Whisper I Love You

Chapter Three: Riley

Riley's P.O.V.

I was waiting for Thalia as the restaurant we had agreed on meeting at. It was her birthday, and I just wanted to do something special for her, especially because she had spent most of the day so far moving back into her parents house.

I looked out the window and saw her car pull up next to mine .Her blue Toyota. She smiled at me and waved as we both got out of our vehicles and approached each other. We stood there awkwardly for a second, before I decided that hugging her was safe. We had kissed last night, but, I wasn't sure if she would be comfortable with doing that again. I kind of felt like it just happened in the heat of the moment, and I wasn't really willing to test my luck.

We walked inside and got seated at our table. We carried on conversation pretty easily. Thalia was excited to be back at her parents, and excited to see what working full time would be like. She was a little nervous about dropping her classes, and what it would mean for her down the road, but she seemed like she had the next couple years planned out fairly well, so I was trying to convince her not to worry.

I could have sat there and listened to her talk for hours. It was a strange feeling. With most girls I had been with, I would tune out of the conversation after several minutes. Of course, they were always talking about cheerleading, or their nails, or some dating TV show. They were always talking about materialistic stuff, things I just couldn't connect with. Thalia was different. She was talking about life, and traveling, and what she wanted to accomplish, and her dreams. She was so animated and happy, that you couldn't help feeling the same kind of energy. She was toxic.

All that into consideration, and she still wanted to hear about me, about my life. When she started asking my questions about the guys at work, and the diner, and what I wanted to do to farther my culinary career, it threw me off. I wasn't used to girls wanting to know anything about me, and then actually sitting there and seeming to enjoy hearing my answers. It was like foreign soil to me, but I liked it.

We ate our food, and kept talking. I'm sure the waitress was rather annoyed by the time I finally asked for the check. I left a pretty good tip on purpose. We slowly stood up, and it felt like we walked to our cars even slower. I didn't want the night to end, and I could tell, from her sigh and her dragging steps, that Thalia didn't want it to end either.

"You know..." I started. "We could go do something else. It's barely nine. We could catch a late movie, or maybe head into the city and do some glow golf, if you want."

She looked up at me and smiled. It felt like my heart stopped. Then her face fell, and so did my spirits. She was going to say no...

"I wish I could, but I still have so much unpacking to do. I should probably head home and work on that a little bit, especially since I work tomorrow night. Maybe when I come in Wednesday to talk to my counselor at school, we can meet up and do something?" She questioned hopefully.

"Definitely, even if I'm at work. I'll talk to my boss. I'm sure he wouldn't mind me making some time to see you." I smiled, and she smiled back. I took a little breath. "Would you mind if I kissed you again?" I asked, before looking down at my feet.

My feet were so much larger than hers. It made me feel even more protective of her. She seemed so fragile. So vulnerable.

"I think I'd like that." Thalia whispered. I looked up, and she was blushing.

I leaned in to kiss her. I could smell her shampoo, and the stronger scent of whatever perfume she wore, mixed in with the cooling air of fall, and it was addicting. I could have stayed in that exact position, just inhaling for an eternity. My urge to kiss her and feel those soft lips on mine got the better of me though, so i leaned in, and our lips made contact.

It was everything I remember and more. Her lips were so soft. Even though she had just eaten chicken, all I could taste on her was strawberries and cream. It pulled me in way deeper than I thought I would feel comfortable with. I didn't care though. I wanted more of her.

I gently brought my hands up to her neck so that I could pul her closer to me. She followed my lead rather willingly, starting to kiss me back a little harder. The moment of shock passed over me quickly, and I tangled my fingers into her hair a little bit. What felt like a gasp, but almost sounded like a moan escaped her lips, and I smiled, deciding then would probably be a good time to break the kiss. I didn't want us to get to carried away.

She smiled up at me sheepishly, still blushing up a storm.

"I'm sorry." She whispered.

"Oh my word, no. Thalia, you have nothing to be sorry about." I quickly said. "You should probably get going, though." I could feel my face fall as the words slipped out.

Her smile turned into a frown.

"Promise me when I get home, you'll text me?" She asked, a hopeful look on her face.

"Until you fall asleep on me." I teased. I was putty in her hands already. What was wrong with me?

"Me? Fall asleep first? Never!" She laughed as she unlocked her car.

I watched her slide in the driver's seat and buckle herself in. She looked over at me and smiled before closing the car door and turning the key over. I stood there, staring, until her tail lights disappeared into the darkness, then I reluctantly got into my car and headed home.

I thought about her all night. Her hair. Her smile. Her laugh. Her eyes. I was completely awestruck by all that was her. It was a feeling I had never know before. It terrified at at the same time that it excited me. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt that I was already in way to deep. I knew, and yet... I didn't care, I just wanted more of her.

A/N: Sorry this update is so short you guys. I've really been struggling with writing lately, and I just wanted to get out an update so that you guys know I haven't gone anywhere! There's been a lot of changes in my life. I've been having some medical issues lately, and my grandparents have't been doing good, so even though I've had plenty of time to write, the motivation has not been there.

I promise though, I'm not going anywhere! I have every intention of getting over this speed bump and continuing to write. I love how loyal and supportive and positive you guys have been, it means the world to me. I wouldn't have the heart to keep writing if it wasn't for you guys, honestly. I know this is a short update, but I promise longer ones are coming for this story, and my other ones as well.

I love you guys! Please don't give up on me, Riley, and Thalia! :)