The Bad Boy's Nerd

21. The Day Of The Dead

Chapter 21

   It had been around a month since I told Ian about my brother – something that I had never told anyone before aside from Jenny and Kate. But there was also something else lurking at the back of my mind. There was only one month left until Ian and his family moved into their new house, and I still couldn't process that information.

   The aroma of waffles forced me to shove those thoughts to the back of my mind and sluggishly fall out of bed. Brushing my teeth and getting dressed, I headed downstairs to be greeted by the sight of a, yet again, shirtless Ian preparing breakfast. I dropped my bag next to the island and hopped onto it, opposite Ian.

   "Are you physically incapable of wearing a shirt while cooking?" I asked, as Ian handed me a plate of hot waffles.

   "Well, it's much too hot to be wearing any clothes," he winked.

   "You've got only yourself to blame for that," I murmured under my breath, staring in awe at his back muscles.

   He swiveled around faster than I could think 'Quidditch', and raised an eyebrow at me, wearing a cheeky smirk.

   "I beg your pardon?" he asked.

   If there are any aliens up there, now would be a brilliant time to abduct me. Please.

   "What?" I asked stupidly.

   "What did you say?" he asked, edging closer to me.

   "I said 'what'," I snorted, and slid away from him.

   Ian laughed shortly, but the smirk remained on his lips. He walked up quickly to me and placed his arms on either side of me, successfully caging me in.

   "I know what you said, nerd," he whispered into my ear, breathing lightly onto my neck.

   My breath hitched as he briefly rested his head in the crook of my neck.

   Why did you have to say that out loud, you maniac?

   He pulled back slightly, our noses almost touching as he looked me straight in the eye. I instantly recognized the look he was giving me. It was the same one he gave me the night of the wedding, when we were sitting on the patio, before he kissed me. His eyes darted down to my lips as he leaned in, his breath on my lips.

   "Aren't you two going to be late?" a voice broke through, causing me to jump in surprise and accidentally knee Ian in the stomach.

   "Fuck," Ian breathed out, clutching his stomach as my mom entered the kitchen.

   "Oh my God, I'm so sorry," I exclaimed, jumping off the island to Ian. "I'm so sorry,"

   "It's alright," he said, leaning against the counter, regaining his breath. "I'm good,"

   "Well, hurry up you two," my mom said, oblivious to what just - almost - happened.

   While Ian pulled on a sweater, I wolfed down my waffles and grabbed my bag and keys. "You coming in my car, or the bike?"

   "Car," he replied, grabbing two waffles and his bag, following me out of the house.

   We hopped into my DeLorean and drove to school with the radio on full volume, trying to ease the awkwardness. When we got to school, I turned off the car and we sat there for around a minute or so before Ian broke the silence.

   "So, about what happened –" I cut Ian off.

   "Whatever, it was nothing," I waved it off, and opened the door to get out.