The Reputation

Chapter 18

Chapter 18..

Julia’s P.O.V.

Ryder and I walked, hands intertwined, towards I am assuming his car.

“My car is just by the end of the street” Ryder said softly.

“Okay” I said my voice not above his.

I looked at him and my stomach fluttered with butterflies as I saw him looking at me. My cheeks reddened as he kept staring at me, taking in my features as if he hadn’t seen me for ages. I smiled sheepishly and looked away. I felt my heart start beating faster and I feared that my hand would start sweating now.

That would surely be very unattractive.

Wouldn’t it?

We reached the car and Ryder opened the passenger door for me and waited until I got in. he jogged to the other side and got in the driver’s side. Ryder reversed and started on the road.

“We’ll go to James’ okay?” he said sparing a glance at me, “we’ll talk there”.

“Okay” I said as played with the hem of my jumper nervously.

I looked out the window watching the houses whizz by. I felt something cold on my hand. I looked down and Ryder’s hand was on mine. When he saw me looking he intertwined his hand mine and kept on my lap. His hand was cold and I couldn’t think of any reason as to why.

I looked at him and then put my other hand over our hands, “You’re hands are cold” I said still looking at him.

Holding his hand made my stomach feel unsettled and I wished with everything I had that I wouldn’t throw up.

Ryder squeezed my hand, looked at me and smiled a nervous smile, “I’m kinda nervous”.

He then focused back on the road.

I stayed silent for a few moments then spoke up, “Me too”.

He squeezed my hand again but said nothing. The rest of the ride was spent in silence. Everything seemed so quite in contrast to my body. My face was flushed, my stomach fluttering with butterflies and that all seemed to increase even more when Ryder squeezed my hand every now and then.

Ryder pulled into James’ driveway and parked the car. Ryder gave me a small smile, let go of my hand and got out of the car. I was about to opened the door when it was opened. I looked up and Ryder looked at me and winked.

I got out of the car.

“Come on” Ryder said and extended his hand towards me.

I took his hand and closed the door behind me. We walked up the steps that led to the house. Ryder took out the keys from his pocket without letting of my hand. He opened the door and walked in pulling me with him. He closed the door after us.