Not Thinkin' Bout You

Chapter 43

PREVIOUSLY: "Who let you be so cute?"Ellody giggled. Zach tickled her until she leant into him, and he rested his head on her shoulder.

"My mum," Zach said. They sat in silence before laughing so hard they both fell on the floor.

Ellody's eyes widened as he pushed open the door, and the busy streets of New York City appeared on the screen. Johnny English was the funniest movie Ellody could recall watching in a long time, and she was glad Zach was watching with her.

"I swear, if he gets hit by a bus-" Zach muttered. Ellody giggled as something caught her eye, and she turned to see Jack walking into the kitchen.

"Food!" he called over his shoulder. Ellody watched as Daniel, Corbyn and Jonah ran inside and took a sandwich each, spotting Zach and Ellody on the couch.

"Oh, hey guys..." Daniel muttered. Ellody realised she was still curled up in his lap and his arm was around her shoulders.

"Hey, how was the beach?" Ellody replied, staring at the TV to avoid looking at Jonah.

"It was good... kinda cold," Jack said, taking another sandwich. Christina walked into the kitchen and swung an arm around her boyfriend.

"Oh neat, sandwiches. But I feel like... a donut. Wanna drive to Dunkin' with me?" she said to Corbyn. He shrugged and nodded his head at the couch, and Christina finally spotted them. "Oh," she added. Zach paused the movie and turned to look at the group, refusing to move his arm around her.

"Hey guys, wanna watch with us?" he asked. Jack nodded and plopped down next to them. Daniel glanced at Jonah before taking another sandwich.

"I'll go to Dunkin' with you guys," Jonah said quickly. Corbyn frowned and nodded, taking a twenty off the bench and grabbing Christina's hand.

"Let's go," he said. Christina raised her eyebrows at Ellody before leaving with the boys. Daniel sat down next to Jack for half a second before his phone rang.

"Oh, it's Anna. I'd better get this," Daniel muttered, walking upstairs. Zach pressed play and Ellody hesitated before sliding out of his grip to sit between Zach and Jack. A small frown crossed his face, but it was gone so fast Ellody wasn't sure if she was imagining things.

"I need a shower," Jack said, standing up and leaving a sandy mess on the couch. Ellody smiled at him as he walked upstairs, leaving her and Zach alone again.

"Why'd you get off?" he whispered. They locked eyes, and Ellody's first instinct was to hold him and not let go.

Of course that wasn't what she did. It wasn't that easy.

"I only broke up with Jonah this morning... I felt awkward," she muttered.

"Wait, you guys broke up?" Zach said loudly. Ellody nodded slowly, realising the only person she'd really told was Sienna. There was a chance Christina got her vibe that morning, but she hadn't actually told her.

"Um, yeah... I felt guilty about dating him and..." Ellody caught herself at the last second. She had been about to tell Zach exactly how she felt about him.

"And?" he pressed. Ellody shrugged, staring at the TV and hoping he didn't keep asking. There was silence for a second before he sighed and turned the movie back on.

I wonder if Jonah told any of the guys.

He clearly didn't tell Zach.

"OK, I can't deal with this right now. Ellody, I want you in my life. No, I need you. And I need to know that you're back. For real," Zach announced. Ellody's eyes widened and her heart raced a thousand miles an hour.