Worth the Risk (a Matthew Gray Gubler fanfic)

Chapter Eighteen

Before heading off to class, I make sure that I have everything packed and ready to leave right after. I only wish I didn't have to see my family... why can't I go on a road trip to somewhere fun?

Like Colorado, or Texas, hell I would love to go to Las Vegas! Maybe Matthew could take me!

No! Can't do that! Although, it could be fun... if you catch my drift.

I tell Ashlyn bye and that I will see her on Monday, and I head to class.

I'm sitting in my normal spot, second row in the middle, watching as the man I have secretly grown so fond of, lecture about something he is so passionate about.

He catches my staring, and slightly smiles.

Butterflies erupt in my stomach, like it is the first time he has ever looked at me.

I am trying to convince myself that I am not falling for him... but I am failing.

••••••••••••••••

After class is over, I wait around so that I can say goodbye to Matthew.

Once everyone is gone, I approach him at the front of the classroom. He always seems to notice my presence, because he turns around before I make it to him.

I smile, "Well, I guess this is goodbye... for a few days that is."

"Good thing it is only a few days. I would hate to end something so quickly, that is going so well for both parties." He grabs my hand and pulls me against him.

Matthew wraps his arms around my waist, and I wrap mine around his neck, "Yeah? I think you're right. We can't end it anytime soon. It's *coming* along great... see what I did there?"

We both laugh together at my 'punny' joke. I engulf the man in a tight hug, something that I don't get often, from anyone. So, I take full advantage of this moment right here.

Before I can pull away completely, Matthew bends his head down and kisses me. Not something that I expected, but I obviously didn't mind it.

The kiss wasn't hurried or lustful, it was more heartfelt and caring. Maybe that is just my brain over-thinking things... but maybe not.

He grabs my face in both hands and looks at me seriously, "I need you to be careful, drive safe, and call me if you need anything. I mean it, don't hesitate. I'm here if you need me."

"I will. Thank you. I will see you on Monday, for our regularly scheduled session, okay?" I laugh.

Matthew is serious though, "Promise?"

"I promise."

I let go of Matthew and wave at him one last time before heading off to my car. A 5 hour drive of thoughts and dread awaits me.

••••••••••••••••
3 hours in...

I have finished my road trip playlist. I keep forgetting that I need to add more songs to this thing to make it last the whole trip.

Now, I am too lazy to find something else to listen to, so I am left with my thoughts.

My mom... why has she never cared for me? She is so gentle and kind with my siblings, but so rough and tough with me. The thing is, I was never a brat or anything, I just don't know why she is like that. And I never knew that other families were so different than mine. Up until I was about 13, I didn't realize just how different my friend's families were from mine.