Love in Death

Chapter 6

Shopping with my mom and sister the following day was interesting, to say the least. My mom had to practically force Jamie to come with us. She protested the whole way to the mall and sulked and texted on her phone the entire time. How old was she again? Five?

All three of us separated at one point so we could shop for each other. We agreed to meet at the food court in two hours. I was relieved to be free of the drama queen but I had no idea what to buy her. I didn’t know what her interests were, besides boys.

I saw a store I knew she frequently shopped at and figure a gift card would probably be the smart way to go. I went in and quickly made my purchase.

Well, that was easy.

Now I just needed to figure out what to get Trevor. I know he loved music so I went inside a couple music stores, hoping something would inspire me.

What I didn’t expect was to find said guy browsing through CDs. I stopped in my tracks, confused but excited to see him here. I quietly made my way towards him and tapped his shoulder, making him jump and turn to me, eyes wide with surprise.

“Shit, Nora, you scared me! What are you doing here?” I glanced at the album cover and saw it was a band I had recommended the other night. I did a mental happy dance.

“I was going to ask you the same thing! Aren’t you supposed to be in Colorado?” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Uh, change of plans. My Dad is working on some big project for work and wouldn’t be able to spend much time with me. So I decided to stay here.” I could tell he was lying, but I didn’t pry. It wasn’t my business.

“Oh, that sucks but hey maybe we can hang out sometime. I would now, but I’m supposed to meet my mom and sister at the food court soon.” He nodded, putting the CD back where he found it and turned to give me his full attention. I thought when I saw him again, things would be awkward between us. Our phone conversation last night had been intimate and I wasn’t sure how to act around him now that I knew he was interested in me.

“Yeah, definitely. Listen, about last night, I really liked talking to you,” I could feel my cheeks heat, surprised he was bringing this up now in a public setting. I glanced around, seeing the store was practically deserted, which is odd for this time of year, “and I was hoping I could call you again tonight.” I smiled and glanced down at my hands, finding them really interesting just then. He placed a finger gently on my chin and put pressure there, making me look at him. His dark green eyes were intense as he gazed at me, making it hard for me to form a coherent thought.

“Sure, I would love that.” He smiled and leaned towards me. Startled, I thought he might kiss me, but I was frozen, unable to move as he drew closer and closer. I clenched my hands, trying to will my body to move or speak or something, but I was paralyzed. Finally, his soft lips landed on my cheek. It was brief but the skin tingled where his lips touched. My body heated from head to toe and I wondered how in the world this man could affect me so.

“I can’t wait.” He whispered in my ear before completely pulling away and leaving the shop. I stood there for a few moments, frozen with shock and elation. I shook myself and looked behind me where he left but saw no sign of him. I touched my cheek, the one he kissed, and knew I had a silly smile on my face. I walked out of the store and saw the knowing look the store clerk gave me. I didn’t care, I was on cloud nine and never wanted to come back down.

I was so lost in my bubble that I didn’t realize someone was calling my name; a very familiar voice.

I turned towards the sound and my eyes widened when I saw Carter’s face not twenty feet away from me.