Is it okay for me to love you?

Chapter 10

Julie's POV

I slowly traced my finger around his face; his tall slender nose, his strong chin, his perfect eyebrows. He smiles but kept his eyes close. I then slowly trace my finger in his jaw, stopped then moved it ever slowly under his lower lip and again slowly moved it upward, toward his lips.

" Why is your lips so red? Is it lipstick?" I smiled mischievously. He chuckled. I was waiting for him to answer. After some seconds, his answer made me pout. He opened his eyes and looked directly in mine.

"A lot of Kiss..." I felt irritated so I pushed his head off my lap and moved to stand up. He's laughing as he grabbed my hand before I can even stand. "I'm just joking." He said chuckling as he sat beside me. I pulled my hand and crossed it over my chest.

"Not funny..." I answered - because the truth is we haven't kiss yet.

I'm curious but I don't think I'll go as far to ask him first - not yet anyway. He should make the first move.

So of course when he answered kiss - my irrational, jealous self - will realize it's not me. He moved closer and pulled me into a hug.

I squirmed but he held tighter.

'I'm sorry, don't be mad." He looked at me but I turned my face away. He tried to follow so he can look straight in my eyes. "It's my genes and also I don't smoke, lip balm also works." he continued as he tries to make me look at him.

I do believe him, but for some odd reason - I liked this feeling. Pretending you're mad and acting jealous so he would try every possible way to reassure you.

So yes, I continued pretending to be mad.

He suddenly stopped and grabbed my face. I looked down and kept myself from smiling.

"Julie..." he called but I still didn't look up. "... do you also want to have red lips?"

That made me look at him. He has this mischievous grin on his face and shock must be on mine because he chuckled.

"Is he saying what I think he's saying?" I thought.

He looked at my lips.

I felt self conscious that my hand automatically went up and covered my mouth. He moved closer to my hand,my eyes going wide.

"Do you really want me to kiss your hand?" he asked before finally closing his eyes and moving closer.

I closed my eyes and slowly moved my hand down.

"Julie!" we both opened our eyes. "Julie, dinner is ready. You and Dr. Eric should come in now." I heard my Mom shout.

We're behind the tree so my Mom didn't see our position. I felt hot so suddenly, my face must be so red. I moved back a little and shouted.

"Yes Mom!" I moved to stand up but Eric was quicker so he assisted me. "Let's go in." I softly said and turned. I was about to take a step when he pulled my hand. His left hand went to my face and without warning he kissed me.

I was shocked but after a few seconds, everything suddenly faded on my mind and all I can think of is.

"His lips are on mine."

I didn't realize he let go of my hand as he pulled me closer in an embrace. He stopped kissing me and I opened my eyes.

"I love you." he said as he looked in my eyes.

"Julie what's taking you both so long?" I heard my Mom call us again.

"C-coming..." I managed to answer. "Let's go..." I whispered to him. He smiled and nodded.

We walked back to the house holding hands.

Before I went to sleep that night, something bothered me a bit.

Since we've been together, he never lets a day pass without telling me that he loves me.

I do love him...

But why am I still hesitating to say it out loud?

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