The Complex

The Complex: Chapter 23

Bella's POV

"Are you sure you don't need to go back to work?" I ask Grant with a guilty conscience. I feel bad he's taking so much time off for me. He slows down to a slow walk and turns to face me making me stop in the middle of the sidewalk, "I'm the boss remember?" He smirks, "I'm going to be here with you for the rest of the week, ok? And even more, if you need me to, just let me know." 

"Hurry up guys I want ice cream!" Leah yells from far up the sidewalk. We drove to a nearby small town to just get out of the house. I, and Grant, didn't want to step foot back into the city yet. We decided to park our car in a nearby parking lot and walk to look at some shops and such. It feels nice to clear my mind. I think I've finally fully come to terms with what happened. 

I pop out a shy smile, "thank you, Grant." He smiles lightly as he brushes a piece of hair that the wind blew into my face. "Are you cold?" He asks concerned all of a sudden. I shake my head 'no'. He starts shaking his head while pulling off his jacket, "liar." he teases as he drapes the jacket over my shoulders. 

We continue our short walk until we hit the ice cream parlor we saw online when looking for places to go to in this town. "I can pay for my own." I say as I step back behind Grant and Leah. Grant turns around and mouths to me, 'like hell' and grabs my hand to pull me flush to his body. I just go along with it when he doesn't release my hand. 

The ice cream parlor's interior is small but lively with bright pastel colors. After Grant pays, we go and find a small table. I try and stifle my laugh when Leah accidentally drips her ice cream cone onto Grants pants. "Leah!" he groans. "Its brown too! Ill be back." He stands up and saunters to the bathroom. 

"Now that he's gone," She turns to me, replacing Grant's spot. "Tell me Bella...are you two dating?" I groan internally, not this again. although I wouldn't mind, but its just awkward when people ask...

"No, we aren't." I laugh. "Then why does he dote on you in every way and is literally a simp for you?" She crosses her arms. "What's a simp?" I ask. Kids. "Never mind that, he literally gave you his jacket! He loves that one! You may not be dating, but you will be soon Bella, I guarantee it." She finishes in time as Grant comes back.

"Oh great you can barely tell you shit your pants!" She clasps. Grant shoots her a death glare, "I did not 'shit' my pants as you so graciously and elegantly expressed. Now get out of my seat, kid." He pulls the chair back. Leah grumbles something inaudible while getting out of the chair. Grant takes his place back next to me and smiles. 

We finish the ice cream and head to a few shops and after a few hours we're on our way back." Lets play hide and seek!" Leah says jumping from the car. Grant scoffs, "aren't you too old for that game?" Leah pouts, "its just a game, anyone can play anything they want Grantie boy." She sticks her tongue out at him. "Bella will play with me won't you?" She gives me puppy dog eyes. 

I giggle, "of course, I haven't played that game in so long." "I'll play too then." Grant agrees. Leah rolls her eyes, "simp." She says quietly. "What was that?" Grant asks making Leah laugh. "I'll count you two go hide!" She pushes us into the house while she counts on the porch. 

"Shouldn't we let your parents know what were doing so they don't get startled if they find us randomly hiding somewhere?" I question. "They'll be out for the rest of the day so we're fine." He says. I nod. "Ok well good luck, first one found is a loser!" I make an 'L' with my fingers while he stares at me in what feels like 'awe'. 

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She found me first. Rats. "I thought I hid good! That was just a warm up round Grantie boy!" He smirks, "oh is that so? Well, this time I'll bet I'll find you first and maybe I wont try to find Leah so we can just be by ourselves." He whispers in my ear. I pull away from him and smack him on his chest trying not to blush. What did he mean by that? Its not possible that he could like me...is it?

We go a couple of more rounds until we hit our last round. Leah counting, and me and Grant hiding. I decide to hide in their game room under the foosball machine since its big enough to not be seen hiding underneath it. I hear a person opening the game room door and hope its not Leah already. I almost scream when Grant bends down and the expression on his face tells me he wasn't expecting me to be here either. 

"Oh Bella, sorry I didn't know you were hiding here." He stands back up to leave but I grab his ankle and he bends back down. "Hide with me?" I ask. "Ya know, gotta go out with a bang." I say not knowing if that makes enough sense enough for him to stay with me. I've been craving his presence lately. Why am I so clingy all of a sudden? 

I scoot over as Grant squeezes under next to me. We wait in silence both looking straight ahead for about 10 seconds before we both turn to look at one another at the same time. "Sorry, you didn't have to hide here with me if you didn't want to." He shakes his head, "I'm glad you were here...to be honest, I saw you go inside the room and hide under here and I was hoping you'd stop me from leaving." He confesses. 

My mouth hangs open a bit in shock before realizing its open and shutting it promptly. I swallow the nervous lump in my throat, a million questions circling in my head. Did I hear him right? Why would he want to hide or stay with me? 

"Oh, I see." Is all my tiny brain can say. His confusing confession along with our extremely close proximity brings a bright blush to my cheeks. Is it hot in her or is it just him? ME oh my gosh I meant ME!

He takes a deep breath. In and out. I feel his breath on my face. Our noses almost touching. Its just us in this moment. His eyes droop down to my lips for a brief moment before coming back to look into my eyes. His palm comes and cups my cheek. My heart beat speeds up. 

His thumb caresses my skin in small, light, and soothing circles. I feel my face naturally lean into his hand. "You're so beautiful Bella." He whispers as he leans in and places a small but lingering kiss on my lips. "And smart." Another kiss. "Let me take care of you, hm?" He comes in for a last kiss, this time, much longer and passionate than the last two.