I hadn’t even thought about how he would react to this.

No, but I’ll tell him, I said.

Jenn and I began to talk and catch up. It wasn’t until halfway through our conversation I felt Trey moved closer to me and put his arm around my shoulder.

Trey what are you doing? I asked. He moved closer to me so that his lips were near mine.

Trying to get my girl back, he whispered. Just when I thought he was going to kiss me I heard a person clear their throat.

I looked up to see Clay glaring at Trey, better yet Trey’s arm around me and his closeness to me.

Hey Clay. You know Trey. He’s back, I said acting as if everything was normal.

Trey gave him a nod. Clay just looked away.

When Trey and I were together things weren’t perfect and I usually told Clay about it even though I shouldn’t have. He’d grown a huge dislike for Trey and when Trey and I broke up Clay had told me it was for the best.

Clay sat down at the end of the table the rest of the lunch period ignoring me. He would glance in my direction a couple times but quickly turn away. I needed to do something quick to get him in a better mood. He was obviously upset about Trey having his arm around me.

I’m going to talk to Clay, I said to Jenn. She looked at a little worried. She’d seen Clay’s face when he saw Trey next to me.

Good luck, she said.

I walked over to Clay at the other end of the table. He was just sitting there listening to a story one of the many guys at the table were telling.

Clay, I said now standing beside him.

Kendra, he said in a harsh tone.

I was in serious trouble. I looked around to see if my brother was paying attention and noticed he wasn’t at the table anymore and neither was Angela. I could only imagine where they went.

I took a seat on Clay’s lap. He was shocked and shifted in his seat as I pulled his arms around my waist.

Hey, I said. He looked up at me as if he was about to kiss me.

Baby what are you doing. This isn’t the time or place to be on my lap. Plus isn’t Trey going to miss you, he said irritated. I was on his lap risking my brother seeing us possibly and he was giving me attitude.

Are you mad at me? I didn’t know Trey was coming back, I said. Clay looked into my eyes and could see the hurt he was causing.

I’m not mad at you its just he’s your ex and he was all over you, Clay said.

I didn’t want Trey to come between Clay and I. Yeah he was back but what did that mean. After a year of no contact Trey had to know he couldn’t just walk back into my life.

He doesn’t know I have a boyfriend. He’s also use to being able to be all over me. I said laughing a little trying to lighten the mood.

I know but that doesn’t mean I like it, Clay whispered.

Clay moved his head and laid it on my shoulder. He had his face hidden away from everyone and I felt him place a light kiss on my bare skin.

Can I stay over tonight? he whispered.

I hadn’t checked my mom’s work schedule so I had no clue if she’d be home or not.

I have to see. I’ll tell you later, I whispered back. Clay lifted his head and looked me in the eyes with only love. I was temped to kiss him but I quickly retreated that thought when his face became tense.

Shawty lunch is almost over could you show me to my next class, Trey said interrupting my moment with Clay. I was still sitting on Clay’s lap and could see by his expression he