healing hearts

Chapter 7

Alexa's POV

Did he just say what I think he said? Ben likes me? He's felt that way for a while?

I can't believe it. There's so many thoughts running through my head right now and I can't seem to sort any of them out with his lips on mine.

I have butterflies in my stomach, I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I can't seem to form a coherent thought with him kissing me.

As much as I don't want to pull away, I have to, I have to hear more.

So I do just that, I pull my lips away from his slowly and look at him. His hands move from my face and he looks back at me, his brown eyes slightly a darker shade until I watch them change back and soften when he looks at me.

"I'm sorry, I should've asked you first. Was that to soon? I don't even know if you wanted to do that." He's rambling now, running a hand through his messy, but perfect hair.

I giggle to myself and stop him, placing my hand onto his free one.

"Ben, stop. I-I wanted to. I just have so many questions." He looks at me and nods his head.

"Ask away then." He pauses and then says, "but first, do you want anything to drink? I know where everything's at. I'll get you something."

I can't help but smile, he really does know my house top to bottom, we basically lived at each other's houses growing up.

"After tonight, I think we could both use some alcohol. There's beer in the fridge if you want."

He smiles at my shyness and gets up. A few seconds later he comes back with a beer for him and one for me. When he hands me mine, I take the top off and take a sip.

I notice him watching me, "so ask away" , he smiles.

I take a few seconds to gather my thoughts and then I start speaking.

"So.. you like me? Are you sure? I mean, I just don't want this to happen between us and then something happen and it ruins our friendship." I bite my lip nervously and look at him.

He looks at me and studies my face. I'm not prepared for what he says..

"Alexa, we've known each other our whole lives. It was bound to happen. I do like you, a lot actually. More than I can put into words. It's been driving me crazy lately because we aren't together as much anymore. I thought I could push those feelings away because I wasn't sure if you liked me back, but I realized tonight that I can't. When I saw his hand on you and heard the things he was saying to you, I couldn't help myself, I saw red. I don't want anyone to hurt you, and I want to be the one to protect you and keep you safe."

I stare at his handsome face, listening to every word he says, clinging onto them for dear life. I feel tears spring to my eyes, this is what i've wanted for so long and it's finally happening. I can't help but smile and move closer to him, taking his hand in mine.

"I feel the same way Ben. I never thought it would happen, but i've always liked you, for as long as I can remember. Even when we were kids I had a little crush." I pause and watch as the most handsome smile crosses his face. "So what does this mean for us? I mean, are we going to try dating? Are we just going to talk?"

He chuckles, "I want to try it with you Alexa. I want to finally ask you to be my girlfriend, not just my best friend. I think we both know that it's been a long time coming and I want to try it all with you."

I smile big and nod my head, "i'll be your girlfriend Ben. I'd love to."

He squeezes my hand gently and smiles big, leaning in to kiss me again.

I obviously kiss him back.

God, this is so much better than I imagined, immediately getting butterflies.

The next hour or two is relaxing, we just sit on the couch, drinking, talking and catching up some more, with the occasional kiss of course.

I could really get used to this.

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Finally!! I love them!

- I