I Don't Believe In Fate

Chapter 19

After our discussion about all of the shit we had been through, he took me to dinner. I sat at the table, staring at my plate and thinking about our silly argument. I ended up eating most of my food, but was full and held my stomach when he mentioned dessert. I knew I couldn't eat another bite. "I'm so glad we were able to move past this. It would be a shame to ruin a great friendship over something like this."

'Friendship?' Hmmm, is that what he thought this was? I wanted so badly for him to define what exactly did friendship mean to him. Did he think of it as just convenient sex or was it something more? It scared me how fast I had developed feelings for him. I didn't want to, but it happened anyway and now that we agreed to start over, what exactly did that mean? "Yeah, I'm so glad too." I responded, not knowing what he expected of me.

He tilted his head and held my hand over the table, confusing me even more. "Come stay with me this weekend. I'd love for you to meet my brother. Bring Erica."

As if he read my mind, he tugged on my pinkie. "No Kaylee this time and I only suggested Erica because last time you came to see me, she was with you. She's cute and I'm sure we can all have fun together. Jared will have to come along so she doesn't feel left out." I shook my head, stuck somewhere between annoyed and intrigued. I mean, what was his deal? "Last time you invited me to come over, things didn't exactly go as planned." I didn't want to bring Kaylee up after our argument, but I had to let him know how disappointed I would be if I were to drive over there and have another bad experience. Well, at least Lily was right around the corner and if I needed to go there, I would.

"This time will be much better, I promise." He said, drinking the rest of his water. "I want to get to know you, Claire. You know, hang out and get to know each other outside of the bedroom."

"That sounds like fun. So, you want me to bring Erica? That should be interesting." It's not that I didn't want her to come with me, but if he only knew what a mad crush she had on his brother...

"I didn't mean to make it sound like I want her there for myself, I just know that you brought her last time. I also didn't mean to imply that I don't wish to be alone with you, I'd love to get you alone in my bedroom, but I'd also like to get to know the real Claire." He grinned when he noticed me smiling. "Ready to go?"

He paid for our meal and then drove us back to my apartment. During the drive back we talked about our families and how pushy they can sometimes be. The fact that we each had a sibling who thought they knew best was hilarious. I admitted that I couldn't stand his brother because he always appeared to want attention  This pleased him and he agreed. We were off to a great start. He walked me to my door surprised me with a kiss to my cheek. "So I'll see you this weekend?" He asked, wanting me to commit to making the trip.

Holding my keys in my hand, I gave him a happy grin. "I'll be there after work on Friday." Just as I started to turn away to unlock the door, he gripped my arm and spun me.

"Don't make me come and get you." He joked, backing me up into the door and pressing those soft, full lips against mine. He sucked my bottom lip into his mouth and I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body tightly against his. I was definitely falling for him, there was no doubt about that.

"Damn, I wish I didn't have to go home." He sighed, reluctantly pulling away.

"You're welcome to stay, I wouldn't mind." I moved a little closer, kissing down his neck and trying to convince him to change his mind. I had no idea what my deal was all of a sudden, it was like, the more he talked about going home, the more I wanted him to stay.

"Gonna make me sleep in that guest bedroom again?" He asked, taking the keys out of my hand and unlocking the door.

"Absolutely not. I'll keep you warm next to me." He gripped my wrists, and guided me into the apartment. Wrapping his arms around me, he walked behind me to my bedroom. "I have somewhere to be in the morning." He informed me, pulling me down onto the bed on top of him. "I can't be late, so I should probably go." For someone who didn't plan to stay, he sure was testing my limits.

"Do you have to?" I asked, sinking my teeth into the tattoo on his neck.

"The week will go by fast and then we will have the whole weekend together, I promise." Still, he wasn't making any move to leave and the kissing was becoming more aggressive. "I really should go Claire."

I sighed. "It's okay. I understand." I pulled myself off of him and walked him to the front door. "See you Friday."

"Promise?"

"I promise." I said, hugging him tight. After one last kiss, I watched him step out into the hallway. I stood with one foot in the doorway, watching until he was out of sight.