The player and the shy girl (ΒΟΟΚ2)

Crossing Boundaries.

He starts the car, and we head towards my house. After about 30 minutes, we arrive.

"Well, goodnight," he says, and I look at him.

I smile at him. "Goodnight, Lucas," I reply, and he looks at me before turning his gaze back to the steering wheel.

I open the door and start to get out. "Emma," he says, and his hand stops me. I look at him as he exhales.

"I'm sorry," he says, and I look at him. "You know about what happened the other day..."

I know what he means; he's referring to the joke he made about Lydia. That thing where he pretended to want me. Although I still haven't confirmed if he really wants me, everything feels so confusing.

I look at him and let out a sigh. "Goodnight," I say, and he looks at me with disappointment.

"I mean it!" he replies, and I look at him, feeling like I have no other choice.

"Lucas, I really don't know. I don't know what to say to you..." I answer, honestly unsure of what to do.

"Emma, I won't pressure you to forgive me, but just know that I mean it, and I'm sorry."

"Okay, I'll think about it," I reply, and he smiles.

"Oh, and one more thing," he says, looking at me. He takes my hand, places it on my cheek, and kisses me...

The butterflies in my stomach make a return. Damn it, Lucas, the fact that you think I haven't forgiven you drives me crazy. My breaths start to quicken again, and my heart races.

He pulls back from the kiss, but his hand remains on my cheek. I place my hand over his, and he seems surprised but then holds my hand.

He exhales. "Now you can probably leave," he says, looking at me.

"Before I change my mind," he adds, smiling while still holding my hand. I smile back. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, little one. I'll see you tomorrow," he replies, and finally, I step out of the car.

He doesn't drive away until he's sure I've entered my house. I open the door and step inside, where I see Mike looking at me with a mischievous expression. I glance at him curiously.

"Why are you looking at me like that? What's wrong?" I ask, and he stands up from the couch, still smiling.

"Who was that who dropped you off?" he asks, still looking at me with that sly grin.

"Oh my God," I say, sitting down on the couch, feeling quite tired.

I notice my back is wet. Oh right, I have saltwater from my hair...

"Come on, confess, who is he?" Mike presses since he wants to know everything.

"Mike, he's nothing, just a friend," I say.

"Oh really? Because from what I know, friends don't kiss and definitely don't look at each other like that," he replies, and suddenly it clicks in my head. What does he want to hear? That Lucas said he wanted me, and it turned out to be a lie? I don't know!

"There's a lot going on. I just don't think the two of us can work this out," I answer, heading to my room to take a shower.

I step inside and take a warm bath, which is so relaxing but nothing like being at the beach with Lucas; that was amazing...

After a while, I get out, put on my pajamas, and lie down on my bed.

My phone buzzes with notifications, and Lucas's name appears on the screen...

He sent me a message. HOW??

× I open it.

× What are you doing?

× Just finished showering. What about you?

× Just finished too. How was your day?

× It was really nice, thank you.

× At least I covered one of my 100 mistakes.

× That's good.

× When will I get an answer about your forgiveness?

× I guess soon.

× Then I'm happy.

× And if I don't forgive you, will you still be happy then? I reply with a smile on my lips, that's a bad sign. When you like someone and smile while talking to them, it often means you're starting to really like them...

× If you don't, I'll find another way.

× Like what?

× I'm not telling, it's a secret.

× Okay then.

× Are you going to sleep, little one? He asks, and at that moment, I forget everything—sleepiness, exhaustion, fatigue.

× I don't think I'll go just yet. What about you?

× I'll probably go to sleep. He replies, and then my smile fades.

× Oh, umm, okay then, go ahead.

× But there's something that's bothering me, and I can't sleep.

× And what is that?

× Oh right, you're not here to sleep with me...

When I see the message, my heart races. I really don't think I've ever felt this way in my life...

× And does that bother you?I send him the message, but he hasn't replied yet...

Five minutes pass.

Do you think he fell asleep? I keep asking myself as I check my phone to see if he has sent a message.

I exhale and lie back down, leaving my phone on the nightstand. Suddenly, my phone rings.

Lucas

I answer it. "Did something happen?" I ask because why would he call when we're already texting?

"Just wanted to know, are you alone?" he asks, and I start to lose my train of thought.

"Yeah, Mike just left a little while ago. Why do you ask?"