Semi-Edited! (not new news anymore :D) 

Song above is...Falling Like The Stars by James Arthur (This song is everything!)

Happy Reading! :)

Alex and I stayed up on the roof for another hour or so before my ass couldn't take it anymore. The rough roof was digging into my butt making it beyond uncomfortable, and I bet Alex was thinking the same as me.

When I finally got up I swore I heard Alex mutter 'thank god' under his breath, which made me laugh quietly. Walking towards the edge of the roof above my window, I moved to get down on my butt when a hand on my elbow stopped me.

"How are you getting down?"

"The usual way." I looked up at him confused.

"It's a far drop." He peeked over the side of the roof before looking back at me. Alex looked a tad bit concerned as he spoke.

"Is the supposed bad boy scared of heights?" I teased.

"I'm sorry I'm not keen on falling to my death." Alex deadpanned.

"You won't die from this height." I looked up at him. "You'll probably just break something." We weren't that high off the ground, but you may break something if you did. Trent once fell off and broke his elbow.

"Cause that makes me feel so much better." I just grinned.

"I promise it isn't that bad. I'll show you how to do it." I scoot my butt closer to the edge, my legs dangling off. "It's just like how you got up here. The window is closer than it seems, just reach down for ledge with your foot. My brother put a little handle where you can grab so you can swing your legs through the window."

As I explained I watched as Alex stared at me like I grew two heads. He clearly didn't think all of this through when he got up here. Coming up to the roof was easier than coming back down so I wasn't going to tease him too bad about it. The first few times I wouldn't go back down either.

Seeing Alex's expression I instantly knew I shouldn't joke anymore. Alex really seemed nervous. I had no clue that he was scared of heights but him coming up here even though he was afraid made butterflies erupt in my stomach. He really came up here to make sure I was okay despite the height.

"I'll go first and then help you down." I sent him a reassuring smile before wiggling down until my foot hit the ledge of my windowsill.

In one quick move I was off the roof and in my bedroom. To me it was a piece of cake having done it a million times before.

Sticking my head out I looked up.

"You are good to come down." I yelled up at Alex. It took a minute before I eventually saw Alex's legs come into view.

"Your long legs will reach here in a second. And then grab onto the handle to come through the window." I instructed. I wasn't ever going to admit it out loud but it was kind of cute how nervous Alex was coming off the roof. It isn't everyday you see the local 'bad boy' scared of something.

It was funny how the closer I got to Alex the more I could see he was far from a 'bad boy'. Yeah he had that brooding, mysterious vibe about him that people from the outside would believe he was a bad boy. While I wasn't severely close to Alex I've seen enough to know he definitely put on a facade around others.

Seeing this side of him let me know Alex trusted me a bit enough to see it. While I wasn't quite sure if we could call ourselves friends yet, we were getting there. Add in the fact he came to my house after what happened earlier, I think we it was safe to say we were almost there.

"There you go." I coached as Alex's legs came through my window. I stepped to the side as he stepped through. When he turned to face me I grinned. "See not so bad."

"If you tell anyone." He started to say but I cut him off.

"Yeah, yeah." I waved him off. "I won't tell anyone you're scared of heights." He narrowed his eyes at me. "I'm kidding, I won't tell anyone. I promise." I made an X across my chest as I said it.

"Thank you." At his words I paused.

"Alex...." I looked down at the ground for a second before looking back up into his grey eyes. "Thank you for coming here tonight." My voice got soft at the end, my cheeks turning a soft pink.

"Just so you know, we never believed the rumors. Even before you told me the truth." I couldn't describe the amount of joy that filled my chest at his words. It almost felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders right then.

Hearing Alex say he believed what I told him and that he didn't believe a word that was said about me, was enough to make up for this entire day. I didn't like not knowing what Alex thought about the whole thing. Thinking he may have believed the horrible rumors. Now I knew the truth and so did he.

"Thank you." I didn't have to elaborate any further. The two of us knowing what those two words were for.

After a moment of us just staring at each other, Alex cleared his throat.

"I better go. Harper is probably waiting up for me." A quickly glance at the clock on my bedside table made my eyes widen. I hadn't realized how late it suddenly was.

"Oh gosh I'm so sorry." If I had known the time I would have come off the roof sooner and sent him on his way.

"It's no big deal." Alex shrugged but I still felt bad keeping him here so long.

"I'll walk you out."

The two of us made our way downstairs towards the front door. A part of me wished he didn't have to leave but I knew he had to get home. I couldn't keep him here when his little sister was waiting.

"Be careful going home." I finally spoke as he stepped through the door.

"I live like three streets over freckles."

"Still." You'd never know what could happen in just a few blocks. Alex just laughed under his breath at me.

"Goodnight freckles."

"Goodnight Alex." I replied. I stood there in my doorway watching as he got in his car, looking back at me once more before driving off.

Despite everything that happened I found a smile creeping onto my face as I such my door and headed back upstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

The next morning when my alarm went off I made the executive decision to skip school today. Just the thought of going to school made my stomach churn. I was caught up enough in all my classes that missing a day wouldn't hurt. With my decision made I turned off my alarm and turned back over, burying my head under my duvet.

I was in the middle of a wonderful dream about Ryan Reynolds when a loud banging jerked me awake. Sitting up, my eyes half closed, I looked around my room disoriented. What the hell?

The loud bang happened again making me jump. As I threw my blanket off and stumbled out of my room, another bang echoed around the house. The whole scenario felt familiar as I headed for the door. Since I was still half asleep I couldn't figure out why it felt so familiar.

The sight in front of me as I opened the door shouldn't have surprised me but it did. Standing there was none other than Alex. A pair of sunglasses covered his eyes but I could still feel his gaze looking me up and down.

"Get dressed." Was all he said as he pushed past me into my house. I stared after him, my mind slowly catching up to everything.

"Alex?"

"Cute PJ's." Glancing down I forgot I changed my outfit after Alex left last night. I was wearing a pair of shorts but you couldnt see them under my large t-shirt, making it look like I was bottomless. The huge t-shirt I was wearing I bought purposely too large with me and it had a picture of Eeyore on the front.

"Don't judge me." I mumbled, moving around him to go into the kitchen. "What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be at school?"

"You're not the only one who can skip freckles." Alex leaned his large frame against the counter, watching me as I moved around the kitchen.

"The whole point of skipping is to sleep in." I muttered.

"It's 8:30." I inwardly groaned. I only slept in an extra hour, so not fair.

"Still too early." I went to grab coffee to make when Alex stopped me.

"No coffee."

"What?" I looked over my shoulder at him.

"No coffee. Get dressed so we can go."

"But...coffee." I said, lamely.

"No." Alex shook his head while crossing his arms over his chest.

"But I-"

"You are really making this surprise hard." He blew out a breath.

"Surprise?" My eyes went wide, excitement starting to wash over me. I've always liked surprises...well the good kind. Like birthday surprises, weekend surprises, trip surprises. But never the hurtful blind-sided surprises.

"Yes so if you could kindly go up and get ready we can go."

"You could have just texted me and I would have been ready."

"That neglects the whole purpose of it being a surprise."

My need for coffee was growing and I knew the sooner I got dressed the sooner I could have it. So not bothering to reply I turned and headed for the stairs.

"Give me ten minutes!" I called over my shoulder. Knowing Alex was impatiently waiting downstairs, I put my butt into high gear. Getting completely ready in ten minutes was going to be a challenge.

As soon as I got into my mood I went straight for my bathroom. A quick glance at my reflection I grimaced. Alex saw me looking like this! Cause that's not embarrassing at all.

I had no time to feel embarrassed at how I looked. So pushing that aside I quickly washed my face before putting on some much needed concealer. The bags under my eyes stuck out like a sore thumb. Thankfully I took a shower last night so I just threw my hair up into a high ponytail. Why waste time on my hair when I'd end up annoyed at it, putting it into a ponytail later.

Picking out an outfit proved to be a lot harder than I anticipated. I had no clue what Alex had planned and I wasn't going to go all the way downstairs to ask, only for him not to tell me. I would hate to wear something 'fancy' only to be over-dressed. So instead I stuck with a simple sweater with a pair of black skinny jeans. 

(Outfit on the left) 

Grabbing a pair of boots I hopped around my room trying to pull them on. I instantly knew it was a bad idea as my foot got tangled in the blanket on the floor. My body tumbled forward and I fell into a heap on the hard floor.

Groaning loudly at the pain going up my side I laid there on the floor. I was still laying there when my bedroom door opened. Alex came into my line of vision, peering down at me with raised eyebrows.

"Did you just trip over your own feet?"

"It's all your fault." I groaned.

"I wasn't even in the room."

"Yeah but I was trying to hurry and ended up hurting myself. So yes, its your fault."

"That's not even a logical reason." Alex crossed his arms still staring down at me.

"It doesn't have to be." I responded. "Now can you be useful and help me up?" I held out my hand giving him a look.

"You are such a klutz." Alex shook his head at me but grabbed my hand, hoisting my up. He pulled too hard making me bump into his hard chest with my face. Yes my face.

"Ow." I pulled back to rub my nose, only to wince at the pain both my nose and hand. "Did you have to pull so hard?"

"Not my fault you weigh less than a feather. You really need to put some meat on those bones."

I rolled my eyes at his comment. It was actually the opposite, I needed to lose some weight not gain it.

"Fake compliments aren't going to get you anywhere."

"It wasn't-" Alex started but I cut him off, not really in the mood to hear excuses.

"Let me hurry and put my shoes on and I'm good to go." I pulled away from to sit on the edge of my bed. I wasn't going to chance putting on my shoes standing up. I already embarrassed myself a minute ago.

I made quick work of lacing up my shoes. My stomach was starting to growl and I prayed Alex was taking us to get some breakfast. If not I was definitely going to be grumpy.

Alex stood off to the side of my room and watched me as I gathered my phone and bag, making sure everything I needed was inside. With a quick glance around I was ready to go.

"Ready?" I asked. My words seemed to knock him out of whatever trance he was in. Alex had such a weird look on his face. "You okay?"

"Yeah I'm good." He physically shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. "Lets go." He gestured for me to lead the way. I shot him one last look before moving past him.

Alex didn't say anything else as I locked up the house and headed for his car only to stop in the middle of my drive way. Sitting there wasn't his car.

"Your motorcycle?" I raised my eyebrow at him.

"Yep." He went over to his bike and grabbed the helmet laying on the seat. I gulped when he came up to me, standing inches away. "Rule one of riding a motorcycle...helmet."

Standing still I let Alex slide the helmet over my head, not even caring it would mess up my hair. With Alex standing so close to me his cologne overwhelmed my senses. Whatever he wore I suddenly fell in love with. It wasn't too over powering and nothing like the Axe Body Spray boys use bathe themselves in. Whatever the smell was I wanted to smell it forever.

"Rule two, hold onto me at all times. Don't want you to fall off." Alex instructed, clasping the strap of the helmet under my chin. "And rule three, lean when I lean. Don't go against the curves."

When he glanced right into my eyes I had to blink through the fog that was threatening to cover my mind. Being up this close to him I was finding it a bit hard to concentrate.

"Got it?" I nodded, although I wasn't even sure I heard what he said. I mentally shook myself and took a step back. Peeking around him at his motorcycle I swallowed thickly.

"Scared freckles?" Alex smirked going over to his black motorcycle. His jean clad legs swinging over the seat. It was so unfair how hot he was being right now. Sitting on top of his motorcycle, wearing a black leather jacket, sunglasses covering those mysterious grey eyes, and don't get me started on the slight stubble appearing on his face; making him look severely sexy.

At his words I narrowed my eyes. Scared? Me?

"No I'm not." And to prove my point I stepped towards the bike, not even hesitating as I swung my leg over the seat. I sat behind him, feeling the surprise coming off Alex. Ha, in your face! When he didn't immediately start the bike I peeked over his wide shoulders.

"Are you going to start it?" I smirked when he fumbled starting the bike.

I wasn't going to admit it out loud but I was secretly excited to finally ride on a motorcycle. I've always been curious about it, even after my parents told me how many motorcycle accidents there were.

"Hold tight." Was all he said as he suddenly let go of the clutch and lurched us forward. Not having had a hold on him, my arms immediately wrapped around his torso and the bike shot forward. My eyes closed on their own, slightly scared of the unsteadiness feeling. It felt like if either one of us turned wrong we'd tip over.

"You're going to choke me out if you squeeze any tighter." I barely heard him over the wind and the helmet over my head. I finally opened my eyes but kept my eyes on the back of Alex. It was only then I realized he didn't have a helmet of his own on.

"WHERE IS YOUR HELMET!" I yelled over his shoulder at him.

"On your head freckles." I instantly felt horrible. If we crashed and he didn't have one he would be more likely to die than me. "Don't worry I'm fine." Alex seemed to answer my inner questions. When he glanced back at me I squeaked, grabbing his torso tighter.

"EYES ON THE ROAD!" I screamed. He only laughed, his stomach moving under my hands. "It isn't funny."

"Freckles, we are only going 35 miles an hour." I knew he was right but for some reason it felt like we were going well over 80. Trying to steady my racing heart I looked away from his back and to the sides of us.

While we weren't going that fast the trees around us seemed to fly by. The longer I looked around us and felt the air on my face, the more I got use to the weightless feeling. The feeling of almost floating and flying by was starting to make the blood in my body zing.

My arms were slowly unclenching the more comfortable I got sitting on the bike. Of course when Alex suddenly took a sharp turn, my hands gripped the front of his shirt. I couldn't hear his laughter but I felt it.

"It's not funny!" I yelled into the wind. He was such a jerk!

I held onto him until I was certain he wasn't going to scare me half to death. I closed my eyes, enjoying the rush of air on my face. After a few minutes I found myself leaning my upper body against Alex's back, my eyes open watching the scenery pass by us.

Just as I was feeling content to sit there leaning against Alex's back, he started to slow down. Forcing myself to move away from Alex's comfy back, I leaned back looking around. There wasn't much around us but maybe a few little stores. Nothing looked familiar, even as Alex pulled into a parking lot.

"What are we doing?" I questioned, curious when I saw a building up ahead but with Alex's big frame I couldn't see what it said yet.

"I said you'd get your coffee." Alex replied, rolling us to a stop in a parking stall. When he put the kick stand down I finally saw where we were. In front of us was Mel's diner. I felt a grin tugging at my lips.

My brother and I would come here to Mel's all the time. Right after Trent got his license he wanted to go for a ride and we ended up here. It was about 25-ish minutes from Astoria and kind of in the middle of no where. There were a few stores down the street and a gas station but that was it.

Trent use to take me here after I got straight A's, when I had a hard day, or when our parents wouldn't come home when they said they would. This was our little tradition. Sure we went to Monroe's Place in town but there was something different about coming here. Plus it helped that they had the best curly fries and pancakes ever.

Getting off the bike proved to be a little harder than I thought. With it being tilted I felt like I was going to tip the bike over, and I had apparently been clenching my legs so hard they wobbled as soon as I stood up.

I grabbed onto Alex's arms as my legs almost went out from under me. I made a mental note not to clench my legs so hard next time. It was hard though with the whole bike shaking beneath you.

"You okay there?" Alex asked, amused.

"Peachy." Once my legs were okay I let go of Alex and stepped back.

"You get use to it." He reached out, unclipping the helmet from under my chin. He helped lift it off my head, and from the smirk pulling at his lips I knew exactly what he was looking at. I didn't need a mirror to know my hair was everywhere; probably looking like a birds nest at the top of my head.

"You could have warned my about helmet hair." I muttered, reaching up and pulling my hair tie out. Looks like my hair will be down today.

Alex stood there watching as I ran my fingers through my hair, hoping to make it look somewhat presentable. There went me trying to look cute. Once I was done, or at least until I found a mirror, I looked at Alex.

"Ready?" He didn't reply and instead kept staring at me. "What?" Oh god, did a bug or something fly into my mouth and I didn't know?

"You...."

"Is there a bug on me? Get it off!"

"There's no bug." Alex's voice seemed lower all of the sudden. When I notice his hand reaching out I froze. Wide eyed I stood still as he reached up and moved a piece of my hair.

As if realizing what he was doing, Alex quickly pulled away, shuffling his feet.

"Hungry?" My eyes must have been deceiving me because I could have sworn I saw a small blush on Alex's cheeks; just like me. I nodded, not trusting my voice. When he turned to place the helmet on the seat I quickly smooth my hair once more.

I wasn't sure what that just was but my stomach was still fluttering with butterflies. Despite being a flustered mess I schooled my features as Alex turned back around to face me.

Each step towards Mel's Diner waves of nostalgia washed over me. I haven't been here since my brother left. How I missed coming here with my brother, talking about nothing yet everything. He was always my rock and these last few days I've missed him more than anything. I wished for his big bear hugs he always gave and that sense of home.

Walking through the front door the smell of syrup hit me full force. Instantly my mouth watered and my empty stomach growled loud enough that Alex heard. My cheeks instantly heating up at the sound.

"Lets grab a seat." Alex chuckled, placing his hand on the small of my back, leading us towards an empty booth near the windows. Even though it was almost 10 o'clock on a Tuesday the place was pretty packed. We were by far the youngest people here.

We had barely been seated when the waitress suddenly appeared.

"Well good morning." The slightly older lady beamed at us. "What can I get you kids to drink?" I didn't even hesitate to answer.

"Coffee." The waitress, Barb, laughed at my quick answer.

"Same for me." Alex replied as well.

"I'll get that while you two look at the menu." With another smile at us she walked away.

"These guys have the best pancakes." I spoke, looking at the huge list of them. Just the thought of it made me want to moan.

"You've been here before?" Alex seemed a bit surprised.

"Yeah. My brother and I use to come here at least once a month."

"My family and I use to come here a few times a month too. Surprised we never crossed paths."

"Wow really?" It is surprising we never saw each other here before. I would remember running into Alex, and Harper.

"Yeah this was our spot." Before could elaborate more Barb was back with our coffees. I couldn't help but wonder what he meant by 'was', but I wasn't going to press the matter.

"Now what can I get you kids to eat?"

"I'll have the peanut butter pancakes but with no butter." I rattled off, getting the same thing I use to get.

"And I'll have the strawberry pancakes."

"Good choice." I whispered handing the menu back to the waitress. You really couldn't go wrong with homemade pancakes here.

"Peanut Butter, really?" He questioned as soon as Barb walked away.

"Don't judge me!" I stuck my tongue out at him. "Peanut butter is the best."

"Definitely not. Strawberry is."

"Strawberry is good but mines better."

"Hm, we'll see." Alex smirked as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Ugh you and your black coffee." I rolled my eyes, opening up four packets of sugar.

"You just used four things of sugar. You have no right to judge."

"Because sugar makes everything taste better."

"Thats not healthy." He pointed out.

"And who said I wanna be healthy?" I raised an eyebrow at him as I took a sip of my coffee.

"I don't know, to live longer?" He replied sarcastically.

"A little sugar won't hurt anyone." I shrugged. Alex rolled his eyes at me, making me grin.

We sat in silence for a few minutes. The coffee was exactly what I needed. While I was awake coffee just gave me that little bit of energy. Plus it tasted good.

"So," I spoke after a few minutes. "Why are you ditching school today?"

Alex sat there staring at me, not saying a word. His gaze was a bit intense but I was starting to get use to it. Alex was like that though. Taking his time to answer as if thinking it all through before actually speaking. He was definitely a lot more reserved than I thought at first.

"You ditched as well." He skirted around my question.

"Yeah well...mine is justified." I looked away from him. I knew I had to go back to school tomorrow but I didn't want to think about that today.

"I wasn't going to let you sit around the house today." I opened my mouth to ask what he meant but Barb appeared beside our table, carrying two huge plates of pancakes.

"Here you sweeties go." The moment my plate of peanut butter pancakes was in front of me all other thoughts disappeared.

"Thank you." I beamed up at her.

"Enjoy. Let me know if you two need anything." I didn't bother to reply, immediately grabbing my fork and digging in.

The first bite caused a moan to escape my mouth. While I wasn't a morning person I loved breakfast...or well any meal I loved. Stuffing a huge bite into my mouth I heard a chuckle, making me glance up.

Alex was chuckling under his breath at me, his own plate of pancakes untouched. Instantly I turned bright red realizing I was making noises as I ate.

"Someone likes their pancakes." He smirked.

"Stop staring." I mumbled, quickly swallowing the bite in my mouth. "I didn't eat yesterday."

"You shouldn't skip meals." Alex spoke, sounding like a parent would when talking to their kid.

"I wasn't hungry." I shrugged taking another bite. Alex stared at me for another minute before finally glancing away and cutting his own pancakes.

The two of us ate in silence for the next little bit. Now that I had coffee and food in my system I was back to my normal self. I had a feeling this wasn't all of what Alex had planned for today so I was really curious what was next.

"So...did you bring me all the way here just for pancakes?" I finally got the courage to ask.

"This is just the first stop." Alex spoke after a minute.

"First stop?"

"That's all I'm saying."

"But...why?" Why was he going through all this trouble for me? It was kind of hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he was here right now. I was so sure yesterday that I wouldn't see him again, and yet here he was across from me.

"Why what?"

"Why are you doing this for me?" He was quiet, thinking over my words.

"Because why not." I raised an eyebrow at him avoiding the question. He was a pro at avoiding subjects. He clearly knew how it bugged me that he wouldn't answer by the smirk playing on his lips.

With a huff I turned back to my pancakes, stabbing a piece rather roughly.

"You just always have to be so mysterious don't you?"

"I'm not mysterious."

"Yes you are. Add in that you don't see it makes it even more." While Alex was cocky it wasn't the, 'I'm better than everyone and I know it'. It was more of a, 'I know who I am and what I want'. "Its not a bad thing though." I quickly added. And it wasn't a bad thing. I liked slowly peeling away his layers to find out more about him.

I didn't expect an answer and he didn't give one. We continued on eating in silence which I didn't mind. My need to make awkward conversation in silence has lessoned around Alex. I still felt a little awkward sitting here eating without talking but I could silence that need.

Although the longer we sat there and I felt his eyes on me, the more I squirmed in my seat. I didn't like eating and having people stare at me.

"Can you stop." I finally snapped.

"What?"

"You keep watching me eat."

"Just watching you devour all those pancakes." Wanting to see his reaction I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Are you saying I eat too much?"Almost instantly his eyes went widened and he shook his head.

"No, no I wasn't saying that. I was just admiring and-"

"Alex I was just messing with you." I tried not to grin as his eyes went from wide to narrow.

"What was that for?"

"Revenge for getting me up early this morning." I replied, biting into my pancakes once more.

"It wasn't even early."

"For someone who wanted to sleep in, yes it was."

"I thought I made it up by bringing you here for breakfast?" Alex cocked his head to the side.

"Eh, its a start." I sent him a small grin so he'd know I was only joking. How could I even be mad when he was sweet enough to bring me here. Alex rolled his eyes but I could see the smile creeping up on his lips.

We didn't say much after that, the two of us enjoying our breakfasts. In no time I had eaten all of my pancakes and was finishing my coffee. Noticing he was finishing up I leaned back.

"Okay so what's next?"

"That is for you to figure out."

"You really aren't going to tell me?" I pouted.

"Nope. But we do have to get going." Almost as if our waitress knew, Barb came walking over with our check.

"Did you two kids get enough?"

"Oh yeah. It was delicious." If only this place had endless pancakes.

"Good. Hope to see you love birds again."

"What? Oh no, we aren't-" I started to say, my face turning red yet again, but Alex interrupted me.

"Thank you." He shot her a charming smile. I could see the affect it even had on her. Without another word he slid a 20 dollar bill in the check before handing over to her. "Keep the change."

I was still surprised over her words and how Alex went along with it, I didn't even have a chance to stop him from paying.

"Ready to go?" Alex spoke breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Alex, I could have paid for myself." I finally found my voice.

"You weren't quick enough." He shrugged.

"How was I suppose to know you were going to pay that fast."

"Gotta learn to be quicker than that." The smug look on his face made me want to slap it off.

"You two are the cutest couple." Barb giggled, interrupting our bickering. "Got yourself a keeper there." She winked at me before turning and walking off. My cheeks had a mind of their own as I turned bright red.

"She's my new favorite waitress." Alex smirked.

"Just because she paid you a compliment." I rolled my eyes, grabbing my things. "Lets go before your head pops."

"You're just jealous." He sang as he followed me out of the diner.

"Jealous of what exactly?" I raised an eyebrow.

"That all the ladies love me." I watched as he tried to wiggle his eyebrows but failed. Laughter escaped my mouth as I shook my head.

"Don't ever do that again."

"What? This?" Alex tried again which just sent me into another fit of laughter.

"You...look...constipated." I got out in-between laughing. And he did.

"I do not!"

"Yes you do." I giggled. "Finally something your not good at."

"I'm not good at a lot of things." I tried not to let my shock show at his response. It wasn't even the response that surprised me. It was how he said it so easily; like he knew his flaws and is okay with it.

Alex always seems to find a way to surprise me.

* * * * * * * * *

"Always stay back behind the plastic. You never know when one is going to bounce back and get you. Remember it is not a toy, so don't go swinging it around. As long as you follow the rules, and how I showed you to throw the axe you will be fine."

The guy in front of us rattled off. I was listening but my gaze was glued to the item in the guy's hand....an axe. Yep, an axe!

When Alex pulled up to a warehouse I joked about him taking me here to kill me, but I hadn't realize it could actually happen. Even though the guy in front of us told us only one person has gotten hurt in the last 3 years, I still wasn't sure about this. I mean throwing axes can not be safe. Right?

"If you have any questions just let me know." With a nod at the two of us the guy left. Leaving us in our own little room. Behind me nailed to the wall was a target, it was close enough where you could see the little knick's from where people have hit it with an axe. Hanging on the wall next to us was a row of axes. The sight made me gulp.

This wasn't exactly where I thought Alex would take me when we left the diner. I was thinking more mini golf then axe throwing.

"You ready?" Alex asked, making me look away from the axes.

"We aren't really going to throw those are we?" I knew my eyes were as wide as saucers.

"Yep we are." I watched helplessly as Alex went over to the axes picking one up. Sure I've seen multiple people throwing axes online but in person it seemed a lot more scary. I'm a wimp what can I say.

"You're serious aren't you."

"Is someone scared?"

"Of an axe bouncing off and hitting me and then killing me. Yeah."

"Didn't you hear the guy say only one person has been hurt and it was barely a scratch."

"One more scratch then I want."

"Freckles, I'm here with you. I won't let you get hurt." The sincerity leaked through his tone as he stepped towards me. My legs stayed glued to the ground as Alex came to a stop inches from me. "Trust me." His voice was soft and his eyes flickering over my face.

What scared me was how quick I found myself nodding. I did trust him. I wasn't sure why but I did.

"Want me to go first so you know it isn't that hard?" He suggested. I nodded before moving behind the see through plastic window they had set up. Better to let him try it and see if its safe first.

I stood there anxiously watching Alex getting ready to throw the axe. He was casually swinging it by his side as he moved to the line that was drawn on the floor. He looked so calm and collected, which actually helped calm my nerves. But then again nothing seemed to faze Alex.

He had taken off his leather jacket and was now standing there in a tight fitting blue t-shirt. I could practically see his shoulder muscles popping through the shirt that was stretched across his back. I honestly had no clue how he had time to work out.

I forced my eyes away from the view of his back and focused on his hand with the axe. Alex seemed to take a deep breath before lifting his arm. In a split second he had the axe flying through the air. It hit the wooden target with a loud thud, the tip of it sticking into the wood.

I stared at it with wide eyes. He literally just threw it and it stuck! And he made it look so simple.

Moving out from behind the window, Alex turned to face me a smirk on his face.

"See not that bad." Yeah cause you made it look easy. I mentally said. "Your turn."

"How about I just stand here and watch."

"Not going to happen. Your doing this."

"But-"

"Nope." With a hand on my back he nudged me forward. "Don't worry I'm not going anywhere." Alex's breath fanned on my neck as he leaned forward to whisper in my ear. I tried not to shiver but I was hyper aware of the heat coming off of him behind me.

"Grab it right here." I hadn't even noticed he grabbed another axe until he was grabbing my hand, placing the handle in it. His hand gripped mine around it, showing me how to hold it.

"Look at the target and picture someone or something you hate. Channel that as you throw the axe." Alex's voice was soft in my ear. He stood directly behind me, his front pressing into my back. One of his hands rested on my hip while the other still held onto my hand.

"As you throw the axe keep your arm slightly bent and only let go once you can see it from the corner of your eye." While he explained it, he slowly moved my arm in the motion. The axe was kind of heavy but lighter than I anticipated.

"Ready?" I nodded. With him so close to me my head was fogging up. His cologne was invading my senses. Blinking I forced myself to stop thinking about Alex and do what he said.

I stared at the wooden target, Alex's words echoing in my head. I didn't have to look at the target for too long before it changed into someone I hated....Mitch. His smug self was standing there now; arms crossed over his chest, knowing smirk on his face.

Just seeing him made my blood boil. Everything he's ever done came rushing through my mind. Doing exactly what Alex said I used my anger to lift my arm up and flung the axe. The image of Mitch disappeared as the axe went through it and landed with a loud thud. I didn't think the sound would be so satisfying but it was.

It took a second for it to sink in that I actually hit the target, and when it did the grin on my face was blinding. While it wasn't a bullseye I got in one of the rings!

"I did it!" I yelled. I didn't even pay attention to the fact that Alex was still behind me, gripping my waist. "I did it!" Without any warning I threw my arms around his shoulders, my toes barely grazing the ground as I hugged him tightly.

As his arms came around me I laughed in his ear; suddenly feeling exhilarated. Pulling back my laughter died on my lips, his face inches from mine. We were so close that if either of us moved our heads forward a bit our lips would touch.

His eyes went from mine down to my lips and back. There was something in his gaze that made butterflies erupt in my stomach. He was looking at me in a way I've never experienced before.

We stood there staring at one another for a full minute. Our chests pressed against each other, our breath fanning on each others face. Alex's hold on me never once loosened and neither did mine around his neck.

I felt my eyes go wide as I watched him start to tilt his head forward. His eyes were searching mine as if to see if I wanted this; which I did. Oh god, did I want him to kiss me. I don't think I've wanted anything more in my life.

Just as his lips grazed mine, the sound of a door screeching open made him pause. The two of us blinked, as if in a daze. Realizing what position we were in Alex let out a cough, pulling his head back.

With cheeks redder than they've ever been before I pulled back as well, my hands slipping from around his neck. His own hands lingered on my waist for another second before dropping. I took a step back, my heart racing.

We were really just about to kiss? I couldn't help but be slightly annoyed that our moment was interrupted. I wanted to see if those lips felt as soft as they looked. But the rational part of my brain was thankful he didn't kiss me. I wasn't even sure if I was ready for that yet, or if I ever would be again.

What Mitch did has left a mark. I never realized how toxic the 'relationship' actually was until I wasn't in it anymore. All the little comments and snide remarks. Every single one chipping away at my self-esteem.

"Good job." Alex's voice broke me out of my thoughts. I was once again cursing my cheeks for blushing at the littlest things.

"Thank you." My voice was quiet and I ducked my head, avoiding his hypnotizing gaze. "Your turn."

I moved out of the way, trying my damnedest to calm my racing heart. Now was not the time to go acting like a little girl with a crush. Although that didn't mean I couldn't inwardly drool at the sight of his back muscles moving underneath his shirt. Can't blame a girl when the view was that good. 

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I can see the pitch forks from here! Another late update I know! These last two weekends have been insanely busy for me, which means less time for me to write. But I am here with an update finally! 

We have sadly reached the end of our pre-written chapters! I'm hoping this will push me to update more since there isn't a chapter to upload even though I haven't written. So fingers crossed I can update more and more soon. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! It is almost 8k words so hopefully that makes up for the lateness. And of course this ENTIRE chapter was filled with Rilex (Alex and Riley ship name?? Its kind of cute) so can't be too mad about that!!

Also...most of you know that the Fiction Awards are here!! This is a fan voted award! Right now you can head over there and nominate me if you'd like! You can nominate this book, The Hidden Shadow, A Year Agreement, or Something Inside for their certain categories. Sadly Silent Love can't win since it already has. But if you'd like to see this book (or any of my others) win then go over to my profile and click the link!! 

And lastly, I just want to say how much I appreciate you guys. You really are amazing readers! Always being so supportive, even when I don't update! You guys really make me want to be a better writer. And to come up with new ideas to entertain you. So thank you from the bottom of my heart! <3 <3

VOTE, COMMENT

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S They have an axe throwing place near me and I sooo wanna go! It looks like so much fun! 

P.P.S I am going to Universal Studios in California in two weeks and I was wondering who has been before!? If so any tips or rides I should go on???