Experience Me

Chapter 8

"Shit! shit! shit!" I jumped out of the bed and rushed to the bathroom after rolling over to check the time.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" yelled a tired Gabi from the room. Hurriedly showering and brushing my teeth, I wrapped my towel around me before making my way into the closet.

"It's one-thirty and the fundraiser starts at two!" Hastily drying my body, I stumbled around the closet looking for something to wear. "Gabi, help! What should I wear?!"

"Ariah, calm down. It's just a fundraiser." I huffed in frustration before finding a blue Looney Tunes crop top and pulling it on. Pairing it with black jeans and checkered vans, I stepped out of the closet and stood in front of my drowsy friend.

"How do I look?"

Rolling on her side to face me, Gabi gave me a once over before flashing me a look of approval. I beamed before quickly moving into the bathroom and tying my locks up into a messy bun. While I was applying my mascara, I heard a knock at the door that made my heart jolt causing me to smear the mascara on my eye. "Fuck!"

"I'll get it." Gabi was laughing hysterically as she made her way downstairs. After fixing my mascara, I applied some clear lip gloss and my peppermint lotion. I've always loved the smell of peppermint. I don't like it too strong though because then it will start to give me old lady vibes. I laughed to myself as I shut off the light and walked out of the room. As I neared the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Gabi smiling nervously as she stood beside Silas waiting for me.

My eyes unapologetically roamed up and down the breathtaking specimen of a man that stood before me. Instead of his usual professional attire, he sported a pair of light wash denim jeans with small rips. A crisp white shirt rested upon his broad shoulders that coordinated with the red sneakers on his feet. He looked good enough to eat and I wanted a full plate. The pair of dark shades that hid those soul-baring eyes were removed as his gaze set on me. A frown tickled his face but was gone in an instant. I blushed profoundly as I closed the distance.

"You look gorgeous." My blush intensified at the sincerity of his comment.

"Thank you. You look rather handsome yourself."

"And thank you, shall we?" He opened the door and stood back for me to exit. I made my way out after passing my farewell to Gabi, who was already on her way back up to bed.

We arrived at the Rec Center quickly and made our way through the crowds of people at the entrance. I was eyeing all of the different games and children running around when Silas took hold of my hand. Turning my head to him, I was greeted with his handsome features.

"I didn't think you would come." He walked us through the many stands where kids were getting their faces painted or playing games.

"Well, you didn't leave me much of a choice. You tickled me to death then said that you were going to pick me up and left."

He let out a soft chuckle baring his perfect teeth to me. Such a sight to see. "That was the intention. Though I think you failed to mention a particularly important part of that night that I think sealed the deal."

Ignoring the burning sensation in my cheeks, I rolled my eyes. "Are you always this cocky?"

"I like to think of it as self-assured." I looked up at him and found an expression that said he was completely serious. I couldn't help the laughter that poured out of me.

"Ariah, I'm so glad you could make it." I heard a familiar voice say as it came closer to my ears. I fixed my eyes on Director Shaw who gave me a warm smile.