Bound by Two

[Chapter 15]

It was officially Monday, the potluck. I looked at the pile of decorations, the tables folded and lined up. I took a deep breath and drank my coffee while playing music on the speakers. I have 10 hours to get this gym nice for this potluck.

"You got this, Maelyn." I started by getting balloons blown up with the helium tank. I was jamming out with the music while getting focused into the decorating. When it came to decorating, I am all for it. I loved decorating to the point that it's not funny. I got the balloons finished and I started to make the sheet for the photo section. I got back down from the ladder and stood from afar. I nodded at the sight before going back up to tape the balloons together. I got the tables set up and into sections. I had one section for food and drinks. I lined up the tables like the cafeteria so everyone can get to their spot. I started doing the tablecloths and decorations. I stood and looked at the time to see it is 10: 34am. 

"It's been 3 and a half hours already." I sighed and stretched before getting back to work on the rest of the table decorations. After a couple hours, I got back to the wall decorations. I did a few balloons, but the helium ran out and I groaned. "Damn it I have to blow each one of the balloons myself." I started blowing up the balloons and hand tying them. I started to put up the decorations until I got a bit lightheaded and held the wall. I shook my head and took a deep breath. "I should probably take a 30-minute break." I went down the ladder and slipped because of the ladder not being fully open. I screamed until someone caught me. I gasped and opened my eyes to see Bennett.

"B-Bennett?" My heart was racing from an almost hospital ER trip. The music was still playing and Bennett was holding me bridal style while my arms were around his neck. We were staring into each other's eyes and I stared at his features for the first time. His hair was wavy and covering his forehead. He had brown eyes and facial hair that was cleaned up nice. He is handsome so I understand why Catalina steals glances at him.

"Don't you know that it's dangerous to be doing this alone?" He asked low and I see a look in his eyes. There was slight worry and then resistance. He set me down but still holding me.

"I was fine, but the helium tank ran out and I had to blow the balloons up myself and I guess it made me lightheaded." I explained even though I didn't really have to especially to Greyson's best friend. He was similar in height with Greyson maybe an inch shorter. I felt small in front of him, and I felt his touch on my waist. I was wearing a crop top and jeans, so the bare skin touch heated up my body. Bennett's voice was different with Greyson. Greyson had a deeper and darker voice. Bennett had a slightly softer voice than Greyson but still equally as dark. I seen Bennett look down and I realize but crop top shows my cleavage and I was pressed against Bennett. I gasped and became red from his stare before he looked up at my lips then my eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but I heard a voice.

"Am I interrupting something?" I turned to see Flynn walking up. I broke the position and backed away from Bennett. I seen Bennett poke the inside of his cheek with his tongue like he was irritated that the moment got interrupted. I turned down the music and shook my head.

"No, I just got into a situation and Bennett saved me from ending up in the hospital." Flynn became worried and checked me for any injuries.

"What happened? Are you okay?" 

"I just got lightheaded from blowing up balloons and slipped off the ladder."

"Mae, seriously. You should have gotten some help. I'll stay to help you." He hugged me and caressed my head. 

"Who are you?" Bennett spoke. We broke the hug and looked at him.

"Bennett, this is Flynn, an old friend from middle school."