Figuring It Out

Chapter 20

I laugh, and run up the stairs of this huge playground, headed towards the giant swirly slide.

So far, Michael and I have had probably the best date I've ever been on. We had dinner at Panda Express, which mainly consisted of us talking and getting to know each other a little more. After, we walked a few blocks to this park, which is probably the best park I have ever been to.

"I'm not letting you go down this thing alone!" Michael shouts out, just a few steps behind me.

I spin around and raise my right eyebrow.

"And why is that?"

"Your gonna fly down and when you get to the bottom, you'll hurt your butt. Then Liam will kill me, because I had a hand in getting your butt bruised."

"You seriously think Liam looks at my butt? The only butt he's probably looking at is Sophia's."

"Umm... that's nice?"

"I guess. I'm usually out of the house when she says the night. I wouldn't know. Liam and I tend to stay out if each other's love life's."

"Would this be considered a start to a love life?" Michael questions.

I mentally sigh, and immediately have an answer. I lean up and press a quick kiss to his stubble covered cheek.

"I'll leave you figured that one out by yourself." I say, spinning around and sliding down the huge swirly slide. When I pop out at the bottom, I walk forward and turn around, only to find Michael appearing shortly after me. he comes towards me, and nods towards the swings.

"Shall we?" He asks me, his eyes twinkling in the setting sun. I didn't even realize it was getting dark.

"We shall." His smirk grows into a smaller smile, and I can't help but feel my heart beat a little faster.

As we walk toward the swing area, Michael intertwines his hands in mine. They are rough in contrast to my softer ones, obviously years of playing guitar has left an impact. On the short walk over, his calloused thumb runs soothing circles into my hand, making me get butterflies in my stomach. I haven't felt this way since I was 13, and I thought I was going to marry Zach Efron, and I thought High School Musical was the coolest movie ever invented. Or since Harry. I quickly manage to shove thought of that bastard out of my thoughts and focus back on Michael.

Our hands break apart when we get to the swings, and we both sit down on ones next to each other. I start pumping my legs back and forth, a skill I've known since I was a toddler, and within a few moments, I'm a good few feet higher than Michael.

"I have an idea," I hear Michael voice out.

"And that is?"

"Loser of the swinging competition has to take the winner on another date."

"When are we making the verdict on the winner?"

He gives me a cheeky smile and stops swinging.

"Now. I just lost so you have to go on another date with me."

I laugh and jump off my swing, landing a few feet away, and not falling over in the process.

"It's a good prize." I tell Michael as he walks off his swing and makes his way towards me.

He intertwines our fingers, and begins to walk towards the exit of the park, both realizing that it's getting late, and Liam might be getting worried.

Walking the 10 or so blocks home is easy, and surprisingly we don't see any paparazzi. Normally they hide out by Liam's, reasons obvious, but this time it's calm.

"So, for first dates, this was good?"

Michael asks, looking down at me.

"It was terrific. Best date I've ever been on."

"And your not just saying that?"

He questions me.

I press the up button on the elevator, and we reached me and Liam's place, getting ready to get back home.

As we step on the elevator, I turn and press the 25th floor button, then face Michael.

"I loved it. I got to act carefree, and spent my night with an amazing guy. Of corse it was the best date ever."

Michael lets out a big toothy smile, and I admire the twinkle in his eye. The elevator dings, signaling that were on my floor. We both step out, and walk towards the only door on the floor, as Liam has the penthouse.

Michael turns to me and we both smile. He slowly starts to lean towards me, and soon enough, our lips are pressed together. We pull back after a few moments, and I can tell I'm smiling like a total idiot.

"Good night Payne in my ass." He says.

"See ya later Clifford."

With that, I pull open the door, then lightly close it behind me.

As I practically float past the lounge, I hear Liam call out to me.

"How was your date?"

I glance over to him, and see Sophia cuddled up into his side. I love having her around.

"It was amazing."

I retort.

I see Soph and Liam exchange a look, then she speaks up.

"I think someone is in love."

I start making my way towards the stairs when I hear Liam respond to her.

"I think someone really is."