Just Friends | Simon "Ghost" Riley

Chapter 1

The street lights were glowing in a haze from the alcohol as Ghost drove you home from the bar. The highway was wet from the light downpour throughout the night.

You had your head resting on the door with the window all the way down. The cool breeze made your hair dance just as you did before Ghost dragged you out of the bar to his truck.

He was never any fun.

He sped down the road with the music you whined for him to play. The Weeknd. He hated it. "Blinding Lights" was blaring in the speakers.

He turned it down, "Do you have your keys?" He asked with a grumpy tone. You rolled your eyes and started rummaging through your purse. After finding your keys you held them out for him. He grabbed them and attached them to his that were in the ignition.

"Why are you so cranky? I was just having fun." You say as you lay your head back down to enjoy the cold wind on your face. "I'm not cranky, dove, just don't want you getting in trouble." He gripped your thigh, sending more chills over you.

"You were right next to me, I'm sure you'll always be." You ran your fingers over his bare knuckles as you stared at them. You wondered why he wouldn't give you and him a chance. He was everything you wanted. Sure he had his issues but he never aimed them towards you.

In fact, it was the opposite. Always so soft spoken and respectful. Protective. He had a habit of making sure you ate before he did. He never had a missed call from you. He always answered no matter what time it was. He was Ghost for everyone else but to you he was just Simon.

He remembered all your favorites. If he was bringing food over, he never had to call and ask what you wanted. He was good at knowing exactly what you wanted and made your coffee and tea perfectly.

"Are you going to tell me why tonight, Simon?" you asked as you adjusted in your seat to turn towards him. "No," his tone was light but stern. You groaned dramatically from the alcohol. "Please," you begged. He glanced over at you. You had your doe eyes on full display. "That works for everything but this, dove." he gave your thigh a squeeze.

The song changed. The Weeknd. One of the Girls.

"Fitting," You joked. He hummed in response. "I said 'fitting', the song." you pointed at the radio. "Why's it fitting?" he asked curiously. "Because," You turned up the volume as the chorus started playing.

Once the chorus stopped, he adjusted in his seat and replaced the hand that held your thigh to the steering wheel. "That's not fair." His tone was low. You laughed at his obvious discomfort.

"Just one night," You tried again. "No, that's not possible." He argued. You grabbed his hand, intertwining your fingers with his. "Whhhhhyy?" You started kissing the top of his hand down his fingers, taking one in your mouth and sucking it gently.

A sound escaped his throat before he pulled his hand from you but still held yours. "Because you're drunk." He said softly. You rolled your eyes, "Always such a gentleman." You moved the center console out of the way and scooted closer to him and leaned on his shoulder.

He put his arm around you. His cologne filled your nose, sending more fiery chills over you. You loved the way he smelled. Your cheeks burned from embarrassment.

Finally arriving at your house, he steps out and adjusts his pants before holding his hand out. You grab it and step out of the driver's door.

You clumsily walk to your door with Ghost behind you. Standing at the door, the sound of keys fills your ears and he steps in front of you. He unlocks the doors and walks in ahead of you. "Why do you have to check every time?" You sighed tiredly.