The swim didn't last long. I was right, it was way too cold for that. But it had been fun, nevertheless.
Hanging out with Chad's friends, I was suddenly hyper aware of how little adventure I'd had, how much I'd missed out on by staying in, doing homework, and watching Netflix.
Sure, I went to parties, but that was probably the extent of it. Chad's friends were so go-with-the-flow and nothing fazed them. I was a bit envious.
I'd half-expected to hate this expedition, excited as I was. I'd never even talked to these boys and as childish as it sounds, I thought they'd be mean. In reality, though, they were nicer than most of the jocks and "good" guys at school. Like Dylan.
Although with Chad, I'd been learning to expect myself to be wrong.
After we got out of the lake and re-dressed, Chad grabbed his jacket and set it on my shoulders, nodding to my shivering frame.
"Hopefully this will help."
I thanked him and hugged the thick, black fabric closer, relishing in the warmth and scent of his cologne, a musky scent I couldn't quite place.
Chad's friends continued drinking and talking, and I was surprised by how normal this all felt. I adjusted my position so that my knees were pressed close to my chest, hoping that would help keep my still-damp body warm. Chad noticed my shift and moved closer, slinging an arm around my shoulders and sharing some of his body heat.
We stayed for a little while longer, long enough for me to finish another two beers and become much more talkative. I noticed Chad hadn't drank since we got here, but I didn't ask him about it.
"Ready to go," his hot breath ghosted just below my ear.
I nodded, allowing him to help me up. We said our goodbyes to the the boys, Chad making them promise to get home safely. My heart warmed at the worry that creased his forehead with the exchange.
He guided me back through the brush the way we came, the walk felt shorter this time, agonizing anticipation having worn off.
"What did you think?"
"They're really great," I told him seriously, giving his hand a squeeze. I could tell he had been nervous about this, two parts of his life coming together. "Thanks for bringing me," I said, stopping our mutual stride and attaching our lips.
Chad, let go of my hand and cupped my face, fingers finding still-wet locks of hair. His tongue found mine and the two worked together, twisting and flicking, devilishly, exhilaratingly. My hands were on his chest, palms feeling every ragged breath that traveled through the chiseled structure.
We broke apart a few minutes later, panting.
"Let's get the fuck out of here."
The rest of the walk to Chad's car was short, and the second we reached it, his hands found my hips, roughly guiding me against it as he crushed his lips to mine again. It was all heat and passion, just like the two of us. We'd been through all the temperatures tonight— lukewarm, icy cold, and now white-hot, almost unbearably so. Chad softly moaned my name, as he shifted us so wi was sitting on the trunk, legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.
This was the most we'd ever kissed, the whole concept of physicality foreign to whatever our situation was. My mind wandered as his tongue worked with mine. What were we? Joe had assumed that Chad was my boyfriend, but I knew better than to make that assumption as well. I was still a little bothered with that girl he was with tonight, but I pushed that thought away, my mind focusing on Joe again. I was just as bad. Chad had more or less promised to be with me, but I wasn't sure how he labeled us, if he did at all.
Chad pulled away but didn't go far, leaning with his hands on either side of my legs, now dangling from my seat on the trunk. Neither of us said anything for a few moments, still catching our breaths.
"Shall we?"
I nodded, taking his outstretched hand and hopping off the car. Chad opened the passenger door for me, waiting until I slid in to close it.
As he got in and started the engine, I grew anxious, for about the twentieth time that night. With our renewed sense of us, combined with the drinks I had and our little make out session, I had no idea what was on Chad's mind. I'd already told him that I would stay at his place tonight, but did that mean something more than it used to?
I think Chad could sense my anxiety, since he's pulled out of the parking space he had been glancing at me every few seconds, a worried expression on his face. "What's wrong? He finally asked.
I was embarrassed to even vocalize it.
"I just...I don't know if you..." I couldn't even form a coherent sentence. "I don't think I'm ready to.."
Chad's eyes bulged, "What? You think...? No!"
I grew even more embarrassed and I lowered my head, thankful for my long hair, protecting my facial expression. Despite not wanting to go further with him, the rejection stung.
"Arabella, he started. I could feel his eyes on me. "There's probably nothing I'd love more than that with you. But not tonight." He reached over tucking some hair behind my ear and trying to search my face. "Not until you're ready. Really ready."
I looked up at him, allowing a small smile to replace the frown that had been previously plastered to my lips.
I didn't know why I assumed he was going to put pressure on it, hell he'd saved me twice from that kind of pressure. He was like a dark angel, hidden behind brooding eyes and a cloud of cigarette smoke. But he was my dark angel, and that is something I was still getting used to.
Once we got back to his house, I ceremonially tumbled through his bedroom window, now accustomed to the process. I took it upon myself to grab a pair of boxers and a t-shirt from his drawer, quickly slipping the clothing on before he made it inside. I could hear him lock the front door and almost silently traipse through the house and to his room, carful not to wake his family.
I crawled into his bed, and pulled the covers up to my chin, still cold from tonight's swim.
"Well this is a sight I could get used to," he smirked, closing the door behind him.
I rolled my eyes, but smiled, and the cocky but sweet thought. Chad easily slid the jeans he was wearing down his skinny legs and joined me in bed, clad in his own boxers and t-shirt. I cuddled up to him, desperate for the warmth he always radiated.
"Hey, Arabella?" He asked, stroking my hair.
"Hmm?" I asked, fighting sleep.
"Could we have a do-over? Of tonight."
I smiled, leaning up on an elbow to look at him.
"Oh, if you think I'm letting you get away without one, you don't know who you're dealing with," a devilish, but giddy grin plastered to my face.
"Oh, I have a feeling I'm just beginning to learn."
I nodded in agreement and pressed a kiss to his temple before settling back down next him. As I felt Chad drift to sleep I pushed down the doubts about what was happening between us. He wouldn't blow it this time. Would he? I wasn't sure, but I knew that Chad had a way of surprising me. I hoped to god whatever surprise that came next would be a good one.
