I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 24: Coastlines

Saturday Night

Everyone sat around two large tables that were pushed together. The tables were full of greasy appetizers and various alcoholic beverages. Spirits were high and the restaurant was packed. Wallows had just finished recording and everyone had all gone out to celebrate. The band was surrounded by supportive family and friends.

"Here you go," Braeden said, setting a drink down in front of Natalie and giving her a peck on the cheek.

She smiled. Natalie was happy to be with Braeden and his friends. Getting closer to the people who made him happy made her heart full. She watched him contently, as he smiled and laughed with his closest friends. The light in his eyes rose, as it did whenever he was excited about something. At this moment she realized just how fulfilled she felt, and maybe she loved him.

"Should we do like a toast or something?" Cole asked, looking around at everyone.

"Uh, yeah. Okay," Dylan raised his glass. "To our sophomore album,"

Everyone joined in, raising their bottles and glasses, clinking them together. The toast was followed by hoots and hollers from about the room. Braeden clapped his hands for a moment until his eyes met Natalie's. They watched each other alluringly. He smiled at her, eyes wandering from her eyes to her lips, and back to her eyes again. Oh, how he wanted to kiss her right then. He dropped his eyes, feeling somewhat bashful.

Later that night, Natalie helped Braeden out of the Uber. She pulled his keys from his jeans pocket and they entered his house. It was pitch black inside so she fumbled with the light for a moment, trying to keep a drunken Braeden on his feet. She guided him down the hallway to his bedroom, helping him into bed.

"Natalie, I'm so tired," he groaned.

"You want some water?"

"Yes, please."

She gave him a glass of water, whilst trying to hold his head up. He managed to spill most of the glass on himself.

"Here," Natalie frowned, taking the glass from him and setting it on the bedside table.

She peeled his soaked shirt off and tossed it to the floor. Then she untied his shoes, tossing them to the side, and lastly helped him take off his jeans.

"Natalie, I'm cold," he groaned.

She chuckled, covering him with the comforter, tucking him in.

"Wait, are you going to lay with me?" He asked.

"Okay," she whispered before turning out the light.

They lay in silence for a moment.

"Natalie, I don't feel good," Braeden groaned.

"Sleep on your side," she said, helping him.

She caressed his messy dark hair, holding him close to her. She kissed his neck.

"Goodnight, B." She said.

"Goodnight, Nat."

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A/N: Hii!! I hope you enjoyed this filler chapter. I just wanted to show how their feelings are developing and how their relationship is growing. Feel free to comment or give feedback ❤️