Finding Love

Chapter 9

Becca's POV

I watch as AJ walks up the path a few minutes after Alora and Lynn have already gone in.

He finally spots me, standing leaned against the garden wall, and he slows down a bit.

"What are you doing?" He asks as he stops in front of me, looking confused.

I shrug. "Waiting to make sure you showed and didn't drive off instead," I tell him, and slowly, his lips form a small smile.

"I take my deals very seriously," He says casually, and I hum. "As you should."

We fall into silence for a few seconds as his eyes look me up and down.

I didn't care much for this party- therefore, denim shorts and a black cami top is as nice as it's going to get. I basically copied Aloras outfit.

AJ's eyes meet mine again, and I'm almost tempted to ask what he thinks. Not that I care- but something tells me it will throw him off.

Like my compliment the other night.

Seeing AJ speechless was easily the funniest thing I've seen in a while, and I can't help but wonder what it would take for me to cause him that reaction again.

Just then, we hear cheering.

I sigh, twisting my head and looking at the house behind me. I can hear the loud music from here, and the person vomiting on the grass outside has me even less eager to go inside.

"I'll be honest, I thought about breaking our deal at least a dozen times," I find myself saying. Turning back to look at AJ, I see him chuckling before he glances at the house behind me.

"Yeah, I'm not very excited to go on there," He admitted as well, his small smile slowly fading. "I hate loud noises," He adds.

"I hate crowds," I say in return. AJ winces. "When people touch me, I start throwing punches."

I nod slowly. "That might be a problem," I say, fighting a smile. "Being squished in a crowd is a part of the experience, I'm afraid."

AJ shoots me a look. "You know, you're really not selling this party idea," He tells me, making me snort. "I know," I say, crossing my arms over my chest, hoping to stall a bit longer.

From the looks of it, so is he.

He sighs before staring at the house. "Lynn will be safe here?".

I look at him confused. "What?". He glances at me, and I see how unsure he looks. He swallows hard. "Nothing...will happen to her? She'll be safe?".

I watch him closely while he averts his eyes back to the house.

It's clear as day that he cares so deeply about Lynn. As does she.

I smile at him gently. "Lynn will be fine. Aloras in there with her. She's as safe as can be," I assure him, because I know Alora. She won't let anything happen.

AJ nods, taking in my words before letting out a breath. "Wanna go somewhere else then?" He asks.

My eyes widen with surprise before I quickly mask it. "What?" I mumble.

I assumed he was building up to saying 'Fuck it- let's both go home. See you tomorrow'. Not..go somewhere together.

He shrugs, looking a bit unsure. "Well, I don't want to be here. Neither do you" He states. "No one is forcing us in there. So let's go somewhere else".

I watch him, feeling unsure myself. I'm still not sure whether I trust this guy enough to go somewhere alone with him.

Don't get me wrong- I'm confident in my abilities. I could take him in a heartbeat. But I really don't have the energy to beat people today.