by Rua Hasan
“Because he’s hot.”
Tyler gave me an are-you-crazy look and furrowed his eyebrows.
“He’s not hot!”
“Uh yea he is!”
“Yea but I’m hotter, am I not?” he said smirking at me as he walked over to the TV and placed the CD in before sending me a wink. Rolling my eyes I spoke in a whisper.
“Yea if it helps you sleep at night buddy.”
Either he didn’t hear my comment or he chose to ignore it because he didn’t say anything. Instead, he started the movie and sat close next to me with our thighs touching. He then leaned over and gave me my plate and dropped his arm over my shoulder. I lifted an eyebrow and turned to look at him but he only gave me an innocent smile and tilted his head.
“What? Is there a problem?” he asked.
“No,” I said before glaring at him. He then turned to look at the screen as I took the fork in my hand and took a bite out of my slice. My eyes widen as the delicious taste hit my taste buds. I held back a moan and whipped my head to look at him.
“Your mom made this?” I asked.
“Yea it’s good, isn’t it?” he said as he took a bite.
I looked toward the screen to see the movie started. A couple minutes passed and we were both done with our slices of cake and moved on to the bag of chips. Once in a while we’d fight over who got to hold it because we all know that once Tyler gets his hands on food, he’d finish it all up, not leaving me some. When we weren’t arguing over such ridiculous stuff, we just zoned into the movie. I snapped out of my daze when I realized that I was leaning against Tyler as his arms rested around my waist.
Wait, how did we get into this position?
I pulled away a bit so that I could get my own personal space but it only resulted in Tyler letting out a frustrated groan and pulling me to his lap.
Oh not again!
“Why do you keep doing this?” I asked trying to get off but he tightened his hold on me and rested my head on his chest.
“Shh, trying to concentrate on the movie,” he muttered as he played with a strand of my hair. I lifted my head to glare at him but his eyes were on the screen.
“But—”
“Not now, Gem.” He interrupted me and laid my head once again on his chest so that I was rested on him but could still see the TV screen. I grumbled to myself and wished that I had the guts to smack him right across the face but I knew I couldn’t. Not because it would be rude or anything but because I wasn’t really bothered when sitting on his lap. I just found it a bit weird and uncomfortable. And I don’t think I would be able to hurt him.
You see what’s happening to me?! Not a month ago, all I wanted to do was kill him in an empty alley but now I couldn’t bear the thought of him fighting with someone and getting hurt.
I’m getting too mushy.
Just sitting on his lap was very comfortable I almost felt myself dozing off but I wasn’t about to allow it. It would be just awkward falling asleep on his lap so I told myself to stay awake and concentrate on the movie. I was doing fine until Tyler lifted his hand, resting it on the top of my head and playing with my hair as he gave it a light massage.
Damn it! Why did this have to feel so good?
My thoughts were cut off when I felt my eyelids become heavy. It wasn’t that late but maybe I was worn out from all the running I did today. I closed my eyes for a second and then opened them back, glancing at the screen as I felt Tyler rest his chin on my head. I rubbed my eyes and rested my head in the crook of his neck, just wanting to relax a bit.
Just for a few minutes that’s all. No more than that and then I’ll just go home.
I was wrong because the last thing I remembered before closing my eyes and welcoming the darkness was Tyler kissing my forehead and covering me with something soft. The heat of our body blending in with one another and for once I actually found my peace.
That night was the first peaceful and relaxing night I’ve ever slept in for about four years.
***
I raised my hand up in the air and smacked Tyler’s sleeping face on the cheek. Remember when I said I didn’t have the guts to hurt him? I take that back because I felt like giving him the crown of stupidity and throwing him into a kingdom of donkeys who would bowed down to his stupidity at the very moment.
Somebody, help this poor child before he would get thrown into jail for looking ugly because once I’m done with him, nobody will recognize Tyler Grey anymore.
Tyler’s eyes shot open and sat up quickly as his hand went up to his cheek.
“Damn it woman! Even in the morning you’re violent!” he grumbled in his husky morning voice.
“Oh sorry! Were you expecting me to wake you up with loving kisses and hand over your breakfast in bed?” I asked as he scratched the back of his neck.
“Hm, that kinda sounds nice,” he said as he sent me a smirk but I glared at him and got off his bed.
“What crawled up your ass?” he asked as he got up and that’s when I noticed his bare chest. I covered the blush that was trying to appear it’s way up my face and sent him a pointed look.
“Why didn’t you wake me up yesterday?” I asked walked towards where he was standing and crossed my arms.
“Because I didn’t want to. You looked so peaceful sleeping,” he said.
“Yea and you couldn’t leave me on the couch?” I asked.
“Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I did that?” he asked sending me a grin.
I let a huff out as I tried to decide what to say or do. I wasn’t mad but a little startled and really didn’t know what to do in a situation like this so I did what any genius would do. I flicked my nails on his forehead harshly and said, “You’re a nincompoop.”
I then turned around, ignoring the beautiful sound of his laughter and walked towards the door but his arms wrapped themselves around my waist like usual and pulled me to the nearest wall. He then rested both arms on either side of my head, encaging me in his embrace and rested his forehead against mine.
“Has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful when you’re mad?” he asked, sending me a charming smile.
My mouth fell open as my cheeks reddened. I was about to say something when his hand came to pick up a strand of hair from the top of my head.
“I mean just look at this bed hair! Definitely brings out the beast inside you!” He joked. I let out a gasp and punched his shoulders, only causing him to laugh even more. I crossed my arms and walked out from under his arm and to the door.
“I’ve had enough of you in one morning! I’m going home!”
“Oh, not so fast!” he said from behind me and pulled me to his chest as I groaned.
“What now?” I asked.
“You can’t leave without eating breakfast with me.” He pouted.
“I’ll eat breakfast at home,” I said and tried to pry his hands away but he turned me around and pushed me to the wall.
Again.
“No, eat with me,” he said sending me a puppy dog look. I reached over and pinched his nose causing him to say ‘ouch.’
“No,” I said.
“Oh come on! Do you make pancakes? It’s been forever since I’ve ate them and I’m dying to have them for breakfast,” he whined.
“Then you make it for yourself,” I said.
“But I don’t know how!”
“Great then you’ll die and I’ll finally be free of you.” I cheered.
“Oh come on please! Think of all the things I’ve done for you!” he said resting his forehead on mine once again.
“You’ve done nothing really.” I pointed out.
“Then think of the things I haven’t done for you.” He joked.
“Oh there’s so many,” I murmured.
“So will you eat breakfast with me?” he asked smiling.
“No! And what about your mom? What will she say when she sees me here?” I asked as my eyes widened. Shit! Totally forgot about that.
“She’s not
even here! She leaves early.” Tyler pointed out.
I let a sigh of defeat escape my lips as I ran my hand over my face and through my hair.
“Fine, but only because I want you to stop talking and to leave me alone,” I said. This made him smile and nod his head eagerly. He pushed a strand of my hair behind my ears and pulled away from me.
“Awesome! I’ll be using the bathroom in the hall. You can use mine,” he said pointing to the door next to his closest. I nodded and watched Tyler walk to the door which led outside of his room.
“I’ll be waiting downstairs, Gem.” I heard him say before closing the door. I let a sigh out once I was finally alone. I then looked around his room and thought to myself how could I let this happen? How did I just stay overnight in Tyler’s room? Oh, once Matt hears about this, he was going to freak out!
Shaking my head I walked into Tyler’s bathroom to freshen up. My thoughts were occupied with Tyler and what just happened. His words and his actions never once failed to surprise me and they were all rewinding inside my head.
I swear that man will be the death of me!
Chapter 28
I walked into Tyler’s bathroom to freshen up. Looking around, I noticed that his bathroom was pretty neat and had no feminine products which means I had to use his. After washing my face, I inspected the shampoo and was about to strip down to take a quick shower when I remembered I had no extra clothes. I was still in my sweaty sport clothes from yesterday and I probably smelled, so not taking a shower wasn’t an option. But there was no way I’d step back into these shorts and smelly tank top. I was debating whether I should just ask Tyler for something to wear or steal one of his shirts because that was probably one of the best things I’m good at.
I was about to just walk into his closet and choose a random shirt when I realized that his mom was almost my size so I guess that could work. It was better than nothing. Not wanting to intrude on their privacy, I decided just to ask Tyler. Getting out of the bathroom after brushing my hair. I walked down the stairs to find Tyler because he wasn’t in the bathroom in the hall. I was on the last step when I saw his back facing the opened front door. I then opened my mouth so that I could call out to him when I heard somebody speak from the outside. I couldn’t see who that person was because Tyler had the door only opened halfway and was covering the entry with his big body. I might not have seen who he was talking to, yet I couldn’t help but feel like I’ve heard it somewhere and it sounded so familiar.
“I heard you had a fight with him once again.” I heard the stranger say. I could see Tyler running his hand through his hair frustratedly as he let out a sigh.
“Yes, it happened last night.” Tyler grumbled out.
“How many times do we have to speak about this kid?” The familiar voice said.
“You guys are cousins! When will you start getting along?”
Tyler shrugged.
“The day when I finally tell her how I feel.” I heard him mutter sarcastically. I furrowed my eyebrows at what he said.
What did he mean by that?
“Huh?” The person outside said.
“Nothing, forget it,” Tyler said.
“Listen, I just came here to check up on you. It’s the least I could do after everything.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it but it’s not necessary. You should really stop worrying uncle,” Tyler said.
Wait. Did he just say uncle?
“You know I can’t do that.” The person sighed.
“You are the only thing I have left after your father. He would have wanted me to look after you.” I saw a hand patting Tyler’s shoulder. Tyler nodded his head slowly as if he was thinking.
“So how’s your new job?” Tyler changed the subject. I shifted my weight not knowing what to do. I didn’t want to listen and pry into the private conversation he was obviously having with his uncle. I was about to go back upstairs and wait until he was done when his uncle spoke.
“It’s better than nothing lad! I really can’t thank you enough!”
Tyler was pulled outside of the house and into a hug. I only knew that because I saw a pair of hands wrap around his shoulders.
“Hey don’t mention it.” He chuckled.
“Well I have to get going. I start in twenty minutes.”
Tyler nodded and closed the front door before saying goodbye. Tyler was taken back a little when he turned around and saw me.
“Oh, you startled me. How long have you been standing there?” he asked.
“Not too long. Who was that?” I asked, walking towards him.
“My uncle. I guess my good for nothing cousin went to snitch on me because he was here to check up on me,” Tyler answered as he ran his hands through his hair.
“Is there any reason why you guys despise each other?” I asked without even thinking. Maybe it was something personal and I just put myself in an awkward position.
“I guess you can say that. It’s just him in general. Completely shut off on me after a certain accident and blames everyone around him for it.” Tyler didn’t answer my question completely but I wasn’t going to insist and pressure him. If he wanted to tell me then he would but at this moment he needed time and space. Besides, it wasn’t like we were best friends now just because we slept on the same bed. Thinking about it made my face go red.
It happened so fast I couldn’t even process how I let myself get to the point I was in. I became comfortable with Tyler and would sometimes find myself admiring him and his good looks. I came to fear that sooner or later I’d become attached to him and worse! Like him!
This was the very first time I let my mind race to such decisions. I couldn’t believe what I was thinking! Me liking Tyler didn’t seem impossible. Yes, it was the last thing I wanted a month ago but that was before I spent time with him and actually getting to know the real Tyler behind all those years of bullying. If I did like him, would he return my feelings? Would he go back to the old Tyler who tried to gain my attention by calling me names and pushed me to the ground?
I shook my head. Why was I asking myself all these questions as if I actually had feelings for him? I mean, it wasn’t like I don’t. I certainly didn’t despise him as much as I used to but I did like him as a friend kind of way. I know, very confusing.
“Why are you blushing? And I thought I told you to get ready?” Tyler asked snapping me out of my own little world as he looked at me up and down.
“Oh yea about that,” I said as I scratched the back of my neck.
“I don’t have anything to wear other than these.” I pointed to my sport wear which I bet you could smell from a mile away.
“You can borrow some of mine,” Tyler said as he took a hold of my hand and walked us to the stairs.
“Uh . . . actually I was thinking of just borrowing some of your mom’s,” I suggested but he shook his head.
“It’s okay. I don’t mind you wearing mine,” he said as he dragged me up the stairs.
“That’s really not necessary. Besides I don’t think they’ll fit me. At least your mom’s right.” I pointed out but Tyler just has a thick skull. I should have already known him by now and not bother.
“I get my smallest pair and I don’t think my mom will appreciate me going into her room and look into her closet.”
“But—”
“No buts! You’re going to wear mine, period!” Tyler insisted. He then led me up to his room and into his closet. He took out his smallest pair of sweatpants and t-shirt. When I say smallest pair then I mean his smallest pair not mine because once I got a hold of them I opened my mouth but ended up closing it.
What the hell? His shirt was huge. I mean the sweatpants did look like they could fit me if I just tied the waistbands together but his shirt looked like a dress to me.
I looked up at Tyler and lifted an eyebrow.
“What?” he asked.
“Your smallest pair huh?”
“Take it or leave it.”
“I’l
l leave it.” I joked and threw the clothes at his face. He grabbed a hold of them and glared at me. Tyler then took a hold of my hand and dragged me to his bathroom.
“Clean up and put these on.” I opened my mouth to protest but he growled at me.
“Open that pretty little mouth of yours one more time and I’ll have to shut it up using another strategy.”
I immediately closed my mouth as my eyes widened. I felt my cheeks heat up.
Did he just threaten to kiss me? Did he or was it just me? Why was I even assuming this? He didn’t really say that he was going to kiss me. Not that I would let him!
Rolling my eyes at the thought, I grabbed the clothes from him and slammed the door but not before seeing his everyday grin. I let a huff out as I locked the door and observed myself in the mirror. Yea, I didn’t care that I was in Tyler’s bathroom, I needed a shower. I stripped out of my smelly sport clothes, I jumped into the shower and cleaned my body from all the dirt and the sweat. I grabbed the towel from the hanger and dried myself.
Getting into Tyler’s clothes felt like me getting into a trash bag because of the size. I couldn’t walk without Tyler’s sweatpants falling down, I let my hair down to dry. I opened the door and saw Tyler sitting on his bed waiting for me. Crossing my arms under my chest, I was expecting him to laugh because of how silly I looked but instead his eyes shined when they laid eyes on me. He got up and walked over to me as a satisfied smile took over his face, nodding his head in approval. Why on earth did he look like some kind of mother checking her daughters report card with straight A’s?
“You look—”
“Ridiculous?” I said.
“I was going to say ‘awesome’ but okay. Let’s go with that,” he said as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me closer to his chest, and started to lead me out of his room.
“Yea, I’d rather stick with Matt’s clothes,” I muttered more to myself but I think Tyler heard because he stopped and stared down at me.
“No, I think my clothes look better on you,” he said as his eyes raked over my body.
“Says who?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Tyler said as he continued to drag me down the stairs and to the kitchen.