“And werewolves.”
“This isn’t that movie all the teenage girls were obsessed with, is it?” Please say no. I don’t know if I can handle sparkly monsters with a straight face.
“No. It’s better. She proceeds to tell me the basic plot of the movie.
“What? A vampire and werewolf being together? I thought they were enemies.”
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. “Just watch the movie. You’ll like it.”
“Okay.” I’m not so sure. Maybe I’ll like it, though. Either way, it means being close to her and I’ll take it.
Caroline presses play and leans back, propping her feet on the coffee table in front of us. I’m not comfortable putting my feet on her table, so I settle in next to her.
Her head is on my shoulder within minutes and I can’t help but wonder if she’s going to stay awake. I don’t move her, though. She can lean on me for however long she wants.
Neither one of us move as vampires and werewolves battle each other across the screen. All but two. There’s an instant attraction between them, and it’s odd but also refreshing. Never has a movie grabbed my interest the way this one has. There’s romance, of course, but also action and betrayal. I can see why she likes it so much. The movie ends with the promise of a sequel.
The credits roll and she scoots over to look at me. “So, what did you think?”
“It was pretty good.”
“That’s it? It’s one of my all-time favorites.”
“Maybe next time we can watch the next one.”
Her cheshire grin is everything. “So, you did like it.”
“Yes, I liked it.” I glance at the clock. It’s not late, but I don’t know how tired she is. “I should probably go so you can get some rest.”
“Oh,” the smile has vanished. “Yeah, okay.”
I’m not sure how to go about this. It’s not something we’ve talked about, and don’t know if I should just get up and leave. Give her a hug? What’s the protocol?
Standing, I hover by the couch, waiting for her to take the lead. She doesn’t move for a second, and I take a step toward the door. For whatever reason, that seems to spur her into action. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I don’t know,” she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. “I’m not sure what time David will be home.”
“Oh, okay.” I try not to let disappointment hit me, but it’s hard. I was hoping to take her to breakfast.
She walks me to the door and puts her arms around my waist. Hug it is. I’m okay with hugging. “Thank you for dinner tonight. This is probably the most fun staying in I’ve had in a long time.”
“I’m glad I could provide that for you.” My arms go around her because I feel like an idiot having them hang at my sides.
She leans her head back and smiles. It’s honest and I know she’s not putting on an act to make me feel better. What I don’t expect is for her to lift up on her toes and press her lips against mine.
It's awkward and it shouldn't be. Yet another instance where I'm not sure how I should handle myself. She pulls back quickly and covers her mouth with her hand. “I’m so sorry. I'm not sure what came over me. I don't usually do things like this.” She takes a step back and lowers her eyes to the ground. “I never do anything like this, actually.”
She shouldn’t be ashamed to be attracted to someone and act on it. I can’t allow her to think she did anything wrong. She didn’t. I step toward her and lift her chin until I can see her eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with a kiss.”
“But you didn’t react.”
“I’m following you when it comes to anything physical. You’ve said quite a few times that you want this to be appearances only, and I’m trying to respect that.” I pause for a moment to make sure she’s listening to what I’m saying. “But if you want something physical, I’m more than okay with that. You are beautiful inside and out. All you have to do is tell me what you want.”
“You.” The word is rushed and she throws her arms around my neck and her lips smash into mine. I put all my weight on my heels to keep from falling backward, but wrap my arms around her waist to pull her closer.
This isn’t what I was expecting, but I’m also not going to argue. She deepens the kiss, her tongue exploring mine, and one of her hands goes into my hair, gripping it tightly. I can’t help but wonder how long she’s kept this passion pent up, waiting for someone to unleash it on.
I pull her even closer until our bodies meld to each other. She moans into my mouth, and it is everything. Knowing something as simple as a kiss and being held are what turns her on is something I’ll keep in the back of my mind.