After we slowly let go of each other, I slide inside the car and he comes to sit on the driver's seat. I don't say anything because I don't want to spoil how content I feel inside in this moment. I've never before spent a day with James, or had done anything like that him ever before.

It just makes me crave more.

I like him, there's absolutely no doubt in my head about that after today. I know how difficult it is for him to express, but his actions have been saying a lot too, leaving me utterly satisfied.

"When will you be back tomorrow?" He asks, his eyes coming to meet mine.

"I'm really not sure, probably after breakfast?" I offer and he nods.

"Tell me your friends' names again?"

The fact that he's trying to remember details about my life makes me smile internally. "Ashley, Max, Caleb, Austin and Natalie."

"And who's dating who?"

"Max and Ashley only started dating this week. Caleb and Austin have been dating since three months now." I tell him and he nods. "Oh, and Max and Ashley live together."

"That's where you are staying tonight, right?"

I nod, my eyes focused on studying his handsome features. How can someone look so deliciously beautiful? A smirk starts playing on his lips, making me look away. I pick up my phone from the middle console, my attention going to it for the first time in entire day.

There are lots of messages on the group about things that everyone is bringing. I notice a personal text from Ashley telling me to bring beer but I roll my eyes. There's no way I'm asking James to go out of his way to get us beer. We've had a pretty good day and I don't want to do anything to piss him off.

I text Caleb, asking him if he can get it for me and I'll pay him and he immediately sends me a thumbs up in response.

"Everything okay?" James asks and I nod.

"Yup. Did you have a good time today?" I ask because it was just as much about him as me.

"I always enjoy spending my time down there." He says and I try not to feel hurt because I meant it in a way about our first outing together. "I'm glad you were there." He adds, and when I look at him, he gives me a glance before focusing his eyes on the road.

"Likewise."

The rest of the drive goes in silence until James parks his car exactly where he parked it when he came up to pick me up last time. I didn't think he would be getting out of the car but when he unbuckles his seatbelt, I give him a questioning look.

He doesn't say anything before coming to open my door and I step out. He moves to the back door and pulls out my duffle bag before putting on his shoulder and holding my hand before guiding us to Ashley's building.

"What are you doing?" I ask, a little nervous.

"You told me to bid you goodnight at the door." He says as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.

"If you come up, they will easily see you. And might I remind you that you're pretty famous and will be recognised in mere seconds?" I arch an eyebrow as we climb up a few stairs before he opens the door for me to enter the building.

He seems to think over my words as his eyes move forward. "Till elevator then?" He questions and I nod, smiling.

When we reach there, he drops the bag on the floor and I arch an eyebrow as he takes a step closer to me, freeing my hand as his arms move around my waist, making me face him while his body flushes against mine.

The sudden proximity makes my heart beat pick up and I should've seen it coming but when his lips lean down to claim mine, I stand shocked until my brain and body connect and I immediately respond back. His lips move smoothly against mine, too slowly for my own good as I move my arm around his neck, pulling him closer. His hands squeeze my sides as his tongue traces my lower lips, making me gasp at the intensity of shock that runs through me.

I feel warmth, a hot wave of sensation running to my core when his tongue meets mine, engulfing me, caressing me, making me moan against his mouth which only seems to pleasure him more as he deepens the kiss. My fingers tug on the root of his hair as he tilts his head back a little, only to graze his teeth on my lower lip before biting on it, just a little as he again wraps the warmth of his mouth around me and I continue to kiss him.

When the elevator door pings open, I immediately jump away from shock but James doesn't let go of my waist as he turns a little to see the source of interruption. My lips are still burning with sensation when I follow his gaze.

Caleb is standing on the other side with his jaw hanging in the air as he takes the scene in front of him. James loosens his hold a little and I create some distance between us as Caleb steps out of the elevator.

"So much for seeing how things go?" He remarks, finally recovering as a slow smirk takes over his features and I immediately glare at him.

"Shut up." I say, rubbing a hand over my clothes to straighten them, making James give me a questioning look.

"You should be glad I told Austin to sit his ass down, or it would've been two of us."

"What are you even doing here?" I ask him, and he's staring at James, actually studying him before he looks back at me.

"You told me to get beer, Lil. That's where I was off to." He rolls his eyes before looking at James and extending his hand. "Caleb West, it's nice to finally meet you."

"James Clark." He says, shaking his hand before looking at me. "I'm a little confused. I thought your friends didn't know, and beer?"

I try not to let my eyes linger on his lips which look so desirable right now. God, what is he doing to me? I've never been this attracted to anyone before. I force myself to meet his eyes as I speak up. "No one except Caleb knows, and Ashley wanted me to get beer so I asked him to get it for me. I didn't know you were already here." I look at Caleb at the end.

"It's not a problem. I'm going to get some, okay? It's just around the corner. You can go up if you want, everyone's here." Caleb informs me before nodding at James and disappearing out of the main door of the building.

"Why didn't you say you needed to get some beer? We could've easily got it on the way." James says and I look at him if he's for real.

"You would've stopped to get me some beer?" I ask, arching an eyebrow.

"I don't like the idea of underage drinking, but if you would've asked, then yes. Why do you naturally assume that I would say no or get pissed?" He frowns at me.

I laugh a little, stepping back from him, "You seriously have to ask me that?"

He sighs at my response, nodding as he runs a hand through his hair, "Alright. I'm just, I'm really trying here so please ask instead of assuming next time?"

"Yes, I'm sorry I assumed." I say and mean it, because he's right, he's really trying.

"Can we go back to what we were doing before your friend interrupted us?" He asks, stepping a little closer as desire burns in his eyes.

I stand on my toes before pressing my lips against his, making him moan in surprise and the sound is magic to my ears as he moulds our lips perfectly together. Seconds later, he parts his lips as he moves lower to press a kiss against my jaw but before he can move further down, I stop him.

"I really won't be able to leave if you continue." I breathe, looking into his lust filled eyes.

He nods, stepping away as he picks up my bag and hands it over to me. "Stay safe?" He says and I nod, wondering how different things would've gone if I were to go home with him. "And eat something, please. I couldn't fix a meal in between all this."

"You told me to have lunch at home, so I did. You got nothing to worry about. I had a really good time." I assure him.

His eyes linger down to my hands and he looks up at me, "Give me the rings. I'll take it with me, you can get them tomorrow after you come back." He offers and it leaves me surprised that he's saying that to begin with.

"Are you sure?" I ask and he nods.

His expression is blank and I absolutely hate when his face turns like that. It's hard enough to read him as it is, and considering that he has mastered the art of hiding his expressions, it just gets more difficult. I remove the set of engagement and wedding ring before putting it in his outstretched palms. He pushes it down in the front pocket of his shirt before moving to press the elevator button.

Just as the elevator comes, the main door opens and Caleb steps in with a dozen beer cans in a pack. His eyes move to us and an amused smile plays on his lips when he walks his way over.

"Goodnight, Mrs. Clark." James says, a small smile on his face that immediately makes me relax as I look at him.

"Goodnight, Mr. Clark."

He winks at me before I step in the elevator and Caleb moves inside with me. James and him nod at each other just as he presses the fifth floor button. When the elevator door closes, James starts walking back to the main door and I immediately start craving his presence.

"So?" Caleb nudges me with his elbow and I roll my eyes, trying to hide my heated cheeks. "He's hotter in person, much more intimidating than I thought."

His words make me laugh as we step out of the elevator. "I had an amazing day." I grin at him and he smiles at me.

"I'm happy for you, kid." He says. "I told Austin, by the way."

My eyes shoot up as I look at him, "Really? How did he react?"

Austin and Caleb are honestly cute together and considering how much I've started to care about Caleb, I really want nothing but happiness for him. There's a sad smile playing on his lips as we approach the apartment door.

"He listened to me talk for five minutes, literally rambling before he told me that he needs some time to figure out where he stands emotionally, whether he's as deeply involved or not. He'll come around." He shrugs casually but his face says otherwise.

"I really wish I could knock it into him. I would if I could, you know?" I say and he laughs at my words, nodding before knocking on the door.

"Let's just enjoy the night." He grins at me.

Ashley opens the door and immediately engulfs me in a hug. "Why are you so late? And you're supposed to show up in pjs, ma'am. What is this dress shit?"

I laugh at her words, before stepping inside the apartment and Caleb follows me. He goes to the kitchen island to place the beer cans and my eyes move to the living room. The couches are pushed backwards, coffee table nowhere in sight as the entire floor is covered with blankets. Max, Austin and Natalie are sitting with their backs against the couches on the floor, facing the flat screen where The Notebook is playing. Wait a second, what?

"Who picked the movie?" I ask, clearly amused and that catches everyone's attention as Natalie picks up the remote to pause it.

"Max." Caleb tells me and I can't help the laugh that leaves me.

"Really?" I look at Max who shrugs.

"I want to see what all the fuzz is about. I've never watched it." He says, popping a popcorn in his mouth. "And Austin agreed, by the way. I wasn't alone."

Austin nods, sipping on soda before he looks back at me. "Why are you in a dress? That's just violating sleepover rules, man."

I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. "I'll just go change. I was out and directly came here."

He nods at my response before his eyes settle on Caleb who seems to be mindlessly playing with a beer can. I don't say a word as I move to the washroom. I wash my face using Ashley's cherry face wash and change into pj shorts and a tank top before putting my hair up in a high pony tail.

When I step out, I notice that Ashley is now sitting in Max's lap and Caleb is still standing by the kitchen island, scrolling through his phone.

"Have you guys ordered yet?" I ask, a little hungry and Ashley shakes her head.

"We were waiting for you. Nat brought pizza though." She points to the couch on which boxes are sitting and I move there before looking back at Caleb.

"Can we have a no-phone policy?" I say out aloud, clear for him to listen and he immediately meets my eyes, cocking an eyebrow which makes him give me a look. He shakes his head before putting his phone on the island and making his way over to sit by my side.

"Let's just order first, and then sure." Natalie contributes. I nod at her before opening the pizza box and immediately devouring a slice. Caleb chuckles when my stomach grumbles but doesn't say anything.

"Can we order chinese?" Max says, playing with Ashley's hair and their cuddly sight makes me miss the warmth of James's body.

"Yes, noodles and dumplings, please." Austin chimes in, his eyes flickering to the couch where Caleb and I are sitting. I offer him a small smile which he returns.

After everyone decides on what to eat, Caleb makes the order from Natalie's phone. I can't believe how much my life has changed in last couple of months but I've got nothing to complain about. I really like that I have a group of friends that I belong with, who consider me a part of their lives.

"Alright, now! We'll only watch something while eating. Till then, we spill the deepest darkest secrets." Max claps his hands in excitement.

"I'll get beer." Ashley stands up from his lap before running to refrigerator and coming back with six cans. When she offers me one, I shake my head. I am not a beer person. "Do you want some wine?"

I think about it for a second before nodding. She gets me a bottle and glass, and I thank her as we all settle down, even Caleb and me now sitting on the floor with him going to sit by Austin's side while I take a seat beside Natalie. We are all sitting in a semi circle now.

"Who's going first?" Natalie asks, chewing on the leftover pizza slice.

"How about we shoot ridiculous questions one by one and everyone has to answer?" Austin suggests and everyone immediately agrees. "Okay, worst make-out ever."

Ashley chimes in excitedly. "Freshman year, my first kiss ever. Oh god, so the guy asked me out and I agreed because I'd never been out on a date before. When he came to pick me up, his big brother was the chauffeur, man!" She laughs, leaving everyone amused. "At the end of the date, he kissed me in the back seat of the car, like all saliva and yuck! His brother was watching us the entire time."

She shudders at the memory but it makes everyone laugh, and the image honestly leaves me grossed out as well. Everyone tells their stories but nothing beats Ashley's. When it comes to me, they wait for me to speak but I really don't have anything to offer.

"I haven't really made out much? All of them have been decent enough to not hit the worst basket." I tell them honestly, my eyes moving to Caleb who caught James and me just an hour ago. Sure enough he's staring at me with an amused look on his face as he grins at me.

I shoot him a look which only makes him snicker but thankfully goes unnoticed by everyone, except Austin who looks between the two of us with a frown on his face, clearly confused but Caleb just shrugs at him in return.

If I had to choose a best make-out, it would be both times with James, hands down. There's something about the way he kisses that makes me want to drown and submit myself completely to him in the moment. I wonder how he feels about it, if I would ever know how he actually feels about me and us.

We are in the middle of third question round when there's a knock on the door and I stand up to take the order. I move to my bag to pull out my wallet before going to the door and opening it. A guy as young as Jeremy is standing in front of me with food in his hand. I take it from him, paying him as I thank him before going inside the kitchen.

Natalie is standing near the sink while everyone else in the living room floor is engrossed in the conversation. She keeps the glass she was drinking water from in the sink before turning to me.

"Here, I'll help." She smiles at me, moving to pull out the boxes from the paper bag. "You look pretty tired."

She isn't wrong, I do feel tired too. Since I'm not someone who stays out a lot, or is used to so much social interaction, this entire day has drained my energy.

"I feel it too." I tell her.

She moves a little to stand near me before she starts to pull stuff from the paper bag which was in my hands. I wonder if we hadn't met through Max if we had talked at all, because I can imagine myself naturally being friends with the rest of them, but with her, the vibe is just weird.

Since she's pulling out the stuff now, I go to stand against the kitchen counter and my thoughts go back to James, wondering if he went home after dropping me off or somewhere out. God, I really don't know anything about his schedule. I'd like to know but it scares me to ask him. But then his words run through my mind, he wants me to ask instead of assume so I take a mental note to ask him about it tomorrow.

"You know you can go to sleep in Ashley's room, right?" Natalie says, her words bringing me back from my thoughts.

She's standing in front of me and I shake my head, "No, I'm here for the fun, you know? Wouldn't wanna miss it." I give her a small smile.

A grin takes over her features as she starts moving closer to me, and as soon as she's standing at a distance that's not comfortable for me, I frown at her but she just reaches her hand out to rub it over the skin of my exposed arm, making me gulp. I take a deep breath, closing my eyes momentarily before looking at her, realising where her head's at.

"No." I whisper, it's so low I question if she even heard it but as soon as she drops her hand, I realise that she did.

"I'm sorry, I—" she begins but cuts herself off, "I just thought, you know? You're really pretty, and I've been attracted to you since the day we met."

I had no idea that Natalie was into girls to begin with. I think both of us made a mistake in assuming other person's orientation so I just clear my throat, standing up straighter as I move a little to make more space between us, my uneven breathing messing up with my thoughts. Am I always going to have this much anxiety from a foreign touch?

"I'm sorry but I didn't know you felt that way. I'm straight, Natalie." I tell her, hoping she understands because even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be attracted to her.

She looks a little taken aback by my words which makes me frown. Have I ever indicated to her otherwise? I recall back the moments I've spent with her and I cannot recall anything where I could've been anything other than a friend to her. But she nods at my words, registering.

"I'm going to go sit with everyone." I tell her, taking as many boxes as I can with me.

Since my nerves still haven't settled and I can't bear to sit next to her, I go to sit next to Caleb. I offer him his food and Austin the box of dumplings and noddles before opening my own. Caleb gives me a questioning look, concern etched on his face.

"Are you okay?" He asks and I wonder if I should tell him but anyone can easily hear me here so I just nod, focusing on eating the food.

I decide not to drink the wine anymore, I don't want my thoughts jumbled anymore than they already are. Natalie joins us, her eyes moving to me when she notices that I switched seats, an apologetic expression taking across her face but I ignore it. I know she didn't mean to make me feel this way, she was just shooting her shot, but my past experiences are tainting every minute of my life right now, controlling them more than I'd like.

Max resumes the movie and everyone talks amongst themselves while eating, but I keep my mouth shut. It takes me so much strength to gulp down the food but the more I eat, the better I feel. Maybe I should go to Ashley's room and sleep. I shake my head at the thought, I'm not going to spoil the entire night because of one minor incident.

After eating, we spend the rest of time finishing the movie, and to my surprise, Max is the one who ends up with tears in his eyes. No one laughs at him, we just understand that it's the magic of The Notebook.

The night goes on with more ridiculous questions and Austin is the first one to doze off with his head on Caleb's shoulder. We all talk a little silently after that. Max and Ashley don't go to their rooms to sleep as they make themselves comfortable on the carpeted floor and I go to lie down on the couch where I was sitting before. James's eyes surround my thoughts before I doze off.