The next day, Ryder and I met at the library to work on our project. As soon as we sat down, our bickering resumed.
"I'm telling you, we should do it on the history of Oakwood High," Ryder said, his voice firm.
I shook my head. "No way. That's boring. We should do something more original."
Ryder raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"I don't know, but I'm sure it'll come to me," I said, tapping my pen on the table.
Ryder smirked. "I'm sure it will. You're always so full of brilliant ideas."
I glared at him. "Hey, my ideas are not that bad."
Ryder chuckled. "Oh, really? Like that time you suggested we do a project on the importance of proper grammar?"
I felt my face heat up. "That was a good idea!"
Ryder laughed. "Good grief, Aubrey. You can be so... you."
I bristled at his tone. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ryder leaned back in his chair, a smug look on his face. "It means you're uptight and controlling."
I narrowed my eyes. "And you're not?"
The bickering continued, with neither of us willing to give in. But despite our differences, I couldn't help but notice the way Ryder's eyes sparkled when he laughed or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
As we worked, our banter became more playful, and I found myself laughing despite myself. Maybe, just maybe, this project wouldn't be so bad after all.
But just as things were starting to go smoothly, Ryder's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and sighed.
"Sorry, I have to take this," he said, standing up.
I nodded, watching as he walked away. Who was on the phone? And why did he seem so... agitated?
As I waited for Ryder to return, I couldn't help but wonder what secrets he was hiding behind his tough exterior. And why did I care?
When Ryder came back, his expression was guarded. "Sorry about that. Where were we?"
I hesitated, unsure if I should push the issue. But something about his demeanor told me that there was more to Ryder Thompson than met the eye.
"Let's just focus on the project," I said finally, trying to sound nonchalant.
Ryder nodded, his eyes flicking to mine. For a moment, I thought I saw something there, something vulnerable. But then, his mask slipped back into place.
"Fine," he said, his voice cool. "Let's get back to work."
As we continued working on our project, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ryder than I initially thought. And maybe, just maybe, I'd get to see that side of him soon.
The hours passed, and our bickering turned into productive work. We started to make progress on our project, and I was surprised by how well we worked together.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the library, Ryder and I took a break. We sat back in our chairs, stretching our arms and legs.
"I'm starving," Ryder said, glancing at his watch. "Want to grab some dinner?"
I hesitated, unsure if I should accept his invitation. But something about Ryder's smile put me at ease.
"Sure," I said finally, packing up my things.
As we walked out of the library, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. What would the rest of the evening bring?
The cool evening air hit us as we stepped outside. Ryder and I walked side by side, our shoulders occasionally brushing.
"So, what's your favorite food?" Ryder asked, breaking the silence.
I smiled. "Pizza. You?"
Ryder grinned. "Same here."
We walked to a nearby pizzeria, laughing and joking as we went. For the first time, I saw Ryder in a different light. Maybe, just maybe, we could be friends.
Or something more.
The thought caught me off guard, and I pushed it aside. I was getting ahead of myself.
As we sat down at a table, Ryder's phone rang again. He glanced at the screen and sighed.
"I have to take this," he said, standing up.
I nodded, watching as he walked away. Who was on the phone this time? And why did he seem so... troubled?
As I waited for Ryder to return, I couldn't help but wonder what secrets he was hiding. And why did I care?
When Ryder came back, his expression was guarded once more. "Sorry about that. Let's just enjoy our pizza."
I nodded, taking a bite of my slice. The cheese was gooey, and