California Dreaming // keaton stromberg

Chapter 19

Gabby POV

I grinned through the pages of The Fault in Our Stars, sneaking glances at him every couple seconds. I couldn't help but wonder if he was finished or not. The way his eyes were running up and down the page told me he wasn't. Keaton was biting down on his lower lip lightly, getting pretty into the story. A small grin crept across my lips, he just looked so cute.

Suddenly his eyes flicked over to me and he smiled.

"You're staring at me." He bit back a grin.

"Am I?" I asked innocently as I continued to bore into him. His smile started to fade.

"What, is there something on my face?" His eyes started to cloud with panic. He brought his hands up to his cheeks immediately, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"No! No, there's nothing on your face." I assured him.

"Then what is it?"

"You're just... you're just cute okay!" I buried my head into the blanket we were sharing, embarrassed that he made me admit it. When I finally removed my head from the soft cotton I caught him grinning wildly at me.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" He told me, setting his book down. I blushed and closed my own copy of the John Green masterpiece as well.

"Stop, you're making me blush." I laughed. Keaton reached across the blanket to take my hand.

"I mean it Gabby, you're gorgeous. I think I've always known that, but I've been afraid to admit it until now. For that short amount of time, I thought that I had lost you." He looked out the window out to the street where a couple of young children were playing baseball. I could imagine looking at Keaton and I from that point of view.

Years ago, when I was that age I would be so envious looking at the couple. Seeing them snuggled up under the same blanket sitting on the windowsill together, looking so happy. I would have given anything to have that in my life. And now I did. I stil couldn't believe it, but I had it. You know, that one relationship that you read about in novels, and see in movies? That connection between two people that was so genuine and pure that it just seemed magical? Well that's what I felt when I was with Keaton. I just wanted to kiss him and never let go.

I grinned as he inched closer to me, as if reading my mind.

"So did you want to talk about chapter thirteen?" I asked him playfully, as he inched closer. Our noses were practically touching as he rested his forehead against mine.

"Why don't we write our own story instead?" And with that, he pressed his lips to mine.

* * * * *

Wes POV

Damn it, where the hell is my computer charger? I flipped over all of the pillows on the couch, finding nothing but a knit beanie on the cushions. Keaton. Growling to myself that I had to drag my body up the stairs, I cursed my little brother for stealing my stuff.

Without knocking, I barged into his room, ready to demand he give my charger back. But something caught my eye before I could utter a word. Keaton and Gabby were snuggled up together on the windowsill, sleeping. Keaton had one arm wrapped around her waist with his head on her shoulder. His other hand was intertwined with hers, and she had them cuddled into her chest.

They were together. Obviously I had missed something here.

I should be angry. I should be marching straight over to Keaton and ripping him away from my girl. But I wasn't. There was something about the way Keaton was nuzzled into her, something that stopped me from breaking them up. He needed her as much as she needed him. They were meant for each other.

Ugh, ick. It was actually so cute that it was making me sick. I needed a distraction to get me out of this little cutesy moment. As if on cue, my phone vibrated in my pocket; I was getting a text.

You could say that I was a little more than surprised to see that it was from Caroline.

It's done.

I frowned at the screen. What's done? She already broke up with me.

What is? I wrote back. My phone vibrated almost immediately.

I told my parents.They know everything. My eyes widened. Wait, what? She told them?

You told them!? Are you okay? I asked her, genuinely concerned. This was a big deal for her, and I was worried. She didn't respond, so I texted back again. Car, hey; are you alright?

This time she responded. I'm fine. They just need a little time.

If you need a place to stay, just let me know. I offered.

You know, that actually sounds pretty good. I need to get away for a while. She replied.

A small smile broke out on my face. Sure thing. Anything you need, just let me know.

Can we have movie night? :) She texted me.

Read my mind. I responded, laughing. Caroline needed an escape, and so did I. I was thankful for the distraction.

You bring the snacks, I'll bring the movie. She responded.

Deal. Just not The Notebook. I texted back. When her response came in, I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Bitch, please. We're watching Rocky.

I smiled and closed my phone. My lesbian ex-girlfriend was awesome.

So what did you guys think?

How do you feel about Keaton and Gabby finally taking their relationship to the next level?

And what about Caroline moving in?