Hearts on Fire | Jalex

15. Alex's POV

That date definitely won the award for cutest time of my life. Jack was such a gentleman, and super cuddly as it got later. I was struggling to stay awake during the car ride back to his dorm. When we stopped, he put his hand on my thigh, shaking me gently.

"I'm awake," I mumbled softly. He chuckled.

"You look exhausted. C'mon, I'll carry you in." He hooked one arm beneath my legs, and wrapped his other arm around my back, lifting me out of the car. I cuddled closer to his chest, my eyes drifting closed.

"Lexi," I heard Jack whisper, and I jerked back awake. How did I get inside? Or on the bed? "Hey, I didn't want to wake you, but do you want a change of clothes? Those jeans can't be very comfortable," he said sweetly, looking at me with big eyes. I smiled, reaching out a sleepily bopping his nose.

"You're cute," I said, feeling giggly.

"So are you," he said cheekily. "Seriously, though, so you want a change of clothes? We're probably like the same size." Oh yeah. He asked me a question. My brain was fuzzy from sleep though, so it took me a minute to analyze it. I looked down at my pants. They were my American flag jeans, skin tight, and from there processed how I should answer. I felt like I was drunk, but in reality I was just exhausted.

"Yeah a change would be nice," I said, forcing my eyes to stay open, but I felt like I was battling the ocean; there was no way to win.

"Here's a pair of sweats you can wear," he said, tossing a pair to me. I groaned loudly.

"But effort," I said flailing pointlessly to prove that I was hopelessly inept at clothing.

"It's just your pants, Lex," he said, laughing.

"But-" he sent me a look. "Fine." I pouted, which just made him laugh. He changed in the bathroom, knocking before he came back in. It wasn't fair that he was so gentlemanly.

"You can come in," I called. I was in the same position as before, but in his sweats now.

"Did you like change on the bed or something?" He asked, laughing.

"I'm talented," I replied, sticking my tongue out at him. He just rolled his eyes, crawling into his bed beside me, and opening up his arms. I slid over there, resting my head on his shoulder and wrapping one of my arms around his torso.

He pulled me closer with an arm around my back, rubbing my side gently. I sighed in contentment.

"Thank you for tonight," I said, snuggling even closer to him. He was incredibly warm, and while it wasn't cold here, I could pretend it was to be closer to him. He smiled, and kissed my forehead.

"Of course. Thank you for coming," he whispered, pulling a blanket over us. I hid my smile in his neck. This was just too perfect. I leaned up and kissed his cheek softly.

"I mean it. Thank you. This is perfect." He blushed a little this time.

"Anything for you." It sounded so genuine, I was blushing harder than before.

"Good," I mumbled, trying to play it off like it wasn't a big deal. "Now shut up and just cuddle. You pinky promised." I didn't care if I sounded like a little kid. I needed sleep desperately, and knowing he'd be there was everything to me.

"Pinky promise you'll be here when I wake up?" He asked. I hooked my pinky around his.

"Pinky promise." He tried to pull away but I held tightly. I wanted to hold his hand, and this was at least a start.

"Do I get my hand back or nah?" He asked, chuckling.

"Nah," I mumbled, closing my eyes. He laced his fingers through mine.

"Okay, then, you-" I cut him off by pressing my finger to his lips.

"Hush. Sleep." He smiled at me, and kissed my fingertip. Fuck him for being all adorable. I blushed even darker red, hiding my face in his neck. He just laughed again, making his chest rumble.

I closed my eyes, wrapping myself in the sense of him. He was, like I said, very warm, and smelled like fresh air. I wanted to fill my lungs with that scent.

"You smell good," I muttered, unable to help myself. It was one of the most attractive features any guy could have.

"What happened to no talking?" He asked, sounding offended.

"I can talk. Not you." I said, grinning to myself.

"That's not fair."

"It is too. Now shut up." I said snakily.

"Hey!" I kissed him softly, surprising myself and him. "Fine. I'll be quiet. But only because you asked so nicely," he said, once we broke apart. He was looking at me intensely, and I managed not to shrink shyly under his gaze, instead just kissing his nose, and laying back down on his chest, determined to actually sleep.

He started softly running his hands through my hair, and my eyelids got harder and harder to hold up. I squeezed his hand tightly, then felt myself drop off into sleep, dreaming of fresh air.