Guilty » Cashton [BOOK ONE]

VI. Warmth

☂Calum☂

I'm not exactly sure how I ended up in Ashton's car.

My own thoughts becoming cloudy, due to the events that occurred in the forest.

I shivered in my seat just thinking about our little "grind session."

Did that really even happen? Or was this just another one of my dreams gone rogue? I sure hoped I wasn't dreaming, because the boner i'd wake up too would be extremely embarrassing.

I leaned back into my seat, accidentally pushing against my cut arm. It didn't hurt as much since Ashton put some rubbing alcohol on it, and a bandaid, but I still let out a small hiss of discomfort, as I readjusted myself.

"You think you'll survive?" Ashton spoke up, obviously hearing my pathetic hiss of pain.

I was startled by his voice, and concluded that my "dream world" wasn't actually a dream after all.

I glanced over to him sitting in the drivers seat of the car. The sunlight glowed through the windows, making him appear almost angel like. He had one hand on the steering wheel, and the other hand glazing over the radios "on" button, gently tapping it alive.

Although he spoke to me, his eyes remained intently on the road. I almost forgot to answer his question. I was so entranced by his, as cliché as it sounds, beauty.

I chuckled nervously, as my ears became engulfed by a heavy guitar solo. I decided against answering his silly question, and went for a reply that was concerning me. I had to raise my voice up an octave, so that he could hear me over the music.

"Um, do you know where I live? I mean you probably don't, that would be weird. Not weird like you're weird, but weird because you don't really know me. Does that make sense? Sorry if this was the most confusing thing you've ever heard."

Dammit.

I felt my face heat up, as I reverted my gaze, away from him, and towards the window.

I either ramble, or stutter while undergoing nervousness. I think, by now, everyone knows that. Though, I much prefer stuttering, since I don't sound as horrid as I do when I ramble.

I heard Ashton's lighthearted laugh echo throughout the car. "I think that's more than you've said to me this entire day." He jeered, as I peaked a quick glance at him.

His eyes remained on the road, as a dimpled smile plastered his face.

"Well, you're wrong. I am weird. Although, you are correct on the fact that I have no idea know where you live." He stated, as he glimpsed at me.

We locked eye contact, but of course, I broke it, and looked towards the road ahead of us. I began to recognize the song that was playing. I remember, not creepily, going home, and looking up Green Day, and this being the first song that popped up.

"I-is this "Basket Case" by Green Day?" I somehow managed to ask. We had made our way to a stoplight, and were sitting still at a red light, when I asked the question.

Ashton's mouth dropped open, and his entire head turned towards me. I gulped locking eye contact with him once again. "Yeah...yeah it is." He spoke licking his bottom lip. "How'd you know that?" He asked, his eyes glancing down at my lips.

What did I just do? I thought what I said was completely harmless. I had to admit, I felt proud that I was right. Although, this was, simply, pure luck.

Before I could respond, my eyes flashed to the now green light. Ashton's gaze followed mine, and he turned away from me, focusing his attention back onto the road.

We were nearing the road, to turn on, that led to my house. I didn't want to say anything, because I was enjoying the warmth of Ashton's car, and well Ashton's presence.

"Turn left on the road that's coming up, please." I said following a harsh inhale of breath.

Ashton remained silent, his features blank, with no notification of emotion at all. It was as if he were in deep thought, but for what reason?

I almost thought he didn't hear me, because of his lack of response, but just as I was about to repeat myself, he put on his left blinkers.

I felt a twinge of sadness, and of course guilt, fill into my stomach. Was it something I said? I didn't say anything wrong, did I?

When we finally turned, Ashton turned carefully, and smoothly. I assumed that he didn't want me to accidentally bump my injured arm into the seat, but this could've just been my imagination.

"Um, my house is the one with the bright red door." I always cringed looking at my front door. We were the only house in the entire neighborhood with such an obscure color door, I blame it on my moms constant drive for uniqueness.

Ashton remained silent, pulling into my driveway, carefully, once again. I had so many things I needed to thank him for, and I didn't know where to begin.

I grabbed my backpack, which was sitting at my feet, and pulled it onto my lap. "I want to um thank you...for everything, bye." I reached a hand up to grab for the cars door handle, but was stopped.

Ashton had reached out, and roughly cupped the side of my face, pulling it close to his. Before I could react, his lips attached themselves to my own.

My heart hammered in my chest, and just as quickly as his lips were placed on mine, they were taken away, causing me to sigh out in discontent.

I was in complete shock. I looked up into his eyes, and they were half lidded, I could still see a slight glint of mischief in them.

He cleared his throat, and licked his lips. "I'll be seeing you around, Calum." He said cheekily, before winking at me.

I merely nodded, and as calmly, and collectively as possible, exited the car.

What the hell just happened?

A/N: hey hey hey, how'd you guys like this chapter? it was kind of a filler, sorry about that. it still took me a couple hours to type though, sigh. thanks so much for reading, and for 700+ views! it means a lot to me. :-)

-serena x