You Can't Choose Your Family ➸ Demi Lovato

{Chapter 31}

The afternoon had passed smoothly, Joel and I talking constantly, only being interrupted by Dianna calling us into the kitchen for lunch. Even then we didn't stop talking. It surprised me that Joel engaged in a comfortable conversation with the older woman. I always thought (well assumed, as I really haven't had experience with them before) that boys were awkward but for the duration of lunch I couldn't get a word in sideways as Joel asked all about Dianna's time as a Texas Cowboys cheerleader, her travel experiences and pretty much everything in between. He wasn't intrusive in his quizzing but just seemed genuinely interested. His ice blue eyes sparkling, especially when Dianna told him about the time she'd visited Paris or something else he found fascinating. I didn't mind not being a part of the conversation. In fact I actually quite enjoyed just admiring Joel - his personality and his looks - without him catching me out as he was too enthralled in discussion to notice my goggling.

At around five thirty, the sound of the front door slamming cut short Joel's story about the time he'd ended up in hospital with two broken ribs after a soccer game.

"That's probably Demi," I shrugged. Joel bit his lip. I read the action as nerves for meeting my older sister but I felt my heart flutter at how adorable he looked.

"Should I go and say hello?" He asked,

"I'm sure she'll come in in a minute," I said as coincidentally my blonde haired older sister appeared at the doorway.

"Hi Saski, good day?" She asked smiling, coming over to lean over the back of the sofa and hug me round my neck from behind.

"Yeh it's been good. By the way this is Joel," I waved my hand in Joel's direction.

"Hi I'm Demi," Demi waved, her arms still round my neck, "Saskia's told me all about you." She winked before I punched her arm forcefully. "Hey, don't deny it babygirl!"

Joel chuckled from his close proximity beside us. "It's very nice to meet you Demi," he said in his usual charming manner. "Thank you for having me here. Your house is amazing."

"Aw thank you," Demi blushed, she always found it awkward talking about her house and how luxurious it is. She believes it's unnecessarily large and if it wasn't for the fact she didn't have the time or the effort to downsize, she would move to a smaller one in a heartbeat. She hated the fact her house kind of shoved her wealth in people's faces. "And it's no problem at all, I'm glad you were around to keep Saskia from dying of boredom." Demi laughed at her own terrible joke which consequently made Joel and I laugh too.

"I'm glad to be of service," Joel chuckled, his nerves apparently gone.

"Are you staying for supper?" Demi asked, finally releasing her arms from my neck, not that it was actually bothering me too much.

"That would great if that's alright with you?" Joel replied, yet again very politely.

"Sure that's fine. I'll order pizza or something in a minute then. I'm starving." Demi said, making her way out of the room. "Remember the six inch rule still applies!" She added as she disappeared.

"The six inch rule?" I asked, never having heard of such a thing.

"Yeh, it's like a school regulation although no one ever keeps it. People still do this," his surprisingly soft lips pressed against mine momentarily, "and break the six inches." He smirked as I felt my whole body heat up and butterflies invade my stomach. Joel Lutterworth had just kissed me. I'd just had my first ever kiss and although it was really short, it felt nicer than I'd ever anticipated a first kiss would be. The butterflies were still going absolutely mental. "I've been wanting to do that ever since I saw you in the corridor back at high school," Joel admitted, his cheeks going slightly red too.

I didn't really know what to reply to that so I just leant up and connected our lips again, wanting to experience the thrill all over again. This time I wanted to live in the moment instead of it passing by quickly whilst I was completely taken aback by the motion.

Joel started to move his lips carefully against mine as he put his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. I reciprocated, my head spinning with the new feelings being provoked.

All to soon Joel pulled away. Opening my eyes reluctantly, I saw the shit eating grin on his face which I'm pretty sure mirrored my expression exactly.

"You're beautiful," he said in a low voice, making my face burn.

"Okay!" A sudden, loud voice made both our heads snap back. "I ordered six pizzas! Do you think that's too many?" Demi plopped herself on the armchair opposite us, obviously completely oblivious to the moment she'd just interrupted.

"Y-yeh," I laughed, stumbling awkwardly on my words as my whole body was still practically on fire from the kisses.

"When did you develop a stutter?!" Demi chuckled but then looked between Joel and I's eyes continuously. I started to feel increasingly uneasy as I could see her brain slowly connecting the dots. "You guys totally just got it off didn't you?" She chuckled again, shaking her head, "I leave you for two minutes and look what happens!" She waved her hand between us.

I looked sideways at Joel. As soon as he connected the contact I couldn't help but burst into giggles. It's one way of playing off an awkward situation, right?!

Within a few seconds I had collapsed onto Joel's lap, my chest heaving with uncontrollable giggles. I didn't even know what I was laughing at but that just made it ten times funnier.

As my outburst started to seize, minutes later, I looked up at Joel from my position- sprawled across his lap. Tears were glistening in his eyes, an evident sign of him laughing too.

"Y'all crazy," Demi muttered, swinging her legs over the arm of the chair and turning on the TV.

Joel leant down and kissed my forehead sweetly, grinning widely. I returned the favour by leaning up and pecking his soft lips.

"Saski don't push it," Demi said warningly, giving me a stern look.

I flipped her off whilst connecting Joel and I's lips again, this time for longer.

"For fucks sake," Demi breathed out loudly in frustration. "Horny teenagers!" She jumped up, somewhat reluctantly from her chair and pushed us apart. She squeezed her ass into the space between Joel and I and put her arms round each of us. Joel gave me an amused look as Demi clapped her hands together in victory. "That's better! Now Scream 3 or Remember Me?"

***
I couldn't help myself but write further even though I've just started important exams😁 oops.
Anyway the feedback I'm receiving right now for this story has absolutely blown me away- I never thought people would actually enjoy my writing.
Hope this chapter makes up (sort of) for not updating for a week or so😁