The Other Side Of Fear[1]

Chapter 10

I moved quickly and carefully to the cliff edge and glanced down as Archie was coming up from under the water. He waved up at me and I instantly smiled as I relaxed realising he was okay.

'You're literally crazy!' I called.

I heard him laugh below me and the beautiful sound echoed amongst the cliffs. I moved back and studied the perfect view in front of me as I waited for Archie to return and I found myself tempted to glance over the edge again. It looked so amazing to dive down there. I wished I had the guts to do it. I was always a spontaneous and care-free girl, but I had to admit, this scared me. I wanted to do it; I wanted to impress Archie and I also wanted to feel that adrenaline rush as the cliff disappeared from under my feet but I could also see the rocky edge of the water and I knew one wrong jump could be fatal.

Archie appeared behind me, coming up onto the cliff and I smiled as I took in his soaking wet appearance. His hair was now floppy and cute and his body looked even more perfect as the water droplets combined with that perfect sunlight just made him radiate.

'See,' he shrugged. 'It's not so bad.'

'Shut up,' I smirked.

'Wait, what are those?' he frowned, pointing a finger at my arms.

I almost cursed myself out for forgetting to keep them hidden and quickly repeated the same lie I had told Jack.

'Fun fighting with my brother,' I chuckled. 'He's tougher than he looks.'

'Oh wow,' Archie replied before smiling. 'They're pretty bad bruises.'

'It's fine,' I shrugged. 'They don't hurt.'

'I'm just glad I don't need to go beat somebody's ass for it,' he smirked. 'Unless you want me to pay your brother a visit.'

'I think I'm good,' I replied before giggling.

He walked over to me and took my hand before sitting down and shuffling forward, pulling me down with him. I copied him nervously as he moved closer to the cliff edge and when I realised he was just dangling his legs over the edge; I did the same. We sat together, enjoying the view and each other's company and it seemed like something from some really cheesy movie. I would say it was too good to be true but I was just so smitten by this guy.

'There is no one I would rather be here with,' he smiled at me.

'Me neither,' I blushed.

He leaned towards me, placing a hand gently on my cheek, and kissed me softly. It was gentle and tender and made my body fill with butterflies. Even the weakest of kisses from him sent such a strong sense of lust through me.

We sat there together for some time; talking about our lives and I didn't even notice when the sun started to disappear. We stood to our feet and Archie pulled me in for a loving hug as we stared out at the view that seemed like it was placed there just for us and belonged to only us.

'I still can't believe you didn't jump with me,' he pouted mockingly and laughed.

'I'm sorry,' I giggled. 'I'm not saying I never will but this time I just didn't feel ready. It's a scary thing!'

'I know I know,' he nodded. 'Just...I really thought you were one of those really cool, spontaneous people like me.'

His words confused me a little and I found myself frowning. I broke out of our hug and stepped back to study his face, looking for a sign of amusement at what I hoped was a joke.