Inexperienced

Chapter 9

My breath was caught in my throat. How in the world? What was Jared doing outside my window? I stared at him dumbfounded.

He signaled to lift up my window and I did so almost mindlessly. I stuck my head out and yelled as silently as I could, “Jared! What are you doing here?”

“Let me come in and I’ll explain.”

I turned back to my door. My parents were most likely in their room but they’d hear me if I opened the door for him. I looked back at him. “I can’t.”

He shook his head and walked up to the tree that sat near my window. He began to climb and I was amazed at how quick he was. He perched on the branch closest to my window.

“Can I come in now?” His brilliant smile gleamed in the moonlight.

I nodded and held out my hands to help bring him in. He made a slight thump sound as he landed on my floor but I quickly shushed him.

“Can you tell me what’re you doing here yet?” I asked.

He paused and he studied my face. “Have you been crying?”

Shock crossed my face. “Wh-what? No, umm no.” I was stuttering.

“This is exactly why I’m here.”

“How would you know if I’d been crying?” I interrogated.

“You didn’t answer my text. And I got worried. You’re not one to go unanswered.”

I simply shrugged. “Well, I’m fine.”

He shook his head and started walking towards me. I sat on the side of my bed and he stood in front of me. “Why do you deny everything?”

“I don’t deny everything.”

His eyebrow raised slightly. I scowled. “You deny that you were crying.”

I shrugged.

“You deny that you have a good singing voice.”

Again, I shrugged.

“You deny how you feel about me.”

My eyes shot up to his, full of wonder.

His fingers touched the side of my face and a burning sensation occurred. So what if I had feelings for him?

“I feel the same way too.” My eyes looked straight into his. There was not one trace of dishonesty in his beautiful eyes. His hand cradled my face. I touched my hand to his and held it closer. He bent down and my heart began racing.

His lips grew closer with every second and my eyes never stayed off his. He leaned in and I couldn’t help but anticipate the taste of his smooth lips.

A warm touch kissed my lips and my skin boiled with excitement. To my surprise, it came so naturally. I wound my fingers into his brown locks of hair and pulled him in closer, intensifying our kiss. He was bent over me, one hand on my back to keep me close to him.

His lips tasted sweet and I couldn’t help but crave more.

He broke off and suddenly I felt less whole. I felt rejected and electrified at the same time. He kissed me back, yet he pulled away.

I looked at him. He was panting, a small smile dancing on his lips. I hope this meant something good.

He sighed, mumbling a “Wow.”

I blushed. “What?”

“I never pegged you for an amazing kisser.”

My scarlet face flushed a deeper red. I turned my head to the side and twisted out of the close proximity to his body.

His smile still danced on his delicious lips. A thought struck me. Did I just kiss him? Did he just kiss me? Did we just kiss?

I never would have guessed that I’d kiss such a gorgeous guy like him, but the unexpected happen. Now what? Where does this put me with him?

“Can you explain to me why you were crying?” He asked, sitting down on my bed side next to me.

“It’s sort of a long story.” I sighed.

“I’ve got time.” He smiled. “Plenty of it.”

“Well, it’s just my family.” I summarized. “Long story short, I’m not only the outcast in school.”

“You’re an outcast in school?” He asked, dumbfounded.

I glared at him stupidly. “Duh.”

“I don’t think you’re an outcast. Not at all.”

“Honestly, Jared. I don’t talk to anyone at school. I have no friends and I don’t dress or act the same. I’m a freak.” I shrugged my shoulders.

He pulled me close, his warm body embracing me as though I was a frail little girl. “Don’t say that.”

I peered up at him. “Please, I just don’t understand this.”

“What?” he asked, honest confusion apparent on his gorgeous face.

“This. You. Me. Us. Everything.” I shook my head.

He fell silent.

“You don’t even know do you?” I asked.

“All I know is how I feel.”

I became quiet for a moment. “And,” I gulped. “how do you feel?”

His face was serious, concentrated. He picked up one of my hands and began playing with my fingers. My body felt nervous, anticipating his answer. This could be good, this could be bad. I felt him intake a deep breath. “I honestly don’t know where to start.” His fingers caressed mine.

“Well,” I began. “The beginnings a good place to start.”

He lifted my chin so that I was eye level with him. “There’s so much to say. But I think you need to know.” He stopped.

“Yes?” I ushered him to continue.

“That you’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met.” He said it in one breath, anxiety bubbling in his voice. “You make me feel so different when I’m with you. I’ve told you this before; you make me feel real. I don’t have to pretend to be anything. I can just be me.” He made an emphasis on the me. His eyes were sincere, not a trace of doubt hid in them. “I also think you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” His voice was now hushed, timid.

I looked at him and a huge smile spread across my face. “Please, stop. No, I’m not.”

He pushed back a strand of my hair that fell loose behind my ear. “But you are.” He leaned in again, and the same thrill washed over me, only this time I knew what to do.

His lips parted and the kiss was deeper than the first. My mind was circling around the taste of his lips. His sweet, innocent breath filled the air and I became lost in the kiss.

When he broke away, he kissed my forehead and held me close. He sighed after a moment. “I should probably go.”

I felt a frown pull at the corners of my lips. My heart begged me to tell him not to leave. “You’re right. It’s really late.”

I walked him to the window. “Goodnight, beautiful,” he whispered into my ear. He bent down and gave me a swift kiss before leaping out my window and heading down the tree.

I shuffled back to my bed and wrapped myself in my blankets. My room smelled of him. And I loved it. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, nervous and excited to see him tomorrow.