"So, you guys are going on a date night?"
"It's more like, I'm going to an award ceremony for my mum and bringing Hayden along kind of thing," I explained, taking a bite of my salad wrap.
"Is this the part where I'm meant to snap at you and say Friday nights are our nights?" Harvey teased and I roll my eyes at him.
"Get over it already, I had a moment."
"So cute," he grinned, poking me in the cheek. "Is it a black-tie event?"
"It is formal," I nod. Pulling my phone out, not bothering to check for teachers, I went into my photo library. "Do you like my dress?"
"Yeah that looks nice. You'll look good in that."
"Aw thanks," I smiled. "Where's Caitlyn?"
"Studying for a test this afternoon. She'll be out at half time."
I had just finished my wrap, when I felt two hands on my shoulders.
"Afternoon," Hayden greeted and Harvey looked up at him, giving him a brief wave. "Mind if I steal her for a little bit?"
"I guess not," Harvey replied, getting to his feet. "I'll go see if Caitlyn is finished. Have fun tonight."
I smiled at him as he loped away. Rolling my head back, I peered up at Hayden, who smirked down at me.
"Hi."
"Hi," I replied.
"What are you doing?"
"Not a lot."
"I have something I want to show you."
Quirking my eyebrow curiously, I follow him out of the courtyard and into the hall. He waited until we were in a secluded part, lined against the lockers. Considering it is a warm day, most people were enjoying their lunch out in the sunshine.
Gently pressing on my shoulders, he pushed me so that my back is against the lockers. Instinctively, I flinch, waiting for the cool metal to touch me, momentarily forgetting that I have my blazer on.
"I'm excited for tonight."
"I didn't think dressing up and going to an award show for people you don't even know, would be your thing," I teased with a playful smile.
"You'll be there," he replied simply, making my heart swell.
Slowly, he lowered his head and his lips briefly met mine. I don't think I will ever get sick of kissing him. I love his taste, his scent, the feel of his lips as they move expertly with mine as if they were made for each other.
"What did you have to show me?" I asked, a dreamy smile on my face as he stepped back, the left corner of his mouth curving upwards.
Sliding his bag off his shoulder, he reached into it and withdrew a box.
"Little early to be proposing, don't you think?"
"Shut up," he laughed. "Open it."
Biting my lip, I took the jewelry box from him and opened it. A shiny, pearl pendent sat in there. It looked stunning.
"Wow," I breathed, my finger lightly tracing it as I stare down at the pendent in awe. "Hayden, this is too much."
"I bought it for my mum before the accident and she never got to wear it. She never goes out anywhere nice so it's just been sitting there. I thought... Maybe... You'd like it? If you don't, it's cool, I'll just-"
Looping my arms around his neck, I crush my lips to his, before hugging him tightly.
"I love it. Thank you." I beamed, feeling extremely delighted that he was so thoughtful. If someone showed me this scene a few months ago, I would definitely have laughed, thinking it was a weird joke. "I'll wear it tonight."
He smiled down at me, his dimples appearing. "What time do you want me to come over?"
"5:30? It starts at 6. I'll be ready so we can go straight away."
"Great," he smiled.
Looking back down at the pearl pendent, I lightly traced my finger over it once more, loving the cold feel of it.
Who knew Hayden Cameron could be so sweet?
***
I feel short of breath as I stare at Hayden.
I knew he would look good in a suit but damn he looked hot. My lips part as he leaned against the wooden pole on my porch, a lazy smile on his face. His tall frame fitting the tailored suit almost too well. He fiddled with his cuff as he looked up at me, wearing his gorgeous, dimpled smile.
"Wow," I said slowly, admiring him. "You look so good."
He grinned slowly. "Thanks. You look really pretty. That dress suits you."
I flicker my eyes down to my navy dress, to see the sparkle of the pearl pendent Hayden gave me, resting against my dark skin. It worked well with my dress.
"Thank you."
Taking my hand in his, he walked me to his car, opening the door for me.
"How chivalrous of you," I smirked, gathering up my dress before sliding in.
With Hayden's driving, we got to the hall in a matter of minutes. We entered the hall and my mouth opened in awe, my eyes travelling across the basic, community hall that had been transformed into something far beyond that.
Classic chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Silver and gold lights sparkled from the high roof, the lights running down the walls. The place looked amazing. Whoever designed the layout, is very talented.
Seeing a photographer set up, I drag an unwilling Hayden towards it. After getting three photos, a nice one, one of me sticking my tongue and the other with Hayden kissing my cheek, I was satisfied.
"Grace!"
Turning, a grin lit up my face as I saw my mother. She is dressed in an elegant black gown that fell to the floor, capturing her petite, slender frame. She looked absolutely stunning. It was so strange not seeing her in her usual, boring clothes, or scrubs.
She wrapped her thin arms around me tightly, before giving a Hayden a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I'm so glad you guys could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, mum." I smiled, meaning every word. "Where are we sitting?"
"Over there," she pointed to a table near the back of the room. "But go get something to eat before it starts, otherwise you'll be hungry."
"Yes ma'am," I laughed.
"I'm going to run to the men's room," Hayden told me as we both began to walk to the food table. "I'll meet you back here?"
"Okay."
I grab a plate and begin to pile food onto it. Feeling eyes on me, I slowly lift my own, meeting a strikingly dark pair, looking straight at me. I gave him a polite smile, before continuing to grab myself and Hayden some food. Realising he is still staring after a few moments later, I look up again.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"I'm sorry," he apologised, appearing bashful. "It's just... You look so much like my daughter. It spun me out a little."
"I must have one of those faces," I replied with a smile, meanwhile wanting to scream. I'm sick of being the girl who looks like someone else. It's beyond frustrating. I literally can't escape it, whether it be at school, Hayden's house and now even an award ceremony for my mother?
After a few moments, Hayden re-appeared by my side. "Oh yum," he said, picking up one of the fruits I had on his plate, before popping it into his mouth.
"Hayden?" the man that has been staring at me, asked in surprise.
Hayden froze, his eyes latching onto the man's. He didn't reply as they gazed at each other. I curiously flickered my eyes between the two, waiting for one of them to speak. Apparently, they just wanted to stare at each other.
"Do you know each other?" I asked, breaking the awkward tension.
"This is Carrie's father," Hayden explained in a low voice, his eyes still not leaving the man's face.
"Oh," I said, gripping my plate a little too tightly. "Small world."
"Oh there you are!" I heard my mum said. "You two have already met! I was trying to find you. Grace, as you probably worked out, this is Justin, my partner."
The plate slipped from my hands as my mum voiced the worst possible news.
My mother is datingCarrie's father.
***
Sitting like a frozen statue throughout the entire award ceremony, I keep replaying the scene over and over again.
Justin. Carrie. My mother.
Why can't I escape this girl?
Hayden explained that when Carrie moved, she had gone to live with her mum as her and Justin were separated. If they get married, I'm going to be stuck being Carrie's step sister...
This could not be any more awkward and I haven't even met the girl yet.
I hardly felt any joy when my mother's name was called for her award. Her speech was well manicured and professional. I clapped and I smiled but on the inside, I felt numb.
This was all some sick joke right? Why is this happening to me?
"Are you okay?" Hayden asked for the third time in the last ten minutes. "You haven't said a word all night."
"I just want to get home, honestly," I sighed.
"Let's go then."
"It's not finished."
"So? We're here for your mum and she got her award."
I cock my head to the side. This was true. With a nod, I let Hayden help me up as I gathered my dress train in my hand.
I couldn't see mum to say bye but I'm sure she'll understand.
The trip back is silent. Hayden held my hand tightly, even after he had parked the car.
"Do you want me to come in?"
"Please," I begged. "I don't want to be alone with my thoughts right now."
He nodded, unclipping his seatbelt. As we enter my house, I let out a sigh, glad to be away from everything and back in the comfort of my own home.
"This doesn't change anything with us, does it?"
"Of course not," he replied with a reassuring smile. "I honestly don't care about Carrie."
"Harsh."
"It's true. You're my only concern." He slid his fingers in between mine. "Come on, let's go upstairs."
I let him lead me to my room. I slid out of my heels, glad that they didn't rub. I place them in the bottom of my closet.
Hayden had removed his suit jacket and laid it on my desk. He lent against it, looking mighty fine as he did.
"Do you want me to stay?"
I nod. I did not want to be alone tonight. That's one thing I hate - being alone and I was all the time.
"Can you unzip me?"
Pushing off the desk, in two strides, he met me. As he unzipped the back of my dress, his fingers delicately ran down my bare back. I suck in a breath of surprise. I grip the dress and step out of it, holding it up to my chest.
"Thanks."
I walk over to my closet and hung it up, feeling Hayden's eyes on me. I just hooked it around the coat hanger, when I felt his warm breath hit the back of my neck.
Goosebumps scattered across my skin as I felt the hair on my arms stand.
Swallowing, I turn, lifting my eyes to meet his. They met for one brief second, before he shoved me backwards, pressing his warm lips to mine. The kiss was hungry and impatient as his lips claimed mine in a way no lips had claimed them before.
My heart is hammering as his hands ran down my bare skin. The kiss deepened as Hayden effortless hooked my legs around his waist. The kiss is maddening - twisting into something passionate, hot and a little wild. He threw me down onto the bed, pushing himself on top of me, his strong arms caging me in like he was a lion and I was his prey. The kiss we shared is almost aggressive as I run my fingers through his hair, the hair twisting around my fingers as I pull.
I arch my back as his lips moved from mine and down to my neck, where he performed a series of licks, bites and sucks, all causing me to gasp, moan and beg for more.
Unclipping my strapless bra with a jerk of his fingers, he tossed it to the side, before palming my exposed breasts with his warm hands. My breath is coming out in short, fast pants as I push myself into him, loving his sensual touch.
I was so distracted by his hands; I hadn't noticed his lips move down to my chest. His warm, wet mouth enclosed around my right breast and I let out a whimper as his teeth grazed my sensitive skin. He sucked hard, almost so hard that is was painful. A hot, fiery sensation flared through me, causing my body to yearn for more.
His tongue expertly slithered down my stomach, causing me to suck in. My eyes rolled back into my head as his tongue went lower and lower.
I cried out in pleasure as Hayden continued. My fingers gripped my bed sheets, my toes curling. I threw my head back, unable to control the soft cries leaving my mouth.
I have never felt so vulnerable, so exposed, in my life. I was out of control, my emotions running wild as he claimed me.
"Take me," I panted, my chest heaving as he began to move his mouth back up my body, leaving a soft, wet trail of delicate kissing up my skin. "Take me, I'm yours."
A growl-like sound emerged from somewhere deep in his throat as he shoved his lips back onto mine. I wrapped my legs tighter around his body, addicted to the feeling of his skin against mine.
I began to moan his name over and over again as his mouth went everywhere, exploring my body. When he moved back up to eye level with me, I reach out, touching him. He let out a hiss as I began to rub, his muscles tensing.
"Fuck," he groaned. "You're killing me."
Kissing his lips, his chin, across his jaw and down his neck, all the while unbuttoning his shirt. I slid it off his shoulders, hearing the soft material fall to the ground.
He got to his knees and unbuttoned his dress pants, before quickly removing them.
I latch my fingers around him and begin to move my hand. A loud, crazed moan left him as he buried his face in between my breasts. I could feel his hot breath fanning my skin.
He swiftly pulled away from me and got to his feet. A devilish grin spread across his face as I slide his briefs down his legs. I suck in a breath as I stare at him. The light is only dim but I could still make out the outline of his perfectly sculptured body.
Despite the smirk, the gleam in his eyes, the swollen lips... I can see the longing in his eyes. The tenderness. The adoration. I can feel it when he kissed me. I can see it when he looked at me.
In this moment, I felt something I had never felt before.
I think... I'm falling in love with this boy.
The feelings I felt had come on so fast, so hard, but it is undeniable. I have well and truly fallen for this boy and I might, possibly, maybe, love him? Am I crazy? A few months ago we hated each other. I couldn't stand him now and, I can hardly go a few minutes without thinking about him. I crave his presence, his touch, his kisses, his hands on my body...
He caressed my thighs, his gentle, yet firm hands bringing me back to the present. He stepped back and I heard a packet rip. He looked up at me, as if giving me one last out.
I nod at him, telling him I was sure. He lowered himself onto me again, before he entered. I let out a yelp of a mixture of pain and pleasure. It had been months and months since I had slept with anyone - it was almost like my first time.
I wish this was my first time.
"Okay?" he whispered as he began to move.
There was pain but the feel of him against me overruled it.
"Yes," I whispered as he continued to slide in and out, making me gasp over and over again.
I clung to him, my nails digging into his back as he began to move harder, faster and bolder. I bit his shoulder to stop my cries as he buried himself in me. My hand slipped on his back due to the sweat but I loved the feel of it.
The smell of him was intoxicating. It surrounded me. Covered me.
I was truly and undoubtedly his.
I began to move my hips to meet his and he groaned loudly. I felt something inside my stomach stir and build as he continued. The faster he went, the faster I felt myself slipping what very little control I was holding onto.
His lips latched onto mine and I could taste the salty sweat as our tongues brushed. My nails dug into his skin as I felt a scream build on my lips. I bit his shoulder roughly as he cried out, both of us releasing at the same time.
"Fuck," he groaned breathlessly, collapsing on top of me.
"Fuck," I agreed, hardly able to catch my breath.
"Grace," he said slowly, his fingers tenderly running up and down my arm, as if that was all he had the energy for.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for asking me to stay."
I breathe a soft laugh as I close my eyes, my body sagging with exhaustion.
His fingers touched my face and I re-opened my eyes. He moved so that his eyes met mine. I smiled at him, before kissing him softly. I place my hand against his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat thumping underneath my touch.
"I'm glad you're staying, too."