All Chapters of When Best Friends Kiss: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

(RORY'S POV) My phone beeped just as the bell rang and the screen lit up with Todd's name. BESTIE: I have to watch tapes with the coach so I won't be there with you for break. Text me if you need me. Please stay safe. A small, private smile touched my lips as I gathered my books. Even amid the chaos of the crowded hallway, this tiny notification created a protective bubble around me. Maybe it was pathetic because I was desperately clutching for what I could find, but I loved knowing Todd cared for me, even if it was just as a best friend. "Someone looks smitten this morning!" The chirpy voice shattered my moment, making me fumble my phone. I barely caught it before it clattered to the floor, my heart doing a nervous flip as I shoved it into my pocket. A familiar face stared back at me - the cheerleader who joined the club yesterday. Her eyes held sharpness, and her hair bobbed with energy. There was something disarming about how she stood there, clearly waiting for my brain to ca

(TODD’S POV) I stood frozen, anchored to my spot by a scene unfolding across the crowded corridor. "You look absolutely terrifying right now, man." Laurel's voice came from just behind my left shoulder, too close for comfort. "Seriously. If looks could kill, Anderson would be in two separate pieces right now." I didn't bother turning. My entire being was focused like I have never been before, on Rory and Chad Anderson. She was holding his phone now—his stupid, large phone in her hands —her thumbs moving across the screen. She was definitely putting her number in. The knot in my stomach tightened until I felt physically ill. The noise of the hallway faded into a dull roar as the other students blurring into meaningless shapes. There was only Rory, with her kind, beautiful emerald eyes and nervous smile, and that smooth-talking bastard who had no business being anywhere near her. "I'm going to kill him," I growled and the words tasted like acid on my tongue. I finally glanced at La

(TODD’S POV) “Earth to you, My Boy.” My mother’s voice cut through the fog in my brain, and I blinked as she snapped her fingers right in front of my face. I jumped a little, pulling myself back to reality. We were sitting at the big dining table, just the two of us tonight since Dad was working late at the hospital. The room felt too quiet without him here. On my plate was mash potatoes, roast beef, and peas—my favorite, but tonight it might as well have been cardboard. This was the third time I’d zoned out since we started eating, and I could tell from the look on Mum’s face that she wasn’t going to ignore it this time. “Is there something wrong with your roast?” she asked, already starting to raise her hand like she was about to call someone over. “We can just have the kitchen—” “No, that’s fine, Mum,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “The roast is perfect, really.” I turned to where Maddie, our head staff stood near the sideboard, her hands folded neatly in front of her. I gav

(TODD'S POV) "Damn it! Damn it!" I cursed, running my fingers through my hair until my scalp stung. What the hell had I done? The hurt in Rory's eyes kept replaying in my mind, and each time it felt like a fresh punch to the gut. "You're having quite the day, aren't you?" I turned toward the sharp voice. Rosalie stood leaning against the doorway, watching me with that knowing look that always managed to get under my skin. I let out a heavy sigh. "I didn't mean to say it like that. I never wanted to hurt her." The admission slipped out before I could stop it. "We both know why you said what you said," Rosalie accused, her eyes narrowing. I looked at her, genuinely confused. "I don't understand what you're talking about." Rosalie rolled her eyes dramatically. "You've been acting less bubbly than usual since you got here," she said, hopping up onto the kitchen counter. "And now this little outburst with Rory? It doesn't take a genius to connect the dots." I cleared my throat and t

(RORY’S POV) When Chad told me he was taking me out for evening ice cream, I pictured us going to Cones, the little shop downtown where Todd and I always go. The one with the slightly sticky tables and the cheerful bell that jingles when you walk in. But instead, Chad drove me to a fancy diner right on the edge of Daisy Land. It was one of those neat, classy places with gleaming chrome counters and red vinyl booths that looked like they'd never been sat in. Soft jazz music played in the background, and the air smelled like expensive coffee and vanilla. They even had a special section just for ice cream desserts, with a menu longer than my chemistry textbook. Chad was being a perfect gentleman—holding doors, pulling out my chair, asking about my day in that smooth, confident voice of his. I could see exactly why so many girls at school are crazy about him. He’s polite, attentive, and has this warm way of making you feel like you’re the only person in the room. There was absolutely no