Saving Mattie (nh)

Chapter 11: Realization

Something was lying beside me in bed. I shut my eyes tight, heart pounding, scared out of my wits. What- or who- was there? Had I been drugged? Raped? Kidnapped?!

I heard whoever it was grunt, and they rolled over closer to me. My breath hitched as an arm was draped across my stomach, dragging me closer.

Our Father, who aout in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give me this day-

The person grunted a little, making me whimper.

"Hmm? Mattie, is something wrong?"

I turned, and was face to face with James.

I released the breath I didn't know I was holding. "Oh my god James, I thought I had been kidnapped!" I cried, burying my head into his bare chest. His laugh rumbled. His arm was still wrapped around my side, and began rubbing my back. My eyes flew open, and it was then that I realized I was looking at his chest.

His bare chest.

To my relief, there was only lightly shaded abs, hardly visible. Thank god. If there was one thing I hate, it would be rock hard abs on a guy.

Wait. What was I saying?

My eyes flashed up, and James was smirking down at me. "Like what you see?" he asked cheekily.

I rolled my eyes and stuck out my tongue at him.

"If you keep sticking that out, it'll fall off." He grinned. I blushed a little, but stuck it back inside my mouth. James laughed a little, then removed his arm from my side. The skin was left tinging, hot and cold at the same time, and it was then that I remembered how James got here last night.

"I'm going to go make some grub, alright? Come out whenever you're ready."

James slid out of the bed, his body heat lingering on the sheets. He padded out the door, leaving me to my thoughts.

He sang to me. He sang to me! My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt my whole body flush. Why would he do that for me? My chest felt like it would burst, and goosebumps flitted over my skin, much like they had last night when he sang. My breathing quickened as my heart fluttered.

What the legitimate fuck was this?

It happened all the time. The blushes, the heart quickening, body flushed, goosebumps. But I couldn't help it! I didn't make myself do that. It's physically impossible! Something about James made me go crazy. He was a funny, sweet, sensitive, odd, crazy, fun, pefect guy.

Oh shit.

Damn.

I think I have it for James.

And I think I have it bad.

How the hell am I supposed to go out there and face him now? I now realize I have a... a crush on him, and now I need to face him out there like nothing's going on? That'll be impossible!

I didn't know how to deal with these feelings. I had never really liked anyone before, not having the time to deal with myself and my own personal problems. Of course, I found people attractive, but I never had time to really interact with them. That's part of the reason why Darcy is my only friend.

"Mattie, are you okay?" I heard him call.

Aw, shit.

"Yeah, I-I'm fine. I'll be there in a second." I called back, my heart racing. I heard him walk back down the hall, and then I allowed myself to breath freely again.

The blankets felt suffocating now that my whole body was flushed. I kicked them off, nearly rolling off the bed while doing so. My legs were covered in flannel pajama pants with clovers on them that James bought me. I flushed red, knowing he had paid for them.

God, I'm going crazy.

Before I could overthink anything, I padded along the hall to the kitchen. I refuse to let myself stop for even a moment, and think about the fact that my crush was lying on the other side of the kitchen door.

I paused before the oak door. Come on Mattie. You can do this.

Without a second thought, I pushed open the door.

Damn. Shouldn't have pushed open the door.

James was standing by the stove, flipping something in a frying pan. Shirtless, I may add. I just happened to notice the colour of his hair-dark brown- when he sighed and began whistling a merry tune. Oh, thank God! He hadn't realized that I entered the room. Maybe I could escape, gather my thoughts, mentally prepare myself, and re-enter. I began to plan my escape.

Maybe if I shoulder-roll forwards and duck behind the counter, I could sit there for a few seconds and regroup. No, maybe I could cartwheel over to the-

"Mattie, what are you doing?" James asked, smirking.

I had subconsciously began biting my nails, eyes darting all over the kitchen. I straightened. "Oh, you know... Just, um..."

James raised his eyebrows, clearly enjoying my uncomfortableness.

"Dancing!" I blurted out.

"Dancing?" James said doubtfully, grinning

"Yeah! I, um, dance every morning. Duh."

"Right." James said doubtfully.

I rolled my eyes. "I do too!"

"Whatever. Do you want pancakes? Fresh out of the frying pan." James grinned, holding out a plate of steaming pancakes.

I licked my lips and grinned. "Do you need to ask?"

James handed me the pancakes and laughed. He turned, but not before telling me, "I know you were checking me out by the way."

Shoot.

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Sorry it seems like a filler! But Mattie finally realized she likes James, so maybe you'll forgive me? No? Alright. see ya soon!

-Mattie