Brooklyn (A Paul Lahote Story)

Chapter Eighteen

After my time and conversation with Paul, it was almost dinner time. He invited me to have dinner with him at Emily and Sam's but I kindly declined the offer before getting ready to head back home.

Luckily, no one was home when I got here. Skie was no doubt in my room, on my bed when I entered the vacant house - considering I saw her descending the stairs with her tail wagging. Seeing her made me happy to see that when everything else in my life is  changing - she's still the same.

So, now, we're sitting on the back porch and watching the beautiful sunset. I'm curled up in a ball, wrapped in a blanket on a beanbag and Skie is sitting next to me with her head on my lap as I massage my fingers through her fur.

"I wish you were here, mom.." I sigh, looking down at my lap. "Then we would've stayed back in Brooklyn and I would still be with my friends. I'd still be dancing with you. Dad would be so much happier." I sniff, wiping a salty tear away from my face.

"I just miss you."

"Oh, you're back." A dull, fake voice says behind me, snapping me out of my peaceful thoughts. Wonderful. Was is too much to hope that maybe, just maybe, I can actually try to enjoy this new move?

Skie growls at her and I try to hide my smile as I turn to see her fake blonde hair self.

"Oh, and I thought Dorthy's house landed on you. But looks like I was wrong." I smirk, standing up to pass her but she grabs my arm, her nails digging into my skin.

"Listen, you. If I'll have it my way, you and the dog will be out of this house as soon as your father and I say "I do". So, unless you want that to happen, I suggest you start being nice and treating me like the queen I am." She seethes before releasing my arm.

"See you." Paige smiles, flicking her hair over her shoulder before turning around to go to wherever her evil lair is.

I gently rub my arm, hissing at the pain that came with it. "Come on, Skie.." I gently say before entering the house.

"Game night!" I hear a voice shout, causing me to jump and Skie to run to the sound, her barks filling the house.

I slowly walk towards the entryway, looking at the boys on steroids with their girls standing there with my dad and soon-to-be evil step-mom.

I catch Collins eyes and I offer him a smile before turning around to climb the stairs. As I was about half way up, a hand grabs my tender arm, causing me to turn to look at that person and quickly pull my arm away.

I come face to face with a smiling Paul but his smile fades as he sees my face - no doubt the pain in my eyes.

"What's-" I grab his arm, interrupting him, and take a quick glance to see if anyone is looking before I lead him up the stairs and into my room.

I close the door behind us and look at Paul. He gives me a look and slowly starts to move towards me. I place my hands out, shaking my head before entering my bathroom and closing the door behind me.

"Dani..." I hear Paul sigh, no doubt leaning against the door trying to figure out why I'm so upset.

I look at myself in the mirror before drifting my eyes to my slightly bruised arm. "Wait, am I-" I quietly ask myself as I see blood trickle down my arm.

"Just wonderful." I sigh, opening my drawers to find a first aid kit but no luck. I look in my cabinet, closet - everywhere.

"Why isn't anything my life going right?" I angrily ask, opening a drawer and still no luck. Before I know it, I get too frustrated and accidentally slam my fingers in the drawer.

I inhale a sharp breath before pulling the drawer back open, my fingers throbbing from the traumatic pain.

The bathroom door opens and I look at the figure entering the room - Paul, of course. I frown and rub my eyes with my good hand as I let out a shaky breath.

"I slammed my fingers in the drawer.." I shakily say, showing him my hand.

His large, warm hand gently grabs mine and examines my fingers before giving them individual kisses. He pulls me closer to him and embraces me in a hug.

"What's wrong?" He gently asks, rubbing my bruised arm.

"Well, my arm is bleeding and my fingers are throbbing." I mumble, sniffing before pushing him away. "And I can't find the first aid kit." I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"Sit down. I'll get the one from the other room." Paul kindly says and I nod, taking a seat on the toilet.

He leaves the room and I groan, pulling my hair as I try and gather my thoughts. You need to get yourself together, Dani...

In comes the tall boy, that I hated but am now seeking comfort from, with the first aid kit in hand. He walks over to me before kneeling down and opening the kit.

"Let me see your hand.." Paul gently says, grabbing the still throbbing hand and I hiss.

"But my arm-"

"-isn't as bad as your hand." He interrupts, looking up at me with a smirk on his face.

I roll my eyes and giggle, watching him wrap gauze around my fingers, squeezing them together.

"Did I just hear you giggle?" He gasps, taping the bandage in place before tending to my arm.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I gasp, trying to hide my smile.

Paul gives me a mischievous look, placing the kit down gently before pulling me closer to him. "Are you sure about that?" He asks before attacking my sides with his fingers.

I gasp, a loud squeal leaving my lips before I erupt in a fit of laughter. Paul starts to chuckle, placing me on the floor as he continues to attack me.

"Stop!" I gasp, laughing harder.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't quite get that.." He mocks me, making me hit his chest.

He chuckles, planting his hands on either side of my face as he looks into my eyes. "Alright, I'll stop."

I breath heavily, trying to catch my breath as we stare at one another. It's like we're both stuck in a daze and can't get out. Why?

"Hey.." I gently say and Paul smiles.

"Hey.." He copies me.

It was like we were two magnets drawn to each other because he started to lean in and I didn't want to move or stop him. Slowly, I bring my hand up and over his broad shoulders. My fingers get tangled into his hair as our lips are only a breath away from each other.

We were just about to kiss when a loud scream erupts through the house and we both pull away, Paul looking up and letting a low growl escape his lips.

What happened? Most importantly, why did I want him to kiss me?

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A/N: Hey guys! I'm back! So sorry for the super late update... I feel bad for it. I know that this chapter may not be the greatest but I hope you enjoyed the almost kiss!

Please comment your thoughts and don't forget to favorite! Love you all!

Love,
C