The Battle of The Bad Boys (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 9: Twenty Questions

"Right, twenty questions." Tyler wiggles his eyebrows at me. One of his hands steers the wheel, the other rests on mine, his thumb rubbing absent-minded circles on my skin. I grin my consent. "And we have to be completely honest. Although that's not likely to be an issue." He gestures to my cheeks which, to prove his point, turn red.

"Okay. Favourite colour?"

"Really." He groans, evidently disappointed by my question. "Green, you?"

"Purple," I reply.

"What would you do if you were immortal for a day?"

I pause, genuinely considering his question."Umm.. I guess I should say I would do something good for humanity... But to be honest I would probably go cliff jumping. I have always wanted to, just haven't got the guts."

"Probably for the best, babe. You're not exactly the epitome of athleticism." He nudges me playfully in the ribs. "I would go swimming with sharks."

"Superpowers?" I ask. Tyler immediately responds that he would love to be able to fly (typical) whilst I say that I would choose the ability to read minds. After this we have a debate over whether mental or physical powers are more useful. We then debate trivial matters such as vampires versus werewolves but also find out that we have quite a lot in common: we both have an obsession with Skittles, we prefer summer to winter and we're both the only children. Conversation is easy and natural though a pleasant chill still envelops me when he brushes against my skin and my heart jumps when the car fills with his husky laugh.

*~*~*

Before long, we pull up into my driveway with only a few minutes to spare before my curfew. "Last question," Tyler says, turning to me so that his breath tickling my face. "What would you rate our kiss?"

My breath hitches as he places a hand on my thigh. Looking into his piercing blue eyes, I remember what he said about honesty. Deep breath. "Actually, that was... that was..." My throat suddenly feels very dry. "My first kiss." His face lights up before a look of realisation dawns and expression quickly morphs into one of bitterness.

"What about Hunter?"

"That wasn't a real kiss." I assure him. "You are my first, and only, kiss." Without warning, Tyler grabs my face and leans in. Our breath mixes as he looks into my eyes, before fiercely pressing his lips to mine, again and again, and I become lost in him. His irresistible scent of oak and lavender, the feeling of his muscular chest pressed against mine and his soft yet commanding lips. As he eventually pulls away, I knot my hands in his blonde hair and pull him back, my lips tingling with desire.

"More." I command, not even recognising my voice as it comes out deep and thick, laced with lust. He gives me the lopsided grin and pulls me onto his lap. He plants a kiss ever so gently on my lips, careful not to get too caught up in the moment. "I don't want you to miss curfew." His voice is also deepened and heavy as he gently opens the car door and helps me out. Tyler walks me to the door, an arm around my waist pulling me into his body. My skin is still alive where he touched me - I finally understand the hype about kissing. The sensation is almost overwhelming and it is only the vague memory of my parents that means I manage to pull myself away from his warm chest at the door. His lips just reach mine when the porch lights turn on, alerting us to an audience and he chuckles quietly. "Bye Leila."

"Bye Tyler," I whisper, trying to hide the disappointment from my voice as he turns to leave.

"Ten." He calls over his shoulder as he slips back into his car. It takes me a few seconds to register what he means before I quickly shout back "Ten" into the darkness, and I'm almost positive I hear his husky laugh as his car retreats. Ten out of ten for the perfect kiss.