1 Night, 5 Hearts

Chapter 16 || I'll Protect You From The Big Scary Ethan,

♡ < < - - - - - - - - C e l s e y - - - - - - - - > > ♡ 

"Gosh, what a jerk!" I exclaimed, thinking about the hostile way Ethan thought to introduce himself to Daniel. I mean come on!

"He was just shocked. You guys all seem pretty tight. I can see where he's coming from, but do me a favor and don't ever leave me alone with him," he added. I laughed at his wary expression.

"Don't worry I'll protect you from the big scary Ethan," I told him, placing a quick kiss on his nose. I pulled back in time to see a bit of blush across his cheeks.

Just then the door opened up and Julie came crashing in with a guy from my Calculus class, Josh, I think his name is. They were in full on make out mode, meaning, moans and groans. "Oh gross!" I almost gagged. Daniel grabbed my hand and together we snuck out of there. Careful not to disturb their disturbing moment. I quickly led us to Bryan's room hoping we could sleep on the ground or couch. When we got there we let out a breath. My eyes found his and we began laughing.

I walked over to sit on Bry's bed for a sec, and he joined me.

"So, that was an adventure, uh?" He said.

"Yeah, one I would never want to relive again. Who knew Julie was such a sleaze ball?"

He rubbed the back of his neck shyly, "Um, most guys know."

"Are you saying you and Julie?" I questioned, for some reason I was once again on the verge of laughing.

"She was my first kiss. 7th grade, on the school bus. Her friend dared her to kiss someone and she chose me. Her and I were neighbors for a long time, so we knew each other pretty well, but by then she was hanging with the wrong crowd and going to high school parties. I guess you could say, we drifted apart. It's not a bad thing. Sometimes she's still cool, but she just makes choices, you know." I nod in understanding.

"Sorry," I said, feeling bad for my previous statement.

"Don't be. You didn't know," he says with a smile. "So are we going to finish where we left off?" He winked.

"Are you talking about us kissing, me ranting, or the game?"

"If you still need option 2 that works, however option 1 and 3 are really calling me," he shakes his head like this is the hardest question he has ever had to answer, causing another wave of laughter to course through me.

Then, Bryan and Emmett walk in. It's obvious Bryan is a bit uncomfortable and Emmett is frustrated. Honestly, they look like they could both use some sleep, but Bryan refuses the bed with a comment that sends me turning bright red. When they leave I'm utterly embarrassed.

"Don't go getting any ideas," I say to Daniel.

"Darn, I was planning on stealing his sheets and bed," he sighed and just like that all was right again.

Knock, knock.

Well almost.

"Celsey, please tell me you're in here," I hear Ethan call from behind the door. My eyes meet Daniel's and I sigh.

"Yes, I'm in here," I call back expecting him to break open the door.

"Can I come in." Holy crap did he really just ask? Daniel looks just as shocked as I feel.

"Sure," I say a bit unsure. When he enters, his big brown eyes look down at Daniel and my hand intertwined. I watch as he tries to keep his cool.

"Can I talk to you for a moment," he asks. Something's obviously bothering him, so I stand to go to him.

"What's up," I say, once I'm standing in front of him. Ethan gives Daniel a hard look to make him turn around.

"I wanted to say, I'm sorry, for the way I acted towards you and the tool," he said like the words were acid in his throat. I have now seen it all.

"His name is Daniel, and it's okay. I know you were looking out for me, like you've always done, so thanks, but remember I have a brother, who already is going to want to kick the crap out of any boy I bring home. All I need from you is to be a friend. Okay?" He nods and I give him a hug, which he returns quickly.

I'm not going to lie and say my feelings for Ethan are completely gone because he was my first crush, but I know he wasn't the guy for me. He's my friend and will remain my friend.

"Good night, Cels, I'll see you in the morning," he says, before releasing me from his bear hug.

"Night," I smile and watch him leave.

♡ < < - - - - - - - - C e l s e y - - - - - - - - > > ♡