Chapter 11
He leads me up the stairs by my hand and as soon as we get inside, he raises it to his lips and uses it to pull me closer into him. It's now that I realize that I'm staring at his lips, not even really staring anymore, I'm more focused on them.
"About the... about the date. Thanks- for taking me," I murmur, smiling up at him as I continue to nod. Its also only now that I realize my hands gripping to his white and blue plaid shirt. He nods in return, staring straight back down at me.
"Thanks for going. Listen, I.. I really like you, Taylor. A lot. And I was wondering if you might want to go on some more dates sometime.."
"So what are you saying?" I prod.
He straightens up and casts a smile down at me. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
"It's about time you asked," I push my hands to his cheeks and pull him down to my level, enough that our lips can meet. Its weird to say, I know, but kissing Ashton is probably the best thing I've ever experienced.
He parts only to say, "So, is that a yes?"
I smile into the kiss, deepening it as he backs me against a wall. Pictures wobble around me by the force. "Get over yourself," I slur against his lips, pulling him impossibly closer.
Just as he makes his way down to my neck, I hear the door shut and Austin's shrill voice fill the silence. "Taylor! Ashton! I'm home!"
That makes me stop immediately. We we're suppose to pick him up as soon as we got home, the Nelsons' must've dropped him off.
I squeeze away from Ashton and back into the living room where Austin is searching. He brightens up alittle when I walk in but doesn't do much to fix his exasperated expression. His hairs a untamed mess and stands on end. "Where were you?"
"Uhm, me and Ashton were just- talking in there." I gesture messily towards the adjoining den. That makes Austin start giggling.
"Yeah, talking," He can't hold it now, bursting into a loud laugh that I haven't heard since we left Wyland and even then, it wasn't often.
I feel my neck flush and I look around for Ashton and find him behind me, smirking.
"How was the Nelsons'?" I ask, trying to navigate off the subject. Austin had somehow came up with the fact that we were dating before the fact actually happened. He also has been almost accustomed to being called Charlie, he doesn't flinch as much when someone around him is called Austin, and he doesn't emphasize Taylor as much as he did a few weeks ago.
"Awesome. Jared had these awesome water guns and we played fort in his tree house. It was pretty awesome," I manage to sneak a grin to Ashton, emphasizing my point earlier.
"Sounds like it, bud," He yawns and starts to stretch. "Might wanna get some sleep."
"Yeah. I'm gonna do that." He concludes, rubbing a fist to his eye as he begins to trek the stairs. A second later, I feel Ashton's unshaved stubble at my neck from behind. I turn slowly and pull him to the couch, collapsing with a sigh, Ashton pushing to my side.
"Where'd you come from? Before this, I mean." He asks, beginning to connect my freckles. I feel my chest tighten as I look back at him, feeling too restricted to lie to him.
"Tennesee." I say simply, letting a small grin play off on my lips. He glances up at me lazily. I sigh, "Wyland."
"That was a dull expression." He huffs a deep breath mockingly, "Wyland." he smirks again. "Why'd you leave?"
That's one thing I can't tell him. I trust him, at least I think I can, but I can't trust him with this. Its the past now and I have no intention to relive it besides involuntarily in my dreams. I can't go there, not yet, at least.
I shift uncomfortably. "Um, "
"You don't have to talk about it," He's looking at me now, almost daring me to look back at him. But I dont. I just stare down at his toned arm around my waist, tracing my finger around his hand.
I nod. "Can we- talk about something else?" Suddenly uncomfortable with the whole subject.
"Of course. Let's see, what important subject shall we cover next?" He props a built arm on the pillow I rest on, facing me. "What's your favorite cereal?"
I laugh. "Cinnamon Toast Crunch. With butter and orange juice. it's a must."
"I can only imagine. How many guys have you dated?"
I push my lips to the side and look upward, silently counting. "4. What about you?"
"Believe it or not, I'm actually straight." He says with a placid expression. I laugh again.
"You know what I mean!"
"I do, and I've actually only dated one other girl besides you, now."
"Who was she?"
"Uhm, she lived in Wilmington where I went to highschool. We were middle school sweethearts, finally went out in 9th grade when she had to go back to Arizona for the summer. She, um, passed away in a car accident that summer.." He trails off, looking down again while I turn to face him.
"I'm sorry." I say, sounding genuine.
"It's okay, I have you now."
••A/n
Y'all go read Saving Grace; Ashley's stories are amazing, bye
