Give Into Me

“What took you so long?”

Caroline looked up as she rounded the corner of her apartment building to see Matt leaning up against the front of his truck with his thick arms crossed over his chest. Caroline frantically glanced around to make sure Danielle hadn't followed her out of the building. She hurriedly went over to Matt with a scowl on her face, he simply smiled in return.

“I thought I told you I'd meet you at the studio.” Caroline said as she pulled out her cellphone and scrolled through it to check the text messages she had sent him earlier in the day. Matt chuckled as his hand covered the screen of the cellphone to stop her from looking.

“You did but I wanted to pick you up.” He answered as she peered up at him, he shrugged his shoulders as he removed his hand from her mobile device. “Like old times.” He finished with a weak smile, hoping he wasn't about to be reamed out.

Caroline let out a large breath. “Just next time let me know.” He nodded understanding.

Caroline walked around the truck, letting her eyes take in the restored car in daylight as opposed to the previous time she had seen it underneath a dim street lamp late at night.

She smiled softly at how different it looked, in her younger years she had always heard Matt talk about restoring it. But even as he was making enough money to be able to do it without having to worry about it financially, he never had. Somewhere between touring nine months out of the year and recording new albums when they were at home, he changed his mind. He said the weathered truck reminded him of his roots and how he shouldn't take what he had for granted. She couldn't help but wonder what had caused him to completely reconsider his prior statements.

“Are you coming or what?” Matt called from inside the truck, watching her stare at the shiny vehicle.

Caroline nodded and briskly hoped into the truck, letting her body sink into plush bench seat. She pulled the seat belt over her body and glanced over at Matt as she fastened it.

“So where are you taking me?” She questioned as he started up the vehicle. Even though the outside of the truck looked different, the sound of the loud engine it hadn't changed one bit. Her eyes drifted around the interior, inspecting all the changes that had been made since she had been gone.

Matt chuckled as he revved the engine and slid his aviator sunglasses over his eyes. “That's for me to know and you to find out.” He answered with a dimpled smile as he shifted the gear shift and hit the gas, propelling them into motion.

Despite the fact that there was beautiful scenery outside of her passenger side window, her eyes didn't seem to care about it as she found that they remained focused on Matt. They studied the way his feet moved back and forth along the sets of pedals, and how his left hand lazily rested on the steering wheel.

Every so often she'd get a peak at the remembrance tattoo he'd got in honour of their late friend. But what her eyes seemed to enjoy most were the movements of his right hand shifting gears when they hit the open highway and he could go faster than he could on the smaller streets. She had always been mesmerized by the way he could so effortlessly drive a standard vehicle, his movements were so fluid like it came naturally.

A shy smile crept onto her lips as she recalled one moment in particular where he had attempted to teach her how to drive his truck. The lesson hadn't quite turned out the way either of them had expected it to.

“You ready?” Matt asked as he sat passenger side, watching Caroline's timid body perched in front of the steering wheel of his truck. She inhaled a shaky breath as her hands wrapped tightly around the leather wheel.

Matt had driven Caroline to a vacant parking lot of a shopping plaza near his house in order to teach her how to drive standard. Caroline had been sceptical to even try but when he wouldn't let up, and insisted that if she were his girlfriend she'd have to know. She eventually gave in which had led to her sitting nervously behind the wheel with a fluttering feeling swell in her stomach.

“I think so.” She muttered as the loud engine of the truck rumbled beneath her. Matt slid his body closer to hers, taking the middle spot of the bench seat so he could help her should she suddenly have a panic attack. He knew Caroline all too well and if something went wrong, a panic attack was immanent.

“Okay, slowly release the clutch.” Matt told her as he watched her left foot barely lighten it's toll on the pedal. He glanced over at her with a smirk on his face.

He shook his head as she kept her eyes set on the empty parking lot. Matt reached his left arm over her lap to rest lightly on the exposed skin of her thigh. Caroline tensed even more with the skin to skin contact, she wanted to scold him for touching her in such a sexual manner under the circumstances. She quickly realized that he had only did it to help her lift her lead foot faintly off the pedal he had called the clutch.

“Now, press on the gas.” Matt instructed as his hand moved over to her right thigh and lightly pat it. Caroline followed his instructions until she felt his hand take her right hand and place it firmly on the throttle. With his hand on top of hers, he moved it into proper position before directing her further.

“Keep lifting your foot off the clutch.” He spoke softly, easing his grip on her hand that was wrapped around the throttle. Caroline did as she was told and soon found herself rolling steadily, although slowly, in a straight line across the pavement. She smiled widely, proud of herself as Matt sat proudly with an arm around the back of her seat.

“Now shift to the next gear.” Matt mumbled softly in her ear as he pointed to the throttle.

Caroline nodded, trying to ignore the goosebumps that his proximity and the feel of his breath hitting her skin had caused. She wasn't sure if it was the fact that she was slightly overzealous or if she was merely thrown off her game with Matt's body being pushed flush against hers, but without thinking she quickly shifted gears.

Before Caroline knew it, the truck, instead of moving forward, stalled then quickly moved backwards at a rapid pace. Neither Matt nor Caroline had fast enough reflexes to prevent the back of the truck make an impact with one of the lamp posts in the plaza.

“Fuck.” Caroline mumbled upon realizing what she had done.

Matt tore his eyes away from the large metal street lamp she had crashed the back of his truck into. He had been more surprised at the word that escaped her lips than her lackluster ability to learn how to drive manually. She didn't swear often but when she did, he always found it rather amusing coming from her.

Caroline's brows furrowed before she quickly turned off the ignition and jumped out of the truck, immediately rushing to the back to inspect the impending damage. Matt followed close behind, chuckling softly to himself as she covered her slightly parted mouth with her hands.

If it had been anyone but her to back his truck into a pole and leave the large dent that was sure to be there once he drove it forward, he would've surely lost his temper. However, as he took in the sight of her small form shaking with anxiety and the cute expressions cross her worrisome face, he couldn't help but find it funny and cute as hell.

“Oh my god.” She mumbled, her face turning a bright shade of red. “Matt, I'm so sorry!” She exclaimed but frowned as she heard the deep laugh escape his throat.

“Why are you laughing?” She questioned meekly, crossing her arms over her chest. He killed his laughter when he saw her brows furrow and her lip stick out slightly.

“It's fine.” He assured. “You think I care about this rust bucket?” He kicked the fender of the truck, leaving a small dent in the dull, rusted metal.

Instead of answering she stood there staring at him with a guilty look in her eye.

“Come here.” He said, outstretching his arms to her. She took a moment to hesitate before she walked toward him and buried her face in his chest. She felt his strong arms wrapped around her and his chin rest gently on top of her head. “We didn't die, that's the main thing.” He quipped with a small laugh and rubbed her back.

Caroline briefly pulled back and swatted his chest lightly. “It's your fault you know.” She mumbled, before pressing her cheek against his chest. He didn't respond, he only laughed which caused her to pull back to look at him again, this time directly.

“It is. You distracted me.” She said innocently, peering up at him. Matt furrowed his brows, clearly not following. Caroline sighed knowing she'd have to explain herself. “The way you were touching me...” She trailed off, shifting her eyes away from his out of embarrassment. “it was distracting.” She almost whispered.

Matt's eyebrows raised in surprise as his laughter continued. “If you were turned on all you had to do was say that, we could've solved it right then and there.” Matt grinned cheekily prompting a glare being directed his way.

He chuckled once more at her unamused expression before telling her to get inside the truck and they'd try again another time when she wasn't feeling quite so antsy. Caroline narrowed her eyes jokingly at him as they both slid into the truck. While she had felt embarrassed at letting Matt get the best of her, she couldn't help but ache for him to be touching her again.

Even though Matt and the guys weren't touring at the moment, they were still busy with finishing the filming of their dvd and attending meetings for the upcoming tour they were planning at the end of summer. Caroline understood that he had to focus on his career, she knew that if she was in his position she'd be doing the same. However, now that he finally had some free time to spare, she couldn't help but feel slightly cheated that out of all the things they could've been doing, he had chosen to putter around a vacant parking lot.

She leaned back into her seat as Matt flicked the keys in the ignition, making the truck rumble as it sat in place. She glanced around the parking lot, which was completely empty minus the small red Honda hatchback at the other end. Caroline smirked over at Matt as soon as she remembered what he had said about solving her distraction.

He placed his hand on the throttle, ready to shift gears but before he could, she lightly placed her hand on top of his. He curiously looked over at her with his brows furrowed.

“Turn it off.” She spoke loudly over the rumbling engine. He raised his eyebrows at her request but did as he was told. The two of them were left in silence as confused hazel eyes met lustful brown ones.

“Move to the middle seat.” She instructed patting the spot next to her, without hesitating too much, Matt did as she said.

“Why am I sitting here?” He asked with a hint of a laugh in his voice. Caroline bit her bottom lip, fighting the smile that was sure to break out as she pictured the surprised look on his face when she made her intentions known. She slowly slid her legs up from the floor and moved them underneath her so she was now sitting on them.

“Because...” She began as she brought one knee over his lap and planted it flush against the outside of his thigh. She watched his eyes darken with lust as she was now straddling him. She leaned forward, bringing her mouth dangerously close to his ear. “otherwise my back would hit the steering wheel.”

Caroline pulled back to see Matt's surprised face staring at her. She contained her giggle as she removed the shirt she was wearing and sat there in her white bra. Her normally shy nature flew out the window when she was with Matt, which had been something she quite enjoyed about their relationship.

“Here?” He swallowed roughly, unsure if Caroline was serious or not. She nodded silently with an innocent look in her eye, only making it harder for him to keep himself under control should she change her mind.“Are you sure?”

He knew Caroline wasn't a virgin before they had gotten together, he had met two of her previous boyfriends. Both times those meetings ended with him punching the said guy in the face for hurting her. Even so, he had never expected Caroline to be into what she was currently propositioning.

“Yes Ma--” Before she could even get her full sentence out, Matt pulled her down into a rough kiss.

She smiled against his mouth as she felt his hands attach themselves to the exposed skin of her thighs, and slowly moved upwards. Caroline had been glad she had opted for a short flowy skirt that morning, it was definitely coming in handy at the moment.

Their tongues battled for dominance, both of them put a strong fight but Caroline eventually gave in and let him win. She traced her finger tips just underneath the hem of his shirt, feeling the hardened muscles of his abdomen there. Her hands clenched into fists as they grabbed onto his shirt, she briefly detached their mouths so she could successfully remove it.

She was barely able to toss the shirt to the side before Matt made sure their mouths were once again pressed together. She sighed into the kiss, letting him get his way for a moment. Her hands that rested on his broad shoulders moved down his chest so that her nails lightly scratched at his tattooed skin.

A frustrated groan escaped his throat as her hands travelled downwards until they hit his belt buckle but didn't attempt to undo it. His hands firmly pressed down on her hips so that she could feel his growing arousal against her thigh. She held in the moan that threaten to escape her mouth, but smirked when Matt wasn't able to do the same.

“For someone who seemed worried at the idea, you're certainly eager now.” She breathed, leaning back so she could free herself from his kiss. She gazed into his lustful hazel eyes, loving them even more when she knew it was all directed at her.

“I've been thinking about it since you walked out of your place with that on.” His voice came out deeper than usual, she relished in the sound as his eyes darted down to the short black skirt around her hips. “I wasn't going to suggest this...” He explained while his fingers slipped under the waistband of her skirt.

“I wasn't sure if it would make you uncomfortable and I don't want to make you do anything you don't want to.” Caroline smiled softly as she slid her hands up his chest until they curled around the back of his neck.

“I definitely want to.” She assured, kissing him chastely only to feel him smile against her lips.

“Now where were we?” He said, his voice coming out as more of a growl than as a question. Caroline chose to let her hands answer his question as they reached for his belt buckle, undoing it as fast she could.

“Why are you blushing?” Matt asked curiously, breaking Caroline out of her all too vivid memory. She was slightly flustered at his question and her nervous hand movements gave that away.

“I'm not.” She defended to which he just shook his head, clearly not believing her defensive words. “You have sunglasses on so how can you even tell.” Caroline turned her head towards the window, feeling the blush on her cheeks only deepen knowing that Matt had caught her.

The remainder of the drive to Matt's secret destination was ridden in silence with only the sounds of the local rock station playing in the background. Caroline only realized they were there because the song she had been silently singing along to came to a sudden stop as Matt had removed the keys from the ignition. She heard Matt get out of the truck, she glanced out her window before she followed him. She wasn't sure where they were, she had zoned out after Matt had taunted her about blushing. Wherever they were, had a beautiful private, sandy beach.

After taking in the serene sight, she glanced over her shoulder to see Matt grab a duffel bag from the back of his truck, hearing the clinking of what sounded like glass bottles come from inside of it. He also had a blanket in his hand, he flashed her a smile as he noticed her watching. He held out the blanket for her to take before he reached back into the bed of the truck to pull out a plastic container that resembled that of laundry detergent.

“What are we doing here?” She asked curiously, following alongside of Matt as he led them along the beach. She wasn't sure what he had planned for them since it would soon be dark.

“We're having a friendly bonfire.” He emphasized the important word and pointed to the small makeshift fire pit that was set up with two beach chairs planted close by. Caroline crossed her arms over her chest, her lips curving into a smile as she felt the salty breeze blow lightly. She watched him put down the duffel bag as well as the container that she now assumed was filled with water to put out the fire once they were done.

Matt began the daunting task of starting the fire, and to Caroline's amusement it took him several tries before he reigned successful. His frustration over little things had always amused her, she discovered over time that her laugh distracted him from the task at hand which in turn calmed his temper.

“What's in the bag?” Caroline asked as she took a seat on one of the beach chairs, leaving her flip flops behind her and letting her toes sink into the cool sand. Matt didn't bother to answer her as he soon pulled out the contents, causing her to roll her eyes playfully.

“Peach wine coolers? Really Matt?” She laughed softly. The last time she had voluntarily had wine coolers was on her eighteenth birthday when the guys insisted she start off her alcohol intake lightly. She ended up drinking far too much of them and had quite possibly the worst hangover of her life.

“Fuck yeah! Jimmy and I used to steal them from the liquor store all the time.” He said enthusiastically as he popped the cap and handed her one.

She raised an eyebrow at him before she committed to taking it. “You paid for these though, right?” Caroline kept her eyes focused on the sheepish look on his face. “Matthew!”

Matt laughed at her accusing tone. “Yes, I paid for them.” He shook his head as she accepted the bottle he offered before he took solace in the chair next to hers.

Caroline nodded, to her it was a fair question. She remembered hearing numerous stories when she was younger about the boys, Jimmy especially, causing all kinds of chaos around Huntington. Some parents, she heard, had even gone as far as forbidding their children from going anywhere near the six foot three troublemaker. She had always wished she had been a little older so she could've met them sooner.

“I feel eighteen again.” She laughed as she brought the bottle to her lips and let the sweet liquid slide down her throat.

“I forgot how sweet these things are.” She crinkled her nose as she wiped her mouth with the sleeve of her hooded sweatshirt. Matt laughed softly before silence took over.

They sat like that for a while, sipping on the not quite chilled wine coolers and taking in the warmth of the crackling fire in front of them. The faint sound of the waves crashing against the shore could be heard in the background. Caroline took in the moment, inhaling the salty air and suddenly feeling more at ease than she had since she returned to her home state. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Matt staring at her from the comfort of his chair.

“What?” She asked, furrowing her brows. He was looking at her like there was something on her face which was making her feel somewhat uncomfortable.

“Nothing.” He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. Caroline stared ardently at him, waiting for answer. He stayed silent until he felt himself give way with a sigh. “Do you ever... wonder what would've happened if we stayed together?”

Matt looked to Caroline as the light from the flames faintly illuminated her face. He watched her features soften at his words and Matt immediately regretted telling her what had been clouding his mind ever since he had kissed her on the beach. He mentally scolded himself as they had been having a relatively easy going time but he had to go and open his mouth only to make it awkward again.

Caroline tore her gaze from his, looking down to the now empty bottle in her hand. She couldn't deny that she had wondered that herself.

“Sometimes.” She breathed, watching some of the sparks fly out from the fire and distinguish themselves in the sand at her feet. “But then I just remember that timing is everything and maybe things were meant to happen the way they did.” She answered with a shrug of her shoulders, surprising herself at how casually it left her lips.

Matt felt his mouth curve into a smirk, immediately recognizing those familiar words. She slowly brought her eyes back up to his, catching the smirk on his lips.

“Timing is everything.” He echoed wistfully. “Jimmy said that to you too huh?” He laughed lightly recalling the first time his best friend had uttered them

It had been not too long after Caroline boarded the plane and left for Nashville. He had spent a majority of the week after she left feeling down on himself, second guessing what he had done. Although his best friend never knew the extent of what had happened, Jimmy did the best he could to lighten Matt's damper mood. The drummer simply put a friendly arm around Matt's shoulders before gracing him with those words then proceeded to crack a joke.

“He always thought he was right.” Caroline shook her head remembering all the instances where Jimmy would insert his input even when she hadn't asked for it. Matt laughed and caught Caroline smile softly before letting a faint giggle escape. He leaned further back in his chair, hazel eyes flickering up to the sky momentarily.

“Maybe he was.” He wasn't a spiritual person nor was he a big believer in fate, but Matt couldn't seem to shake the feeling that this was where they were meant to end up. Two old friends who had successfully followed and achieved their dreams, now trying to find their way back into each others lives.

“Maybe.” Caroline echoed, her eyes locking with his.