"So how was the pizza party?" My father asks, his voice betraying the fact that he is actually not all that interested. He stabs a pea with his fork in one hand and responds to a client with his other. Mom on the other hand is sitting at attention. She sends a glare my dad's way but he doesn't notice. My mom really values family dinner time. She has to make up for her absence somewhere right?

"It was great!" Eli shouts from across the table. Of course he thought it was great. He got to eat a boat load of pizza and cupcakes. "My friends really liked Eli. So did Mr. Price!"

The mention of the man's name has goosebumps rising up on my arms. I ignore Eli's comment and shove a chunk of chicken into my mouth. Can't answer if my mouths full. Mom taught me that.

"Ah that's right!" Dad has finally caught mom's not so subtle glares and has put his phone in his pocket. "The meddlesome old guy. How was he Danny?" Why does everyone seem to be so caught up with this guy? Can't I just move on from that awkward experience?

"Well he's definitely not old." I respond scooping more peas onto my plate, attempting to seem apathetic about the whole thing.

"Oh really?" Mom asks. "I really need to get the details about him from Donna." The mention of the woman has me strangling the handle of my fork. The crazy bitch. I wonder if her husband knows about her taste for younger men. I wonder briefly if I should tell my mom about it, but I suddenly feel embarrassed so I chuck that idea.

"Yeah. You should totally do that." I agree before shoving a spoonful of peas into my mouth. I remember how Mr. Price had seemed to unknowingly pry me from the woman's claws. I feel a sudden ache in my chest, and a strange desire to see the man has me glaring down at my plate. I barely met the guy. Why would I already be missing him?

"He's so cool mommy! He's bigger and stronger than daddy!" Eli emphasizes this difference with a dramatic wave of his arms. Dad eyebrows twitch in a mixture of disbelief and offense.

"Well I don't know about that Elijah I'm-

"He's pretty big." My voice interrupts my dad before I even realize I'm talking. My dad stares at me with raised eyebrows waiting for an explanation for questioning his masculinity. What the hell Danny. You just can't keep your mouth shut can you? I cough awkwardly lifting my napkin to my mouth to wipe away some non-existent food. "Uh what I mean is, he's like at least six foot four. Like the dude is towering. Uh, and he's pretty young like he's gotta be in his 30's. Might even be the youngest teacher at the elementary." In fact I'm positive he's the youngest teacher at the elementary, at least according to the wall of staff photographs. Let's just say the elderly population of the town is a lot higher than normal.

"He's like a super hero!" Danny giggles lifting his little bicep into the air and puffing out his chest. His attempt at muscularity has me snorting into my class of water.

"Wow sounds like we really need to meet this guy!" Mom is obviously a bit more interested in Mr. Price than dad is. Maybe it's the gossipy old lady in her blooming. "I wonder if it would be a good idea to invite his family over for dinner one of these days. I could use a new girlfriend."

"He's not married." I smash my mom's dreams for a weekend tea gathering to the ground with no remorse then I get up to wash my dish. Anything to keep the gossipy old lady brain from rubbing off on me. I'm already infected as it is.

"Not married?" Mom questions in shock turning around in her chair to look at me with wide eyes. "He sounds like quiet the catch, why wouldn't he be married?"

"Well jeez mom I don't know I'm not him." I don't think my eyes could roll further back into my head if I tried. Although I can't say I'm not curious. Why isn't he married? I mean he is obviously an attractive guy, and he probably knows it too. He seems to pay himself a lot of attention, if his neck snapping biceps are any indication. I have a hard time believing he struggled with getting a girl into his bed back in whatever city he came from, especially with those eyes. And that smile....and that deep hypnotic voice....

No. I shake my head, attempt to rid myself of the thoughts of the teacher. Stop Danny, you're being a weirdo. Whatever conversation my parents are having about the famous Mr. Price is abandoned as I say a hurried goodnight and run up to my room. Time to look for a job.

___

"Yo Danny boy!" Ethan's obnoxious voice shouts through my cellphone. With a pained grimace I pull the phone away from my ear. I scroll down the town's webpage, setting my cell down onto the table and putting it on speaker. The job search isn't going as well as I would like. I thought that if I started last night and applied for at least one I would be in a good place for today. Instead, I had spent the whole of my Friday searching through the listings, watching reruns of adventure time, and eating way too much junk food. The whole day I had only found one possible job that I could apply for. The listing was for the McDonalds in the next town over, but let's just say I'm not jumping out of my seat at that opportunity.

"What has you so energetic this late?" I ask glancing at the clock on my computer it reads 7:30 PM. The sun has already set so the air outside has an extra bite.

"It's Friday night! Let's meet up dude!" He continues to yell. I wonder if he's started to lose his hearing from the rap he blasts at every given moment. "Ady's down too, I'm on my way to pick her up now then we'll head on over to yours to get you."

"So you're not really asking me, more like informing me." I droll dully, semi annoyed at their lack of consideration. I get over it quickly though because knowing myself, I would never leave the house unless they forced me. Ethan is equally aware of this fact, I mean we have been best friends our entire lives. There isn't much we can hide from each other.

"You know you love it. We'll be there in fifteen." He says and hangs up before I can say another word. Great now I have to actually make myself look human or at least put some pants on. The only shampoo in the shower is a spider-man kid shampoo that smells suspiciously like Swedish fish. Not really a bad alternative. I love Swedish Fish. I lather my scalp generously with the goop moving as quickly as I can. When I get downstairs my mom is sitting at the table with her planner out across the table.

When my mom has her planner out it's never good. I try to move as quietly as I can as to not disturb the beast. Open the hall closet as carefully as I can, turning the handle a millimeter at a time. When it's wide enough for me to stick my arm in I carefully pull my jean jacket out. I think I've made it but then as soon as I start to slip my arm into the sleeve her voice cuts me off.

"Danny come here." Damn It. I inwardly groan and slam my forehead against the wood of the closet door.

"Coming!" I sing out, hiding the annoyance in my voice as best as I can. I pull my jacket on as I enter the kitchen slinking over to where my mom is scribbling away. "What's up?" I'm praying that she isn't about to force me to stay home and work on some stupid work project with her. Sometimes she does that when she needs a second opinion. Usually my opinion ends up just reaffirming hers because I really could care less about her business deals.

Mom looks up from her calendar with a smile, "Donna and I are planning to throw a welcoming party for Mr. Price at the church this Sunday."

I try to pretend that I care, forcing what I hope looks like an excited smile to my face. "That's great mom. You have fun with that." I sincerely hope that she isn't expecting me to be a part of this welcoming party.

"Yes, we are thinking to do it after the meeting in the back pavilion near the park." I itch my nose uninterestedly. Turn to look at the mirror that hangs over the cupboard near the stairs, fix the bent collar of my jacket. "The only problem is he's not answering his phone." I know this annoys her. She hates when people don't answer their phones. She fails to realize that not everyone in the world eats, breaths and sleep with their phone at every second.

"I'm sure he's just busy, keep trying." I mutter.

"Yes. Anyways, I called you in here because I want to let you know that you'll be helping me and Donna set up for the party on Sunday so don't make any plans." Yeah? Don't bother asking mom. I've always done what you wanted why would I stop now? I wonder what she would actually do if I said I had plans.

"Uh, I already had plans with Ethan." I test, rubbing a hand over the back of my head, waiting to see what she says.

She doesn't skip a beat, "Great! he can come too. In fact invite him to the meeting while you're at it." My mom's been trying to get Ethan to come to church ever since I'd met him. You'd think she'd have gotten the hint after sixteen years.

"Yeah..I'll do that." I lie, because I am one hundred percent against putting Ethan in a position of discomfort. I mean my entire life was a position of discomfort so I know how that feels. Why would I put someone else through that shit? Resigned to my ill fate I give myself one last glance in the mirror. My phone vibrates in my pants and I know it's Ethan calling. "Right well. I'm heading out for a while."

"Don't stay out too late." She mutters as she turns back to her planner, probably writing down all the crap that needs to be prepared. I nod a silent affirmation because I know that she most likely won't even notice if I come back late anyways.

As soon as I shut my front door behind me there is a series of obnoxious honks and I hop down my front steps to see Ethan warding off an over excited Ady in the seat next to him. "Stop honking! Jesus woman give me some breathing room!" He wails as he bats her hands away from his steering wheel. Neither of them notice me as I walk up. Typical Ethan and Ady, always arguing.

"He's taking forever though!" She whines, and motions to break past Ethan's arm barrier.

Ethan ninja chops her hands away, "We've been here for five fucking seconds, chill out!"

Aw man, how I missed their nonsense. I creep up to the window and deliver a series of wraps with my knuckles. Ady lets out a horrified scream and wraps her arms around Ethan's shoulders burying her face in his chest. Ethan doesn't seem all that disturbed by the fact that Ady's freckled arms are wringing the life out of him. In fact, I might say he's kind of enjoying it. The loud click of the back seat being unlocked signals me to enter, and as I squish into the car as Ethan lectures Ady on being over emotional. Of course, she isn't listening to him. She turns to me with wet eyelashes, her eyebrows knitted together in anger.

"Danny Walker what the hell is wrong with you!" Damn, girl can't take a joke. I wasn't even that loud, it was just a polite knock. Women. I offer Ethan a raised brow and he just shakes his head in resignation.

"Good to see you too Ady." I grumble.

"It would have been better if you hadn't have tried to give me a heart attack." She lectures.

"I'm deeply sorry madam that was not my intention." I lean back in the seat to get comfortable. I know Ady won't be upset for long, she can't keep grudges at all. She gets over excited too fast. Maybe Ethan and I are lucky in that way, because she would have probably dropped us so fast if she was any other girl. We can be...somewhat annoying when we get together. "So where are we going?" I question Ethan as he pulls expertly out of my driveway in one fluid motion.

"Well I was thinking drop by the grocery store, pick up a twelve pack...maybe some vodka I don't know. I'm feeling some hard liquor." Damn, Ethan always knows just what to say. I'm not one to get knock out drunk but I could totally use a strong drink right about now. The week has been a really wrecked one. I withdrew from classes, got kicked out of my dorm, was molested by my mother's best friend, and had an extremely weird encounter with my brother's teacher. It only seems like it's going to get more stressful from here on out. I mean just living at home is a trigger. "After that we can head over to Wilfrith Community. One of our classmates over there is throwing a party and invited us."

The thought of being around a group of unknowns gives me a twinge of anxiety but I quell it, not wanting to appear weak in front of Ethan. It's fine Danny you've been through more nerve wrecking shit. Like dropping all your classes, questioning your life choices, being harassed by a married woman, the list can go on and on. Come what may aye? "Sounds good to me."

"Great!" My two friends say in unison before starting to bicker about who between the two of them is trying to take away the others individuality. It's only a few minutes of this nonsense before we pull into the Grocery store parking lot. I exit the car following behind the still bickering duo. God it's like they're a married couple. Maybe they should just make it official. I feel like I'm a third wheel in their little world. Maybe they actually are really attracted to each other and are expressing that tension by arguing excessively? This thought stops me in my tracks. The sliding doors are unable to shut around my body as I watch after my best friends suspiciously. They don't notice that I've stopped, continuing their argument all the way to the cart corral. Ethan pulls a cart out, grabs Ady's purse from her hand and sits it in the baby seat. Neither of them seem aware of their actions, they just continue to make quips at one another. Finally Ady seems to realize that I'm not there. She turns quickly around and I give her a suspicious side eye.

"What's that look for?" She snorts, "You're already ugly. That isn't exactly helping." God my friends are so nice.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. You guys continue your argument please." I wave my hands for them to proceed. "I mean I was under the crazy impression that we were supposed to be having fun but hey, that might just have been my bad." I know I'm being dramatic, but they expect that. It's what they're used to.

"Welcome back fun killer, I was wondering where you were hiding." Ethan snorts. This doesn't really make any sense to me. How could anything be more of a fun killer than fighting which literally is all that they have been doing? This just further supports my suspicion that they are crushing hard on one another. I should have known when it wasn't me that it was going to be Ethan. We all know the classic rule of three. I mean it's so cliché, always two guys and a girl. One of them has gotta get her right?

"Whatever. You guys go look for the drinks I'll be over here." I order waving them off. They don't object now that they've been given my permission. It's like they've been waiting to be released from my parental gaze. I could care less if they want to get together. Really I just want to get away from their stupidity. Jesus why don't they skip the drama and go out, stop annoying me.

My legs carry me to the snack isle because who drinks without snacks? Plus, I wasn't invited to this party so I should probably bring some goods of my own along to be polite. The chip selection offers me a multicolored sanctuary of familiarity. I stand in front of it looking as if I'm making a critical snack choice even though really I'm just thinking about how much I do not want to go to a party. Sure, I want to drink but I would prefer to drink in Ethan's backyard, just us three. I'm not very good with large groups of people. You see I have a hard time making myself fit in. I always end up alone and awkward I some corner of the room.

"Danny?" A deep, seductive voice says. Stunned out of my thoughts I look towards the source of the sound. A few feet away Mr. Price stands, all six feet and four looming inches of him. He has a hand basket hanging from his elbow. We make eye contact his crystal blues locking onto me. When he sees that I am in fact me the thin press of his lips jerks up into a crooked smile. The movement has my heart immediately thundering in my chest, I swear it's trying to come out of my throat.

The older man starts to move towards me his hips sloping lazily, his walk comfortable. His huge frame takes up more and more of my vision the closer he gets and I can't help but notice how the deep green fabric of his sweater squeezes and defines the muscles in his biceps and chest. I wonder how often he works out to get his body to look like that. Every stereotype that I have ever had of overweight balding teachers is crushed with one slight motion of Mr. Prices arm, suddenly I wonder what the skin underneath that fabric looks like.

Hell no. You're supposed to wonder what the skin underneath a chicks shirt looks like, not a man Danny..... Right? Not that I've ever cared about women either. I mean I've fooled around with my fair share of the opposite sex but none of them really made me feel anything. Sex always felt like work. I only did it because I felt like I was supposed to be doing it. Everyone else was. Still I got bored of the pointless routine of going to a bar to pull a girl I didn't really want to sleep with and stopped having sex all together.

I know I'm staring so I force my eyes away from the man and back to the bag of Lays in front of me. Act normal, just act normal. Jesus, what is he doing here? Doesn't he a have a math worksheet or spelling test to grade? I don't look up, instead keeping my eyes on his hands as he reaches my side and sets his basket on the ground. God there are those fingers again. How can someone's fingers be so long? His hands are ginormous! Stop thinking about it Danny! I keep chanting the mantra in the back of my head. I know a normal person would look up about now but I can't bring myself to do it. "Danny?" Shivers rake my body at the way my name sounds coming out of his mouth. I try to control them, hope he doesn't notice. I Know I have to look at him so he doesn't notice the goosebumps that are popping up on my neck. Inhale, put on a friendly smile "Hey Mr. Price, what brings you here?" I ask finally looking up to meet his eyes again.

When I look up he still has that stomach knotting smirk on his face. His eyes aren't on mine though, rather they are locked on my hands which, I hadn't noticed, are rubbing anxiously against the sides of my legs. Oh my god. I stiffen briefly before shoving my hands into my pockets. He notices, his eyes flicking back up to my face. I knead my bottom lip with my teeth, swallowing nervously as our eyes meet. He doesn't hesitate, takes a step closer. "I'm pretty sure I asked you to call me Owen, Danny." He chuckles leaning lightly against the metal edging of the shelf. His arms cross, his biceps seeming bigger than they were before. "Try again."

Jesus am I going through heat or something? Is that a thing that humans can go through? Awkwardly I cough my attention back to his face where his eyes are still trained on me with an extreme amount of focus. "Uh, sorry." One hand leaves my pocket to rub the back of my neck nervously. Jesus my palm is sweaty. My fingers tremor against my neck. "What are you doing here....Owen?" I try to say his name casually, but it comes out in more of a breathy exhale. Was I holding my breath? At the mention of his name Owen's eyes flicker down to my mouth. The smile that seemed to be painted on his face falls away and the tip of his tongue swipes quickly against his bottom lip. His Adams apple bobs up and down. Oh my god! I clear my throat, starting to sweat under his laser like gaze. It feels like the temperature has gone up about fifty degrees. The sound seems to bring him back. He pushes off of the shelf, lowering his gaze as he rubs his hand against his jaw briefly. Steps forward pushing his hands into the pockets of his black suit pants.

"I'm just here to get some groceries." He says raising his head again. God I wish he'd stop looking at me, I feel like I'm naked. I feel uncomfortable, more uncomfortable than I have felt in a long time.

"Oh yeah?" I peer into his hand cart that he abandoned on the floor. There's not much in there. A pack of chicken breasts, a bottle of wine, and a huge bag of Swedish Fish. I can't stop my smile. "I see you've got all the essentials." One of my hands escapes my pocket to gesture to the bag of red sweets. The air feels cold as it hits sweaty flesh.

"Ah," He laughs. It's a very genuine laugh, shows off his perfectly straight pearly whites. I like it. I shouldn't. "I would say that's for class but that would be a lie." I hum at that, and our eyes lock again. Seems like we can't escape. "It's a guilty pleasure." He finally mutters as his eyes travel over my face, tracing my features like he's committing them to memory.

"Mine too." My consensus seems to send us into a strange silence. We just stand there staring at each other. Neither of us seem to know what to say, but there seems to be a heavy weight in the air....like there is something that needs to be said. It's a suffocating tension so I wrack my brain for anything substantial to say. This is when I remember my mom's party plans. "Oh by the way my mom said she's been trying to contact you all day."

"Oh?" The topic seems to be more comfortable for the both of us, the tension that was in the air seems to relax. Every pore in my body seems to breathe. "I was at the school. Then I was visiting a friend of mine on the south side of town. I haven't had an opportunity to check my phone."

"I figured as much." I feel like I have to explain my mother's actions. "I just didn't want you to be shocked when you look and see you have a thousand missed calls. My mother can be.......persistent." So kill me if I try to put it in the nicest way possible, she's still my mom after all.

"What does she need?" Owen stands up a little straighter, has a concerned expression on his face. I wonder what he's thinking. "Is Eli struggling with something?" My heart skips a beat. He's worried about my brother? My mom is blowing up his phone and he's not worried that she's going to kill him? His first reaction is to worry about my brother? This guy is a freaking saint.

"Uh no Eli's great." His body relaxes, "Actually my mom and uh Mrs. Kerr" The name leaves a sour taste in my mouth, "want to throw a welcoming party for you at the church on Sunday."

Owens eyebrow twitches in amusement. "That's nice but, I'm not really a church going kind of guy." The way he looks at me as he reaches to the ground and picks up his basket feels like he's trying to send me some sort of message. I didn't think he seemed very religious anyways.

"Well I guess I'll let my mom know that then." I can tell he's getting ready to leave me and continue the rest of his shopping. For some reason I find myself a little disappointed. We didn't even say much. Why would I be disappointed? I must be going crazy. First I don't want see him, then I don't want him to leave? I need a sedative is what I need.

"Yeah you should do that." He smiles down at me sweetly, I nod but can't find my voice.

"Danny!" I hear Ethan yell my name from somewhere in the store but I don't bother to move. I can't seem to leave Owen's side. No big deal because I don't really want to go to the party anyway. Owens grin grows when he sees that I'm not intending on moving.

"Sounds like someone's calling you." His eyes are playful, like he knows something that I don't.

"Yeah." God. I was raised a Christian. I try to remind myself as I watch the way Owen's tongue roles over his lip. Even though I don't really believe in it....I was raised a Christian. What would mom say? She'd probably disown me if she knew about these thoughts I'm having.

"I'll see you around Danny." He smirks before scooting past me towards the front of the store. As he passes a wave of his scent hits me. Heady. That's the only way to describe it. The smell is an earthy, spicy musk, with an undertone of sweat. As soon as he walks past I let out a string of curse words. What is wrong with me?

"Danny let's go!" Ethan shouts. I hurry and grab a couple of random bags of chips from the shelf and run to the direction of the registers. When I catch up to Ethan's side he gives me a confused look passing a couple of six packs to Ady who sets them on the register. "What the fuck is wrong with you? You look like you just ran a fucking marathon, is that sweat?" He reaches up to touch the back of my neck and I swat his hand away.

"I ran over here." I argue rub my neck with the sleeve of my jacket.

"Jesus you must be really out of shape." He pokes at my stomach. "Maybe you should hit the gym a bit more, build up that endurance." I choose to ignore his comment. It's not worth the little energy I have left after the encounter I just had. I literally feel like I could lay down right here and sleep for the next week. Ethan and Ady are both shocked at my lack of response, but they don't say anything about it. It only takes us a few brief minutes to check out, but the whole time I'm on edge wondering when Owen will appear. Finally we head out to the parking lot, Ethan with a twelve pack in each hand, Ady walking beside him with a couple of different bottles of hard liquor chatting away about some ridiculous thing she had heard. I follow behind them relishing the crisp night air.

That is until I feel a large hand grab a hold of my elbow and spin me around. Of course I'm not surprised to see Owen. Who else would be grabbing me with such a large, strong grip? My eyelashes flutter when our eyes come into contact and he smirks and shoves something into my hands. It's a large bag of Swedish Fish that matches the one that rests in the sack in his other hand. Confused I offer him a raised brow and in response he leans in close to me...too close. "Pleasure yourself." The tone of his voice is lower than it was before, if that's even possible. My hands tighten on the bag, as I attempt to quell any sounds that might have been tempted to leave my mouth, because the implication of his words aren't lost on me. By the time I'm ready to react he's already walked past me to his car. Only looks back when he pulls out of the parking lot. He's still smiling.

___

"Danny!" Moms shrill voice calls. I groan and attempt to ignore her voice. Draw a few more light hairs on my sketch. I had literally been working on the welcoming party all morning long. Making food, putting up banners, setting up tables and chairs in the backyard. Our house was going to be hosting the whole damn town. So not only am I being forced into an extremely uncomfortable environment due to the sheer amount of people, I will also have to be trying to act normal when Owen shows up. When I had told mom that he was not religious and that he felt very uncomfortable with the idea of a welcoming party being held at the church she had been all too willing to move the whole ordeal to our own home. I on the other hand was extremely against it. Like what I think matters. "Where is that boy?"

"I can go get him." I hear Mrs. Kerr's slimy voice offer. I have never bolted down the stairs faster in my life. There is just no way that I want to be alone in my bedroom, or any bedroom, or any room for that matter, with that woman.

"What's up Mom?" I ask, sliding across the floor and into the counter on my socks. The marble digs into my hipbone sending a stab of pain through my side. Yup that's gonna bruise.

"Did you make sure to string the balloons to the mailbox?" She asks turning around to take a pan of apple crisp out of the oven. The smell wafts into my nose and my stomach growls. God I'm hungry, I haven't eaten all day. Suddenly I remember the bag of Swedish Fish from last night, Stuffed into the top far reaches of the corner of my closet. The bag of sinful sweets was making me feel hungry for a lot more than just its contents. It had to be hidden. Out of sight out of mind was my reasoning for that one. Guess that saying isn't exactly reliable.

"Yes I did" I offer reaching for a plate of brownies that is sitting off to the side. My mom slaps my hand away faster than lightning, and I frown at her.

"You're going to spoil your appetite." She defends removing the brownies from my sight. I guess she doesn't know that the "out of sight out of mind" saying is a farce. I can't believe she can't spare one brownie. Not very Christian like if you ask me.

"Yes, and a growing boy needs his appetite." Mrs. Kerr says from beside me. Her hand reaches out and strokes down my bicep. Moms back is turned so she doesn't notice the strange action of her good friend. If mom did notice Donna would probably be a dead friend. Uncomfortable, I offer a fake laugh and sidestep out of her reach. Try to make it look casual, like she isn't freaking me the hell out. Mom finally spins around fluffing her hair curls with her hand. She's gotta make herself presentable for the neighbors, and she spared no expense with her outfit. I'm half wondering how her silk white blouse has remained so clean throughout the day, or how her feet aren't bleeding in those heels. Women are something else. When her eyes catch me it seems like this is the first time she has noticed me today because she does a full body scan before frowning like I ruined her famous chicken pot pie.

"That's not what you were planning on wearing dear." I know this is traditionally a question, but mom says it like somehow I forgot and she's merely reminding me. I look down at the worn jeans I normally wear indoors and my Rolling Stones T-shirt. I don't see anything wrong with it. I want to be comfortable if I'm going to have to be a part of these awkward festivities. Plus it's my house! I can wear what I want.

"Uh...actually it was." I respond uncertainly like I have no more clothes in my closet, and if she doesn't allow me to wear this I might have to go naked.

"It's tacky Danny, go put something nice on." I cannot believe she just called the Rolling Stones tacky. I have half a mind to argue with her, but if you're mother is like mine then you have to know when to pick your battles. That is to say...never battle. I turn to head towards the stairs and at that moment my dad makes an appearance coming down them. I can tell mom got to him too. Normally on a Sunday after church he would switch into his jeans and old Hanes t-shirts faster than you could say amen. Instead, he is tightening his black belt around his best dress pants while mom walks over and straightens the collar on his crisp blue button up.

Dad shoots me a knowing look and I feel somewhat sorry for him, but he was the one who chose to marry her. I pat him on the shoulder before running up the stairs to my bedroom. I quickly and apathetically throw some, hopefully mom approved, clothes on before sitting back at my desk to continue my drawings. There is something so relaxing to me about sitting down with a pencil and paper and just drawing whatever is on your mind. I'd always loved art. Starting in middle school I took every single drawing and painting class that I possibly could. The teachers loved me. I even won awards. Honestly, I probably feel more comfortable when I'm sitting down with pad and pencil than doing anything else.

I hear mom turn on her jazz playlist adjusting the sound to an appropriate party volume. My hopes are that everyone would be fashionably late, but no. As it turns out the town must be equally curious to find out who the new eligible bachelor is because in a matter of minutes there is a never ending flow of doorbell rings. I manage to ignore the dinging and the growing sound of conversation for about thirty minutes before my mom is again testing her vocal chords with my name. With a groan I stand from my chair and throw my pencil down. I guess it's time to head into the storm. I double check myself in the mirror before I head down stairs, straighten the collar on my white short sleeved button up. That's all I care to fix.

When I get downstairs Mom is chatting with one of the neighbors near the entrance of the kitchen and dad is sitting on the couch talking to some of the men from church. I see Eli playing on the floor with one of the kids from his class. The house is suffocating with the amount of people that are milling around, drinking wine and eating. A quick scan around the room from my perch on the steps shows that Owen is not hear yet. Right as I think this the doorbell rings and mom gives me a look that orders me to go and answer it. Great! She throws a party and I'm the one who has to answer the door. Annoyed I push past a million bodies before finally throwing open the door to greet the newcomer. And of course this would be the time that Owen decides to show up. When I open the door and he sees me he can't control his smile.

"Danny." He says quietly eyes sparkling. I can't stop the flush that rises to my cheeks. I'm sure he notices since I'm pale and I'm sure my white shirt isn't helping.

"Uh, hi." I internally groan at the little awkward wave that I give him. He doesn't seem to mind just continues to stand there smiling at me. I find that I can't look away from him, the way his leather jacket sits on his shoulders. How his jeans seem to hug his hips perfectly. I'm so focused that I don't even notice how the air is biting at my bare arms sending goosebumps all along my flesh.

"Are you going to invite me in?" He asks with a knowing chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. God. How can an older man be this attractive? No. You're Christian. Although Mrs. Kerr is Christian and that doesn't seem to be stopping her from her creepy infidelity.

"Uh yeah, sorry." I drag my eyes away from him and step back pulling open the door. He lazily walks through one hand shoved into his pocket the other wrapped around a bottle of wine. I wonder briefly if he is as uncomfortable as I am with this gathering. He probably is right? I mean who really wants to have to greet a whole town at a party? "Uh can I take your coat?" I ask politely. I try to avoid using his name. I don't really know what to call him......Owen seems too familiar, and he hates when I call him Mr. Price. So logically I choose not to call him anything at all.

"Yeah thanks." He says softly. Seems like he's speaking only for my ears. He pulls off the jacket revealing a form fitting black V-neck sweater. Lord. He's wearing more casual clothes than ninety percent of the people here and he looks better than all of them put together.

"You look nice." The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Owen seems shocked by my forward remark. Trust me Mr. Price, I'm equally as surprised as you are. I reach out and snatch his jacket from his confused hand. "I mean, uh, you're sweater fits you really well." Owens stunned eyes darken and that seductive grin slides into place. "Uh no. What I mean is it suits you really well." Oh my God Danny just shut the hell up seriously just shut the hell up. "Anywa-

"Mr. Price!" My mom interrupts my panic just in time fluttering her way over to the star of the party. She pushes me to the side and I willingly let her. Owen seems less pleased, his eyes fallow me as I shrug away from him and my mom to go shove his Jacket into the hall closet. "Finally the star has arrived!"

I'm not looking at Owen when he chuckles but the mere sound has my knees buckling and I grip the doorknob for support. "Oh Mrs. Walker please, you flatter me." I turn around and worm my way into the kitchen to the food. The one place where you can stand and feel less awkward at any social gathering is near the food. Obviously there is always a reason to have your hand near a brownie, or a bowl of chips. Nobody questions that shit. Also it is far from the front door, where Owen and my mother are standing, but still in sight. I can't help it. I want to see what happens.

My mom giggles at his polite way of speech slapping his arm gently. It's like she's back to being a college student. Owen can sure charm the socks off just about anyone. I'm glad my dad isn't in the room because lord knows he would be not be too happy about mom's blatant attraction. Although he might just fall in love with Owen himself. Who knows? "Oh here, I brought this for you." Owen remembers the wine that is in hands and hands it over to my mother.

"Oh you didn't have to do that!" Mom gushes receiving the bottle almost reverently. Her eyes skim over its surface and her eyes widen. "Wow what expensive taste you have Mr. Price!"

Owen grins, "I mean it's the least I could do when you held such a party in my favor." He gestures around to the food that is splayed all across the table and counters. At this cue Mom grabs Owens bicep and leads him into the kitchen...on course to exactly where I'm standing. "Don't be shy Mr. Price, come on in and have some food."

"I would love some." He says loudly, but he isn't looking at the food. Instead his eyes have settled on me and he offers me an irresistible smile. I choke on the mouthful of soda that I just engulfed hurrying to turn my gaze away from him. The man is trying to kill me. He is deliberately trying to kill me. There is no other explanation for this. The pair of them finally reach the counter and despite my effort to blend in with the kitchen sink Mom notices me standing doing absolutely nothing. "Danny get Mr. Price a drink." She orders.

I nod grabbing a cup from the stack behind me before turning to Owen, "What would you like to drink?" I ask quietly. I don't want to meet his eyes and boy do I try not to, but alas my will is not strong enough. Not to mention he doesn't respond to my question so I am half wondering if he heard me at all. When I look up to see the smirk on his face I know he heard me. He's just playing. I narrow my eyes at him and his smirk grows into a grin.

"Sorry, I couldn't hear you. It's a bit loud in here." Liar. He is a total liar. He isn't even trying to hide the fact that he's lying with that ridiculously handsome smile on his face. My mom doesn't seem to notice however, instead she just nods her head and scolds me.

"Yes Danny, do be a bit louder dear."

Annoyed I lean forward on the counter right in Owens face, "What would you like to drink Mr. Price?" I tack the oh so hated name on the end there and hope he understands how purposeful it was. He does. I know because his eyes narrow but the smirk on his face doesn't falter. Is this guy sadistic or what? His eyes glance at the Coke that's in my hand and he gestures to it with a nod of his head.

"I'll have what you're having." I didn't expect such a youthful choice in beverage, but who am I to hold him back? The guy wants a coke he'll get a coke. I turn around and open the ice cooler that's on the floor. It's filled with a plethora of different drinks to suit any persons fancy. I shove my hand into the ice filled compartment reaching for a Coke that has been emerged in the ice. For some reason I want to give him the coldest one. He deserves it right? I mean the party is in his name. I finally retrieve the perfect Coke but my hand is now red from the biting cold of the ice. I don't pay it any attention as I reach out to hand the coke to Owen. He eyes my hand, a frown gathering on his face. Cold water drips from my fingertips and onto his hand that's planted on the counter. What's that face about? Has he never seen coke before? Was it not what he expected? Finally he takes it from me popping the cap and taking a swig. My mom starts telling him something and he makes noises of affirmation although I'm not sure he's really listening. I can feel his eyes on me as I take my cold hand and run it under the warm faucet water, shivering at the sense of comfort it brings me. I'm one of those people who's always cold, so I've never really done very well with winter. My hand burns painfully when the water gets too hot and I wince lightly before removing it from the sink. When I finally turn back to face mom and Owen a third figure has walked up. It's Mr. Edgerton the older man who works at the hardware store. He's been here since before my family moved into town. I remember he used to give me candy every time we went into his shop. I always thought he was a really kind guy, with a laugh that echoed throughout time and space. Mr. Edgerton creeps up behind Owen and slams his hands against the man's back. The look of surprise that crosses Owens handsome features I swear to keep engrained into my memory. He turns around and when he sees who the culprit is it's like he's greeting a long lost friend.

"Mr. Edgerton!" Owen shouts with happy below throwing his arms up in pleasant surprise. The two men embrace, and Mr. Edgerton laughs happily. When they pull apart the old man is giving Owen a dirty look.

"What in the hell has stopped you from coming to see me boy?" He asks Owen. I have to scoff at the boy title because he is so far from a boy that he might as well be from a different planet.

"Well I've just been so busy with school and everything. I haven't had a chance to stop by." His face is still alight in excitement. It makes my heart skip a couple of beats. I mean he just seems so childlike right now. I guess Owen had said that he grew up in this town, which means he probably knows most of the people who have lived here for a long time. I listen to the conversation for a little bit longer shoving a few brownies into my face. I really don't mind standing here all that much as long as I can get some information on the attractive teacher, but then more and more people start to realize that Owen has arrived and they crowd around to either get a look at the famous man, or to greet him on his return. The space becomes so claustrophobic that I have to bail. I can only stand pinned for so long. Plus I'm sure mom won't even notice I'm gone with the amount of people there are squeezing into the room. Eager for air I attempt to make myself paper thin and squeeze through the small space in front of the refrigerator. It takes me a few minutes but I finally make it out. I do a double take to make sure that my mom hasn't noticed my disappearing act. Just as I thought she is still standing at the counter with Owen and Mr. Edgerton. My dad is now standing behind her and seems to be chatting with Owen excitedly for a change. Jeez. Like I thought the man is a complete charmer.

Satisfied that I am in the clear I jog up the stairs to my bedroom. Yes. I can just go back to my room, sit at my desk and work on my art. That's all I wanted to begin with. Excitedly I open my door and push it with a force that should have shut it but I don't hear it close behind me. Curious I turn to see what stopped it only to jump in my skin. Mrs. Kerr is standing at my door in an inappropriately seductive stance holding it open with a smile. She sticks her leg out from the slit in her skirt in what must be her attempt to seduce me. My heart starts thumping loudly in my chest in what I can only describe as fear. I try to hide my discomfort and offer the woman a smile as I back up towards my dresser. "Hello Mrs. Kerr, is there something I can help you with?" I try to sound nonchalant like she isn't making me want to run and scream for my life. My hand nervously seeks the edge of desk to steady myself.

The woman smiles impishly throwing my door shut behind her, "Oh Danny, there's always something that YOU can help me with." The implication in her voice is not lost on me and I laugh nervously.

"Really well, I'll be glad to help you with anything. I just came to make sure that my light was off. Shall we go back downstairs?" I attempt to walk quickly past her to the door but before I can make it she is grabbing my arm and yanking me backwards with the strength of a thousand men. Jesus what is she? I mean does she lift or something? How much can she bench? "Uh, Mrs. Kerr?" I question nervously looking down at her. She smiles up at me her red lipstick covered mouth spreading over her pearly white teeth.

"Oh Danny, don't act so naïve dear." She lectures lightly rubbing her hand over my chest. I swallow anxiously suddenly finding myself thankful for the material of my shirt that is acting as a barrier between us. "I think I've made my interest in you pretty clear." She drags her knife like nails in a circle around where my nipple rests underneath my shirt. I shiver more in disgust than in pleasure, but my nipple perks up against the material and Mrs. Kerr takes this as a signal that I am down for getting it on with her. She places both palms against my pecs and pushes me backwards until my legs are hitting the edge of my bed and I'm falling backwards. The effect of gravity has me gasping and I try to grip onto anything in order to stop myself. Regrettably my hands attempt to find stability on Mrs. Kerr's hips and as a result I drag her down on top of me. As soon as she's down I throw my hands away from her as if she holding me at gunpoint. Holy shit what is going on right now? What the fuck is going on right now? Mrs. Kerr giggles girlishly and hikes her skirt up on her hips so that she can straddle my thighs.

"Mrs. Kerr." I attempt to object lightly trying to push her hands away as gently as possible. She roughly bats my hands away grabbing fistfuls of my shirt and yanking it open. I hear the material rip and the buttons fly back and forth across the room bouncing off of multiple surfaces. Jesus is her husband not sleeping with her? Why is she so horny? "Mrs. Kerr. I don't think this is right!" I object again trying to push her away while gripping my shirt around my body.

"Danny stop moving dammit!" She seethes grabbing my hands and pinning them to the bed. My brain is spinning a mile a minute. I don't know what to do. I mean I don't want to hit her as much as I would fucking love to. That is just a disaster waiting to happen. Plus let's face it, who would believe me, a typical horny young man, over a Christian woman in her forties who is happily married? If I hit her she would probably say I tried to come on to her! I would be arrested and spend the next millennium behind bars, and my parents, they would be so fucking disappointed in me. Mrs. Kerr runs her mouth along my throat sucking down my chest to my nipple.

"Listen lady I don't know what I did to make you think that I want you in any way whatsoever, but I don't think you're attractive. You need to get the fuck off of me right now." I growl angrily all politeness has gone out the window. Mrs. Kerr looks up from where her mouth is busy working at my nipple.

"What are you talking about? You're a healthy boy just sit back and relax." She grins. I'm about to object more forcefully, but the door to my bedroom is flying open. I sigh in relief, for once thankful that my parents never put a lock on my door. However when I see who it is I feel a mixed rush of emotions. Owen stands in my doorway his eyebrows knitted together in a tight line and his blue eyes alight in what I can only assume is anger.

How the fuck did he manage to leave the party without getting noticed? I mean It's not like I'm not thankful for his sudden appearance, but I'm also extremely embarrassed. I mean how does this look to him? Will he think that I was the one who came on to her? I don't know why that thought has me mentally panicking. Somehow I'm filled with shame even though I wasn't even the one who started this.

"Owen." I finally let out in a breath of relief deciding to ignore my embarrassment in favor of his rescue. I push the older woman off of me. I don't really care if she goes sprawling onto the floor and breaks her ankles I just want her to get the fuck off of me right now. Owen moves deeper into the room shutting the door again behind him.

Mrs. Kerr stumbles back on her heels giving me a glare as I attempt to pull my ruined shirt around my abdomen. I pay her death looks no mind and jump to a stand. I mentally debate whether I really want to go anywhere near Owen, especially in this situation but deciding anything is better than the crazy bitch I hurry to the side of the older man as if he's some protective wall. Mrs. Kerr takes this opportunity to pull herself together. She straightens her hair and pulls her skirt down around her thighs reaching a hand up to wipe at the edges of her mouth where her lipstick has smeared significantly, then as if none of this even happened she puts a bright friendly smile on her face. "Mr. Price what a pleasant surprise!" Jesus women are fucking terrifying. I can see that the wheels in her head are turning as she tries to come up with some reasoning for the situation. What could she possibly say? Oh you know I was looking for my earing IN HIS FUCKING CLOTHES! "This isn't what it looks like." She laughs nonchalantly.

To my horror Owens intimidating scowl breaks into a smile and then he starts to laugh with Mrs. Kerr. Mrs. Kerr looks uncertain for a second but then decides that her methods of distraction must have worked. She laughs even louder and walks forward placing her hand on Owens bicep. What the fuck is going on? I mean I thought he was coming in here to help me. Instead their laughing like they have a private joke going on between them. Extremely weirded out by this turn of events I begin to back up but stop when Owens laugh stops abruptly. Mrs. Kerr's laugh dies down and Owen steps forward into her space. "I know exactly what was going on in here." His smile never fades and his voice remains friendly but I can detect a dark undertone. He raises his hand brushing back a lock of her hair. Of course Mrs. Kerr is completely falling for his expert skills. She gazes into his blue eyes longingly and I can't help but be shocked at how fickle this woman is. I mean just moments ago she was trying to get in my pants and now she looks like she might jump of a cliff for Owen if he asks her too. Owen grabs her chin in his hands tilting her head up even further. "I think it would be best if you leave as soon as possible." I shiver at the tone of his voice. I know I should not be attracted to how deceptive he is right now, but I am. I mean it's really creepy how he can appear kind and also deal out poison with his tongue but God I am so fucking attracted to him right now.

Mrs. Kerr nods her eyelashes fluttering nervously, whether it's out of fear or desire it's difficult to say. She hurries towards the door but Owen grabs her arm to stop her. "Oh and one more thing." Mrs. Kerr's body tenses. "I hope I don't see another situation like this. Who knows what the neighbors might think?" I can't see either of their faces but I know the message gets across because Mrs. Kerr is throwing the door open and marching loudly down the hallway as fast as she can. It's like as soon as she is gone the weight is lifted off of my shoulders, my legs lose their strength and I stumble. Before I can reach the floor Owens strong arms are wrapping around my torso hoisting me up. He pulls me over to the bed and helps me to sit down.

"Thank you. Thank you thank you." I say holding onto his sleeve and burying my face into it. He's so warm, I just want to stay here forever. I feel his hand come up to rub my head. The feeling of his fingers in my hair has me settling down into a cocoon of calm. I know that I should move, but after that terrifying experience I have no energy. Together we sit in silence for a few moments until I have found the strength to look up from his arm. I feel a little bit awkward that I've been clinging to him for a good five minutes straight so I sit up and scoot away from him clearing my throat. I try to look at anything other than him. God know I struggle with that on a good day.

"Are you okay?" He asks bringing his hand to rest on my shoulder where it starts to rub hypnotizing circles.

"Yeah it was just a little shocking." I admit standing up to get away from his hands. Although Mrs. Kerr's fingers brought me fear, Owens spark a dark desire in me that I know I shouldn't be having especially this soon after being molested. Still I can't let him think that I'm intimidated by him right? So I turn around to face him. "Thanks again for helping me there." Owen smiles politely but his eyes seem to catch something on my neck. They follow it down, down, and suddenly he's standing his hand slipping beneath my shirt.

"O-Owen!" I gasp in shock backing up into the wall. My nerves spark slightly in fear, but also in excitement. It's interesting how similar the two feel. I have the desire to punch him but also the desire to push my body into his palms.

"Calm down. I'm not trying to hurt you." He consoles. I bite my lip and stare up at his face where his eyebrows seem to be knitting back into that same expression of anger as showed earlier. His hand pushes my shirt from my shoulder and then touches my throat running in a line down my chest to rest on my nipple. When his fingers gently touch the pink erect flesh I let out a sound of distress and bring my hands up to push against his torso. I need to get him away from me. He is too much of a temptation.

"W-what are you doing?" I exhale keeping my palms firmly pressed against him in order to prevent him from coming closer, although in all honestly he could probably push forward despite my efforts. He's huge. I can feel the definition of his abs underneath my palms as I press into him, my heart jumps into my throat. Owens fingers wipe at my flesh the look of anger still ever present.

"That bitch. I swear to God If I ever see her near you again." I'm slightly shocked at the harshness of his words as the threat falls silent on his lips and I look down at where his fingers are brushing. He is whipping at a line of red lipstick. The path travels up to my neck and down to my nipple. I didn't even realize it was there. A wave of embarrassment hits me as I realize that he can see the evidence of the shameful act. Flushing I tug the material of my ruined shirt around my torso attempting to wipe the lipstick away without letting him linger his eyes any longer.

"Don't worry about me." I exhale moving away from the man to open my closet. There's no way I can go back downstairs in this shirt. "I can handle her myself." I hear the man snort but choose to ignore his lack of faith.

"Yeah because you handled that very well."

I role my eyes but my heart is pounding at how casual our conversation is. It feels kind of nice. I pull on a plain black t shirt keeping my back to the man in order to create some sort of safe distance. Mom will just have to deal with this, I can't risk ruining another nice one. "Why are you so involved anyways?" I ask turning around and picking up my damaged shirt before throwing it in my trash can next to my bedside table. "I mean not that I don't appreciate it. It's just that you don't really know me. I mean we've only spoken like twice."

Owen walks around my room gazing at all of the art that I have pinned on my walls. They are various sketches that I have done over the years. You can definitely tell how much I have improved. I wonder if he heard my question because he isn't responding. He just walks around paying each picture special attention. I don't repeat myself because I'm too busy admiring the way he looks standing in my small room. It feels foreign having him in my personal space, like maybe I should make him leave before he really starts to dig into my life. "I see you like art." He says stopping to stare at a picture I drew of my little brother last year. "You're really good."

"Thanks. I like to draw in my free time. It really calms me down." I want to move to stand next to him but I'm too scared of what might happen if I get close. What if I can't control myself? I mean I know that I'm attracted to him, I'm not a fucking idiot. I just shouldn't be. God I shouldn't be. He's older, and he's a man, and he's my brother's teacher! Not to mention my parents would freak out if they ever found out. It's a bad idea.

"So why business?" The question shocks me, I don't know why but it does. I guess it's because he seems to be sifting through my personal life. He seems to be really trying to get to know me. That scares me.

"Uh.....my parents wanted me to study business." I'm sure it doesn't come as that much of a surprise to him. I mean he just met them. "Plus art doesn't really make all that money. It's not a REALISTIC career." At these words he turns around to look at me with a raised brow.

"I wouldn't go that far. Sure it's a difficult area but there are lots of things you can do." He turns back to my wall tapping one of the pictures, "Plus you should do something that makes you happy no?"

I don't say anything. I mean sure it would be nice if life worked that way, but I've known more people who failed in art related fields than any other. "So, your mom said you were looking for a job." I groan outload and flush when Owen flashes me a cute, knowing smile.

"Why does she have to tell everyone everything? The whole town knows that I bailed from Ignac don't they?" I ask him anxiously. I feel the shame starting to drown me slowly. The older man laughs walking over to my desk. He adjust a few items on the surface moving them around.

"No, actually she only brought it up because I was talking about my shop." He peeks up at me from his item shuffling and I offer him a curious look signaling him to continue. "I own Waylon Art you see." Waylon Art? The beautiful art store from my high school years flashes into my mind and I gape at him. I had spent so much time at that art store. I remember Waylon, the old man who used to own it had always allowed me to come in there and do homework or just sit and draw. I had always loved the environment, the smell of paint, clay, glaze, and the kiln.

"YOU own Waylon Art?" I repeat for clarification. Waylon had passed away just last month, I remember attending his funeral. It was a sad funeral since there was no family to preside. Instead the church had taken care of the whole thing since he had been a standup representative of the Christian community during his life.

Owen looks sheepish for a moment rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, "Yes, I inherited it from my father after he passed away." Realization hits me and I step forward excitedly. I thought I had remembered Waylon saying something about his son. He had often praised him, but seemed to also hold some deep regret about something. Owen had said that he moved away from this town when he was eighteen or nineteen hadn't he?

"So your Waylon's son?" I can't hid the shock on my face. Owen nods and continues on with what he was saying.

"Anyways, I could use some extra hands in the shop. Plus I'm going to start teaching some adult art classes a couple of nights a week in the studio and could use some help there as well. I figured it might be something you'd be interested in."

I don't even hesitate. I mean how can I? I love that place, I've always loved that place. If I could think of my dream job to waste away my next few months this would be it. "Yeah, yes, of course I would love to." Owen grins at my obvious excitement and rubs his palms together. Now he looks excited. I guess he really needed the help right?

"Great, that's really great news." He stares at me for a few seconds, our eyes drilling into each other. I flush when it doesn't seem as if he's going to look away. His eyes are making me feel hot, like he can see through my clothes. Finally he turns his gaze down to my desk and seems to see something amusing because the corners of his mouth turn up. "Oh and you asked why I was so involved in helping you." I guess he had heard my question, although his response is a little late. I shift awkwardly but can't take my eyes off of his face as I wait for his answer. He hesitates his eyebrows scrunching up in an expression that seems to say he is unsure of what he is going to say next, but he decides to say it anyway. "Danny, I'm not sure if it comes as a surprise or not but I am extremely attracted to you."

My heart stops.

I was not expecting that at all. Owen looks up at me with honest eyes. Those blue oceans that seem to have the power to turn me into a puddle of quivering jelly. He doesn't seem apologetic for his words, in fact he seems extremely confident. I flush crimson and tear my gaze away from his struggling to form a coherent thought. "B-but I'm- I'm not g-gay." I stutter, and I can't seem to stop the nervous incessant blinking that follows. Owen grins his eyes sparkling like they know all of my deep secrets.

"I didn't say you were, but you can't tell me that you aren't interested me."

I flush even brighter trying to look anywhere but at him, "I-I'm totally not interested in you at all." I wish that the words had come out a little bit more confidently but the guy has me at a loss for words. I mean I was not expecting to get molested tonight, but I definitely was not expecting to get a love confession either. Plus I'm literally lying through my teeth because I am extremely interested in him. More interested than I should be.

Owen seems to think as much because he just continues to smirk reaching down to my desk to grab my sketchbook. "Oh really? You're not at all interested?" He holds up the paper and it is an identical sketch of his face. Holy fucking shit! Did I draw that? How do I not remember drawing that? The panic on my face must be showing because Owen drops the sketchbook back onto the desk and walks towards me coolly. Alarms go off in my head and I know I should be extremely embarrassed but instead I am just horrified at how I don't remember doing it at all. I mean I know I had been drawing earlier, but I didn't realize WHAT I had been drawing. The tall man is getting closer so I back up until I hit the wall. There's nowhere else to go. What the hell do I do? The tips of Owens shoes hit the tips of my own and I look up as he places one hand on the wall behind me.

Too close. He's too damn close. I raise my hands up to press against his chest hoping to prevent him from coming any closer. Owen chuckles and I open my eyes which had apparently closed under the pressure. I shouldn't have done that because his face is right in front of mine. Even though he is standing so incredibly close he isn't touching me, but god I want him to. "Relax Danny, I'm not going to attack you." He grins his eyes stare into mine briefly before they flicker down to my mouth. I exhale shakily thinking how easy it would be to just lean in and kiss him right now. I really want to but I hold myself back with every fiber of my being. Think of my mom and how disappointed she would be. Owen pushes back away from me. "Unless you want me to of course." And with that gem, accompanied by a mischievous grin, he walks out of my room.

Oh my god.