Rumor Has It (HIATUS)

Chapter 15

-Lauren's POV-

Matt and I talked, and joked. I forgot how funny he could be.

"So, what do you say we ditch our cars, and go look at Christmas lights?"

"I say, that sounds great." We both smiled. We walked out into the chilly streets of Cheshire. I wrapped my arms around myself.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"Nah, I'm fine."

"No, take this." He began shrugging off his jacket.

"No," I objected. "I don't want you to be cold, just because I am."

"No, it's fine. Unlike you, I was prepared for this kind of weather." He gave me a cheeky grin. Sure enough, he had two more shirts underneath his jacket.

"Oh shut up." We laughed.

We walked in silence for a few minutes. Being with Matt almost made me forget about everything that happened with Niall.

Almost.

"So what was wrong this afternoon?" he catechized.

I hesitated. Should I tell him? He seemed genuinely interested, so why not?

I took a deep breath. "Well... it was just this guy. My best friend actually."

He looked at me as if expecting more. "We got in an argument a couple days ago, and it's just been really awkward."

He sensed that I wasn't going to go on. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you guys will eventually make up and befriend each other again."

"Hopefully."

We walked in silence for a few more minutes. 

"You look beautiful by the way." 

I looked over at him, and he was looking into my eyes, and that's how I knew he wasn't just saying this to please me. I decided to press my luck anyway.

"Really? "I asked.

"Of course. What a dumb question. You know I've always thought that you were beautiful..."

"Yeah, it's just that... I never really believed it."

"Is that why you made yourself look like a twig?"

I was silent. He was the second person to notice this.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?"

"I don't kn-"

"It's not worth it, Lauren."

Again, I didn't speak.

"Promise me you won't do this anymore."

I was hesitant to promise, but it was Matt...how could I say no?

"I Promise."

"Good."

We did our little handshake that we made up years ago. We smiled, and kept walking as we caught up with each other. Eventually, we walked back to Starbucks.

"So...would you like to this again sometime? Like...maybe tomorrow?" 

I smiled "Yes...I would."

"Good. See you tomorrow around the same time?"

"Yes."

He smiled, and waved. "Bye Lauren."

"Bye."

"WAIT!" He ran back over to me, and gave me the biggest hug, and before I knew it, we were both leaning in. We kissed. Matt and I just kissed.

"Did you just kiss me?" I asked looking for confirmation that I wasn't dreaming.

"I did, beautiful."

I grinned. "But why?"

"I don't know. It was a gut feeling."

My cheeks were flushed. His arms were still around me.

"I've always had a big crush on you Lauren, I know that you and your friend were probably more than friends. I know that I'm probably intruding on whatever is going on between you two, but...I really do like you."

I didn't know what to say, so I just smiled like an idiot. He kissed me again, but this one lasted longer. It was passionate, and I could've sworn sparks were flying—LITERALLY.

We both released from the kiss, to find Niall standing right beside us.