finding you

sixty six

"Nial is having a party tonight at the sand dunes by his house..." Rhys whispers in my ear.

We've been lying on my bed together, just cuddling and talking; holding each other. I almost forget that my dad is right upstairs. Almost.

"Oh... uh, that's nice," I respond awkwardly.

He snorts in my ear. "Yes, it is. I want you to come."

"What kind of party is it? Like a pit party..."

"No," he says, quickly, squeezing my side reassuringly. "Not a party like that. Just a few select people. Nobody will be there we don't want."

"Okay." I don't know how I feel about going to party yet. My mind is still reeling with everything that has happened in the last 24 hours. I still need to process it all. Maybe going to party and letting loose wouldn't be so bad...

"I promise it will be fun. I'll be there."

"Is that supposed to sell me?" I tease, giving him a big grin.

"Yes. You kind of have the biggest crush on me... so, naturally, you can't stay away from me," he grins, winking. I roll my eyes.

"You're such a cocky bastard."

He widens his eyes in surprise at my comment. I have to laugh at his reaction. It's still so entertaining when I catch him off guard like this. His facial expressions are priceless. He suddenly bursts out laughing and squeezing my hips as he does. His eyes crinkle in the corners and I find myself staring at him.

He takes my breath away.

"Wow," he says after a few moments. He's holding me tightly while I rest my head on his chest. "I wish my girlfriend would want to hang out with me sometimes."

I almost jump out of my skin. Calm down, Theo. Calm it. Don't react. Don't make this a big deal. He just threw the word, girlfriend, in there so casually. I'm just losing it a little bit. It's fine. I'm fine.

"Uh... w-well... I-I..." Oh my God, my stutter. I slap myself mentally a thousand times.

Suddenly, he bursts out laughing again and I flush crimson. I am so embarrassing and it's not even funny anymore. I'm being smothered by his tight embrace when he finally stops laughing. "Baby..." he breathes into my ear. He obviously notices my lack in seeing the humour here. "Be mine."

"What?" I attempt to crank my head up so I can see his face.

"Do I need to go ask your dad's permission or something?"

"What?" I can't hide the look of horror on my face.

He snorts and I know he's joking. Ok, I'm relieved about that. "I seriously will. He's right upstairs," he says, trailing his fingers slowly up my stomach.

Is he being serious? He wouldn't. No way.

I turn to look at him. He's clearly making fun... but I can see something else in his eyes, and I know that he actually would. As horrifying the idea is, I can't help but feel my heart warm at the gesture.

"Are you ready for that?" he asks. "A boyfriend, I mean... I want to be your first." He smirks, but the look in his eyes is of pure sincerity.

"I think you already got that title last night, sir," I smirk, rolling my eyes.

He bursts out laughing but shakes his head. "No, baby."

I'm honestly at a loss for words. Hell yeah, I do. I love the boy. But, is it something that he actually wants? Or does he just think I want that...

"If this is something you think I want... or think that you owe me because of last night..."

The look on his face changes instantly. It hardens into something much colder. "Theo, no... I want this. I feel like shit for making you think otherwise. I know my actions haven't been the greatest to you." He's silent for a moment, then squeezes me a little harder. "I want to be yours. I want you to feel secure... in us." His voice softens and I feel myself really believing him. Maybe he really does want this. Us.

I let a few long moments pass before slowly raising my head so I can look in his eyes. "Okay," I breathe, a hesitant smile touches my lips.

He regards me closely before smiling himself and visibly relaxing. His eyes close and he lets out a groan before rolling us both over so he's completely on top of me. I squeal and he laughs into my hair. His hands start to go down my sides and way too close to my ticklish areas.

"Don't you dare," I warn. I know exactly what he's thinking.

He just responds with a mischievous giggle and is in no way settling. "So, girlfriend, would you like to go out with me tonight?"

"To a dune party?" I snort, making him roll his eyes.

He nestles his head deep into my neck, his facial scruff tickling me making me squirm. "To just being with me... for real, this time."

"Ah..." I gasp when his hands squeeze my love-handles. "Do I even have a choice?" I tease.

We stare at each other for what seems to be a long while before his lips come down on mine. My body involuntarily melts against him, and I have no control. I kiss him back.

Oh, God... if my dad came down right now.

"God, you make me crazy..." he whispers against my mouth. He wraps his arms around me as tightly as they can go. I can't breathe and I make a groaning noise. He laughs and loosens his hold finally, placing a light kiss on my neck and then resting next to me. 

"So, if I say no, you're going to strangle me to death? Isn't that a little Ted Bundy of you..." I tease.

"I think Ted Bundy chopped his victims up more or less..."

"Am I victim of yours?"

"What is this conversation even right now?" Rhys laughs, squeezing my love handles and I squeal loud.

"Stop it! My dad will hear." I try to escape his hold, but he keeps me well in place at his side.

"Does your dad really just think we're friends?"

"Well, weren't we up until right now?" I question. I mean, technically, you just asked me to be your girlfriend, Rhys.

He just rolls his eyes at me in response. "I have to go to my dad's office for a bit. I'm also going to Nial's earlier to help set up everything. So, if you wanted to come with me, I'd need you ready around six."

"That's fine. I'll obviously just go with Ronnie and Ashton."

His eyebrows raise in a quick motion at me. "You are a grouchy girl," he smirks, and this time I roll my eyes.

"You can go." I tell him and he laughs loudly.

"Okay, baby. I'll see you tonight. Text me when you're on your way."

"Fine," I try to glare, but I end up grinning like a goon at him. He's just someone you can't help but smile at.

He starts to get up, but not before he presses his lips on mine, hard. I giggle against his mouth and I can feel him smile. "I'll let your dad know you'll be up soon," he whispers. He gets up and leaves my room without looking back at me and my humiliated expression.