Living on Blue Time

Chapter Five

By the time I pulled on some jean shorts, a tank top, and pulled my red hair into a ponytail, Wesley was already backing out, getting ready to leave.

"What movie are we seeing?" I ask as I slide into the back seat.

"A Spider's Tale," Sidney squeals.

"Really? A Spider's Tale? Isn't that for five-year-olds?" I ask.

"Hey. Be nice to me," Sidney says, "Wesley and I love kid movies. You two are just tagging along."

"You love zombie movies too," Wesley chimes in.

"You love zombie movies," Sidney retorts.

I roll my eyes and gaze out the window.

I try to block out the silly things being said in the front.

My efforts are shattered when a hand finds mine and holds it.

I look over to see AJ smiling at me.

"Hey, princess," he says.

I can't help but to smile back at him, "Hi."

AJ rubs his thumb along the back of my hand, leans closer and whispers, "How 'bout we ditch these weirdo's and go on our own date?"

"Sound's good," I whisper back. "Where are you taking me?"

AJ sits back in his seat and says, "I was thinking about a picnic on a beach?"

"Yum. Did you remember the dinner?"

AJ hesitates, "We'll think of something."

"Don't get me in trouble."

"Oh princess! I would never!"

I laugh quietly, "Liar."

"Did you say something, Ray?" Sidney asks from the front.

AJ pulls his hand away as I say, "Nope. Just looking out the window."

"Oh. Well, you're going to love the movie, Ray! I just know it!" she says, giggling. I roll my eyes. I usually love kid movies, but not tonight. I have plans.

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After Wesley parks the car in the garage, we all get out to go get tickets. The couple walks in front of AJ and I, which is perfect because AJ takes this time to steal me away.

He grabs my hand and yanks me to the right, dragging me along to the block of restaurants we passed earlier. I stifle a giggle as he pulls me to a wall and shushes me as a car passes. He has both hands on the wall next to my head and he's leaning into me. All I can think of is how close he is. And how good he smells! He's like a walking Christmas tree. He smells like pine and cinnamon.

AJ catches his breath as he places his forehead on mine. He's slumping because I'm almost four inches shorter than he is. All I can see is his beautiful blue eyes, flecked with little strands of gold. I reach up to stroke his face. He shivers at my touch. His soft strawberry blonde hair has flopped in front of his ears, the ends curling around his ear lobe. I tug on his hair a little and smile at AJ's reaction.

"I want to kiss you so bad," he growls. He's obviously holding back.

I trail my hands down his strong neck and shove at his chest, "We can't."

It's illegal for un-Matched couples to kiss. It ruins the rest of your life if you're not Matched with the person you kissed. I've heard it feels like you've cheated on them somehow. It's even more illegal to date un-Matched people.

"I know," AJ sighs and steps back from me. He holds out his hand.

Of course what we're doing is illegal. I'm not supposed to be here with him, alone at a dark street corner.

If we get caught, he could be sent to boarding school until his timer stops. The police have never sent away a girl who's been caught, and I don't know why.

I take his hand.

I'm not going to let the laws or my timer ruin my night with AJ.

AJ, the person who I found with my heart.