The Art of Letting You Go

vulnerable

Avery's POV:

I have yet to tell Olly about my kiss with Logan, but I figured that after our date it could wait. Speaking of such date, it couldn't have been more perfect. 

Something about Olly, on the night we shared a week ago, has opened my eyes. He was mature and romantic instead of brooding and mysterious. I fell more in love with him, if it were even possible.

I even became vulnerable with him, despite what I had planned. After those events occurred, I couldn't help but feel closer to him. My cheeks blush as I recall what happened on that beach.

"Avery, are you alright?" My head snaps towards Logan as he lowers the music that swims around the car.

"Yeah, I'm good." I reply, trying my best to shake the rouge that's painted on my cheeks. In a matter of mere seconds we pull up to the front of the school. I sigh at the sight of the building, but smile when I remember who's inside. I rush to unbuckle myself, feeling Logan's stare every second. 

I thank Logan for the ride and hop out of his dad's car before I make my way to the front of the school. I don't see Olly, so I can't help but call him.

"Baby?" He answers and a wide grin finds its way to my face.

"Are you at school yet?" I ask, knowing full well he can probably hear my smile on the other line. 

"Yeah, are you at the front?"

"Yes," I reply.

"Alright, be there in a few." He says and hangs up. My heart starts to beat a little faster, knowing I'd soon be with him. I patiently wait for Olly to show, and almost jump when he comes up behind me by surprise, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Hi," He mutters, his breath hitting the shell of my ear. "Hi." I reply, shuddering from his touch alone. I think he's aware of the effect he has on me, for I can feel him smiling as he rests the side of his head on my hair.

I turn in his touch and don't hesitate to press a light peck to his cheek. He hums in response, his eyes never leaving mine as he holds me tighter.

"Olly?" I ask, an idea just popping into my head.

"Avery."

"Skip with me." I suggest and turn my head, eyeing him carefully as I wait for him to answer me. His eyes wander between both of mine, probably wondering where this bold side of me has come from. He ponders for a second, replying with a slight huff.

"Anything for you, my love." He says, making my cheeks blush uncontrollably. We both smile, turning our heads to make sure no one would be watching us leave campus. I pull from his touch and tangle my fingers in between his. We walk slowly to the parking lot in search of Olly's car. 

"Where do you want to go?" Olly asks once we become settled in his car. He still holds my hand, resting it with his on the center console. I think for a second, second guessing myself for ditching school with my boyfriend. 

"Surprise me." I say and lean over the console to place yet another kiss to his cheek. He smiles and squeezes my hand tighter. 

The car ride is spent in comfortable silence, listening to each other's hums as we skip through various songs. I can't help but watch him concentrate on the road, wondering where he's taking me. He licks his lips as he switches lanes, and I've never seen him so focused. Perhaps he's determined to keep me safe. I shake the thought off because of how stupid it sounds, yet it's still making me blush. I think he saw me blushing, for he squeezed my hand yet again. 

I don't mind how vulnerable I am with him.

He pulls into a small ice cream shop, laughing as I let out a squeal. I haven't had ice cream in who knows how long. I catch Olly smiling at me before he jumps out of his car, racing to my side. He pulls the door open for me and waits for me to chuck my backpack into the back seat of his car. As soon as he shuts the door my hands finds its way into his. 

The ice cream shop is decorated in a light pink color, silently making me giggle because Olly knew exactly how to get here, which suggests he comes here often. I guess his hard exterior can be easily removed.

There are various white tables scattered around the room, with ice cream cone stickers placed upon every inch of wall. The place smells of sweetness.

"How do you know about this place?" I ask him as I wrap myself around his arm, still holding it as we wait in line.

"I come here whenever I get upset." He answers, catching me off guard. I look up to him, studying his features more in depth.

His jawline is mostly sharp, but hard to notice with the stubble that covers it. The stubble that tickles me each time he kisses me. I hum at the thought.

His hair is thrown around, reaching out in different directions. I reach my free hand up to smooth it out for him. I stay focused on my task as he tilts his head down to look at me. I blush and look away, taking my hand with me. 

"Don't stop," He says, lifting my chin up to meet his lips with his fingers. I smile into his kiss, quickly being interrupted when we both hear someone clear their throat. We look up to see we're next in line, coming face to face with some girl in an ice cream coned shaped hat. Olly starts to order, not even apologizing for our previous behavior. 

I can't help but smile at the fact that he's not sorry we were seconds away from making out in the middle of an ice cream shop.