by Anna Todd
There was a knock at the front door, and almost immediately, as if she had been lying in wait, your mom declared, “Honey, Justin is here!”
Your eyes shot up to your reflection in the bathroom mirror. “I didn’t know guys came to the door anymore.” You peeked at your phone again before grabbing it.
“Okay, here I come!” you yelled. Going into your bedroom, you grabbed your house keys and wallet, not feeling like messing with a purse.
Going down the stairs, you saw that your dad had his arms crossed as he spoke to Justin, like he was blocking his way. What is this man doing?
“Good morning,” you greeted everyone.
“Heeeeey.” Your dad’s stern face disappeared at your presence. He even uncrossed his arms and displayed a chipper smile.
He wasn’t fooling you.
Justin watched you step into the living room. “Hey.”
“I was just talking to the boy,” your dad said.
You looked at Justin, who was wearing a black sweater with black distressed jeans and a gray beanie. The coincidence was unreal.
“Ha, we’re matching.” You pointed between your outfits.
“You’re copying me,” he accused jokingly, crossing his arms.
You rolled your eyes and looked at your mom. “We’re just going to get breakfast,” you said, and headed for the door.
“Don’t be driving reckless,” your dad warned Justin. “I know about you and speeding tickets.”
You turned and gave your dad a look. “Dad!”
“No worries. She’ll be fine,” Justin assured as he came to the door. Holding it open, he waited for you to walk out first. As he closed the door behind him, he said, “Your dad is protective,” and smiled as he walked to the driver’s side of his car.
“What did he say to you?” You heard Justin unlock the doors, cuing you to get in.
“To keep my hands to myself.” He ducked into the ride, biting the inside of his cheek.
You got in too, but looked out your window, avoiding his knowing eyes. “Embarrassing,” you mumbled.
“You came downstairs quick enough to save me. I think he was going to give me the talk.”
“Kill me now.” You looked over to Justin as he started the car. “I wasn’t expecting you to actually knock on the door. Where did you learn that?” you joked, causing him to look over at you with a smile.
His smile is really adorable, you must say.
“I wanted to show some manners. Is that cool with you?” He turned to you, watching you, which made you nervous. Then, he looked down.
“What?” You looked down as well.
“Your seat belt.”
“Oh!” You reached to your right and pulled it across your torso to click it in. “There we go.”
“I don’t need your dad hunting me down because you don’t want to wear it.” He gave you a silly look, earning a smile from you.
Looking back to your house, you noticed a blind from the window was bent. Your dad, spying. Suddenly, another bends. Now Mom was watching. Ugh, go away.
“What do you want for breakfast?” Justin asked.
“Hmmm . . . something sweet.”
“You can’t eat yourself,” he scoffed, making you laugh.
“Okay, how about Starbucks?”
“We can do Starbucks. Do you drink coffee or something?”
“Yes, and I like their muffins.” You crossed your legs. “What do you want?”
“I’ll take you to get you coffee and muffins, then I’m taking you to a real restaurant.” He adjusted in his seat, relaxing into it.
“Okay.” You checked out his music player. “I want to know what music you blast in your car.”
“You like bass?”
“I live for it.”
He pointed. “Plug in your phone. Let’s see what you listen to.”
“I’m the best DJ in LA.” You prepared to give him a taste of your style.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” He bit his lip, glancing over to you swiftly, before turning his attention back to the road.
After singing and rapping along to some familiar tunes, you looked out the window to see cars with paparazzi aiming cameras in your direction. That cut off your singing session for today. Wondering if Justin was noticing what was going on, you turned to him, but he was already gazing out your window.
Shaking his head, he said, “Don’t even worry about them. Sometimes you have to act like they’re not there.”
“Don’t you get sick of that?” You eyeballed the paps.
“Hell yeah, but it comes with this. They don’t bother me until they say something completely out of line. Even then, you have to keep your composure.”
They were yelling at the two of you, but your music was up too loud for you to really hear them. You frankly didn’t want to hear what they had to say. You were wishing the street would narrow to one lane or something to keep them away.
Justin nudged you as he picked up singing again. He was so into it, it was hard for you to make a graceful transition into the song. You laughed through your first attempts. Then you both began to clown and enjoy the rest of the ride.
Arriving at your destination, you were met with the same paps, who had apparently called some of their buddies. Getting out of the car, you both ignored the paps’ outbursts and walked inside. Standing in line, you couldn’t help but notice the stares of everyone inside and the buildup of cameras outside.
“This is crazy,” you told Justin. “I just want a freaking muffin.” You scanned the goods behind the glass, then pointed to a cinnamon treat. “That one looks so good.”
“That does look good. I may have to get me one too.”
“No, you said you want a real breakfast,” you mocked, dodging the swat of his hand by jumping forward. You laughed and lightly swatted his arm.
“I’m telling!”
“Shush.” You moved with the line.
“I’m telling your mom and dad. He was very concerned about all aspects of safety today.”
“Do it!” You stuck out your tongue. And when you were dealing with the cashier, Justin pinched your side, making you bend and squeal. “Justin!” you spat through your teeth, trying not to get more attention. He laughed as you pulled your lips into your mouth trying not to laugh.
You retrieved your minibreakfast and followed Justin. Lord knows you wanted to trip him, but you stopped the urge.
When you got to the door, he turned to you, having sensed your timidness. “It’s cool. They’re not going to touch you. I got you. Just don’t react to what they say to you. It’s not that bad.”
You nodded, seeing his hand reaching for the door.
Having the paps immediately come toward you and repeatedly shooting their flashes was . . . annoying, to say the least. You wanted to grab lenses and toss them. You felt exposed. And now they knew what you looked like. Life was going to be a little tougher from then on out.
“Who are you?”
“Justin, what are you doing?”
“Where did you come from?”
“Justin, is this your new girlfriend?”
Shouts came from left and right. A pap almost grabbed your sleeve.
“No,” you said, and bumped into Justin in trying to avoid the contact. When Justin saw this, he took your hand and pulled you closer to him. You held it, wanting him to get you away from everything.
Oh, boy, lookie there. You’re holding hands. “They’re hungry. They’re coming for my muffin,” you said, making light of the situation.
“They’re going to have to go through me to get to your muffin if that’s the case,” Justin said, joining in your light fun.
YOU WALKED NOW into your parents’ house to find them relaxing on the L-shaped couch, watching TV. “Hey, family.”
“Hey, honey. Happy anniversary.” Your mother got off the couch to welcome you with a hug.
“Hey, Mom. Thank you.” You held her, closing your eyes, still in shock at how fast time was cruising
. You opened your eyes and your dad was getting off the couch to embrace you as well.
“Happy anniversary, sweetheart.” He kissed your cheek and hugged you once your mother released her loving grasp.
You snuggled into his chest. “Thanks, Dad.” Looking up, you continued your search. “I heard you have a heart for me.” You clapped your hands, then rubbed them together.
“Only the one in my chest,” he toyed.
Did your dad just hit you with a dad joke?
“That’s all I have to offer.”
“You’re so lame,” you teased.
“Yes, we have a clue for you. You just have to figure out where.” Your mom didn’t give any hints. You already knew where to look, but thanks for zero help, loved ones.
“To the kitchen!” You marched that way. As you came around the corner and located a teal heart in front of the coffeemaker, another thrill overtook you. “I can’t believe he remembers all of these little things.” You snapped up the heart between your fingers.
“Kissy kissy,” you heard your mother behind you. Blushing, guessing it had to do with kissing, you didn’t want her to see your bashful face.
You read, You left pink lipstick on your cup that day. The prettiest shade I’ve ever seen. Do you miss my lips? I didn’t get to kiss yours this morning. Your seventh clue can be found where we first had ours. ;)
“Why didn’t you kiss your husband this morning, young lady?” your mom pestered you, reading over your shoulder.
“Mom, he ditched me before I could wake up.” You smiled, ready to leave. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Stop by this week to pick up your gift from us.”
“You got me a gift?” You played surprised, looking at your father.
“Her idea,” he said, not wanting to own the sweet notion. Why is your father like this?
But you weren’t buying it. “Uh-huh.”
“I may have had something to do with it,” he said, sliding one foot back and forth over the carpet.
“I figured.” You skipped across to hug him. “I’ll see you later. Love you.”
“Love you too!” they sang as you shut the door.
“Okay, think, think. Where are you heading to next?”
JUSTIN DIDN’T KNOW you were coming home for summer break, and you’d wanted to surprise him, but your parents had to work, so you needed him to pick you up from the airport. Your other friends wouldn’t be home until the next evening. Being homesick, you’d wanted the first flight out, and no seats were available for them.
Anywho, you hadn’t seen Justin since spring break. He, you, and a mix of your friends spent that week in Malibu. It was nice, although one of your friends couldn’t stop flirting with him. You weren’t too fond of that. Justin isn’t your boyfriend, but he’s your friend and . . . you may have a small crush on him. You use the word small loosely. You may miss him a small amount as well.
Dialing your homey, you sat on your dorm room bed, swinging your legs in the open air. Finally hearing the ring stop, you perked up.
“Hi—”
“Hello, menace.” He began the conversation with an insult.
“Excuse me, big head?” You laughed through your scrunched- up face. “How dare you greet me like that?”
“What do you want?” His voice was playful.
“You know what?” You smiled. “I don’t have to deal with this. I’m just going to hang up. You can call me back when you know how to act.”
“You better not hang up on me,” he warned, making you feel chills. He did this thing with his voice. You just— Okay, time to stop.
“I’m coming home tomorrow!”
“What?!”
You soaked in his enthusiasm for a moment. “Yes, and I need you to pick me up from the airport. Could you please?”
“Hmmm . . . I’m not sure. I have to see if I’m free—”
“Justin!”
“Okay! Don’t beg. I’ll pick you up. What time does your flight land?”
“Eleven thirty a.m.”
“I got’chu. I can’t wait to see.”
“Yeaaaaah, I know you miss me.” Twirling your hair around your finger, you decided to provoke him.
“Shut up!” he ordered in a goofy voice, and hung up on you.
The next day, just when you’d finally fallen asleep on the plane, the pilot came over the intercom announcing you would land in fifteen minutes. Most of the time, people returned home to feel comfort, but your nerves were all out of whack. As your consciousness may have guessed, this was because Justin was picking you up. You couldn’t help but envision the hectic scene you would face leaving the airport.
When Justin was by himself, he could shut down anything. When you were around, the crowds got even more aggressive. You were just Justin’s friend, but people always insinuated that you were together. People were always trying to get a story when you hung out. You hated it. The attention was his. God knows, you wanted no part of it.
Finally, after collecting your luggage, you pulled it along to trail you. Seeing families and loved ones reuniting with hugs and laughs is always adorable. This was no different. How was your reunion with Justin going to play out?
Taking your headphones off your head, you rested them around your neck and gave Justin a ring. Just as you placed the phone to your ear, you spotted a hooded fellow with light-brown hair. And then you felt the butterflies.
Justin wasn’t sitting in a chair like a normal person. He’d decided to sit on top of one. That’s one way to stand out. Justin was checking his phone, but you had already hung up. Beside him, his bodyguard, Kenny, nudged him and nodded in your direction. As Justin’s eyes followed, his face lit up, recognizing you. In return, yours did the same. Tucking his phone away, he stepped off the chair and came to you.
“Heeey!” you rejoiced.
Once you got to him, you dropped your bags and wrapped your arms around his neck. He wrapped his around your waist, holding you tight and lifting you up. His cologne was hypnotizing and familiar, making your nerves dissipate.
“About time you got here.” He placed you down and created space between you. His chocolate eyes were warm and happy. His hand remained on your back, softly massaging it.
“My bad.” You smiled through your apology. “I missed you.” You poked his cheek.
“Really?” He rested his forehead against yours and chuckled at the poke.
“Yea—”
But your words were interrupted by the seal of his supple lips. You were caught off guard, but that didn’t last long. You relaxed in his arms as your lips moved together with his. Your hand shifted to his neck, allowing you to kiss him the way you really wanted.
He pulled away, clearly shocked by your boldness, but happy as all hell. “Damn, I missed you,” he said, holding your face, bringing it to his lips and planting a kiss on your forehead.
“It feels good to be home.”
Home sweet home.
SO YOUR NEXT STOP was the airport, and you were hoping you didn’t have to fly anywhere on no notice. Like, seriously, Justin?
Arriving at the airport, you weren’t sure what your next move was supposed to be. Were you looking for someone? Were you just searching for a paper heart in the parking lot? Should you go inside? Reviewing your clue again, you couldn’t find a direct instruction. Your husband was going to have you out here wandering around, looking stupid.
Pushing all your thoughts to the side, you parked and headed inside the terminal. Just as you reached an entryway, you heard a familiar voice. It was one of Justin’s bodyguards, Dave; he usually accompanied you, but you hadn’t felt like you needed his protection today.
Ooooo, are you in trouble? “Hey, what’s up?” you say when you see him. “What am I doing here?”
You blocked the sun from your face with your collection of hearts and looked up at him.
To your surprise, he handed you a green paper heart. “Your clue, my dear.”
Yes! “Thank you.” You took it
and, turning your back to the sun, examined the eighth clue in peace: I hope you have your passport. I’m joking, but you do have a flight to catch.
That’s all the heart had for you. You bit your lip, confused.
“Time for us to go.” Dave waltzed into the terminal.
Not knowing what else to do, you followed him.
APPARENTLY, SITTING ON a helicopter, not knowing where your husband is, can make you anxious. With each clue, you were gaining ground, but you’d gotten to the point where you were going to start whining if you didn’t find him soon.
It was a fairly short flight. Upon landing, you realized you knew where you were. Malibu! You tried to repress your cheeky thoughts of one magical night.
Hopping out of one vehicle, you headed to the next. Dave opened the door to your car for the day. On the seat was a burgundy heart. You gathered it in your grip and buckled up.
Your clue read: Playing in the sand. Doing a little dance. Sleeping in the same bed. I’m sure your father would have killed me, if he had the chance. Your friend seemed to be cool, but you were no fool.
IT HAD BEEN ANNOYING that your best friend knew about your crush on Justin but still had the nerve to flirt with him all evening. What kind of friend does that?
You’d told her almost everything about Justin and you—not everything everything—but enough for her to know better. So it hurt your feelings to see her practically throw herself at him.
Justin was polite about it. He would scoot away from her when she got too close. He would walk away from her if she came into the kitchen while he was there. She knew you well enough to know you weren’t feeling her that night. She hadn’t said good-night or anything when you excused yourself from the rest of your friends.
Through your room’s window, the skies held a hue of deep blue. Along the horizon where the sun was more than half-set, an orange tint etched into its beauty. The vision was so alluring, you wanted to be more in the presence of it. Scrambling over the fresh, white-blanketed bed, your bare feet tracked all the way out the balcony doors.
The gentle, sea-misted breeze enclosed you. Leaning on the balcony railing, you looked over the volleyball net to the open sea. Beach balls shifted in their dented sand.