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Chapter Nine

I gasp before his hand grasps the back of my head, fingers going through my hair, and he bends down to capture my lips in his. I lean into him, allowing myself to get lost in his kiss. In his touch. The kiss is deep and needy, like we've both been waiting our whole lives for this moment. It feels familiar, yet, different at the same time. He pulls his lips back and stares in my eyes. I let out a small whimper, already missing his lips on mine. We're both gasping for air, and the air between us feels electric. I raise up in my toes, trying to make our lips collide again, but I'm interrupted by Blue barking loudly. Panic takes over my body again. Blue doesn't bark, except for occasionally while we're playing. But, bark while he's alone in the living room? That doesn't happen. I can tell AJ is just as confused as me, he knows that is unlike Blue. In one swift movement, AJ bends down and grabs the towel. He wraps it around my body, with almost a protective vibe radiating off him.

    He leans in and whispers, "Get dressed gorgeous. I am going to go check that out." He kisses my head and exits the bathroom. I'm left standing there, the emotions overwhelming. My knees feel weak, so I sit down on the closed toilet seat. I'm terrified, but is it just because of Blue barking and my probable stalker? Oooh, you still have feelings for him. I swallow, not knowing what to make of the whole situation. I force myself to stand and dry off. I stare in the mirror and see my flushed face. I give both my cheeks a light pat, trying to snap myself out of whatever weird trance I am in. I brush my teeth and hair before applying some simple, natural looking makeup. I can vaguely hear AJ talking in the background, as I grab my phone to look at the time. 7:28am. I see a message from Maya, and guilt fills my chest. I never got to text her before... I shake away the thoughts and open out text thread.

Maya: You better be on your way to Dunkin' right now. It's your turn bitch and I need some coffee after last night. I'll spill the tea at lunch.

    I stare at my phone for a minute. Sounds like you're not the only one who had an interesting night. Huh Carter? This voice in my head really needs to go away. I hesitate, not sure how to respond to my BFF. Do I tell her the truth? She wouldn't be mad. She's is very obnoxiously team Carter & AJ. But I don't even know what's happening, and I don't want to get her hopes up. I also don't want to risk losing my favorite human if it doesn't work out with her cousin. That's why I ended it to begin with. But what if it does work out? I text back before I even realize I'm doing it.

Me: I didn't forget I'm on Dunkin' duty today. Sounds like we both have some tea to spill.

Maya: Oooh. I can't wait. Hurry up hoebag. See you soon! <3

    I lock my phone and throw my clothes on as fast as I can. I give myself a quick once over in the mirror, before exiting the bathroom and walking into the living room. I hear AJ say "Be there soon." And watch as he hangs up his phone, just as I enter the room. He looks at me with a small smile. Lines of worry crease his forehead and I have to hold myself back from going over to try to smooth them. "Ready to go?" AJ asks softly. "Yeah, just let me grab my bag" I say, crossing to grab it off the kitchen counter.

    We both give Blue hugs and kisses before AJ follows me out the front door, locking it behind us. AJ places his hand on the small of my back and I can feel the electricity. He walks me to the passenger side door of his Dodge Charger, before opening the door for me. He waits until I am inside and situated before closing the door. He crosses in front of the car and joins me, sliding into the driver's seat. He starts the car and backs out of my driveway, placing his hand on my thigh. I'm not even sure he realizes he does it, until he gives my leg a gentle squeeze.

    We start the drive to my work in silence. We pass by the Dunkin' and I speak up. "Uhm, I was supposed to stop for coffee. I'm on Dunkin' duty for Maya and me today." His hand on the steering wheel tightens. "We can stop after. We'll go to a different Dunkin Donuts." He says, no room for argument. That doesn't stop me from trying to though. "After what? I need it before work. If I show up empty handed, Maya is gonna be pretty upset. You know how she gets without her morning coffee. I don't want to.." AJ squeezes my leg again and cuts me off, "You're not going to work today. We're going to grab Maya from work and I will explain after." He says firmly.

    We sit in silence until we get to my work. I unbuckle my seatbelt and go to open the door. AJ reaches to stop me. "Wait here." He says in a commanding voice. I look at him and can feel the anger rising. He must notice, because he softly adds, "Please Car. I'll be right back." Normally I would fight back, but something in me holds me back. Instead, I just nod, and buckle myself back in. Once he is sure I am not going to fight him on it, AJ gets out of the drivers side and walks towards the front doors of my work. I see him push the button on the wall to speak with the receptionist, and moments later, he is stepping inside.

    I wait for what feels like forever when my fighting spirit comes back. "Fuck this" I say out loud to no one. I unbuckle my seatbelt, pull the keys from the ignition, and exit the car. I approach the doors to my work and hesitate for a moment. I decide to keep going and punch my door code in, and enter the building. I walk in and see Maya and AJ standing in Miss Trunchbull's office. What the hell is going on? I walk towards her open office door, and I can feel my other co-workers eyes on me.

    As I get closer, I can see satan herself eyeing AJ up and down. Drool is practically dripping from her mouth. I hear AJ's voice, "So like I said, unfortunately Mrs. Grindle ..." Marissa's eye's roam back up to AJ's face, and she cuts him off, "Actually, it's Miss Grindle. I'm single." She says with a smirk and wonk. Ha. Of course she's single. That tracks. AJ clears his throat, and continues, "Miss Grindle, Maya and Carter are going to need to miss work today. Maybe for a few days." I swear I catch her lick her lips before saying, "Oh, of course! No problem. Just take care of our girls ok?" in a sickeningly sweet, fake, voice. I can't hold back my scoff, and neither can Maya. We turn and look at each other and roll our eyes in sink. Maya is looking at me, and I can tell she is trying to figure out why we are going to be missing work. We're staring at each other and I can faintly hear AJ, "I always do. Thank you so much ma'am. Have a great day." AJ turns and places his hand back on my new favorite spot, my lower back. "Come on My" he says towards his cousin. "Come back and visit any time!" I hear Miss Trunchbull say behind us as we walk towards the exit.

    AJ leans down to my ear before he whispers, "I told you to wait in the car." I shrug. "I do what I want." "Hmmm, that's not being a good girl. You'll pay for that later" he says, his voice deep and threatening. Oh my god. I feel myself get hot again. If I don't get killed by whoever is stalking me, the man at my side will be the death of me. I hear Maya cough behind me. "So.... What the hell is going on? Did you pull me out of my job just to watch the sexual tension between you two all day or..?" AJ lets out a small laugh before removing his hand from my back. Longing overwhelms my body at the loss of his touch. "I'll explain in the car" he says. He walks over and opens the passenger door and back door of his Charger for Maya and me to get in.