Chapter 28

My eyes groggily opened, trying to piece together just where the hell I was. And when I tried to stretch my limbs out, I found it was utterly impossible to do so.

That was when my eyes snapped open, staring straight into the sleeping face of Xander Peyton. But the thing that mortified me the most was that my arm was wrapped across his chest as he lay on his back, my head still on his outstretched arm.

I instantly pulled my arm off of him, feeling heat course through my entire body. I pushed myself up in the bed, slowly moving Xander's arm so as to not to wake him.

"Shit," I whispered, eventually remembering last night's events and the embarrassing conversation we had.

That we never finished.

The nurses shyly giggled behind their clipboards and I rolled my eyes. I figured I should get out of here as soon as possible so I didn't have to face Xander any time soon. It was hard enough as it was now to hold myself back from him.

I began to slowly climb out of the bed, causing it to creak loudly, as I felt a warm hand slide through my fingers. I darted my eyes at Xander, who's eyes remained closed, as he pulled on my hand.

"Not yet," he whispered.

My heart began pounding against my chest as it always did when I was with him.

"W-what?" I whispered back, embarrassed for stuttering my response.

His eyes slowly opened, his long eyelashes rising, as a magnificent shade of green appeared. I looked down at him, causing heat to rush to my face.

"We're not done, Jasper," Xander said. "Did you really think I'd forget our conversation so easily?"

"Uh, no," I replied, placing my other hand on the back of my neck. "But I should get back. The nurses are waiting for you."

Xander didn't remove his eyes from mine as he spoke. "I'm sure they can come back later."

And with that, the two nurses giggled one last time before they exited the room. I sighed.

"They need to check up on you, idiot," I said. "How else are you going to heal?"

"I'm fine," he replied, tugging my hand. My body fell forwards, almost on top of his chest, but I caught myself in time before I crushed his ribs as I placed either hand on each side of his head.

He slowly brought his hand up to cup my face as I loomed over him, causing my breathing to temporarily stop.

"Jasper," he started. "You stir me up bad."

I stared down at him, remembering that I had said the same to him last night.

"Do I?" I said, a smile pulling at my lips.

His thumb then slid across my bottom lip, parting them for a moment.

"So fucking bad, Jasper," he whispered.

My heart was beating hard against my chest as I continued to stare at his beautiful face.

"Whenever I'm with you," he continued. "I can't keep my hands off of you."

I remained silent.

"Whenever we're apart," he said. "I can't keep my mind off of you."

My head was going wild as I resisted the urge to lower myself on him and bring my lips to his.

"M-me too," I said, surprised that the words flew out of my mouth. He must've been surprised as well because his eyebrow shot up and he instantly began to grin widely.

"I've fallen so deep, Jasper," he said, his thumb now rubbing my cheek. "Since that first day I met you, I knew I wasn't going to be able to leave you alone."

"You really pissed me off that day," I replied.

Xander laughed, his smiling face making me go crazy.

"You piss me off all the time, you know," he said. "But that doesn't stop me."

"From?" I asked.

"Jasper," he said. "All of those times you talked about Hayden and how much you like him or whatever, do you know how I felt?"

"No," I slowly replied.

"Pissed off," he said. "Jealous."

My eyes widened.

"Do you know why?" he asked.

"N-no," I said again.

He brought his other hand to my face as well this time, bringing it closer. My forehead rested against his as he stared at my lips momentarily, before he angled his head and pressed his lips to mine.

I instantly melted into the him, closing my eyes, and kissed him back deeply. This time, I ran my tongue across his bottom lip as we kissed, whispering, "Open your mouth, Xander," against his lips. He easily complied, allowing me to push my tongue against his in his mouth, as we moved our lips against each other's.

After a few minutes, we both pulled away, much so out of breath.

"Jasper," Xander breathed. "I'm so in love with you."

My whole world stopped in that brief moment as I stared down at Xander underneath me. But I knew in my heart what I was feeling.

"Me too," I replied. "I'm fucking crazy about you, Xander."

His smile widened, causing my lips to pull up into a smile as well.

"Ah, there it is," Xander said as he looked up at me.

"What?" I asked.

"That smile," he said. "The one that makes you look so fucking attractive."

I knew my face flushed at his comment but I couldn't help but feel excitement from it.

"You really have no problem saying embarrassing things," I said.

"You're the only one I say them to," he replied, grinning.

I laughed. "I'd better be."

Xander continued to look up at me as he began to speak again.

"Change my contact name in your phone."

"What?" I asked.

"I'm not really a 'Rude Bastard', Jasper," he replied.

"How do you know about that?" I asked.

"Oh my god, is that really what it is?" he asked, beginning to laugh. "You really are an idiot."

"Shut up," I said. "You really were a rude bastard."

"But what am I know?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He paused for a few seconds before he replied.

"I'm your boyfriend."

My eyes widened.

"So change it to 'My hot ass boyfriend'," he said.

"Like hell I'll do that," I replied.

Xander continued to laugh. "I'm joking. But at least put my name there."

"Whatever," I said, realizing my arms were getting tired.

I leaned down and placed my lips against his forehead before I pulled away and moved back to my side of the bed.

"I really should get going," I finally said. "I've got class soon and I have to shower."

"Alright," Xander sighed. "Thanks again for coming."

I leaned over and ruffled his hair. "Anytime. I'll always be right here when you need me."

Xander's face flushed as I looked over at him, surprising me. It made me snort.

"You're so cute," I said, laughing.

"Be quiet," he said, covering his face with his hand as I laughed next to him before I climbed out of the bed.

"I'll see you later," I said. "Hurry up and heal, Xander. I was holding myself back today because of your stupid ribs."

I didn't wait for a reply as I headed out of the hospital room. I began to head back to the bus stop as I realized what exactly had just happened.

I was in love with Xander Peyton.

And he loved me back the same.

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The end ! The sequel is called Crossfire! Thanks for reading!