The Mystery Guy Next Door

√ 6) Hugs And Kisses

When I saw J in Art, I was slightly relieved... partly because I had thought that he may have ditched school due to the never ending boredom.

I waved over at him when I saw him casually stroll in. Eagerly, he more or less sprinted towards me. I stood up but before I could sort my self out, he had pounced on me and had me in a hug. He buried his face in my hair, I could feel him breathe in my scent. After a few seconds, he let me go and smiled sheepishly.

"Someone clearly missed me." I wiggled my eyebrows at him. "I don't blame you though, I am of course... Irresistible."

"Sorry, but your the only person I really know and that I have seen all day. The boys avoid me like I'm carrying the black death and the girls.. lets just say they don't know the meaning of personal space!" He justified.

I grinned.

All throughout art, we exchanged glances and made small talk.

After school I decided just to text Kathy and tell her to make her way to the party, which was tonight, without me and instead go with her date. Some dude who's part of the basketball team had asked her to be his date for the party and she had obviously said yes. Whereas me, I hadn't even given it a second thought.

My arm hooked in J's, we began the steady walk home. Even though I hadn't even known J for more than a week, I trusted him wholeheartedly, for some reason... A part of me was telling me to stop and not trust everyone so easily. But seriously, what is there to lose? Why would you not trust someone who your gut says is nothing more than vulnerable and in need of some love?

"So, I know its short notice but I didn't get a chance to tell you. There's a party tonight and uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come with me.."

His eyes twinkled and he looked straight at me.

"I'm busy tonight. Should have told me earlier." He replied, amusement flickered in his eyes. He found this funny...

I was about to face palm myself. Clearly, I just welcomed my own rejection.

"...But." He continued. "Just for you, I will be ready."

My heart fluttered and in a blink, he swiped my phone from out of my hand and I'm guessing he added his number into it. I smiled and congratulated myself. Not bad Riley.

"G- great", I stuttered. "I'll call you at 8:00, be ready. Joseph?" I questioned.

He let out a throaty laugh and slightly shook his head. As I turned to leave, I heard him say, "Don't worry about me, I'll be ready. I'll be waiting.. for you." I shivered at that.