You Ran Away, You're All The Same

Part 8

I woke up the next morning still on the couch. But I was by myself. I rubbed my face and stretched before standing up and walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning sleepy head." Corey said while making breakfast.

"Morning" I said mid yawn. I walked over to him and looked at the stove. Bacon, biscuits, gravy, and pancakes.
"How long have you been up?" I asked while still looking at what all he had made.
"About an hour." He said while looking up at me and smiling.

*Five Months Later*

Corey and I have been going on dates about every week. He seems to be busy getting everything ready for when the band starts recording their new album. We still seem nervous around eachother. The closest contact we have made is either Corey kissing my cheek, holding my hand, or hugging eachother.
Dont get me wrong, I'm greatful, but I can feel the tension between us.

Paul and I have been texting all afternoon. We leave for Los Angeles tomorrow, that way we can get to the mansion before the others and will have time to clean and get everything in order.

"Don't forget to pack a bathing suit. And plenty of clothes. Might as well pack the whole damn closet." Paul texted. I rolled my eyes as I read it.

The big brother I always wanted. But damn could he be annoying.

"Don't worry about me. I've helped Corey pack everytime yall go on tour. In the morning, we will do a double check." I texted him back.

Paul came by around 8am the next morning to make sure we had everything ready.

"Is Corey coming over before we leave?" Paul asked while we carried my bags out to his car.

"I sure hope so." I said while closing the trunk.

"Has anything happened between yall two? You know, in the bedroom."

"No, Paul, it hasn't. Why do you even want to know?"

"Just asking Steph, calm down. Kind of surprised it hasn't, honestly."

"How about this, once it does, you'll be the first to know." I said while winking at him.

"Gross." He said while lighting up a cigarette.

We both sat down on the porch while he finsihed his cigarette. Then Corey pulled into the driveway.

"I didnt think I would make it in time." Corey said sadly while walking over to me and giving me a hug. He ran his fingers through my hair and placed his forehead to mine.

"I'm glad you did, Corey." I whispered. I opened my eyes to see his starring back at me.

We stood there just looking at each other. Paul went inside the house, and we both jumped when we heard the door shut.

"I could look at you all day Steph. I get lost in your beautiful green eyes every time." Corey admitted before kissing my forehead where his once was.

"Are you okay Corey?" I asked.

"Yeah, I just won't see you for three months. I won't be out to Los Angeles until New Years." His eyes now filled with sadness and pain.

I placed my hand on his cheek, he nuzzled his face more into my hand.
"Time will fly by Corey. We will be back with eachother before you know it." I say while trying to hold back tears.

Corey started to move closer to me and then he connected our lips. I was shocked at first, but then returned the best kiss I ever had. It felt like fireworks were going off while I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he wrapped his around my waist.

He broke the kiss and said, "It wont be soon enough babe."

Paul came back outside and cleared his throat.
"Its time to go Steph."

"Do you mind if I drive her to the airport?" Corey asked permission, just to be with me a little bit longer.

Paul nodded and we all loaded up and started our drive to the airport.

"Thank you for taking me Corey." I say while placing my head on his shoulder.

"I couldn't give up the opportunity to have another hour with you babe."

He placed his hand on my thigh and I laced our fingers together. I'm falling for this man, I thought while we drove down the road. We just had our first kiss and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

We arrived at the airport. Corey and I both look at the entrance to the building then back to eachother. He grabbed my face and kissed me passionately.

"I..I love you Stephanie." He studderd.

I smiled at those words. Words I have longed to hear from anyone, in a romantic way.

"I love you too Corey." I smiled at him while we kissed again. Paul got all the bags out of his car and we started walking down the sidewalk. Corey held my hand until we made it to the door.

"Call me as soon as you get to the mansion babe. And call me everyday." Corey said while wrapping his arms around me again.

"You know I will love." We kissed one final time before we heard our flight number being called over the intercom. Paul and I started to walk away, when I heard Corey yell,

"I love you Steph"

I yelled back "I love you too."

Corey watched us until we were surrounded by other people trying to make their flights.

Paul and I made it to our seats and both sat down while sighing.

"So what was all that about?" Paul asked while putting his seat belt on and looking out the window.

"We had our first real kiss. And he told me he loved me when we pulled in the parking lot." I explain while blushing.

"Do you feel the same about him?" Here Paul goes, acting like my big brother.

"Yes, Pauly. I do." I say with a big smile on my face.

The whole plane ride, I couldn't stop thinking about this morning. My heart felt happy and I can only hope, it doesn't get broken.