My eyes felt heavy with exhaustion.
Rubbing my face wearily, I roll over to the other side of my bed. My eyes flew open as the time read 10:15am.
I sat up, peered around and groan loudly, before falling back down onto my mattress. I had been so tired last night, I forgot to set an alarm. I missed swim practice and I am late for school.
Unplugging my phone, I pull it towards me. I had a missed call and seven messages from Harvey. My heart swelled as I saw his name on my screen.
Does this mean he isn't mad at me anymore?
Missed Call - Harvey at 9:21am.
Harvey: You're late.
Harvey: Are you coming?
Harvey: Look, I'm sorry I got mad at you. Can we just move on from this and pretend it never happened?
Harvey: Great. You're avoiding me AND ignoring me now. Cool.
Harvey: Come on. Let's be mature about this. Yeah, we're best friends, I'm happy that we are. I don't want anything to change.
Harvey: Can you just reply? Or better yet, COME TO SCHOOL!
Harvey: P.S You missed swim practice. The Coach is going to be pissed.
I rolled my eyes. A smile stretched across my face as I let out a breath of relief.
He was right about one thing. The Coach is going to be pissed. Tomorrow is going to be hell.
Grace: You're a dork. I just woke up. Come over tonight for dinner?
Harvey: Thank God!!! You scared me half to death.
Grace: I forgot to set an alarm last night.
Harvey: Right. Dinner sounds good, I'll be around after school.
Grace: Sweet.
Harvey: We're all good, yeah?
Grace: Of course.
Harvey: Good. See you then.
Laughing quietly to myself, I dragged my body out of bed. I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I prepared myself breakfast. I'm so glad, beyond words, that Harvey and I are okay. Nothing meant more to me, in this moment.
As I had the day off, I decided to put myself to work. After letting my stomach settle after breakfast, I went for a run and then proceeded to complete the work out I did last Saturday.
With sweat dripping off of me, I washed my face, before doing the laundry, sweeping the kitchen and making sure all the washing up was done. I stood back and admired my work, my hands planted on my hips.
After having a nice, well-deserved shower and washing my hair, I rode my skateboard down to the shops. Placing it against the wall, I grab a basket and make my way into the grocery store.
The first person I saw, is a teacher. He had his back to me. I glanced at my phone and realised it is lunch break. Possibly, the worst time to come shopping. If I get caught, it might take more than an article from my mother to keep me out of trouble, again.
I duck into the closest aisle and wait until he is through the check out. I let of a sigh. That was a close call. I look down at my list and began to stock up the basket, until it is too heavy and is physically weighing me down. I heave a sigh. I should have grabbed a trolley.
As I was getting another jar of Nutella, I stepped back and hit someone.
"Oh, sorry," I said automatically, turning.
The Coach stared down at me.
"Oh. Shit."
"Yeah," he said, folding his arms across his chest. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Getting more Nutella," I replied simply, waving the jar around.
He frowned at me. "Not only did you not attend the practice comp; you didn't attend this morning's practice."
"Really? I had no idea."
He pursed his lips. "I'm not appreciating your attitude."
"Well, I'm not appreciating the way you've been treating me." I snapped back. I place the basket down on the floor and glare up at him. "You were the only one on the team that was there for me. You were the only supportive and kind one. Now, you're worse than them." I shook my head at him. "I was so wrong about you."
His face fell as he took in my words. His eyes softened as they met mine.
"I was out of line."
"Ya think?" I asked, my voice icy. "Oh and as for the practice comp - you wanted me to come and watch my team? That's just cruel."
He rubbed the back of his neck. Silence fell between us for a few moments.
"I'm sorry for how I treated you."
"Apology not accepted."
"Grace-"
"No," I said, shaking my head. "I don't want to hear your bullshit excuse for the way you acted. I'm done."
With that, I grabbed the basket with a huff and marched to the check out. I tapped my foot restlessly as I waited in line.
I heard someone walk behind me. I glanced back, to see Ashton standing there. I turn my back to him.
"Hi, how are you today?" the girl asked me as I hauled the basket onto the conveyor belt.
"Good thanks," I said with a fake, positive smile. "How are you?"
"Good," she smiled, as she began to scan my items.
I handed her my environment-friendly bags and watched, with growing concern, as she loaded them up. I underestimated how many groceries I was going to buy, considering I had to skate home. I should have walked, now I have all these to carry and my skateboard.
"Thank you," I said as she handed me the receipt.
I began to gather my groceries and noticed that Ashton is only buying a packet of chewing gum. I grumble under my breath as I waddle out the door. These bags are heavier than I thought they were going to be.
Just as I got to my board, Ashton skirted around me, picked up my board and casually strolled to his car.
"Hey!" I called out after him. "Give that back!"
"Come and get it," he taunted over his shoulder.
"Unbelievable," I muttered, stomping over to his car.
As I reached it, he opened the back door and began to take the groceries from me.
"Excuse me!"
"You're excused," he replied as he continued to load up his car.
"What the hell are you doing?"
He then opened the passenger door, went behind me and gently pushed me. I whipped around, my eyes narrowing.
"I'm not getting in the car with you, even if you are holding my groceries hostage."
"Get in the car."
"No."
He let out a sigh. I smirked in satisfaction. I turn and began to walk from him.
Suddenly, my feet were off the ground. I let out a high-pitch shriek as he picked me up, bridal style.
"Put me down!" I exclaimed.
I tried to put my leg on the door frame, but my foot slipped. He placed me in the passenger seat and buckled me in, before locking the door. My mouth was hanging open as he walked, unhurriedly, around to the drive side and slid in.
"This is kidnapping."
"Quit being dramatic."
"I'm going to scream," I warned.
"Go ahead," he shrugged.
My heart is racing in my chest as we began to drive. I grip the seat, feeling sick in the stomach.
Did he want to hook up with me again? He was so damn confusing.
His usual, clean-shaven face had a rugged vibe and his hair was just-rolled-out-of-bed type messy. He seemed a little crazed - being mad at me one minute, playful and flirty the next. Maybe he has bipolar?
I wipe my forehead with the back of my hand and stare out the window, my eyes closing.
"Wow, you're really freaking out," he said slowly. "I'm sorry if I scared you. Do you want me to pull over?"
"Just get me home," I whispered.
The car pulled to a stop and I tumble out of it, breathless. I place a hand on my chest and can feel my heart beating rapidly.
"Woah, I'm sorry," he said, slowly approaching me.
"It's not you," I muttered, trying to calm my breathing. "Driving gives me major anxiety."
"Oh, I'm sorry," he murmured. "I didn't know."
"Now you do," I said darkly, turning from him. I stared at the ground and began to count the little rocks on my driveway. The more I counted, the easier it felt to breathe. I felt my muscles unwind as my heart rate slowed.
"Why do you get so upset?"
I turn back to him. He is leaning against his car. His broad shoulders are prominent in his tight, navy shirt. His soft, blond locks messily fall across his forehead. He had to be easily over six foot tall. His cheeks were slightly red, almost as if they were sunburnt, as he stared at me. His expression soft and caring - something I hadn't seen from him for a while.
"My father and I were in a bad accident. I was trapped in the car, while my father died right next to me."
His lips parted as he gazed at me. "I had no idea."
Swallowing uneasily, I moved around him and opened the door. I began to grab my groceries, when Ashton's fingers wrapped around my bicep. He tugged me back.
"I'll get them."
I nodded. Pressing my skateboard to my side, I walked up to the front door and opened it, mentally cursing myself for forgetting to lock again. He followed me inside.
He let out a whistle. "Nice house."
"Thanks."
He set the bags down onto the table and began to pass me the items.
"So," he said awkwardly as I began packing the shelf. "I've been an ass."
"You have," I agreed.
"I was annoyed with you."
"And why was that?" I asked, not bothering to look back at him.
"I was jealous."
"Of?"
"You and that guy you're always with."
"Harvey?" I questioned, my eyebrows shooting up.
"Yes."
I let out a laugh. "You're stupid."
"You're always with him. You're always smiling and laughing and touching. I basically helped you not get suspended or anything like that and the only thing I wanted to do, was grab you and hold you, but you went straight to Harvey and he held you. He hugged you."
I turned and stared at him.
"He's my best friend. You're my Coach. Big difference."
A hurt look flashed across his face.
"I was annoyed. I was hearing rumours about you two. After what happened between us, for you to just discard it and two time me? I was pissed."
"I can't really two time you if we're not dating."
"But-"
"No, listen here," I snapped, jabbing my finger at him. "You had no right to go and act like a jealous boyfriend when you're not my boyfriend. We made out once and then you wouldn't look at me, which is super childish by the way, and then proceeded to act like an asshole in front of everyone. You suspended me from my first swim comp!"
"You talked back to me!" he argued. "I couldn't let you go unpunished."
"You had been punishing me the whole time!" I screamed, throwing my hands in the air. "I wouldn't have spoken back if you just laid off!"
He let out an aggravated sigh, running his hand through his hair. "Look, I was mad, okay? What made it worse, the rumours got more detailed. It wasn't just people assuming. You two did kiss, didn't you?"
"Not before you acted like an idiot," I stated. "But yes, we did. Not that it is any of your concern."
"It is my concern."
"It is not!" I exclaimed, my cheeks growing hot.
Suddenly, he strode towards me. He shoved me back against my cupboard door and I gasped. He placed his finger under my chin, forcing me to look at him.
"It is my concern. I want you."
I glared up at him. "Maybe I don't want you."
"Really?" he questioned. "Then why is your heart racing?"
I swallowed. He is right. My heart is galloping inside my chest. "Because you just shoved me into the cupboard door."
"Why are you trembling?"
"Because you're towering over me!"
"Why do you want me to kiss you right now?"
"I don't-"
His lips hungrily met mine and my knees knocked together, before giving out. He pulled me to him and I wrapped my legs around his waist. His tongue invaded my mouth and took possession over mine. His lips moved fast and hard, as if time was running out and we needed to be with each other right now.
I told myself not to do this again. He is my Coach. This is wrong.
His fingers sunk into my hair, his nails scraping over my scalp. I tilted my head back, giving him more access. He roughly placed me onto my kitchen table. Snaking my arms around his neck, I pulled him closer to me.
His hand ran down my bare thigh. I pulled back from the kiss, feeling breathless. Slowly, he began to unbutton my dress. He stared adoringly down at me.
"I have wanted you ever since I first laid eyes on you," he whispered, his lips swollen.
I gazed up at him. I pulled my arms back and trailed my fingers down his defined chest. I could feel every bit if muscle, underneath his shirt.
"You shouldn't have treated me like that," I whispered. "It made me hate you."
"No, it didn't," he breathed, before he pressed his lips to mine.
His kisses had a drugging affect. It made me feel woozy and disorientated. He began to mumble something into my skin. I couldn't quite make it out, it sounded like a name, just not mine...
His lips moved from my mouth, to my jaw and down to my neck, completely distracting me from my thoughts. His teeth graze my skin and I let out a soft whimper. He is teasing me and it is working.
"Do you want me?" he whispered against me skin.
My breathing is heavy as my eyes roll back into my head. I grip his hair, holding him to me tightly.
"Say it," he murmured, his lips moving down to my collarbones. "Say you want me, Car."
I jerked. "What?"
He let out a growl, before slamming his lips to mine, ignoring me.
"Wait," I whispered breathlessly. "What did you say?"
He pulled back from me, his chest rising and falling. Slowly, his eyes never leaving mine, he pulled out his wallet. My whole body was shuddering at the thought. I don't want to do this with him. It's not right.
Suddenly, I heard my front door open.
"Yo, Grace," a voice called. "What did you want for dinner? I was thinking burgers or something-"
Harvey walked into the kitchen and froze. His face physically paled. I reeled into sitting position, completely mortified. My dress was hanging off me, exposing my bra. Ashton stood there, his hair messy, his clothes dishevelled.
Oh my God.
"Wow," he said slowly. He shook his head, his eyes filled with disappointment. "I should learn to knock."
He turned and strode from the kitchen.
Tears burned at my eyes as I laid back onto the table, burying my face into my hands.
Crap.