What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 64

I woke up a few hours later and had to start getting ready for work. Once I was done, I called the cab and snuck downstairs to wait. It sounded like the boys were sleeping so I was doing my best to stay quiet. "Hey." I turned to see Jake walking towards me. "Hey." I smiled. "I didn't even hear you get up." He said as he sat down on the stool next to me. "I thought you guys were sleeping, so I was quiet." I said. "Ah. The rest of the boys are asleep but my sleep schedule is so messed up." He sighed. "Yeah. Mine too." We both quietly laughed. "What time will you be home tonight?" He asked me, suddenly serious. "My shift gets over at four, so probably around 4:15am." I said. "That's ridiculous." He shook his head. "But it needs to be done." I added. "Aria?" He said softly, causing me to look from my phone to him. "Hmm?" Why does he look so serious? Before I could react, he leaned over and pressed his lips to mine. I froze in shock for a few seconds before I finally had enough sense to push him away. I didn't know what to do or say. I was flabbergasted. The cab wasn't here yet so I didn't have anywhere to go and I couldn't form a complete thought, let alone an actual sentence. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." He stuttered. I just looked at him, still too shocked to say anything. "I'll uh, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight." He got up and walked towards the stairs. Before he made his way upstairs, he turned and looked at me. "I'm sorry." He said again before turning and walking up the stairs. I was now completely by myself. What the hell just happened? I didn't have time to think about it because just then, the cab pulled up outside and let me tell you, I have never been so excited to get out of the house and go to work.

***

Work was intense. We ended up closing two hours early because these two guys got into a fist fight that ended up ruining the place. Robert said that we would be open again on Sunday, and that the rest of tonight and all of tomorrow would be spent repairing the damage. Layla and I both let out a sigh of relief at that information. When I got back home, everything that happened with Jake came flooding back to my mind and I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to. So instead of attempting something I knew would be impossible, I went down to the game room and called Caden. It's only 10pm in America, so I know he's awake. "Hey." He answered and I felt more relaxed just hearing his voice. "Hey." I responded. "What's up? Wait, isn't it like three in the morning over there? Why aren't you working?" He asked. "Gee, it's nice to hear your voice too." I said sarcastically. "Yeah, yeah, but seriously, why aren't you working?" He asked again. "Because these two idiots got into a fight that leveled the place. Robert sent us home early and gave us tomorrow off so they could repair everything." I explained. "Well that's cool. So how's everything? Are you and James ok?" He asked. "Yeah we're good. But umm..." I didn't know if I should tell him or not. "Uumm what?" He mocked. "Jake kissed me." I said in one breath. He didn't respond. "Are you still there?" I checked. "Yeah. Just...processing." he replied. "What made him kiss you?" He asked after a few seconds. "I have no idea. We were just talking and then the next thing I know, his lips are on mine." I whispered. "Did you kiss him back?" He wondered. "What? Of course I didn't kiss him back. About two seconds after the shock wore off, I pushed him away." I defended. "Good." He stated. "Yeah, I just don't know what to do. I don't want things to be awkward." I told him. "Well, what did he do after you pushed him away?" He asked curiously. "He apologized and went upstairs." I sighed. "Well see, he realizes it was a mistake. If you don't make things awkward, neither will he. Besides, you've been through this before with Casey right?" He was trying to make a point. "Yes but I actually like Casey." I argued. "Uh, don't you mean liked?" He replied. "Yeah, that's what I just said." I replied, confused. "No, you said like, as in present tense." He corrected. No I didn't. Did I? "Oh, well I meant liked, as in past tense." I replied. "Uh-huh. Look, I gotta go drop off this order. We'll talk later." He said. "Alright, talk to you later. Be careful." I said. "I will. Love you." "Love you too." I replied and then we both hung up. Since it was only 3:30am, I went upstairs and tried to get a few hours of sleep for tomorrow. I have a feeling it's going to be a long day.

SUUUUPER SHORT I KNOW! SORRY, I JUST HAD MAJOR WRITERS BLOCK FOR THIS CHAPTER...WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT JAKE AND ARIA?! ANYWAY, HOPE YOU GUYS LIKED IT! :)