Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 14~

~Colby~

After I dropped Raelyn off at her house, I had a very strange feeling I hadn't felt in a long time.

Peace, serenity; she made me so happy.

The look in her eyes when she gazed at me, was no longer hatred and fear, it was replaced with bliss and security.

I continued to drive home but couldn't get her smile out of my head. She looked so angelic. The way she made me feel, it's like nothing I've felt since I've known her thus far. I think my roommates were right about her, this could be bad...very bad.

I slumped onto the couch in the living room, a book lying forgotten in my lap, when Sam sauntered into the room, a mischievous glint in his eye. He plopped down on the couch, nudging me with his elbow.

"Hey, Mr. Grumpy," Sam teased, "you gonna share what's in that book, or is it top-secret?"

My eyes barely registered the words on the page as I replayed the afternoon's farewell with Rae. My reverie was abruptly interrupted by the weight of Sam crashing onto the couch next to me.

"Earth to Colby," Sam drawled, snatching the book from my hands, "You've been on the same page for the last hour, brother." I tried to grab the book back, but Sam held it just out of reach.

"Give it back, Sam." Corey and Jake sauntered over, grinning.

"What's this? Our Colby mooning over someone?" Corey teased.

Jake peered over the couch, "Oh, it's gotta be Raelyn. He's been like a lost puppy since he dropped her off." Jake said pouting at me.

My face flushed a shade redder, "It's not like that, guys. We're just... friends."

Sam chuckled, flipping through the book. "Just friends don't look at each other the way you two do. I saw you guys go to your car."

Corey nudged my shoulder, "Yeah, man. It's written all over your face. You like her!"

Jake leaned in, "And I bet she likes you too. You should go see her tonight."

"Definitely not," I muttered, trying to reclaim my book. But Sam was already scheming.

"Listen, we're all going out with our girls later tonight. Katrina, Tara, and Devyn are getting ready as we speak. The night is yours, bro. Perfect time to make your move. Go see her."

Corey agreed, "He's right. You can't just sit around and let a good thing pass you by." I squirmed under their gazes.

"I can't just show up at her place." "Why not?" Jake challenged. "You're not going to know if you don't try." Sam dangled the book before me.

"We'll stop the teasing for tonight if you go." I hesitated, my heart racing at the thought.

"You promise?" "Promise," they chorused. Taking a deep breath, I finally nodded.

"Fine, I'll go." The room erupted with cheers and laughter as my friends rallied around me, their teasing giving way to brotherly support. It was embarrassing, sure, there was a sweetness in knowing my friends were rooting for me.

~

The car ride to Raelyn's house was a blur, with my friends' voices still rang in my ears. They had seen it—the gleam in my eyes, a spark when I thought of her.

Their pestering had turned into a full-on shove out the door, Jersey Mike's bag in hand, and now here I was. My hands were a little clammy as I gripped the paper bag tighter, ascending walk up to her front door.

With each step, my heart drummed a nervous beat, but the thought of her smile, the one that made my day brighter, pushed me onward. Standing at her door, I took a deep breath, the mixed scents of subs and my own hopeful anticipation filling my senses.

I knocked, hoping my friends were right, that the gleam they saw was the beginning of something beautiful.