So This Is Love?

CHAPTER 2 | Don't Start Something You're Not Prepared To Finish

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The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them - Thomas Merton

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CHAPTER 2 ~ Brooke's POV

"Truth or Dare, Brooke," Ash says with so much excitement that I question his age for a second.

"Dare," I answer with confidence. Honestly, I don't know why I said dare. It's completely unlike me but there's something about tonight, and the atmosphere that goes with it, that makes me feel oddly confident.

"Go and make out with Zach," Ash chuckles like a six-year-old who's keeping secret. He just keeps laughing as I stand up. What's up with him?

I guess he won't remember tomorrow; he's probably already drunk by now. Hesitantly, I make my way over to Zach, trying to contemplate what's about to happen.

I've never noticed Zach's looks much before but it's hard not to right now. His strong abs visible through his white V-neck. What I would give to see those abs in the light of day. His hair is dishevelled, probably as a result of him pulling his fingers through his hair countless times. Hair I wish I could run my hands through. His figure is leant against the back of a couch, but his strong, broad shoulders and athletic build can't go unnoticed. How have I never noticed Zach like this?

Hayden opens his mouth to greet me, that won't be necessary, I won't be here long. I stop when I'm centimetres away from Zach, feeling his breath mixing with mine. I tangle my arms around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. Without any more delay, I crash my lips onto Zach's, trying to get this over and done with as soon as possible.

Surprisingly, I'm enjoying this more than I should be. He places his hands on my hips as I close my eyes and enjoy his lips on mine. There is no denying the butterflies I feel in the pit of my stomach, butterflies that I shouldn't be feeling. My thoughts have circled Chase for so long that it's almost refreshing to have the star of them be someone new completely. I pull him even closer, suddenly not wanting this moment to end.

Someone clears their throat loudly behind us, making us instantly jump apart. Way to ruin the moment.

"So, what did I miss?" Chase asks, elongating the 'so'. He has the slyest grin on his face, clearly because of what he just witnessed between Zach and I.

"Not much," I say shortly.

"I don't know about you but I don't call a make out session nothing, but I could be wrong. What do you think Hayden?" he says, relishing in the moment. Hayden looks equally as smug at his inclusion into the conversation. Why can't they just stop being childish for five minutes until I leave?

"Oh, It's definitely not nothing," Hayden answers smirking, he too enjoying this as much as possible, they all were. It isn't that big of a deal, they kiss people all the time. Why does it make a difference if I make out with Zach?

"Well, we better just go over there. Don't want to be third, fourth and fifth wheeling," Axel says and on cue, they all walk away leaving Zach and I standing alone in the corner of the room.

"Um, so...well," I try to start a conversation in this awkward situation but before I could finish with an actual sentence Zach moves closer, placing his hand on my cheek. Our eyes locked and neither of us can bear to look away. His breath fans my lips as he looks me in the eyes. I notice a small scar on his jaw, before I could even stop myself I contemplated how he got it. For a split second, I wanted to know everything. I need to know him.