The boy I met on a highway.

Part 10: Cold feet

I woke up and got out of bed. My feet touched the cold floor. I jerked my feet up in reaction before putting on my sandals and getting out of bed. I checked my phone that was sitting on the nightstand. 2:23 AM. I rubbed my eyes and walked over to the mirror. I forgot to take my makeup off before bed last night and I had been crying so there was mascara smeared all over my face. I sighed. I shivered again and then grabbed my soft blanket and opened my bedroom door and paused in the middle of the hallway. It's freezing. I wonder what the temp on the thermostat is, I thought. I turned to look at the living room. It's pitch black. I feel my way along the walls until i find the thermostat and turn the knob to change it. 62 Degrees. "Holy shit, it's freezing!" I whispered. Abby must have set the temperature low because it gets hot at night. South Carolina weather I guess. I turn around to feel my way through the dark when all the sudden my hands reach a warm, firm, figure in the dark. I jump back, startled, when the figure catches me before I hit my head on the table behind me. "Woah woah calm down there kid." the voice sounded familiar. "Jake?" I said, out of breath. "Yeah it's me." he said. I could hear him grinning in his voice. That charming.. alluring grin..
"What are you doing up so early?" he asked. "I could ask you the same thing."
"Fair." There was a long pause. "Well I couldn't get to sleep. Your friends couch isn't very comfortable..." he chuckled. I smiled, "Ah yes. Good ol' Abby. Choosing style over comfort." We both laughed quietly.
Finally, after what seemed like a long time of silence, Jake spoke. "I was actually going to see if you were awake so I could sleep on your floor." "Well trust me, the floor isn't much better than the couch. In fact, that's why I'm out here changing the thermostat. It's freezing." "Yeah tell me about it.... it'd be a lot better sleeping next to someone.. to keep you warm..Yknow?" he traced his long, warm fingers along my shoulder. I shivered at his touch. My face burned and I knew that if we were able to see each other that it would be cherry red.
He chuckled. "What is it? Cat got your tongue?"
"N..no.. I'm just.. thinking." I said, my voice quivering.
"That's alright. I'll leave you alone now" he smiled. "We should probably both get some sleep."
"Yeah.." I cleared my throat. "Y-you're right."
Why am I stuttering so much?? I thought. I sound like an idiot.
I walked back to my room, and Jake went back to the couch. My stomach churned with every step I took. I wanted him. I wanted his touch, his warm body pressed up against mine. His breath intoxicating me as we fell asleep in each others arms. I paused in my doorway and looked into the living room. I wanted to see his face too. His perfect, gorgeous face.
Still, I walked into my room and shut the door quietly. I sighed as i lay down in my bed and try to get to sleep.
Minutes pass, I count my heartbeats, with every one getting more intense, longing for his touch. I turned and tossed in bed.
Fuck it, I thought.
I jumped out of bed and opened my door quickly, but quietly, making sure I didn't wake up Abby and Masha. I tip-toed/sprinted down the hallway and stopped in the middle of the living room.
"Jake?" I whispered into the dark. There was a long pause.

Suddenly he came up from behind me, hands on my waist, nestling his face in my neck. Breathing. Every breath sent shivers down my spine. "Jake I-" "Shh" he put his finger on my lips. I turned around slowly, frozen. "Don't say a word." He said in a sleepy, low, voice. He held my face by my chin with one hand. And slowly, inched his face closer to mine. Then, ever so softly, he kissed me.
My hands wrapped around his neck, standing on my toes, longing for more. We kissed with more passion until he pulled away.
I stood there in confusion. "But-"
he interrupted me, "Cmon."
He grabbed my hand and lead me to my room. Slowly, he turned around and shut the door.
He stroked his hand across my face. Cradling it. "You're burning up." he said.
"Yeah, thanks to you." I rolled my eyes.
He smiled. The streetlights through the window barely showed his face, his eyes glimmering in the orange light.
I yawned, suddenly barely able to stand up on two feet. He caught me, and picked me up almost effortlessly, and then set me in bed. He tucked the blanket over me and started walking away. "Wait.." I said in a sleepy voice. He paused just as he was about to grab the door handle. He looked at me with almost a troubled look on his face.
He slowly walked over and pulled the covers open, got in bed beside me, and then pulled the covers over himself. He slid his arm underneath my neck and I finally relaxed. Nestled up against him, his hand stroking my hair, his breath in my face.

I finally fell asleep.