You Ran Away, You're All The Same

Part 3

I ended up staying at Corey's that night. The spare bedroom still had some of my old clothes and personal items in it. I woke up to the sound of snoring coming down the hallway. The clock read 4:45am.
"Damnit, big mouth" I said to myself as I rolled over, trying to go back to sleep.
It was useless.
I decided what better time to clean than when you cant sleep. I got out of bed, put my hair up, and went down stairs to start cleaning up from my birthday party. When I made it to the living room, Joey was asleep on the couch. Beer cans and beer bottles laid everywhere. I grabbed a trash bag and started picking up everything. I guess the beer bottles hit each other and woke Joey up.
"What are you doing?" He asked in a sleepy and irritated tone.
"Didn't mean to wake you. I couldn't sleep so I thought I would clean up some." I said startled.
"Here, let me help you" and with that, Joey got off the couch, wearing nothing but his boxers and helped me.
"So tell me about yourself" he asked while holding the trash bag open.
"Why do you wanna know so much about me?" His eyes shot up to mine.
"I'm guessing no one ever seemed interested in you, did they?"
Feeling panic settling in, I replied "They have, but never wanted to know anything about me."
Joey looked at me like I had shot him in the leg. He could see the panic on my face. He sat the trash bag down, took my hand, and led me outside to the front porch swing; all while ignoring my efforts to get out of his grasp.
He sat down on the swing and motioned for me to sit beside him.
"Hope you dont mind being out here. Thought we could talk and watch the sunrise." He said winking at me. That damn wink. Against my better judgment, I sat down beside him. I took out my cigarette pack and offered Joey one.
"Thanks Steph" he said while taking one out of the pack and lighting it. "Is it okay if I get to know you better? I dont want you to get upset, and you can trust me with anything." I kept my eyes on the sky while I could feel him looking at me.
"Why do you want to know me? I'm no one special" I could feel him relax somewhat beside me, then he put his arm around my shoulders.
"Stephanie, to be honest, when you opened the door and let me inside the house last night, I felt something. Something that made me nervous and weak in the knees. You are someone special. No woman has ever done that to me at first glance before."
I am in shock. Did he just say I made him weak? Oddly, I enjoyed hearing those words from him.
"Joey, you're just saying that" I said while taking a long puff of my cigarette. His arm seemed to be fixed around my shoulders, like he wasn't moving anytime soon.
"No I'm not Stephanie. I meant every word."
"Stop saying my name, please"
"Why? What's wrong with me saying your name, Stephanie?"
I took the last puff of my cigarette before throwing the butt in the yard, turned so I was facing Joey and looked him in eyes, those beautiful eyes. With every ounce of confidence I had left, I told him.
"I love the way you say my name, Joey"
He looked surprised by my answer, then a big stupid grin emerged onto his face.
"I can say it alot more if you would like." I giggled at his response.
The sun was starting to rise and the sky was a beautiful purple and pink. Joey brought his hand up to my chin and turned my head so I was looking him in eyes.
"Do you trust me?" He asked while moving closer to me. His eyes kept looking at my lips then back upto my eyes.
With a cracking and squeaky voice, I managed to say "Yes, Joey."
That's all it took. Joey moved closer and his lips landed on mine. I didnt protest, and he deepened the kiss. With his hands caressing my face, I felt as if I was on cloud nine. He licked my bottom lip, asking for entry. I allowed him in and our tounges fought for dominance. I let him win this time.