He was back smiling and the awkwardness had passed, thankfully. Rhys really was handsome. His pale green eyes looked almost translucent in direct sunlight. I liked that they were so unique; I’d never seen a colour like it before. Jace’s eyes were gorgeous too, although I’d always preferred Cassie and Logan’s slightly lighter shade of blue.
It was getting dark when we finally walked back to the car. Rhys had run the basket back earlier and then we’d gone on a long walk. It was really nice and I felt myself relaxing around him more and more.
“So, Chloe,” he said, leaning against his car, “am I going to get a second date or are you blowing me off?”
I couldn’t keep a straight face. “You’re very forward.”
His eyes widened. “Whoa, not what I meant! Shit, that really did sound wrong, didn’t it?”
“Yeah, but I know what you meant, and I’d love to go out with you again.”
This was the part where he was going to kiss me, I could sense it before he started to lean in. I hadn’t kissed anyone since Jace so my stomach was fluttering with nerves.
He tucked my hair behind my ear and pulled me closer to him with the other hand. I placed my hands on his chest, not quite sure if I wanted to push him away. This was unchartered territory. Since I was fifteen the only person that I’d kissed was Jace. That was five years of my lips belonging to him only.
When he was just an inch away I’d finally made up my mind. I was just a tad scared but I did want to know what kissing this gorgeous guy felt like. I lowered my arms, wrapping them around his waist as his lips finally met mine.
The kiss was sweet and made me arch into his body but there was something missing. Rhys was a good kisser but I didn’t feel like I wanted to do it all day. It was early days, though. I had to give it a chance and try not to compare everything to Jace. This was different, I was in love with Jace, and me and Rhys had been on one date.
He pulled away first, smiling down at me. “I guess I should get you home then.”
“Yeah, you probably should.” I could have easily stayed out with him longer; once we’d passed awkward silences we got along well. It was dark now though, so I knew I had to get back.
Rhys started the car up and I gasped. “It’s eleven o’clock!”
Laughing at me, he placed his hand on my thigh. “Time flies, huh?”
That was an understatement. We’d been at the park for four and a half hours. I knew it was late but I had no idea it was that late. I checked my phone and apart from a text from Logan that I was not going to open until I got home, I had nothing else there. My parents would be asleep, although they would sleep lightly until they hear me come home.
Rhys pulled up outside my house and gave me a chaste kiss on the lips. “Thanks for tonight.”
“I think that’s my line,” I said.
“Yeah, well, I’m just glad you said yes.”
“Me too. Night, Rhys.”
“Night.”
I tried not to look back at the car as I walked down the path. Once I’d opened the door I gave him a little wave and went inside. He’d waited until he saw me go in before leaving. I liked men that did that; it showed they cared. That could pretty much be a deal breaker for me. I needed to know a man at least cared enough to make sure I got home okay.
Smiling to myself, I practically skipped up to my room. There were no big fireworks between us – possibly because it was still early days – but I’d just been on a date and I didn’t feel guilty for moving on. That was a big step and I couldn’t keep the moronic grin off my face. Things really were going to be alright.
Chapter Eight
Chloe
By the time I’d gotten out of the shower, dried my hair and put on my pyjamas I was exhausted and just wanted to crawl into bed. I still had that post great date glow but fatigue was taking over and I needed to curl up under my quilt. I left the bathroom, tiptoeing across the hall, careful not to disturb my parents. Another date conversation with my mother would tip me over the edge. Hearing details of your parents’ dates was not something I wanted to hear – especially some of the dates they’d been on. I shuddered.
I walked into my bedroom and jumped out of my skin. Logan sat on my bed, flicking through my magazine. He looked up as I tried to slow my erratic heart. It’s Logan, not a burglar.
“Good, you’re finished in the bathroom.”
I stared blankly, literally not knowing what to say to him. Who sneaks into someone’s home and waits for them in their bedroom?
“How was the date?”
My brain caught up with what was happening right now and I threw my hands up. “We are not skipping over the part where you explain what the hell you’re doing in my room!”
“I’m waiting for you, what else would I be doing?”
Is he serious?
With a deep breath, I replied, “No, Logan. Why are you here in the middle of the night with no warning?”
“Oh. You didn’t answer your phone.”
“So you came over and let yourself in? You didn’t think that maybe I was in the bathroom or asleep?”