Cross My Heart

Chapter Twelve

Okay, I can always go back and dedicate things later. I really hope somebody tries the challenge... If you really don't like it, why not put some suggestions for later ones? Thanks! xoxo

I don’t have long to wait before Dan comes up behind me. He leans his head to my ear, whispering, “Woody told me. I’m sorry.”

            I turn my head and kiss his nose, feeling a little better. “It’s okay. It wouldn’t have been natural for us to go this long without a fight.” He doesn’t seem convinced so I sigh and add, “I forgive you, and I love you.”

            A grin spreads on Dan’s face and he says “I love you too,” before sitting down across from me. “So, what do you want to do today?”

            I shrug, pushing my pancake remnants around my plate. “I don’t really know. I’m horrible at decision making.”

            Dan rolls his eyes. “Hey guys, what are you up to today?” he calls to the group.

            Kyle looks up, “We need to go shopping. I need more bananas.”

            “Can I go babe shopping?” Will pipes up, grinning at me.

            I shoot a glare, “This again?” He nods his head and jumps up. He practically runs over and grabs my hands, yanking me out of the seat. I yelp and stumble forward, flailing my arms. Will bends his knees and, somehow, I land in his arms, bridal-like.

            Will manages to stand up and I blink, dazed. Then I take a deep breath and yell, “Will!”

            Everyone within earshot winces and Will shakes his head to one side. “My ears! They bleed!”

            I ignore him and struggle, yelling again, “Put me down!”

            This whole time, Dan, Woody, Kyle, and Shannon are being great helps by standing around and laughing. “Daaan!” I yell when Will only shifts and holds me better.

            Dan blinks tears of laughter from his eyes and saunters over. “Yes?” he says, trying not to laugh.

            Will backs up before I can shoot any daggers at Dan and carries me out the door. “Gingerbread man—and woman!” he hollers back.

            I hear a chorus of “Hey!” and chairs squeak as the boys rush out after us. I stiffen and bounce along in Will’s arms, surprised he can hold me up like this.

            “Will! Put. Me. Down!”

            Will ignores me and we end up quite a ways down the street before Dan strides up next to us. Kyle follows, yanking on Will’s left arm. It weakens and I fall backward with a squeak. I brace myself for the impact of my skull on pavement, but arms catch my shoulders.

            I pry my eyes open one by one to look into the amused blue eyes of Dan Smith. I recover from the shock and sigh, pulling my legs out of Will’s grip with a glare.

            Dan and Woody help me up, but Kyle and Will are hunched over, laughing so hard I’m surprised they’re not suffocating.

            I brush myself off and straighten up. “What the heck was that for?” I yell.

            Kyle wipes tears from his eyes and walks over. Without warning, he grabs my hand and spins me around. I gasp and lose my footing. With a yell of “Dan!” I fall back and land in darkness.