You Ruined Christmas

Chapter 12 - You Ruined Couch Kisses

Scarlet

Jay and I sat on the couch watching another Christmas movie eating popcorn. I was curled against his side with his arm around me, holding me close. My head was resting on his chest and the popcorn bowl between his legs. I reached to grab more popcorn and Jay held the bowl closer for me, not taking his eyes off the screen. I smiled and snuggled closer to him while he moved the popcorn to the side.

But I wasn't paying attention to the movie. My mind was still whirling about what happened after the restaurant in the car. I wasn't mad. More flattered than anything else, but I could help but remember Jay's hands tightening on the wheel and his jaw clenched. Why was he mad? I wanted to ask what was up but I knew it would involve explaining that Ivan made me pay for my half of our dates and that would just ruin the moment.

As I thought of these things, Jay looked down at me. "You good?"

"What? Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

"You're all tensed up. You do that when you think too much. Typically on things bothering you."

Despite the fact that I was still confused, I found myself focusing more on the fact of how well he knew me. "And you know that because?"

"Because I know you. Have since preschool. Now what's up."

"It's nothing."

"No. It is something. Again Scarlet, I know you. When you overthink, you don't stop overthinking until you get an answer. Now what's wrong?" He asked. Again, my heart fluttered.

"I'm just confused as to why you were upset when I said I would pay."

Jay sighed and looked down at his legs before looking at me. "I wasn't upset that you said you would pay for your half. I was upset because you thought you should. And it goes back to my question. Did Ivan make you pay?"

This time I let out a sigh. "If he did, would you be upset?"

"Did he?"

I paused. "Yeah. He did." Jay looked away. "Look, we don't have to talk about this. Let's just watch the movie. Ivan does not need to be discussed."

"I'm sorry. I know it sucks talking about him. This is a first date. It should be romantic. I just can't believe he would do that. He should've paid. But you're right. We won't talk about it."

"It is romantic, Jay. You know why?" I asked, sitting up.

Jay looked away before looking at me. "Why?"

"Because you are nothing like him. Ivan was awful. He sucked. Not because of just the cheating,  but in general. He would make me pay, didn't let me choose the station, and would never even try to discuss our future regarding college. It was always 'We'll see how it goes.' I hated that. But you? You pay, you let me choose the station, and you know me. Ivan didn't. I didn't see how awful Ivan is. But you do, and you are willing to make up for all of his mistakes. Something I will never get tired of."

Jay smiled and pulled me closer, kissing me. I kissed back, snaking my arms around his neck while his slid down to my waist. I moved my legs to straddle his waist as the kiss grew deeper. I could feel the electricity in the kiss rise. Everything about it was perfect. We pulled apart, and I leaned my forehead against his.

"Thank you. For saying all that." Jay said, a small smile on his lips.

"Thanks for taking it so well." I teased. Jay blushed at that and shook his head. "In all seriousness though, I'm really happy Ivan cheated. Because if he hadn't, I wouldn't be with you." I reached up to play with Jay's hair before leaning back in for a small kiss.

"I'm glad too. That you're with me. But I want you to know something."

My brows rose. "What?"

"I won't do what he did. I won't make you feel like a burden, I won't cheat, and I will try damn best to keep you with me. I won't let you go. Even when college starts. Because I care about you. I've waited too long. And I don't want to waste anymore time. So I have one question. Will you be my girlfriend?"

I didn't yes. Instead, I kissed him.

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Okay I did struggle with this ending and the title. But I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. I'm also really happy that I only have one chapter left to write before the epilogue. I do wish that this was a little longer. But can't win em all.

Also, coffee is a life saver. I love it. Literally was drinking at five pm but do not care because it is delicious. Just saying.

-Clara :)