A Faltering self (Distorted Reality book 2)

Chapter fifty-seven- From Hot to Cold

(Madison's POV)

*Author note: Some of the button's on the laptop I own don't work, so watch creatives attempts I do to not use them. So that is the reason some things are different like the chapter and POV name.)

I want nothing more than this. This moment, these arms around me, these lips on mine, the warm feeling growing inside, him and I together with nothing pulling us apart. I could get lost like this. I want to. Yet, I know tonight isn't the one for that. Regretfully, I pull away, and his eyes are on my face as if all he wants is more as much as I do. All I can do is smile for a moment before my words come through heavy breaths.

"I think that maybe we should take this slow."

Kalston's eyes, once full of passion, fall for a moment, sad, before they are back to mine, soft and with a grin across his face.

"Okay, Love. I want to take this at your speed, but I can't say that it won't be hard."

He lifts my chin as he lays gentle kisses on my face starting on my nose and ending at the corner of my mouth. Each one makes me want more before I'm the one kissing him again and we head to his bed. Things move fast, but he stops before pushing further. His gaze once more shows how much he wants to, but his choice to listen to what I asked stays stronger. I'm glad one of us does because even though I don't think I'd let things get too far, I want almost as much to let them.

"I could get used to this, Love. You in my bed. You know, you could always stay the night? I promise I'll behave if you do."

Even though his tone is teasing, his eyes plead as he brushes fingers across the left side of my face. I want to give in, and if I was sober, I'd probably stick to not, but all my mind keeps wandering back to is how safe I felt in his arms before. How today has been a mess, and how I need that safety to ground me.

I give him a soft kiss before whispering the answer.

"Okay."

I sit up, knowing that if I don't, we'll get caught up again.

"But that means that I need to do a few things first."

His grin widens, but his eyes seem confused. I guess he didn't think that I'd take him up on his offer.

"Oh, okay. Yeah, do you want me to sleep on the couch?"

His hesitant words show that to be true even more with how he forgot that Canton already has that space taken, and I can't help but smile all the more.

"Your bed seems big enough for two."

I keep a flirting tone as his expression goes from confused to back to teasing, but he still seems to be taken aback.

"It is."

"You said you'll behave, so I trust you."

I give him one last lingering kiss before heading out, and I can feel his eyes on me as I do.

When I get ready for bed, flossing and brushing my teeth, getting changed, grabbing a phone charger, filling my water bottle, and checking that everything is off and locked that needs to be, I notice an absence of Matt.

Where is he? Did he go home?

'He was mad at you.'

Please, God, don't let him be driving like that.

Even though Matt did slow down with his drinks, he was still pretty wasted the last time I saw him. I do one last check around the house, but don't see him anywhere. I head back to Bailey's room to check with her.