I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 12: Dig What You Dug

Later in the night Natalie and Aubrey made their way through the crowd, heading for the exit. A few heads in front of her she saw Wallows, who also seemed to be making their way for the door. Dylan happened to catch sight of Natalie, then whispered something to Braeden. Then Braeden glanced over his shoulder and made eye contact with Natalie.
There was some kind of tension between them. Aubrey and Natalie looked at each other.

"What's that about?" Aubrey asked, sobering up a little.

"Not sure." Natalie said.

When they finally made it through the door Wallows was gathered outside with Lydia Night and some of their other friends.

"Great show, guys." Natalie said politely.

Braeden watched her eagerly as she began to walk down Sunset Boulevard toward the car.

"Wait!" He called out spontaneously, and seemed surprised at himself that he had called out for her.

Dylan and Cole both looked at him, curiously watching him.

She turned around, her long pony tail flinging as she turned. She took a few steps forward and he rushed toward her. They spoke quietly so their friends wouldn't hear.

"I, I-I," Braeden stuttered.

Natalie raised her eyebrows. Braeden's eyes dropped to the ground for a moment and then he found her eyes again.

"I hope you're doing well." He said. "I want you to be happy."

She blushed a little for a second, avoiding eye contact. He wore the same striped shirt he wore the night she'd fallen asleep at his house.

"Thank you," she said. "I'm doing okay."

"Just okay?" He asked with a small smile, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.

She smiled, narrowing her eyes at him. "I'm well." She said. "I'm doing well."

He chuckled and looked at the ground again. Natalie could smell the familiar scent of his cologne, and she suddenly felt herself getting sucked into his handsome features like she always did.

"I miss your good morning texts." She said strongly, as the cool California air blew a few loose strands of hair across her face. Braeden brushed them away from her eyes.

She searched his eyes for something. He said nothing. Braeden's friends all watched contently. Dylan stood with his arms crossed, smirking proudly at what he had been able to accomplish by talking to Natalie just 30 minutes ago.

"Would you wanna see a movie soon, or something?" She asked hesitantly.

He grinned, "Yeah. Yeah, I'd love to."

"Alright," she smiled and looked back at Aubrey who waited patiently a few yards back. "Well, better get going. It's late."

"Yeah," he said with a smirk. "It was really nice seeing you."

She nodded and headed back to Aubrey. She glanced over her shoulder at Braeden who had met back up with his own friends.

"Brae!" Natalie called.

Braeden turned around, pleasantly surprised by a nice kiss. Natalie threw her arms around his neck and held him tight. He hugged her, not wanting to let go. Then they looked each other in the eyes. Braeden smiled, stupidly.

"Alright, loverboy." Dylan called with a wave. "We're heading to the car."

Natalie gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and returned back to Aubrey. Together they headed for Natalie's blue Ford Focus.