Explaining what happened to Emery wasn't easy, and though I felt myself starting to hyperventilate, I tried not to let it show and to keep calm enough to get through it. It was an awful situation to be in, but I was glad it was over with. My view of Dallas shifted completely and I wasn't comfortable being his tutor or in the same vicinity as him.

"What a creep!" Emery gasped. "High, or not."

"It - it was scary. I'm so lucky Mason was there," I concluded. A faint smile rose on Emery's lips as I added that last part. Smoothly, she transitioned into a new topic.

"Speaking of Mason... how's that going?"

"He took me to the top of a cliff – which was beautiful – and we talked things out," I replied.

"He seems more protective of you," Emery mused. "I think you'd be good for each other." I nodded slowly and tried not to get my hopes up with that thought. I just hoped I was good enough.

***

That night, as I drifted in and out of sleep, I heard a light knock on my door. I was groggy and confused for a moment before realizing it was likely Mason. I jumped up and opened my door to see him standing in the doorway biting his lip nervously.

"What's wrong?" I asked in a hushed voice.

"Can... can you stay up and talk with me?" he asked in response. I nodded and pulled him inside my room, then closed the door. I turned on my bedside lamp and crawled into bed. Mason hesitated by the door but I motioned for him to come next to me.

He walked over slowly and sat down on the bed. He gave me a look, almost double checking if it was okay. I smiled reassuringly as I crossed my legs.

"I-I couldn't sleep," he said. "I had– I was tempted..." Mason ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"It's okay; I'm glad you came," I said, gently taking his hand in mine.

"I didn't wake you, did I?" Mason asked timidly. I shook my head.

"I was half awake," I replied. He looked relieved. We were quiet for a moment before Mason spoke up.

"What happened today?" he asked. I sighed.

"I just... It was hard seeing Dallas," I winced as the name came out of my mouth.

Mason wrapped his arms around me comfortingly. Instantly, my heart rate sped up and I felt warmer. I rested my head on his shoulder.

"It'll get easier," Mason whispered. I shifted my head to look up at him.

"What were you thinking about before you came?" I asked quietly.

"Really dark things... awful things," he mumbled. His arms slightly tightened around me and I gave an understanding nod.

"Well, I'm really glad you came to me," I replied. "One day at a time." Mason's face brightened a little which made me smile.

"Do you want to watch TV?" he asked.

"Only if you make hot chocolate, and carry down the blanket," I bargained with a grin.

"The 5-star experience? Ambitious, aren't we?" Mason teased. I stuck my tongue out at him childishly before placing my fluffy blanket in his hand.

"I always reach for the stars," I replied, turning off the lamp. Mason chuckled at that and we headed downstairs. As we got into the living room, he put the blanket down on the couch and turned on the television. He set it on Netflix and turned the volume down before handing me the controller.

"Pick something. I'll go make that hot chocolate," Mason said. I shot him a wide smile and settled into the couch under the blanket. I searched for something captivating but wasn't scary. After a few moments of debating, I picked a movie.

Mason walked back into the room a minute later, holding two mugs with marshmallows peaking above the rim. He glanced at the screen and grinned.

"The Avengers! That's my kind of movie!" he exclaimed in a whisper. I folded my legs underneath me as Mason sat next to me. He handed me one of the mugs and I pressed play, excited for our impromptu movie night.

***

I woke up with a shock, to the sound of Mason's phone alarm going off. I almost rolled off the couch, but Mason's arms tightened around me – wait, what?

I realized I was lying next to Mason with my head on his chest and his arms wrapped around my body. I smiled to myself for a moment.

Mason's voice startled me, "What are you smiling about?"

"I thought you were sleeping!" I gasped. Mason laughed.

"How could I with that awful alarm going off?" he replied with a smirk. "I'd turn it off but I'm a little... occupied," Mason teased. I glanced at the coffee table where his phone was sitting and sighed.

"It's a bit of a reach, you know. If I fall it's on your head," I said. I stretched for his phone, my fingertips brushing the wooden furniture. "Don't drop me. I warned as I reached further. I touched the phone and slid it closer towards me, before tapping the off button.

"Thank you. How'd you sleep?" Mason asked, looking into my eyes. He looked a little guilty – probably worrying if I was tired.

"Good..." I said, "You're soft and comfy," I lied, jokingly. He was surprisingly firm for someone who wasn't an athlete.

Mason opened his mouth in shock. "I thought my packs were pretty nice," I feigned hurt. I grinned.

"Meh," I teased. Mason chuckled and poked my nose. I smiled again.

"I just noticed you've got dimples," he started. "Right here," he poked my left cheek, "and here." He poked the other. I rested my chin on his chest as I felt myself blush. "They're cute." He said shyly.

"Thank you," I said leaning a little closer to his face. "How'd you sleep?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Great. I was warmed by your mass of hair," he teased playing with a strand of my untamed curls. I giggled.

"It comes in handy when someone steals all of the blanket," I replied. Mason's eyes widened in alarm.

"Were you cold?" he asked. I shook my head.

"No, you kept me warm," I said coyly. Mason smiled in relief. My eyes flickered to his lips at the action. Mason's eyes darken a little and heat flooded my cheeks. His lips puckered slightly, and my heart rate sped up.

I wanted to take his face in my hands and kiss him. I really did. But instead, I froze. I forgot how to move, how to breathe.

We heard footsteps creaking down the steps, breaking the spell and I quickly got off Mason. I felt cold without his body heat, and craved the closeness again. At the same time, I was embarrassed – I totally freaked out. I hoped he didn't notice.

"I'm going to go... get ready for school," I stuttered out. Mason nodded and gave me a very small smile, but I wasn't sure what to make of it.

I quickly left the room and ran up the stairs, passing Mason's mom on the way. She gave me a curious look as I tripped over myself to escape. When I got into my room, I grabbed a pair of jeans from my closet and pulled them on. I took a white long sleeved shirt out of the closet and put it on. Quickly, I brushed my teeth and threw my hair into a ponytail. I put mascara on and whipped my cell phone out.

S.O.S. I typed and sent it to Charlie.

Almost immediately, my phone rang.

"Charlie?" I answered.

"What's wrong?" she responded, the alarm evident in her voice.

"I-I don't know... I'm freaking out," I whispered.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I – we... we almost kissed."

______

Author's Note: Hello, it's been a minute! I'm sorry!! Writer's block and life got busy!! I hope you liked this chapter, and hopefully I will have the chance to post more frequently!! Sending everyone good vibes!! xo