Chapter Seven:

After our heart to heart, we lightened things up by taking a dip in the pool. We swam for a little while before I had to get ready for my date with Matt. It’s just lunch so I went casual. I put on some worn jeans, a tight-fitting Marvel tee, a thin cardigan and some chucks. I left my hair wavy with minimal makeup.

Jace left so I could get ready in peace. I’m supposed to meet him at his place later and stay the weekend. Apparently I don’t get enough girl time, so I’m having a spa night with Gwen. We’re getting pedicures, manicures, facials, the whole she-bang.

I doublechecked myself in the mirror and made sure all my bruises were covered. I look decent. I added some tinted lip balm and looked for some earings. I put a stud in my cartlidge piercing and little skulls in my earlobes.

I heard the doorbell ring. He’s here. My stomach feels jumbled and I feel all kinds of nervous. I just know I’m going to trip all over myself and get tongue-tied. I’m way too awkward for my own good. I wiped my hands on my jeans, hoping they aren’t sweaty. I glanced out the peephole and saw Matt standing there. I can’t help it. After living with Eric, I’ve become overly cautious… Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing.

I unlocked and opened the door. He smiled at me as he leaned on the doorframe. Damn. He’s… Damn.

“Hey,” I greeted him, softly.

“Hey,” he said back. He gave me a once-over. “Are you going to invite me in?” He asked. I shrugged.

“I thought we were going out.”

“We are, but there’s time for a tour.” He smiled. “Badass house.” He complimented.

“I’ll let my stepfather know that you think so.” I told him. Eric picked out the place. I got to help, but most of it is all him. He’s an architect among other things. He has a lot of friends that have similar talents.

“He’s got good taste.” He looked around the living room. Some people leave their walls white with minimal décor. We’re not those people. That’s the one thing that Eric and I have in common. Our living room is a rich, plum color. Art pieces hang on the walls. Nothing in the house is plain. Even the lighting is extravagant. If this was anyone else’s house, I would love it. The only rooms I spend time in are the kitchen and my bedroom.

“Let me give you a tour.” I told him, not wanting to stay too long. There are too many unpleasant memories in here. I showed him the kitchen, the laundry room, the garage, the dining room, Eric’s room, the guest room, our media room, the yard and porch, the office, and finally my bedroom.

“How many people live here?” He asked, looking around my room, picking up my trinkets. I shrugged.

“Two, now. It used to be three.” I grabbed my clutch and put it in a zombie tote bag. I threw a few overnight essentials in there while he wasn’t looking. I don’t like ever not being prepared just in case I can’t come home.

“Who was the third?” He asked.

“My mother.” I told him. I grabbed my shades and put them on top of my head. He looked up at me.

“What happened? Things not work out?” He asked.

“She died a few years ago.” I told him. He got really quiet. He didn’t say anything for a second.

“I’m so sorry.” He got up and stood in front of my awkwardly.

“Don’t be. It was her time.” I told him. “You ready to go?” I asked him. He nodded. “You wanna drive or should I?”

“That depends,” he told me, his smirk returning.

“On?” I asked.

“How you feel about being on the back of a Harley.” He smiled.

“You can drive. And it wouldn’t be the first time.” I told him.

~*.*~

We were halfway through our food when Matt decided it would be a good idea to play twenty questions.

“What’s your favorite color?” He asked me. I put my burger down and finished chewing so I could answer him.

“Green and gray,” I told him, taking a sip of my tea. “How ‘bout you?”

“Blue – you’re turn.” He winked. I blushed. I really like spending time with him and that scares me. If you don’t have anything, you have less to lose. If this becomes something, then I’ll have this to lose. It makes me nervous.

“First crush?”

“My Kindergarten teacher, Miss Barnes, she was a babe.” He chuckled. I smiled. “You?”

“Um, mine was this kid that lived on my street. We rode the same bus and we walked together every day before and after school. He was always so nice.”

“Alright, best date?” He asked. I looked at him for a second and shrugged.

“I don’t go out often. I don’t really date. I don’t think I have a best one.” I told him.

“I’m hurt.” He told me. I rolled my eyes.

“We’re eating burgers. I do this all the time and it’s not considered a date. Not that I’m complaining. I’m having fun. But, this doesn’t qualify as the best.” I told him. He chuckled.

“Fair enough.”

“Do you have brothers or sisters?” I asked him. He nodded.

“I have a younger sister. She just turned eleven this month.”

“That’s awesome. I’m an only child. The closest thing I have to a brother is Jace.”

“Have you two ever hooked up?” He asked.

“Hooked up how?”

“Dated, sex?” He asked. I shook my bed.

“Neither. We’re not like that.” I told him. He nodded.

“Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t stepping on anyone’s toes.” He leaned forward and put my hand to his lips. I swear butterflies swarmed my stomach. I gave him a small smile. “Your skin’s so soft.” He murmured.

“How old were you your first time?” I asked him.

“I was fifteen.” He told me. I nodded. “How old were you the first time you made love to someone?” He asked. I smiled to myself. That is something I have yet to. I’ve never made love. I’ve barely made it to second base willingly. Eric forced me to sleep with him, but we’ve never made love.

“That’s something I haven’t done.” I told him, quietly.

“No shame in that.” He told me. He’s so hard to read. He has such kind eyes. There’s something about him that I can’t quite put my finger on. He’s like a puzzle I get to slowly put together.

“Why did you ask me out?” I asked him. He didn’t say anything at first.

“You’re gorgeous, and quirky, and I want to get to know you.” He told me. I smiled. “And when you smile, I’m hopeless.” He whispered. I chuckled.

“You’re good with words.” I told him. He smiled.

“I try.”

“So, one last question,” he got up and moved next to me. “Would be interested in going out with me again?” He asked. I shrugged.

“Of course.” I told him. “We better get going though; I don’t want to be late.” I told him.

“Another hot date?”

“Yes.” I told him, straight-faced.

“Really?” He asked. I giggled.

“No.” I laughed. “A girls’ night.” I told him. He made a face at me and helped me out of the booth.

“Let’s get you home.”

The drive home was peaceful. We didn’t talk, but being on the back of a bike makes it hard to. I was nice to be able to put my arms around him. I can feel the muscle underneath his leather jacket. I think I could get used to this. The ride ended too soon.

“So, do you ever drive to clear your mind?” I asked him. He smiled.

“Yeah, and sometimes when I can’t sleep.” He took my helmet off for me and brushed some hair behind my ear.

“Maybe you could take me with you, sometime.” I told him.

“It’s a date.” He told me. I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. I felt his stubble on my lips. I pulled back and bit my lip, smiling.

“I’ll see you later. Thanks for this. I had fun.” I told him. He nodded.

“We should do that again, soon.” He said.

“Do what?” I asked. He gestured to my mouth. He pulled me to him slowly, and pressed his lips against mine, softly. My breath caught and I only felt his skin on mine. I closed my eyes. It felt like forever but it was over in seconds. He pulled away and gave me a quick kiss before he left. Did that just happen?

Notes

They finally had their date! :) Girls' night will be in the next chapter.