Misconception

8: Naivety

Clementine's POV

Vinny cleans himself up and helps me back into my skirt before we go downstairs to eat supper. Once we're finished eating I decide I should get some sleep. As I'm making my way up the stairs I'm startled when I hear Vinny at the bottom of the stairs ask,

"Where are you going?"

I squeeze my eyes shut as I feel myself begin to fall down the stairs, but before I feel the impact I hear Vinny dart up the stairs, wrapping his arms around me, steadying me.

"That was a close one."

He says.

"Yeah, t-thanks."

I stutter.

"You never answered me."

He says, guiding us safely to the landing atop the stairs.

"I'm tired."

I say as I rub my eyes. Vinny smiles down at me as he says,

"Let's get you to bed then, little one."

Vinny follows me into my room as I grab my pajamas and head into my bathroom to change. When I'm changed, I walk back into my bedroom to find Vinny sitting on the edge of my bed, covers pulled back, ready for me. As I crawl into my bed Vinny says,

"About today..."

"What about it?"

I ask. Vinny rubs the back of his neck as he says,

"If you weren't comfortable with anything we did we never have to do it again, okay?"

I nod my head and say quietly,

"But I liked it..."

As Vinny tips my head up with his index finger he says,

"I liked it too. Why aren't you looking at me baby?"

I blush and look away.

"You're really handsome..."

I mumble as I hug my knees to my chest.

"What?"

Vinny asks, having not heard me, or pretending not to just to get me to say it again. I hide underneath my covers as I say,

"You're really handsome..."

I feel an even stronger blush creep up my cheeks even though Vinny can't see me.

"You're really beautiful."

Vinny responds. I slowly lower my covers to reveal my face.

"Really?"

I ask. Vinny smirks as he says,

"Really baby girl. Want to sleep in my room tonight? I could use a cuddle buddy."

A smile spreads across my face as I nod. Vinny smiles as he stands up, pulling the covers off of me and scooping me up in his arms, carrying me to his room. I giggle as he plops me down on his bed. I crawl under the sheets and snuggle up to the covers as Vinny pulls off his shirt. For some reason it's different seeing him undress this time. It's different because I'm attracted to him. I bite my lip and blush as Vinny takes off his pants and is left in just his black Calvin Klein boxer briefs.

"What's the matter?"

He asks as he gets into bed beside me.

"N-nothing..."

I lie.

"Don't lie to me, little girl."

He says as he pulls me into his arms.