My protector

7. His Touch

James POV:

I smile down at the small girl as she collects her juice from the side. I can't help but fall in love with her. Everything about her just screams perfection. Not just her looks but her personality to. Just everything...

"thank you, again" she says as we take a seat at a near by table.

"no problem whatsoever" I brush off simply. She then falls silent, as if she was thinking deeply about something.

"you ok there?" she looks up at me then, seeming rather intrigued.

"I'm just wondering why you seem to always know when I need help, I mean, I appreciate it and all but I'm finding it a bit strange as to why" she soon says suddenly. I'm a bit confused by her question but try answer the best I can.

"well the first time, I mean it would be cruel to leave you in such a position so I felt like I had to help. And when I saw you hit your head I just felt the need to check if you were ok and I felt bad. Then just now I suppose I just kinda wanted to treat you to something and you seemed pretty thirsty so..." I spill scratching the back of my neck.

Her expression changes and I get a bit worried. Had I said a bit to much?

"that's really sweet. Thanks, again... Uh... " she starts to stutter and I feel the awkwardness start to grow. I shift in my seat and she stares down at her drink.

"uh anyway... Did you wanna start planning for the duet today or..." I try change the subject and try weaken the tension. Fortunately for me the girl notices my effort and it lessens.

"sure, wanna head to the music room?" she asks. I just nod and we take a slow silent walk through the almost empty halls.

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Rileys POV:

I enter the music room with James to start planning on our duet. I already have a few ideas in my head and I think james does too.

"so I suppose we should start by looking for a song" I say reaching for my phone in my pocket. He just nods and walks behind me peering over my shoulder at the screen.

"oh how about that one" it's taken us a bit longer than expected to find the right song. We must have gone through atleast 50 songs already.

But then we come across a song called 'flying' and it's fair so say we both fell in love with the tune.

"I think this is the best one" he says, his head resting gently on my shoulder.

"OK let's start brain storming ideas then"

At first we start by throwing around ideas and concepts until we then find that we're dancing and goofing around.

Now I'm just waiting for him to grab his water from studio A. I get bored quickly and leap around the room.

I'm not exactly sure what came over me but I suddenly decide to jump up onto a near by bench and walk back and forth, giggling away to myself like a child, before choosing to twirl on the spot.

But suddenly I loss balance and start to fall off the bench, nearly hitting my head on the wall next to me. That is, until I feel to arms protectively holding me close. Catching me and saving me from crashing into the brick wall.

My head is inches away from the wall as I stare up at him.

"I can't even leave you for a few minutes, can I?" he chuckles staring down at me.

"I guess not" I giggled staring straight back at him.

I feel myself then get lost in his eyes. The room falls dead silent, his arms are wrapped around my body keeping me from hitting my head, his dimpled smile sends a feeling of comfort throughout me, his hazel eyes drawing me in, his soft looking, scruffy hair covering parts of his face as he glances down at me. Everything seems to just freeze as I take in all his perfectly imperfect features.

Sadly the moment doesn't last long and he helps me to my feet before moving the bench.

"you really need to be more careful Riles" he blurts out putting down the bench, suddenly jolting up shocked.

"did you just call me Riles?" I giggle tilting my head. He then turns to me, going red in the face.

"I... I didn't.. Mean, I didn't mean to say.. Uh..." he stutters running his fingers through his hair. I can't help but giggle more.

"it's ok, I like it" I say smiling taking a few steps towards him. To be honest I found the nickname cute, it's definitely something I've never heard before.

"you do?" he stands in disbelief. Thinking quickly I run up and wrap my arms around his torso. Resting my head on his chest.

"yes" is all I say before burying my head into his jacket. He soon hugs me back, I stay in the position for a short while longer.

There's something about his touch that centers me.