A Beautiful Torment

12. Eyes

12. eyes

I breathed in the cool, night-time air, the barest traces of a smile curling the edges of my lips. Tiny, white crystals of ice fell softly from the sky, coating the streets and houses in a thick film of snow. My whole world was starting to look like the icing on a Christmas cake.

I loved the snow. I loved how clean the world looked after a heavy shower, the glitter and sparkle of the reflection of the sun. The smell of Christmas and holidays and excitement.

"Ready to go?"

I glanced behind me, my lips broadening into a full-blown smile. Ethan was zipping up the front of his jacket, his ears tinted red with the cold.

"Uh huh," I said.

He slid his hand into mine, his fingers just a little bit colder than my own, and we started walking down the main street. I was getting used to holding his hand, now. My heart didn't jolt with that terror-excitement feeling anymore.

"Are you having fun?" Ethan asked as we walked, his voice uncharacteristically nervous.

I giggled. "This sure beats the back of the gym."

"Sometimes, I think I spoil you," he teased.

"Oh, definitely."

He grinned at me and spun me around to face him. We were standing in the middle of the street, where anyone could see us, but I didn't care one iota as he tilted his head down and kissed the tip of my nose.

My heart skittered in my chest.

I really was having fun. Ethan's sister, Courtney Corbett, drove us to Gino's Pizza Parlour a few hours ago for dinner, and we spent the entire time pulling faces at other customers behind their backs and joking around. Afterward, we'd gone to see Madagascar Escape 2 Africa, during which Ethan proceeded to steal all of my popcorn and chuck it at the back of Shane Goldman's head (one of the Letterman boys). I thought it was funny, but he still bought me a packet of Razzles to make up for it.

"Does this mean you'll be my girlfriend, then?"

My brows rose. "Date's not over yet, cowboy."

"It's almost over," he pouted.

I giggled. "I suppose..."

"You suppose you'll be my girlfriend?"

I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. "Maybe..."

"I can work with that." He dipped his head and pressed his lips gently to mine. This I could never get used to. Excited-panicky thoughts swirled in my head and I tried my best to follow his lead, curving my lips around his, my breath caught in my throat.

When his tongue touched my bottom lip, I almost had a heart attack.

"People will see," I said, breaking away.

Ethan laughed and threw his arm around my neck. "I honestly couldn't care less, girlfriend."

I smiled and ducked my head.

I was Ethan Corbett's girlfriend.

― A BEAUTIFUL TORMENT ―

There was a chocolate muffin wrapped in a shiny, red ribbon placed in the centre of my locker when I opened it the following Monday morning.

A wide, cheesy smile lit up my face and I snatched it up eagerly.

Rachael scowled. "Ryan never left me chocolate."