Beside You

Chapter 18

*Paisley's point of view*

I follow Luke outside, past crowds of wasted couples making out. I spot a wooden gazebo in the distance and, seeming to read my mind, Luke heads towards it. We don't speak on the way there.

Once we arrive, I sit on a bench inside, and I suddenly realize how cold it is. I rub my hands up and down my arms in an attempt to stay warm. Luke immediately sits next to me and puts his arm around my shoulders.

"I wish I had a jacket to give you." He says. I can't help but grin. I'm having a hard time staying mad at him, but right now, we need to talk. I have to protect myself. I can't let myself be hurt again and Luke needs to know that.

I sigh and turn to the beautiful boy beside me. His blue eyes are lit only by the lights reflecting in the house. He seems somber, but not upset. I want nothing more than to reach over and kiss him, to cup his chin and gaze into his eyes. But I can't. "Luke, what am I to you?" He looks at me and seems to be contemplating his response.

"What do you mean?" He says.

"I mean, how do you perceive me? Am I just some chick you want to hook up with and then leave dry by the end of all this? Do you want something more than just some make-outs?" I look over to him and can tell that he's listening. "Because, I can't do this if that's all this is for you. Some nice hook-ups and then goodbye. That's not who I am, and if it's you, then fine. Just let me know now before-" Before I can finish my sentence, Luke's lips are on mine. His warm skin is soft , while the stubble from his beard brushes against my chin. I feel electric again. Just as I am about to kiss him back in response, he pulls away, holding my face in his hands. He stares deep into my eyes, his face just inches from mine.

"Paisley, I like you. You. Not just how you look or the way you make me feel when you kiss me. I want to pursue you. I don't want just a fling. That's not who I am. That's why you don't have to worry about Kat and I. She's hot, yeah, but she's not who I want. I want you, Paisley Thomas." I feel my cheeks warm and look into my lap. He cups my chin to bring my eyes back to his. "And I perceive you as that, the girl I want to be mine. I promise I won't hurt you. I know you've been hurt before, and I don't want that for you again." He kisses my forehead.

I am speechless. I have so much I want to say, but can't find the words. Instead, I slowly lean into him, placing a soft kiss on his mouth. He kisses me back in response, gently at first, but his speed quickens. His hands move to my waist and give me a squeeze, causing me to jump slightly. He laughs into another kiss and I move my hands into his hair, breathing him in. Our kissing becomes rushed and Luke reaches down to my legs, running his hand up and down my bare thigh. My already electric skin reacts with goosebumps, causing Luke to laugh into me. "You like that?" He breathes. Oh my gosh. Warmth floods my stomach at his naughty words. He leans into me, having me lay back onto the bench we are on. He is soon hovering over me, one hand on each side of my head. He pulls away from the kiss to look into my eyes. They're hungry with desire, as are mine. We are both breathing heavily when we hear someone yell Luke's name from the house. Calum. They must be looking for him. Luke leans down and gives me a peck on the lips.

"I'm not done with you yet." His naughty words send shivers down my spine. He steps off of me and grabs my hand, walking me back to the house.