No More Wasting Time

Chapter 22

The bell rang announcing the end of the school day and kids were out the door before the teacher could finish his sentence. I slowly gathered my things since I had to wait for Hector anyway. Students did stare a bit but they were mostly excited that the school day was about to end. Everyone hated Monday's anyway.

"Ready?"

"How are you here already? Your class isn't that near."

"I convinced my teacher to let me out two minutes early," he said with a grin and grabbed my hand as soon as my backpack was on. "Let's go."

I quickly waved a goodbye to my teacher who gave half a wave and went back to gathering his own things. Hector traveled through the crowd with ease due to his large build. Students saw him and immediately moved to the side, afraid of being trampled by him. His hold would get a little tighter whenever someone bumped into me and it made our hands loosen. We were soon out the door and he led me out of the parking lot and to the side of the street where other students who couldn't find parking parked.

"There is it, my beauty."

My jaw dropped at the sight of a motorcycle. There's no way this was his. How could he even afford one? There's just no way. How and when did he get it?

"A buddy of mine back home moved down here with his girlfriend and he agreed to bring down my back while his girlfriend drove his bike. He texted me during lunch that he'd drop it off and I have the spare key. Come on! We can go anywhere you want."

"Anywhere? Even for ice cream?"

He chuckled and lifted me on the bike without struggle before saying, "Even for ice cream."

He easily got on the bike and we were off a second later. I never thought I'd be riding in the back of a motorcycle before and while the experience was scary, a noticed that I had a huge smile on my face while I was holding on for dear life. He passed by the cars with no problem and drove smoothly on the road. Small yells would be released from me throat whenever I thought we'd fall and I'd feel the rumble of his laughter through his chest. The experience was one I'd definitely remember.

"My friends told me this was the best ice cream spot in town."

"You asked your friends about ice cream?"

"Not exactly," he said with a nervous chuckle and helped me off the bike. "They just mentioned it to me, sort of."

I looked at him amused and he cleared his throat before leading me inside where we were greated with a fabulous A/C and a friendly cashier. I got strawberry and Hector decided on vanilla with fresh strawberries. The cashier had a wide smile and was practically glowing with happiness. I couldn't tell if it was fake or not but it was too much even for me. Hector happily paid and we walked outside, sitting down on the farthest table for privacy.

"So, how was life back at home? Do you miss it?"

He sat back in thought and I couldn't help but think how cute he looked. Girls at another table stared and giggled while looking at him but it was amazing how I had his whole attention and it seemed like nothing could take it away. It was enough to make me not feel jealous but instead feel secure. Unlike with Victor where he'd give the girls attention.

"Yes and no. Yes, I miss it cause I had some good friends over there. No, because I missed my cousin and his best friend," he said with a grin at me. "You can't imagine how many times I asked Max about you. He got annoyed really quickly and ignored many of my messages."

"He never mentioned anything to me!" I said in disbelief to which he laughed and shook his head.

"God, I'm glad he didn't. It's pretty embarrassing."

We sat in silence for a couple minutes and we both knew what we really wanted to talk about. He specifically wanted to talk about something and he just didn't know how to start the conversation. I didn't know if I could ask him to start it, I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. But finally, he sat up and leaned forward on the table, slowly reaching for my hand in his.

"Diego, I know that what you've been through has been traumatic. I can't even imagine going through that or even begin to imagine how you felt. The day of the dinner at your moms place, when I first saw you after all those years, I remembered exactly why I was crazy over you all that time. Then I saw him there with you and I could tell that you two were more, especially with that fake smile and the roll of his eyes. I wanted to tell you how I felt but I respected your decision for him and I kept my distance. But now, I'm slowly losing the battle to keep my distance."

"Hector-"

"I know. I said I wouldn't push you or rush you and I just wanted to be friends. But I kissed you and I. . . I wanted to do it again and again. I don't care if you're not over Victor or you have uncertain feelings about me."

"Hector-"

"I will treat you right and remind you how crazy I am about you everyday. I will be there for you and treat you with the respect you deserve. I swear it, Diego. Please, I just want one chance."

"Hector, I don't. . . I can't treat you like a rebound. You mean too much to me for me to use you for comfort."

"Diego, I'm telling you to use me for comfort. I'll give you anything and all I can give you. I know people say high school romances are dumb and don't last, but I've been waiting for the day to be with you for so many years now."

We sat in silence after that and his cheeks got red from embarrassment. I don't think he meant to spill out everything like that but I couldn't say I didn't appreciate it. His affection reminded me of how I looked at Victor and how at the time I'd die to just have him notice me. Hector has been waiting for years and has waiting patiently. He respected the time I was kind of taken and kept his distance. He really was an amazing person, much like his cousin.

"You know I don't deserve you, right?"

He moved his chair so it was right next to mine and he held my hand once again in his with a firm hold. He looked right into my eyes and with his other hand he slowly stroked my cheek. He treated me delicately and I could feel my heart racing away. He had an effect on me that I didn't even feel with Victor and I thought I felt everything with Victor. This was more intense, more personal. This felt more. . . Real.

"You deserve the best things in life. I can't promise I'll be that but I can promise I'll try my hardest each and every day."

"I'm scared," I couldn't help but mumble. "I don't want myself or you to get hurt."

"I'll always be there to protect you," he said while slowly leaning in and waiting to see if I'd pull away, which I didn't.

"And who will protect you?"

"I'll be strong for us both," he mumbled and finally placed his lips against mine in a soft yet intimate kiss.

His kiss was proving three things to me. One, how gentle yet sexy he was. Two, how great of a kisser he was. Three, how much he truly cares for me. All while this happened, he never did let go of my hand or loosen his grip. His hold was firm, showing how he didn't have any uncertainties about this. He wanted to prove a point and he was doing a darn well job at it.

He cared for me, he truly cared.

"I'll protect you too."