Rubbing my eyes, I reach out for Hayden and feel my fingers clutch at thin air.
My eyes snap open as I realise I am in bed, alone. A soft knock met my ears, making me realise that is the reason I woke in the first place.
"Hey," mum greeted with a smile, poking her head through the doorway of my bedroom. "How are you feeling?"
It took a moment for my mind to catch up with what is happening. My head is pounding.
Mia. Sport. The ball.
I let out a groan, rubbing my forehead gently.
"My head hurts."
"That's to be expected," she informed me. She walked in and sat at the end of my bed. "Hayden had to leave, to go cook dinner for him and his mother."
I nod slowly, a little disappointed he didn't get to stay. I enjoy having him here.
"It makes me a little anxious that you were both here, alone," she said quietly and thoughtfully. "But you were both passed out when I came home."
"If you must know," I sighed, still massaging my temples. "Our physical contact has been updated to a kiss on the forehead, so you can rest easy for a little while longer."
"I'm glad you aren't rushing into anything," she smiled. "Last thing you want is to fall-"
"Stop with the pregnancy lectures, please," I whined. "My head hurts enough already."
"Okay, sorry," she apologised, still looking like she wanted to continue discussing the matter.
"What are you doing here, anyway? Quiet day at work?"
She laughed at my word choice. "Quiet day? No, the school called."
"Aw and you came to check on me." I teased.
"Of course. What would you like for dinner?"
"I'm not really that hungry."
"Alright, let me know if you change your mind."
After squeezing my knee gently, she exited my room.
A few moments later, I dialed Hayden's number.
"Hey," he answered. I can hear sizzling in the background, indicating he is cooking. The thought made me smile.
"Hey there."
"How are you feeling?"
"Better but still sore. Weren't you meant to stop me from sleeping?"
"Yeah, well, that was the plan," he chuckled. "I don't even remember falling asleep."
"Me either," I admitted. "What are you cooking?"
"Marinated pork chops and steamed vegetables," he answered.
"Wow, you can cook better than my mum."
"I've had a bit of practice. What are you doing tomorrow night?"
"Nothing, why?"
"Leisel's having another party. Do you want to go?"
"Sure. Are you drinking?"
"I don't drink," he replied quickly and a little snappy, if I say so.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot."
"Will you be drinking?" he asked me and I can hear the judgement in his voice.
This is something I want to know more about.
"If you won't, I won't," I told him honestly. "Deal?"
"Sounds good. I'll pick you up at 6."
"Okay. I don't know if I'll go to school tomorrow."
"That's fair. Milk it while you have the chance," he laughed.
"I wonder if Mia will feel bad," I said thoughtfully.
We were silent for a moment, before we laughed, both agreeing that she wouldn't.
"Let me know if you do end up coming to school and I'll pick you up."
"Okay, thanks. And thanks for this afternoon, too."
"Any time."
"Bye Hayden."
"Bye Grace," he replied in the same tone, before the line went dead.
I let out a sigh, before putting my phone down.
"Not meaning to eavesdrop," my mum suddenly said, appearing in my doorway. "But you're not going to school tomorrow?"
"I don't know," I shrugged. "With a headache like this, a long day of boring school and grilling swim practice, doesn't sound appealing."
"Well, considering you did get a written slip stating you have a concussion, I guess you can skip school. If you're up for it, I thought we might be able to go shopping? If I can get the time off?"
"Sure," I smiled. "That would be nice."
"Okay, I'll let you know. I'm having some rice and chicken, if you want some."
"I'll come down in a bit," I told her.
I began to reply to Harvey's text when I felt my eyes growing heavy again. After hitting send, I laid my head back and fell asleep within seconds.
***
Running a hand through the loose curls in my hair, I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
Even with my make up on, I can't hide the egg on my head and the bruising bordering it. It isn't anything too drastic but it is noticeable. I decide to ignore it. I can't hide it, anyway.
As it is cool tonight, I have my high-waist, black jeans on with a burgundy top tucked into the waistband. I have a loose, black cardigan over the top.
"You look nice," Hayden complimented as he walked in, catching me off guard. "How's the head?"
"Thank you," I replied earnestly, turning around and leaning on my bathroom sink. "Bit sore and there's a lump, but okay."
"That's good." He took a step towards me, almost as though he wanted to hug me in greeting, but turned and walked out of the bathroom before I could process what was going on.
I enter my bedroom and take a moment to study him. His long frame is dressed in a pair of faded, blue chinos, with a black sweater. He had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, with a pair of Lacoste sneakers. The outfit looked really smart.
I let my eyes run over his tanned and unblemished skin. His soft, pink lips were inviting as he wore a lazy smile on his face, looking at photos of me that were scattered around my room.
He raised a dark eyebrow at me, his smile twisting into an amused smirk. "What?"
"Huh?" I asked, realising that his attention was now on me.
"You were looking at me."
"Oh, yeah," I said with a nod, looking down at my feet as I shoved my foot into the left boot of my Dr Martens. "You look good."
"How good?" he asked and I felt my cheeks warm as he stared at me.
"Pretty good."
After successfully getting my shoes on, I stood. He wandered over to me and my breath hitched in my throat as he took my face in his hands. I felt his warm breath on my lips as he intently stared at my forehead, his long fingers running over the lump.
"Was a good hit, I'll give her that," he murmured, his voice sounding a little deeper than it did just before.
"Yes," I whispered back, my eyes trained on his lips.
His tongue snaked out, moistening his bottom lip. I felt my own part as I watched his tongue move, wishing desperately to taste it against my mouth. I inched my head forward, my body acting on behalf of my mind's promiscuous thoughts.
He stepped back and grabbed my bag that on the mattress. I felt the cool air rush onto my face as he broadened our proximity. My cheeks flamed as I realised he pulled back from me.
"Let's go," he said, before exiting my room abruptly.
Swallowing uneasily, I follow, turning off my light.
Maybe I had this all wrong... Maybe we really are just friends.
***
The music is loud as we enter Leisel's house, making me thankful I took an extra dose of pain relief for my head ache.
"You came!" Leisel slurred, stumbling over to me.
She wrapped her slender arms around me in a tight hug. I let out a laugh, hugging her back.
"Are you..." her voice dropped dramatically as she pressed her lips to my ear. "Dating Hayden?"
I definitely wasn't, by the way he acted before we left.
I gave her a smile. "No."
"Uh huh," she grinned, before giving Hayden a sloppy hug. He didn't embrace her back but stood there awkwardly, with an irritated look on his face.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked with a frown.
"Drunk girls annoy the fuck out of me," he said loudly, causing a few people to glance in our direction.
"I must have annoyed you a lot, then," I replied simply.
"Yeah, you did."
He walked from me and I stare after him, shaking my head. We had such great times together in the past two weeks. Why is he suddenly acting like he used to?
My phone dinged, drawing me from my thoughts. I stare down at the screen, my forehead crumpling in confusion. It was from my school email.
Ashton: Grace, are you free tomorrow? I would like to see you. We need to talk.
I stare at the cryptic message.
Grace: What about?
Ashton: Just tell me when and where.
I bit my lip, knowing this was a bad idea. I need to cut all my ties from Ashton. I look up, planning to ignore Ashton's message, when I see Hayden leaning against the kitchen counter, a can of coke in his hand, as he spoke to Mia and Mike.
My lips spread into a thin line as I look back at my phone and type.
Grace: Your place, 10am.
Ashton: Look forward to it.
I push my phone into my back pocket, feeling like a drink. No matter how Hayden was acting, I didn't want to go against our deal. With a sigh, I walked into the kitchen.
"How's the face?" Mia asked sweetly.
I pour myself a glass of water, before facing her.
"Still better than yours," I smirked, earning a snort from Mike, before I exited the kitchen, hardly sparing a glance towards Hayden.
Two can play this game.
***
"Hello gorgeous," Ryan purred as I dance with Leisel.
Hayden had still been acting like a dick so I was out on the dance floor with Leisel. She has our hands entwined as she is swaying and moving to the music, her eyes stained red from alcohol.
"Ryan," I greeted him with an automatic, flirtatious smile.
"Am I allowed to talk to you or will I get punched?" he joked, moving closer to me, so that I can hear him over the music.
"He doesn't decide who I can and cannot talk to."
"Good," he murmured. "What a drink?"
Yes.
I am so tempted to reach out and take the red, plastic cup from his hand and down the contents. I glance over to see Hayden watching me, his arms folded.
I let out a sigh. "Not right now."
"Alright," he replied, sculling the rest of the drink, before tossing it onto the floor.
Leisel moved to dance with David, sending a glare towards Ryan. Ryan edged closer to me, placing his hands on my hips.
"Let's repeat the beach party," he suggested huskily, his eyes darkening. "The kissing part, that is."
I wasn't into this at all, I was just sick of Hayden going from hot to cold all the time. I hate how he thinks he can treat me however he wants and I'll stick around.
Suddenly, Ryan is pulled back. Hayden's fingers wrap around my arm. He pulled me roughly and I let out a cry in surprise. He dragged me outside. The cool air slapped me in the face as I wrenched my arm from Hayden.
I fold them across my chest and stare at him, my eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing?" he snapped. "You're embarrassing me."
"Me?" I whipped back. "You're the one who started ignoring me and acting like a dick. Hanging out with Mia, really?"
"Mia and I have been friends for a long time, regardless of how much she annoys me. We generally do hang out at parties because that's what you do with your group of friends."
"Right and the ignoring me part?" I pushed, still not satisfied with his response.
He exhaled loudly. "Look, what almost happened at your house kind of freaked me out."
"The thought of kissing me freaked you out?" I asked slowly, feeling my ego get a punch on the chin.
"I've just had a fucked up history with girls, okay? I don't want to rush into anything because things have been good. I don't want to ruin anything between us, okay?"
I threw my hands up in the air. "Why didn't you just say so? Ignoring me like that only makes me feel like shit."
"I'm not good at expressing myself, obviously."
"And that's okay. It is. You just can't ignore me. I really hate when you do that."
"I got really good at ignoring people, after Carrie. I kind of enjoyed making people feel like shit because it made me feel better. I don't know. It's messed up."
"It makes sense and I get it. But that's not going to happen between us otherwise you're just going to push me away."
He nodded, digging his hands into his pockets, hunching his shoulders. "Yeah, alright."
"I'm happy to go slow. My past has been nothing but jumping into things without thinking and acting on impulse." I told him with a smile. "But not too slow because I have hormones and you look really hot."
He chuckled, reaching out to me. His fingers slid through mine. He pulled me to him and wrapped his arm around me. I hug him back, burying my face into his chest.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too."
"Ryan really pisses me off," he mumbled, his lips pressed against my hair.
"I know."
"He wants you."
"Who cares what he wants?"
Hayden's arms tighten around me, before he let go. He flicked my nose softly and I smiled up at him.
"Let's get back inside."
"Sounds good to me," I smile, tugging on his hand, leading him back into the house.
The music is still shaking the walls, but people weren't dancing as much now. There is a large circle on the floor and I grin, knowing all-too-well that a drinking game was in action.
We both found a spot on the floor. This was definitely weird, being a part of a drinking game when I'm not drinking.
"Truth or dare?" Mike asked Mia.
"Dare," Mia replied, flickering her eyes to me in annoyance.
"I dare you to give me a lap dance."
A few people whistled loudly and the rest of the group clapped. She rolled her eyes and got to her feet. Mike high-fived David, before going to sit on the lounge.
Mia looked at Hayden. I turned to look as well, only to see that his eyes were already on me. He had a smile on his face and I smiled back.
When I turn my attention back to Mia, she is beginning to twerk on Mike. I let out a laugh, along with everyone else. Mike looked like he is on Cloud 9. She moved her hips sensually, spreading his knees, before grinding her butt against him. Everyone cheered her on and I couldn't help but join in.
She pulled him to his feet, before running her hands down his chest, moving down his body. He suddenly grabbed her, pulling her up to him, before pressing his lips to hers. I was shocked as they made out passionately, in front of everyone. They parted soon after and Mike threw his hands up in triumph. David and Zach went over to him, doing the shoulder-hug thing that guys do.
The group settled down soon after and the game continued.
"Leisel, truth or dare," Mia said calmly, her cheeks red but other than that, acting like she didn't just act like a stripper in front of all her friends.
"Dare," Leisel chirped back, knowing that everyone would 'boo' her if she chose truth.
"I dare you to kiss David."
She shrugged, glancing over to the other side of the circle briefly, before crawling over to him. She pressed her lips to his. It continued a little longer than necessary, before she wobbled back to where she was sitting, a drunk, goofy smile on her face.
"Hayden," Leisel suddenly said, pointing at him. "Truth or dare."
Mia scoffed loudly, causing a number of us to look her way. "Hayden doesn't play. He's too much of a pussy."
There is a collective "ohhh" as everyone turned back to see how Hayden would respond. No one ever spoke to Hayden like that, let alone Mia. He quirked an eyebrow at her, before smirking.
"Dare."
Everyone quietened, shocked that he is actually participating.
"I dare you to take Grace up to one of the bedrooms for five minutes." Leisel smirked back.
There are a few gasps shared between everyone. They all look from Hayden, to me, to Mia. I think the vein in Mia's temple is going to burst.
Hayden got to his feet and strolled casually over to me, considering we had separated when we sat on the floor. He extended his hand. I let him pull to my feet.
"Be back in five," he smirked, before grabbing my hand and leading me towards the stairs.
Loud cheers and whistles erupted from the group and I laughed quietly.
We walked into what looked like the spare room.
"Mia is going to stab me in my sleep," I said to him, with a small smile.
Without another word, he strode towards me. He pushed me against the wall.
"Woah," I exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing?"
"Something I've been wanting to do for a long time."
I let out a shaky breath as our lips were mere millimeters from touching. "I thought you wanted to take it slow?"
"Fuck going slow," he growled, before pressing his lips to mine.
He hungrily kissed me. His hands dug deep into my hair, pulling on it slightly. I grip his sweater with my fingers, pulling him closer. I wound my arms around his neck, crashing my body to his.
He broke the kiss and removed my arms from his neck. I breathlessly stared at him, confused, before he yanked my cardigan off. It fell to the floor behind us. He leaned his head in, pressing his lips to the base of my throat. A soft moan left me as his lips danced over the delicate skin.
His tongue twisted and I knew he was giving me a hickey. I hate hickeys. I think they're trashy and completely unnecessary, but the way his tongue and lips were moving, was making my thoughts disappear and my eyes roll back into my head. It is such an intimate gesture that it had my heart rate increasing and my knees wobbling together.
His hand travelled up my side, feeling every curve of my body. Grabbing his chin, I pull his face back to mine. His lips were warm and wet against mine. His tongue brushed my own as he entered my mouth. I love the taste of him. He tasted better than I could even imagine.
His warm palms pressed against my cheeks as our kiss deepened. My hands ran down his chest, before going underneath his shirt. My fingers were cool as they traced the outline of his defined abs, making his stomach suck in from my touch.
"The things I want to do to you," he groaned, his hand fondling with my chest. "Why the hell did I want to take things slow?"
"I have no idea," I whispered back.
He ground his hips against mine as we continued our heated make-out session.
"Yo, it's been more than five-" Leisel drunkenly announced, walking through the door. "Oh my God!"
I pull back and stared at her, my chest heaving.
"Yes!" she squealed. "I have been waiting for this!"
"Me too, now get the fuck out," Hayden said hoarsely, before pressing his lips back to mine roughly.
She giggled, before stumbling back out.
"Hey guys, you won't believe what I just saw!" I heard her yell out but my mind was only occupied with one thing right now.
Hayden.
My mind was going to be occupied with him for a while.