Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen

Alec

Funny how days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months. The outside world changes, yet my heart? The way I felt about her? Stayed exactly the same. I tried everything.

I laughed when he told me stories of Nat. I even went with them to the movies a few times.

On the outside—everything was fine.

On the inside? I was shredded.

It didn't help matters that Demetri had asked me to take Nat to Homecoming because he couldn't go. He'd changed. That was all there was to it. I was a man divided.

One side of me was thrilled that Nat had helped Demetri turn into the brother I'd always hoped he could be.

Demetri wanted to go back to LA to help with a volunteer theatre program; it was only going to be for a week or so.

I couldn't say “no” to him. I wanted to say “no.” I wanted to run screaming in the other direction.

Instead, I grinned—and said “sure, why not?”

It was the weekend. I'd just finished my last final and was making my way down the hall when I saw Nat emerge from homeroom and do a little dance in the hallway.

Crossing my arms, I leaned against the lockers and watched in amusement as the girl went into full-out choreography. Damn, I wish I were that happy to finish a final.

“Is that from High School Musical?” I joked.

Nat froze, her hand mid-air as if she was doing Saturday Night Fever or a clock move, and turned. My grin was so wide it actually hurt my face.

Nat groaned, “Please tell me you didn't take a picture.”

“I didn't take a picture,” I confirmed.

She exhaled.

“I recorded it and just uploaded it to YouTube,” I lied.

“No!” she gasped, barreling towards me.

“Nah.” I shrugged, loving the blush that crept up her cheeks. “But I did send it to Demetri.”

Holy shit, she was scowling at me! It was the most we'd talked in three weeks. Most words we exchanged were yes or no answers to questions.

She exhaled and put her hands on her hips. “What do you want?”

“Don't ask a question you don't want the answer to,” I said darkly. Ah, and there it was, the pent-up frustration and emotion just begging to be released.

Damn, what I wouldn't do to get the chance to slam that pretty body against the lockers and kiss her senseless.

“Sorry.”

I shrugged. “Demetri wants me to take you to Homecoming.”

Nat was quiet for a minute, then said, “Demetri is very trusting.”

“Demetri knows where my loyalty lies.” Wow, that totally sounded like some cheesy movie line.

“So do I,” she said quickly.

We stood there glaring at one another for what seemed like hours.

“Look…” I cursed and walked towards her; she had to know that it would be okay. I mean, I could control myself; I wasn't that immature. “We're friends. Let me take you.

“True.” She folded her arms across her chest, drawing my attention to the low V of her t-shirt. My eyes flickered down and then away from her body. “I just don't know if it's the best idea.”

“I'll be the perfect gentleman.” Says the guy who just checked her out and had visions of mauling her. Right.

Nat hesitated briefly. “I'll go with you. Thank you for asking.”

Why the hell did it feel like she'd suddenly opened the door and let sunshine into my life? I felt like a weight had been cut away from me.

I couldn't help the smile that parted my lips as I realized… I had a date. With Nat. It may not be a real date, all things considered, but I'd imagine it was.

We said our goodbyes. I watched Nat run to her truck and get in. She seemed happy that things worked out—while I was… absolutely thrilled.