Caught Between (If Roses Are Red #1)

Chapter 34

“How are you doing, cutie?” Nolan asked before kissing my cheek. He held Choco in his hands. The adorable pup snuggled close to him soaking up the affection.

“I'm good.” I said before taking a bite out of the watermelon. “How was the auction?”

“Meh. Boring.” He rolled his eyes for good measure. “But I got something for you. It's in your bedroom.”

“Ooh what is it?” I got up from the seat looking up at the house behind us. At the back of the house were semi-circle wooden chairs and fancy small tables where we both were.

“Later.” He held my hand and pulled me to sit down next to him. “About Prom tomorrow...  you're going, right?”

“Of course, I wouldn't miss out of that high school tradition.”

He smiled cheekily, “Good.”

“Why? Do you have to work tomorrow night?” I really hope he would be able to come along.

“No, I don't. I just wanted us to go together.”

“Aww. So no flowers and dramatic scenes?” I asked tracing my fingers on his arm.

“I told you to stop watching Telenovela.” He gave me a small smile while Choco have a small yip. “See, she agrees with me.”

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes and pop another strawberry in my mouth.

We sat together enjoying the blissful silence. Silence has its good moments too, so does noise apparently. I turned my head catching Nolan staring at me. “I know I'm attractive but this”, I point at his face, “is too much.”

He chuckled. “What can I say? It's the best activity I love doing.”

I became flustered, I mean it's good he is watching me and stuff. I like it very much and I do admit I'm attracted to him. I thought to the time he said he likes me and I can't help but wonder whatever happened between him and Aubrey. He never said a word about her since that stupid interview at school.

Nolan waved his hand in my face. “What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, it's nothing.” I said though it was obvious he did not believe me. “We are graduating soon. It feels like it was only yesterday I got a call from the school about the scholarship. A lot of things have happened in my last year of high school.”

“It was totally inevitable.” He pulled me closer to his chest. “I'm sorry for the abrupt changes in your life and I hope you adapt fully in this crazy world of mine.”

I smiled, letting the smell of him fill me. My mood dampened. Why do I feel so remorseful all of a sudden? I tightened my hand on his shirt.

“Are you okay?” I heard him ask. His body shook against me, chest rising and falling. I don't even know how to answer myself. Am I okay? These tangling emotions roaring inside me, I could not describe them even if I wanted to. Being so close to me made me so happy and... so selfish.

Henry.

His name whispered in my mind. I could just see his hurt and frustrated face bleeding from the punches Nolan gave him. I thought of his texts I never opened and sighed.