Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter Ten

The next morning, Sal woke to the sunlight blinding him through the curtains. He looked around to find himself in the living room, before his eyes locked onto the girl still asleep, with her head resting on his lap. His hand was placed at her lower back; the memories of the night prior coming back to him. Sal lost himself in his dreams, as he pictured the kiss between himself and Bryony.

He soon felt her stir, as she rolled onto her back, looking up to meet his gaze. Sal smiled down at Bryony, letting a light chuckle pass his lips.

"Good morning, Sunshine." He greeted, as he ran his hand through her hair.

"Good morning to you too, Firefly." She replied, watching, as he leant down, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. As Sal pulled away from her, Bryony smiled at him. "What was that for?"

"Hey now," Sal chuckled. "You loved it, don't lie."

Bryony shot him a smirk, before sitting up, feeling Sal interlink his hand with hers. She looked at him, as he stared down at their hands. He studied how her palm fit so perfectly with his, as though they were made for one another. Sal glanced up, meeting her stare, as a small smile played on his lips. He leant in for a kiss, when a small voice from behind them startled him.

"What are you guys doing?" Jenna asked, as she came running into the room, her tone of voice disgusted.

"We were...um..." Sal stumbled over his words, as he raced for an answer. "Just-"

"You were going to kiss weren't you? Ugh, gross." Jenna finished for him.

"Clear off, Squirt." Sal warned through gritted teeth, squeezing Bryony's hand firmly. Jenna, ignoring her brother's order, turned to look at Bryony, as she folded her arms.

"I thought I'd let you know that Sal doesn't shut up about you. Bryony this, Bryony that. I'm sick of it!" Jenna expressed, as Bryony turned towards the boy, coming to find his cheeks flushed bright red, a glower upon his features.

Sal stood from the sofa, guiding his little sister out of the room, as she continued to spout out embarrassing stories about Sal. He shut the door, turning to face Bryony, as a nervous laugh passed his lips. He stepped his way back over to her, returning to his seat, as he shook his head.

"She made that up." He commented, as Bryony raised an eyebrow at him.

"Even the first one?" She asked, as Sal's tongue caught in his throat. His breath was shaken, as he shook his head.

"No...that one was true." He replied sheepishly, receiving a smile from the girl.

Bryony placed her hand to the side of his face, bringing him closer, as her lips brushed against his cheek. Pulling away from one another, Sal turned to face her, the crimson red already staining his face darkening.

"You're cute, you know that right?" Bryony laughed.

"It's my speciality." Sal joked, as he pulled her into his embrace. "Are you still up for bowling today with the others?"

"Of course." Bryony answered. "Be prepared to be thrashed, boy."

Sal scoffed, shaking his head, as a devilish smile pulled at his lips.

"Oh please, I am the king of ten pin bowling." He retaliated, as the two started to laugh.

**

Sal and Bryony took a seat on a bench outside of the bowling alley, as they waited for the others to arrive. They were amidst their own conversation, when they heard shouting from down the path.

"Whose ready to get their bowl on?!" Joe called out, as he and Bessy strolled up to the couple. "You guys better get used to seeing my ass in your face because it's all you'll see when I'm throwing my winning shot."