Excuse Me, Princess

There was only one thing in my memory of yesterday that really stuck out.

During the, er, intimate, moment with Joseph, he had whispered “I love you,” to me in a way he never had before.

It just replayed itself in my mind; repeatedly until I fell asleep around 4am. I awoke the next morning, early, almost 7:00, and took a shower. Even from the lack of sleep, I was still pretty awake. I got out, pulled my pj's on, and went downstairs. I'm gonna go out later, so I'll get dressed properly after breakfast.

The family, one by one, slowly came downstairs. Mom and dad started making breakfast. Frankie nearly fell asleep at the table, and Kevin and Nick were arguing about something in their new song. I didn't really pay much attention to anything until Joe came downstairs. His eyes fell on me and I froze for a moment, but quickly regained my composure and went straight up to him, a bright smile on my face.

“Good morning, Joey.” I said, pecking his cheek. I made sure that my lips stayed a second longer than they should have, but no on else noticed. He did, apparently, because his breath had hitched. I pulled back slowly, smiling up at him. He swallowed, forcing a smile.

“Morning, Lilly-loo.”

From that moment on, we acted like last night had never happened.

“Jared's having a pool party tomorrow,” Kevin said, sitting beside me on the couch. Joe and Nick took up the other one. Joe's avoiding me; I wonder why. Note my sarcasm. “we're invited.”

“I am?” I asked, blinking.

“Yup.” He nodded.

“But I don't even talk to Jared...” I trailed off.

“Maybe he likes you,” he teased, poking my side. I swatted him away.

“Please,” I scoffed, “I wouldn't care if he did.”

“Why not?” Nick asked. “Jared's pretty cool.”

“So not my type.”

“You have a type?” All three of them said, suddenly interested. I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, I have a type, just like every other girl in the world. Jared's too much of a player for my taste.”

“Well, that's a good thing,” Kevin said, blinking, “right?”

“Unless you want me to date players, then yes, it is a good thing.”

“Oh,” he nodded, “okay, cool. Anyway, are we all going?”

“Sure.” Nick and Joe said simply.

“I guess.” I stood. “If he tries to smack my ass again, can one of you beat him up for me?” I flashed them a sweet smile. They laughed.

“I'd happily beat him up.” Joe said. “He is a pretty big asshole sometimes.”

“Thanks.” I waved over my shoulder. “I'm going out.”

“Where to?”

“Dunno yet. Park, probably.” I said, grabbing Nick's mustang keys of the key rack beside the door.

“Lilly...” Nick began, eyes narrowing, “don't put a scratch on my baby, understand?”

“Yes, sir.” I mock saluted, walking out. The park wasn't very far. I could have walked, if I wanted to, but it's pretty hot out. I sat under a tree, with my notebook, and just doodled and jotted down some song ideas.

All the songs, basically, revolved around love. Forbidden love, accidental love. That kind of stuff, you know? I looked at the sky, sighing. What the hell was Joe doing to me?

Joe's my brother, no doubt about that, so why am I feeling this way? Why did I let him touch me the way he did? Why?

I stood, shoulders slumped, eyes unfocused in thought. My cell said it was 7:20, which was almost dinner time. I headed home, slowly, but made it in time. As I walked in, I gave Joe a blank stare. He made a face at me. He was confused, or trying to make me laugh. I turned away from him, sitting down next to Nick. Nick gave me a worried stare, but I shook my head.

After dinner, I took a long shower to get my head straight. I sat in bed, wide awake. It took me until two in the morning to get the courage to barge into Joe's room. He looked like he was sleeping, but I knew better. I smacked his forehead, and he opened his eyes, glaring.

“What?”

“Scoot over.”

“Why?”

“I wanna sleep with you.” He blushed, moving regardless. I snuggled in beside him.

“Why?” He squeaked, face red.

“Dunno.” I whispered, looking up at him. My songbook popped into my mind, the songs I had written while at the park, and I leaned against him, burying my head in his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around me.

“You okay, Lilly-loo?”

“I'm fine.” I bit my lip. “Joe?”

“Hm?”

“Can I...Can I try something?” His eyebrows knitted closer together.

“Sure?”

“Don't freak out or anything.”

“I won't?” I pushed him on his back and crawled on top of him, straddling him. He gasped. “L-Lilly...” I placed my hands on his chest and his eyelids began to droop down. I leaned forward, bravely, but hesitated when I got close to his lips. He waited. I was scared. “Kiss me,” he said suddenly, voice husky, “please.” I did as told, pressing my lips to his. My hands slid upwards, and I pressed them against the mattress on either side of his head. His hands found my hips, and he kissed back. I pulled back after a moment, peering down at him curiously. He stared back. I got off him, standing and tried to leave. He grabbed my arm, now standing, and kissed me roughly. I whimpered as he forced his tongue inside my mouth, pressing my body against his. The battle for dominance was lost, and I moaned in his arms, shaking. My back hit the wall as our intense kiss went on. When I couldn't breathe, I pulled away. He watched me, breathless. I pushed him back and walked to the door. “Goodnight, Lilly.” He said softly as I left.

“Night, Joey.” I said, smiling over my shoulder as I went into my room.

As I lied in bed, I smiled.