Around and around we go

Chapter 14.1

I looked up at him, completely stunned. 

It wasn't what he said or how he said it that stunned me.

It was the fact that I had been so blind to it. 
It was as if I was seeing clearly for the first time.

All of the little gestures over the past few weeks which I didn't think anything of, suddenly meant so much more. 
How the fuck did I miss it? 
He had been trying to spend more time with me. First it was sitting with me on the plane, which normally Jared does because he likes to snuggle up and sleep. Then on the bus, he would seek me out and just come sit with me while I worked. I seriously thought nothing of it. We were gravitating towards each other without thinking about. 
I suddenly realized that he was the first one I looked for when I entered a room.

That I missed him when we were apart for any length of time. 

The way his face lit up when I walked into the room.

The little touches on the small of my back, or my shoulder.

The gentle kisses on the cheek as we came together or parted.

It all came flooding back to me with a new perspective. 

  Normally when I'd been forced to spend the night in Shannon's room there was an extra bed, but there was this one night when we had to share a bed. In true platonic fashion, we had separate blankets and stayed on our own sides. I don't know how it happened, but on that morning I woke up curled in beside him, head on his chest, legs entwined, his arm wrapped around me. I remember smiling to myself, thinking that this was where I wanted to wake up everyday. That morning was quickly forgotten as we were back on the road, and I once again had Jared sprawled over me every night like normal. 
I never realized just how attracted I was to Shannon. He had been my big brother for so long that it never crossed my mind that we could be something more than that. 
Until now. 

Maybe it was the wine. Maybe it was the ridiculously romantic setting we found ourselves in. Who the fuck knows, but that night we crossed that line.

I looked up into his gorgeous hazel eyes and smiled. He let out a sigh of relief and smiled down at me.   
"Um yeah... So... I think we should um talk..."

I've never seen him at such a loss for words. It was adorable and I couldn't help myself. 
I took the cigarette from his hand, placed it between my lips and took a long, thoughtful drag. Exhaling the smoke I hand it back to him. 

"Do we? About what?" I took a step backwards and I ask him seriously, pretending like I had no idea what was going on. 

"oh... uh... well... I... you and I...maybe...nevermi.... DON'T DO THAT TO ME!!! You are just pure evil you know that?!?"

I could no longer keep a straight face as I watched him struggle and second guess what he was feeling, I burst into laughter. 
"I'm sorry! I really am!! But... Your face...'I...you...maybe'...Baahahahaha!"  I was overcome with laughter again. He glared at me for another second then joined me in my laughter, pulling me back into a bear hug, resting his cheek on top of my head. 

"You are the worst, you know that?" 

"I know. I'm sorry. Yes, I think we should talk. Can we go back to the hotel though? My toes are cold." 

"Definitely. If it's ok with you, I'd like to do something first." He places a finger under my chin and brings his lips down on mine. There was the briefest moment of hesitation from both of us that quickly turned into passion. He slid his hand around the back of my head, tangling his fingers in my hair, deepening our first kiss. Eventually we broke apart, completely breathless. Eyes still closed, he was resting his forehead against mine as we tried to catch our breath again. Leaning into him, I place a firm little kiss on his lips. I thought to myself that I may never want to kiss another pair of lips. His were perfect. 

"mmmmmmmm how are your toes?" 

"What toes? I think they froze off." 

"Let's get you back....You still want that bath?"

"Only if you'll be joining me." 

With a growl of pleasure, he tossed me over his shoulder and carried me back to the hotel while I squealed and giggled. We behaved normally as we walked through the lobby and to the elevator in case someone saw us. I caught a glimpse of Jared at the bar with his two blondes as we waited. The moment that elevator door closed behind us, he was on me. I was barely able to press the button as he pushed me up against the wall, kissing my neck and bending low he placed his hands firmly on my ass and lifted me off the floor as I wrapped my legs around his waist. I let out a groan of pleasure as he sunk his teeth into the skin on my neck. The elevator came to a stop far too soon. 

"Shall we?" 
All I can do is bite my lip and nod "Mmmhhhmm!!!!" 

With lightning quick speed, he tosses me over his shoulder with a smack on my ass, and carries me down the hall to his room. 

....