The Hooded Figure

TWENTY SIX

Not even a second after, my brain started working again. "I'm kidding, I think it's sweet. Well, if you meant 'different' in a good way..." I trailed off awkwardly, trying to salvage the mess I'd made of myself.

He chuckled, smiling at me.

"Do you mind driving me home? I don't have a ride and there's no reception up here," I stated, looking at the dark sky. Time had flown by and it was around seven.

"No problem," he replied, standing up. He offered me his hand and I grabbed it, using it to pull myself up. However, I tripped over my own foot and shoved him. He fell backward and I landed flat on top of him. I felt him laugh while I apologized profusely. I realized I was still on top of him in very close proximity so I went to stand, but Jamie grabbed my arm and kept me there. I froze as he brought his hand up slowly and tucked my brown hair behind my ear and gazed into my eyes intensely. It made me vaguely uncomfortable, but I couldn't look away from his caribbean blue eyes.

"You have a really pretty eyes," he commented sounding dazed. "They're mostly green, but... there are some light brown speckles near the centre..."

I didn't know what to say. "Says you, Mr. Caribbean Blue Eyes," I replied sheepishly, "but thanks," I accepted shyly. His grip on my forearm loosened and I stood up. This time, I gave him my hand and he pulled himself up with ease. He smiled at me and I looked away awkwardly. We walked back through the forestry together and to his car.

"Do you have your drivers license?" He asked me, pausing at the car.

"Yeah, why?" I questioned curiously.

"Here," he said, tossing me the keys. He walked around the car and to the passenger seat.

"What? No, I-I can't," I stuttered, standing on the driver's side.

"Can't? Or won't?" He taunted opening the door and sitting down inside. I paused, deciding that this was a once in a life time opportunity. As I got into the car and started the engine I smiled at the sound.

-----

"Woo-hoo!" I cried with the window down as I sped through the town.

"M-Maybe drive a l-little s-slower?" Jamie stuttered from the corner of his seat that he'd confined himself to. My cold was gone and I was enjoying the wind in my face.

"Slow is for pussies!" I screamed at the top of my lungs before pausing. "Oh my god, what has this car done to me? I told you I couldn't drive! How do I drive this thing? Oh my god."

"Amy, relax. Take a deep breath, you're fine." I did as he said and slowly my foot started to ease off of the pedal. I was now going at an appropriate speed. I pulled into his driveway and got out of his car. I caught sight of someone in the window of Jamie's house and I assumed it was Alexander. However, I wasn't too concerned with him at the moment. Plus, the fact that Jamie was his brother explained how he knew my name.

When I looked back down, Jamie was in front of me. Without putting much thought into it, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. My head was resting against his chest and he froze for a moment before wrapping his arms around me as resting his chin on my head. I smiled and inhaled his scent.

"Why do you smell like Dawn dish soap?" I asked confusedly, laughing a little as I pulled away.

"Who do you think does all the cleaning?" He replied rhetorically with a laugh.

"Fair enough," I admitted, smiling a little.

"Here, let me walk you to your door," he said, gentleman-like. Who said chivalry was dead?

"Why thank you, good sir," I said, face palming myself right after. That, sent Jamie into a fit of laughter as we crossed the road. "Wanna hang out sometime?" I asked him, hoping to change the subject and forget what just happened.

"Yeah, sure. That sounds nice," he replied. Today had been a good day, I was sure nothing could ruin it. As we got to my front door, he waited on the porch with me. I slid my key into the lock and when I opened the door, found a note on the side table from my dad saying that he'd gone out earlier. I sighed, turning back to Jamie.

"I'll see you tomorrow, I guess," I stated a little dejectedly.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" He asked, confusing me a little. I tried to think of the things that I could've forgotten but I was drawing a blank.

"What?" I inquired, not quite sure what he meant.

"A good night kiss," he stated. I started to laugh lightly, smiling at him. Well, until I realize that he seemed to be serious.

"Really? You know that only happens on dates, right?" I reminded him, rolling my eyes. He didn't move.

"I let you drive my brother's car," he defended, making me gape at him.

"That was Alexander's car?" I whispered, awestruck.

"You think I could afford a car like that?" He questioned rhetorically, chuckling a little.

"Well, I don't know... I didn't think about it, okay?" I argued, hoping he'd forgotten about the kiss, but to my surprise, some part of me hoped he remembered.

"Well, good night," he said, smiling and turning around.

"Wait, what about that good night kiss?" I blurted accidentally. He paused and turned around to look at me confusedly.

"You don't have to, I was joking," he explained, grinning at me before adding, "kind of."

"What if I want to?" Where was all this confidence coming from? Where is Amy Carters? The girl who watches Family Feud and makes fun of the Housewives of New Jersey?

"What's stopping you?" He took a step towards me and I asked myself that very question, what's stopping me?

Trying not to think too much off it, I stood on my tippy-toes and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"Good night!" I exclaimed hurriedly as a blush crept up my neck. He watched me with an amused smile as I shut the door in his face somewhat rudely. "Sorry!" I cried on the other side of the door.

"See you tomorrow," he replied coolly as he walked away. As I slid down the door with a blush on my face, I couldn't help but smile as a few unfamiliar butterflies fluttered throughout my stomach.