Come Back To Me (Previously No Friends Just Benefits)

10. No Friends, Just Benefits

I spent the next week trying to heal from my bruised ribs and constantly throbbing head while trying to keep my mom happy, which was probably why the healing process was much slower than normal. I spent my mornings cleaning, or doing any other chores she left for me, and my afternoons and evenings sleeping. For the most part, though. I was happy that Mom hadn't hit me since busting my nose.

My phone buzzed beside me and I didn't have to look over to know it was Jason calling. I sighed and rolled over, facing away from the phone. I had been deliberately ignoring his calls and messages. I remembered we were on a benefits kind of thing. This wasn't meant to be a friendship and most certainly not a relationship. He needed sex and I needed a fake boyfriend and that was it. We knew the basics and honestly, I didn't need another person worrying about me.

Two seconds later, my phone beeped signaling yet another text. We hadn't talked since I came home from the hospital and him being the gentleman he was, never invited himself over without permission. Getting annoyed, I decided to check my message. Just like suspected I was right - a text from Jason: Hey. I need to come over. I'm on my way there.

I sighed. I supposed he wasn't really a gentleman then. I couldn't help but wonder why he was coming over so urgently. Ten minutes later, my front door knob jiggled and creaked open, footsteps followed in. "Charlotte?" Jason's voice echoed throughout the house.

"Living room." I muttered, shuffling on the couch. He walked in but he stopped when he saw me. His hair was flat on his forehead and water drops dripped from it and onto the rug. "It's raining outside?"

He sighed and sat beside me, laying a hand on my legs. His eyes scanned over my skin, his gaze lingering on my arms, and my torso. "How are you doing?"

I frowned, "You didn't answer my question. Why should I answer yours?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.

Jason rolled his eyes, "Yes it was raining. Now how are you feeling? Are you still sore from the bruises or...?" he asked again, sounding genuinely concerned.

I shrugged and stood up, "I'm fine, my bruises are almost entirely faded on my ribs. Would you like anything to drink?" I asked him, making my way to the kitchen.

"I'm good, thanks." he mumbled back.

Regardless of his answer, I fetched him a glass of coke and brought it back to him, "Here - drink it anyways. Who doesn't love coke?"

He gave me a lopsided smile and patted the space on the couch beside him. I sat down and let myself be content with the warmth radiating off his body. "You've been ignoring my calls and messages." he stated, and I instantly felt his smoldering gaze on me. I purposely avoided making eye contact - what would I say to him?

"Uh..." was all I could muster, not sure of what I would tell him.

"Charlotte, look at me." he gingerly touched my chin and turned my head towards him. Much to my dismay, I couldn't help but look up at him and meet his gaze. "Why?"

I sighed and pursed my lips, "Jason... You shouldn't care about my personal life and you shouldn't be concerned or worried either. Not to mention get involved... This was strictly a no strings attached thing, remember?"

He sighed as well, and ran a hand through his hair. "Charlotte, I... I can't help but get worried. Whether not this is a no strings attached thing, you getting hurt wasn't part of the deal!"

I scowled, "I'm not getting hurt." That was my mother he was talking about.

He scoffed, "Of course not."

I groaned and threw my head back, "You're giving me a headache, Jason."

There was shuffling beside me, "I'm sorry, that's not what I meant to do. I was just really worried. Kelsey phoned me and asked if I heard from you and pretending to be your boyfriend, I had to act like you were just busy... I was worried, okay?"

I turned to catch a glimpse of his face. His eyes were dull and sorrow filled. I put my hand over his. "If it really means that much, I'll try to stay out of your personal life okay?" he didn't sound too happy about it, but who's to blame him?

I nodded and sat up straighter to plant a brief kiss on his lips, ignoring the tingly aftermath.He smiled softly. "And that was for...?"

I leaned back on the sofa and pulled him down on top of me. "Let's stay away from the morbid conversations, okay? Just kiss me," I mumbled as I pressed my lips against his. I felt my stomach flutter from his touch. I wrapped my hands around his face and deepened the kiss.

"Are you sure?" he whispered in between kisses. I took his hand in mine and placed it under my shirt against my bare skin. The thing with Jason, was that he knew just when to be gentle; and when it was cool to kick it up a notch and take it rough. This time, however, he didn't allow himself to put pressure on my body - not once.

He lay on the couch, arms wrapped around me an hour later just letting his hands run through my hair, humming a soft tune. I let myself relish the blissful moment and snuck a look at his face. Of course his eyes fluttered open, sparkling and bringing a smile to my face. "Anything I can help you with?" he asked, his voice tender and sweet.

I shook my head and turned to face him, hitting my side on his elbow in the process. I bit back a groan of pain but I was almost positive my face showed agony. Even though they were healing, it still hurt like a bitch if something knocked against it.

Jason's face contorted to shock, then guilt. "Charlie are you okay? Crap, my elbow hit you. Oh my God I am so, so sorry!" he whispered frantically, sounding like he was about to go into major panic mode.

I forced a laugh, "Jason, I'm fine. Just a moments worth of discomfort." I blushed, touching my hurt area.

He frowned and pulled me closer, throwing the duvet off lower so my bare upper body was visible to him. I felt my already red face get even hotter under the way he was scanning my torso so intensely.He reached out and rubbed it slightly, scooting further down to kiss it softly. I breathed out a sigh of pleasure from the coolness of his lips against the burning sensation of my ribcage.His eyes flickered to meet mine and I pulled him up, burying my face in his chest. He patted my hair and then kissed the top of my head, "You're so precious, Charlie." he whispered just as I was about to doze off into a peaceful sleep.