My Neighbor's Secret

Chapter 15: Rose

I pace in my room with two shirts in my hands," which one, which one which one?" I repeat as I deliberate the choices.

Flowered short sleeves or simple black tank top? My door opens and my mother peeks her head in," black tank top honey."

I smile at her and show her the white jeans I intend to wear," yay or nay?" I'm not sure what to wear, Ash didn't tell me where we were even going.

"Yay. You would look stunning in that," she looks at the ground," your father would think so too."

I smile sadly,"i know." I whisper.

My mother forces a smile onto her face," I heard the door open. I'll distract this boy while you change." I make a surprised noise and close my door.

Thank god other than my outfit I was ready. After hastily changing, I run downstairs. My breath hitches in my throat when I see Ashton.

His hands are shoved into his black jean pockets and his button down flannel isn't tucked in. He looks insanely casual, but handsome. A smile instantly appears on his face when he sees me. I walk up next to him and he takes my hand and threads our fingers, evidently not caring that my mother was in the same room.

"You look beautiful," he mutters in my ear and then to my mom "I'll have her back by 9."

My mom smiles," 10:30."

I grin," let's go before she changes her mind. love you!" Tugging Ashton behind me, I leave my house. He's laughing.

I turn," what?" He just shakes his head.

"Your mom said you would dash away at the mention of staying out late with me. I guess she was right," we walk to his truck and he opens the door for me, shutting it when I climb in.

When he gets on his side he pulls me into the middle seat and grins, taking my hand," wanna guess where we're going?" He asks.

I face him," where?" He slides my long hair out of the way and leans in close to my ear.

"It's a secret," he whispers, his breath tickling and teasing me.

I groan," I hate surprises."

He starts the truck and drives off," you'll like this one."

After a few country songs end, he parks his truck. I recognize the scenery immediately. It's the beach where Caroline and I used to play at when we were little.

With a gasp, I slide out of the truck before he can let me out," I used I love this place!" I walk to him and tug on his hand with all my might.

"Look behind you, rose," he says with a smirk.

Turning, I see what Ashton has set up for me. It's a picnic, with a big tub of cheese balls on top of a pleated blanket. I feel arms wrap around me from behind me and a chin settle on my shoulder.

"I know how much you like your cheeseballs," he mumbles distractedly. I lean back and hold onto his forearms.

"Look! The sun's about to set," I say, pointing. He chucked and leads me to the cute little picnic on the sand.

I take off my sandals and lie back on my elbows," it's beautiful," I say.

Colors of red, pink, orange and yellow paint the sky in long strokes. All of them blend in with one another, creating a beautiful gradient.

"Just like you," Ashton adds. I blush and smile, still looking at the sky.

"You're quite the looker yourself," I say," all dimples and dark hair and-" I cut myself off, laughing.

"Please go on," Ashton jokes. I can sense him close and look over at him. He's smiling at the sunset too.

I close my eyes and rest my head on his shoulder, covering his big hand with mine. He tilts his head so it's resting against mine. After a little while we jump into conversation about music. Bickering like an elderly couple about which genre is better.

I savor these few moments with him, the ones that make me smile. This is something I don't want to loose. As the sun goes down, the air gets colder. I shiver a little as a slight wind ruffles my hair. Ashton sits up.

"Are you cold?" He asks, already unbuttoning his flannel to show the black t-shirt he has underneath it.

"I just-" he cuts me off.

"Nonsense here," he drapes his shirt over my shoulders. I slip my arms into the sleeves and hug it around me, inhaling the smell of old spice and cedar. His smell.

"Thank you," I say.

We lock eyes and suddenly there isn't anything else in the world but his brown eyes on mine. Ashton lifts his hand, when I tilt my head down a little, and uses his pointer finger to lift it back up. He uses that hand to draw me closer while his free hand moves to cup my cheek. We never break eye contact.

I close my eyes just as a tree branch snaps, ruining our moment. Correction, Ashton's reaction ruined the moment.

His whole body tenses and he pulls away slightly. So close, he was so close to kissing me! I open my eyes to see him scanning the area, a frown on those totally kissable lips. He takes his hand away and runs it through his hair. I shiver at the loss of contact.

Another stick snaps, then another," Ashton?"

He hums distractedly in answer. His eyebrows are furrowed and his eyes are intense. Then they widen and I follow his gaze. In the fringe of the forest, there is a human shaped figure lurking in the shadows.

"Stay here," Ashton says.

I obey as he goes to investigate, calling out a cautionary who's there. I feel an unnatural breeze and turn towards it. There is a face inches from mine, it's smirking evilly.

"Nighty night, princess," he says loud enough for Ashton to here. I gasp as a cloth is being put over my mouth and inhale sweet tasting air.

My eyes fly open and I fight against the man as my limbs start to feel heavier and heavier. I can hear Ashton yelling in the distance, but the sounds are muffled. Fighting to keep my eyes open, I fall limp in my abductor's arms as my world goes black.