Resist Me, I Dare You [completed]

Chapter 24

I used to think that being speechless was just someone's excuse for when they have nothing good to say. That is, until Nolan helped me out of the car and released his warm palm from my eyes. Breathtaking. I let my toes sink in the sand and I breathed in the cool ocean air. Looking to my left, there was a hut with a bar and food on the counter and to my right was a huge beach house. That alone was incredible but when I saw the beach decorated with sea shells, lights and balloons, I literally couldn't make words with this thing on my face called a mouth. I gasped at the sight and looked around at my friends. A small group of weird kids who makes me feel unbelievably happy and accepted. Nolan intertwined his fingers with mine and pulled me over to the counter under the hut. The group staggered behind us.

"Guys.. this is... beautiful, gorgeous, amazing, awesome, so many words that I can't express to you. Thank you." I gush and took turns hugging everyone. I felt tears pricking at my eyes and I blinked a bit to keep them astray.

"Don't cry. You deserve this." Nolan wrapped his arms around me. I sunk my face into his chest and breathed slowly, just enjoying his scent and warmth, not wanting to let go. With a bit of hesitation, he pulled away.

"Happy birthday." He scans my face. I don't break the gaze that locked my eyes with his and he leaned closer and kissed me on the forehead.

"You did this." I stated, rather than asked.

"What?" He dragged out the 'a'.

"Yes you did." I poked him on the chest and laughed.

"Ow, you poked my boob." He held the left side of his chest. I laughed at this. There was a guy behind the counter and he took our orders for drinks. I ordered a water and he served me right away. I walked toward the beach and there was a bonfire going. Only these kids would find a way to make a bonfire on the beach. My face lit up and I ran to it. Travis and  Chase were already sitting by it. After five minutes of engaging in a conversation, the whole group was seated by the fire. I rested my head on Nolan's shoulder when he started singing out of the blues.

"Happy birthday to you..."

"Happy birthday to you..." Chase and Lana joined in.

"Happy birthday to Kat... Happy birthday to YOUUU." They sang, in very ugly voices. Only Lana and Carrie could actually sing very well and they sang it well. We sat in silence for a while until Carrie's eyes closed on Chase's shoulder. He picked her up bridal style and walked toward the beach house.

"Goodnight, Chase, Carrie." We all said in hushed tones, one by one.

"Happy birthday, Kat." Carrie yawned and Chase smiled at me.

"Thank you." I said and smiled back at them. Lana, Maddie and Travis left one by one and Nolan and I put out the fire and lay on the sand, looking up at the stars.

"You couldn't resist me, could you?" He asked. I looked over at him and grinned but shook my head.

"You're so cocky." I said.

"And you're so amazing." He replied. A comfortable silence fell upon us and I sighed, still looking at the stars.

"I wish I could stay here with you forever, Nolan." I felt him shift a bit and I knew he was looking at me. He sighed and replied.

"Your mother would kill me." At the mention of my mother, I felt tears prick at my eyes.

"Hey, I'm sorry." He swiped my cheek with a thumb. I sank into his arm a bit more and he embraced me. "Even though it's your birthday, I need to tell you this. You may not like it or listen to me but you need to hear this." He looked deep into my eyes for some sign of reassurance and when I nodded, it was more than enough to tell him to continue. "You and your mom have a connection that is so extraordinary and amazing, Katherine. Whatever reason she had to put you in the mental hospital, was probably a good one. She wants to protect you as much as I do." He concluded, all the while sitting up. I followed his actions and nodded. He was right. Maybe she was just trying to help me. He brushed out sand from my hair as we continued talking.

"You're right." I say.

"Of course I am." He says with a smirk. I returned the smile with a giggle and gripped his cheeks, pulling him toward me. He laid his lips on mine in a gentle way, almost soothing. His hands gripped my hips and pulled me onto his lap. We pulled away at the same time and he pulled me into his chest. I closed my eyes and never felt so at home.

"I love you, Katherine."

"I love you more, Nolan."