Begin Again // Calum Hood

Chapter 4.

Calum has been getting extremely flirty and touchy lately. Since last week, when I told him I wouldn't have sex with him, it's like he's trying to make me change my mind. He's slapped my ass a couple times and kissed my cheek more than a couple times. He's teasing me so bad, but he's sort of like a brother to me. I'm starting to trust him more and talk to him about me and my old past life, but he hasn't told me anything. He's also had more girls over, so I've had my fair share of weird morning encounters with girls who had an overall disheveled look running out of the apartment. The special brunette hasn't reappeared.

I also had the interview for the coffee shop, and I got the job. I've been talking to Michael a lot. We've been texting even more. I've never been so immediately interested in a guy like I have with Michael. I'm also becoming really good friends with another girl at work named Alexa. We're exactly alike other than her red, pixie-cut hair.

It's Saturday morning, so I didn't have work or class. I sat up in bed and texted Michael to see if he wanted to come over. He said sure, so I walked to the shower. Calum was sitting outstretched with his feet on the coffee table in front of the couch playing video games in nothing but his boxers. I gently put my hands on his bare shoulders

"Whatcha playin'?" He dropped the controller and grabbed my hands and slowly pulled my arms to wrap around his neck.

"Grand Theft Auto. Do you have to work today?"

Why is he worried about it? He's never been curious before.

"Um, no. But I invited my friend Michael over, so could you please put some clothes on? And try not be so touchy?" I tried to stand my ground but I whispered the end part.

He let me go and turned around.

"Friend?" He had raised eyebrows and a sideways smile.

"Yes. Friend."

"Like a boyfriend?" I blushed at the word.

"No, just a friend." I crossed my arms.

"Oh fine. Hey! Did you see my new tattoo?" He looked down and pointed to the Roman numerals MMXII etched underneath his right side collar bone. I stared in awe.

"I love it." I whispered. I brought my hand up to touch it and he pushed it away.

"It's fairly fresh, and really sore. Sorry." He looked me right in the eyes for an awkward 5 seconds.

"Okay, so I'm going to get in the shower, put clothes on." I walked to the bathroom.

I came out of the shower in a plain grey v-neck and light washed jeans, and Calum was still playing video games.

"Calum! Seriously? He's gonna be here any minute!" I tossed my wet towel at him.

"Chill." He walked to his room and shut the door. I brushed out my hair in my room and looked at my phone. Michael said he lives about 5 minutes away and he was almost here. "Can you come in here for a second?" Calum yelled, muffled by the door. I cautiously opened it.

"Which shirt?" He had on black skinny jeans and was making me choose between a black tank top that read "Santa Cruz" in yellow writing or a plain white t-shirt with a small pocket on the left side.

I brought my hand up to my face and covered my mouth in contemplation. "Which ever one you like best. Either one looks good."

He sighed. "I know they match I just need help because I like both of them. Which one?"

"Um, the all white one. Yeah that one."

He slipped it over his head and down his torso.

"Looks good. You can play your game now."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, so bossy." He clicked his tongue at me and strode past to the couch. I heard someone knock on the door.

"It's Michael." I could hear the smile in his voice. I ran and unlocked it. As I predicted, he was smiling.

"Hi!" I gave him a hug. "Come in." Calum turned around on the couch.

"Who's that?" Michael leaned down to whisper in my ear.

"My roommate Calum. He's cool. He's like a brother to me." I whispered back. He nodded his head and stood at his full height again. "Calum this is Michael." Calum waved.

"Hi, I'm her roommate but I'm sure that's what you were whispering about." He blatantly said.

"Yeah, actually." Michael laughed a little.

"Do you guys want this room or?" Calum asked.

I looked up at Michael. He shrugged.

"Could we have this room Calum?" He nodded and walked into his room. "You two kids have fun." He flashed the biggest smile. He's being so sarcastic.

"The dude seems sketchy." Michael said after the silence.

"I promise he's really cool, he's just in a shit mood today." I walked over to the couch with Michael right behind me.

"Do you two have a, thing here?"

"Me and Calum? Nooo. No. No." We sat on the couch and I kept talking even though I should've shut up. "I mean like he flirts sometimes." Michael understandingly nodded and picked up the controller that Calum was using. He started playing the game and I was intently watching. He leaned back and put his feet up. He kept looking over and smiling at me, so I took that as a sign and I put my hand on his knee. I quickly took it off, realising how weird it must feel for him. He grabbed my hand and put it back. He paused the game and sat for a half a second.

"You're really cute you know that?" The light was hitting his snow-white hair perfectly making it shimmer. I couldn't do anything but smile. "I mean it's cute when you think I won't like something so you stop. I love it. It's adorable." We stood frozen in time, staring into each other's eyes. I inched my face closer, and closer, but noticed he wasn't getting any closer so I pulled back and looked at the tv. "You did it again." He quickly breathed out before hungrily grabbing my face and kissing me.