One Step Closer (Sequel to OSAAT)

Chapter Forty-Eight

Ali's POV

"So, you like my band a lot, don't you?" Michael asked, after Luke and Lauren left.

I wasn't sure why she left. Leaving Michael and I alone probably wasn't the best idea, but I decided to try my best to make sure nothing happened.

"Uh, yeah, I do."

"So, then is it weird being on a date with me?"

"Not exactly," I said, laughing. "I mean, meeting you was crazy and amazing, but it's... I feel bad saying this, but it's just a date."

Surprisingly, he laughed. "Meeting you was amazing as well."

I bit my lip to hide a smile as Michael moved closer to me.

"Ali?" he asked, still moving gradually closer.

"Yeah?" I replied, breathlessly, his lips dangerously close to mine.

"Is the reason we took different cars-" I cut him off, suddenly aware that the short distance between us was too much. I pressed my lips to his and brought my hands to his neck as his went to my waist. After a few moments, I pulled completely away from him.

"I shouldn't have done that, I'm sorry."

"Ali, it's fine, it was just a kiss." I sighed.

"I'm just not supposed to do this anymore."

"Not supposed to do what?" he asked, confused.

"Like, random people."

"You're not supposed to do random..." he trailed off. "Oh. Ali, I wasn't trying to make you do something you don't want to." He looked down at his lap, seeming hurt.

"No, Michael, it's not anything you do. Lauren made me aware recently that I have... somewhat of a problem lately with sex."

"What kind of problem?" he asked, looking back up at me.

"Like, that I have too much of it and I apparently don't understand boundaries. My past two boyfriends left me because I cheated on them. I try not to do commitment anymore."

"Ali, I don't do commitment either and I was afraid you'd think that's where this was going. It's too hard having a girlfriend and being on tour. Long distance is a bitch, I get why you cheated on Niall."

"You know about that?" I asked, my eyes snapping up to meet his.

"Yeah, he gets really pissy about it, though." I nodded. "Was the other guy long distance too?"

"No, he goes to the same school as Lauren and I. But he's the one I cheated on Niall with. It was never going to work out."

"Ali, if neither of us want commitment, then why is this a problem?"

In the moment, it made perfect sense. And suddenly, I was once again kissing Michael Clifford.

-

After a while, we ditched the frozen yogurt and went back to my car, where we continued to make out. I was in his lap in the passenger seat, my legs resting on either side of his.

"Let's go back to my hotel." Michael suggested and I nodded, slipping over the center console to my seat. I started and began driving, remembering where it was due to my previous encounter with Ashton.

Michael was quick to lean over and press his lips to my neck. "Drive faster." he whispered against my skin. I nodded again, to pushing the gas pedal harder.

We soon arrived at the hotel and before I knew it, he was unlocking the door to his room and pulling me in. I kicked off my shoes immediately, allowing Michael to lead me to his bed.