Semi-Edited!

Song above is...Catch by Brett Young (Kind of fits the chapter plus I LOVE Brett Young!)

Happy Reading!! :)

Riley's Pov....

After our 'serious' talk Noah came out from wherever he went off to. Declaring that he was going to get some gas and pick up Harper, he made sure to tell us that if we were going to do anything not to do it on the couch. In response I blushed bright red and Alex sent a pillow at his head. Noah laughed loudly on his way out the door ignoring the fact that he left us in awkward silence.

"Since we never got ice cream, would you still like some?" Alex asked a few minutes later.

"Um, sure."

"Follow me."

I could feel myself smiling as I trailed alongside Alex as he headed for the kitchen. I couldn't seem to stop smiling and I knew exactly who was making it that way. A certain grey eyed boy was making me feel things I've never felt before.

"Are you sure Noah is okay with us going through his fridge?" I asked, sliding into a seat at the bar.

"Trust me he doesn't care. Plus this is practically my house too." Alex's voice was muffled with his head in the freezer.

"You never told me how you and Noah became friends." The pair was extremely close. They may not go to the same school but they were the closest out of the group for sure. I honestly wouldn't even classify them as best friends, more like brothers.

"Our families had been friends since college." Alex started to say as he pulled out two bowls and spoons for us. "His mom and mine were so close that they both decided that they wanted to have a kid around the same time. So they would have a friend to play with.

"As luck would have it they both got pregnant around the same time. My mom use to always say that anytime her and Noah's mom, Ava, were close the two of us would kick none stop. We were literally best friends before we were even born."

I sat there watching as Alex told me the story. A smile gracing his face as he talked about his best friend.

"Chocolate Chip Mint, okay?" He asked, going off topic for a second. I nodded. "When we were 7 our parents decided to move us here from Portland, so we can grow up in a small town away from the bustling city."

I briefly remember Alex moving to Astoria. There was a hype around anyone who moved here since we never really got new people. I remember my parents talking about two very well off families moving here. I think they said something about them doing something good with the community. Of course at that time my 6 year old self didn't care about any of that.

"Anyways, yeah thats basically it."

"Thats actually really sweet." I awed, taking the bowl Alex slid over to me. I tried not to laugh at how full he made both bowls. I took a huge bite of the ice cream and almost moaned. Damn I love ice cream.

"Is Noah an only child?" I asked after a moment. I was curious cause I haven't seen anyone else here. No other siblings or even his parents.

"Use to not be." Alex's voice suddenly got really low. I didn't miss the sudden change of tone. "He had a little sister." The amount of pain in Alex's voice made my chest instantly hurt and a pit appeared in my stomach.

I opened my mouth but instantly shut it. I couldn't bring myself to even ask what he meant by 'had'.

"This ice cream is really good." I spoke softly, switching the topic.

"What's your favorite ice cream flavor?" The grateful look Alex sent me, I knew changing the subject was needed.

"That's so hard though!"

"Not if you have a favorite."

"Fine, whats yours then?" I leaned on my elbow, turning my body to look at Alex.

"Easy, Mint Chocolate Chip." He replied, shoving a huge spoonful into his mouth.

"Smart ass." I muttered. "My favorite is...I can't decide!" I threw my hands up. How was I suppose to decide when all flavors are good?!

"Wow. We need to remedy that."

"By doing what?"

"By trying all flavors and you deciding which is your favorite."

"You seriously don't mean for us to buy every kind the store has and try them all?"

"Why not?"Alex shrugged. I stared at him trying to decide if he was being serious or not. Alex didn't so much as blink, letting me know he was being serious.

Before I could reply that it was a ridiculous idea, a new voice echoed through the house.

"Noah!"

Confused by the feminine voice I turned in my chair. I had my back facing Alex when a beautiful woman walked through the doorway, that I assumed lead to the garage.

The first thing I noticed was how short the woman was. While she was wearing heels she couldn't have been taller than 5'2. The most gorgeous blonde hair was braided into a intricate design at her head and trailed down to her shoulders.

The moment her bright blue eyes looked at me I instantly knew it was Noah's mother. There was no denying the similarities between the two of them.

"Alex!"

I sat there as Alex got up and made his way over to the woman. When Alex leaned down to hug her you could definitely see the heigh difference. She was dwarfed by Alex.

"You guys are back."

"Yeah finally. Have my two boys been behaving themselves?" Alex moved to the side a little giving me a good look at Noah's mom standing there, hands on her hips as she stared Alex down.

"We always behave." I didn't have to see Alex's face to know he was rolling his eyes.

"I'll believe that when I see it." There was a teasing tone to her voice that made me smile. "Speaking of my son, where is he?"

"He went to pick up Harper for me. He should be back soon though."

"What happened?" Because Alex's back was facing me I couldn't see what happened but I did see Noah's mom's expression change. They were exchanging looks I couldn't see or decipher.

I felt like I was imposing on a moment between the pair. I wasn't quite sure if I should make my presence known or just stay silent until they noticed I was there. I heard Noah's mom whisper something to Alex but I couldn't make out what it was.

The silence only lasted for another second before a loud yell echoed through the house. I didn't even have to look to see who it was yelling. I glanced through the doorway that lead to the living room just in time to see Harper running through.

I full on expected her to run towards her brother but she didn't.

"Riley!" Harper yelled running straight to me. I had barely any time to get off the stool before she was wrapping herself around my legs. "Riley." Harper beamed up at me, showing off her missing front teeth.

"Harper." I beamed down at the little girl. Today her dark hair was up in a simple ponytail with little butterfly clips in it. Her bright grey eyes staring right up at me.

I leaned down and lifted Harper up onto my hip. She was probably too old to be carried but she was too cute not to.

"How are you today?" I asked, the smile on my face growing even more at the sight of the beautiful girl.

"Good! Guess what happened today!" She bounced in my arms as she talked animately.

"What?"

"I met a boy."

"Oh really now." A smirk appeared on my face at her statement. Now this was going to be fun.

"What do I hear of a boy?" Alex suddenly butted in. I watched as Harper's eyes widened before she shook her head.

"Nothing."

"Nuh uh, I heard the word boy followed by a giggle." Alex came up beside me, reaching out to grab his little sister. I let him take her, smiling at the fake stern look on his face. Poor Harper when she gets older. Alex was going to keep the boys away from her for as long as he can. And boy was he going to have a hard time. Harper was already cute, I can't imagine when she is older how many guys are going to be throwing themselves at her.

Harper's squeals echoed through the kitchen a second later as Alex started tickling her.

"Who is this boy?" He asked in-between her laughter.

"No one!" Alex kept on tickling her. I watched with a soft smile. He was so good with his sister. "He...friend." Harper squirmed in his hold.

"Good, it better stay that way." As soon as he stopped tickling her, Harper jumped out his arms to get away.

"Auntie!" I winced at the loud squeal that once again escaped Harper's mouth. The girl had a pair of lungs on her.

Harper ran towards Noah's mom, wrapping her arms around the short woman. The smile that appeared on her face was enough to light up the room. I couldn't even describe the amount of love that poured from Noah's mom as she lifted Harper into her arms.

Just hearing what Alex said earlier about Noah having had a little sister, the sight of the two made my heart hurt.

"Mom?" Noah spoke through the silence. "I thought you guys were gone for another week?" Noah made his way towards his mom, hugging her around Harper.

"They thankfully signed the contract early so we were able to come home."

"Well that's good."

"Who is your friend?" Noah's mom didn't say it in a rude way either, she just gazed at me in curiosity.

"Mom, this is Riley. Riley, this is my mom Ava." Noah introduced us.

"Nice to meet you." Ava smiled kindly at me.

"Nice to meet you to Mrs. Thomas."

"Mrs. Thomas." A deep baritone voice snickered from behind Noah's mom.

Walking through the doorway was one of the tallest guys I've seen. The familiar set of blonde hair on his head was a dead giveaway that it was Noah's father. When he came to a stop behind Ava he towered over her. She literally looked like an ant next to Noah's father.

The easy grin on his face somehow seemed to easy as sort of tension in the room despite the intimidating vibe that came off of him. It didn't take much to know that he was someone important.

"Can I have some coffee Mrs. Thomas." At the teasing tone of her husband, Ava rolled her eyes.

"You can call me Ava sweetheart. And this annoying man is my husband, Mason."

"And you love my annoying ass." Mason leaned down and kissed his wife on her cheek.

"Mason, no swearing!" Ava scolded him while giving a pointed look towards Harper in her arms.

"Sorry baby girl." I watched a soft expression appeared on Noah's dads face as he held his arms out for Harper. The little girl just responded with a kiss to his cheek.

"What are you kids up to?" Ava asked, placing her purse on the counter and headed to the fridge to grab a water.

"Just hanging out." Alex replied, leaning his hip against the counter right next to me.

"How's school been?" Mason asked, setting Harper on the counter and greeted Noah.

"Good. Just the same old stuff." Noah shrugged. Yeah the same old stuff. I mumbled in my head. I wish it was.

"Riley." I perked my head up at the sound of my name. "How did you become friends with these two idiots." Mason jerked his thumb at Noah and Alex. Both responded with an "hey".

"We actually met at Sofia's Bookstore where I work." I replied shyly. "And I go to school with Alex."

"Oh so it wasn't voluntary, gotcha." Noah's dad teased.

"Coming from the old man with no game." Noah shot back.

Hey. I got your mother didn't I?"

"It took you 6 months to ask me out AFTER I asked you first."

I stifled a giggle at the banter between the couple. It was obvious they were very much in love with each other. It made me miss my own parents; who I had yet to hear from all week.

"Well I hope you've kept these two in check." Ava turned to me saying. "They can be a handful."

The smile on her face made me instantly smile back. The motherly vibe coming off of Ava was so palpable.

"Are the others coming over soon?" Ava asked the two boys.

"Yeah, I think they are on their way." My stomach tightened at the mention of the others. It was only yesterday this whole picture thing happened but it felt like years ago, yet at the same time so fresh.

At least Olivia and Derek didn't believe the pictures or the rumors going around. It was just the fact that they were there for the whole thing. It was beyond embarrassing.

"Since everyone is coming over maybe we'll order some pizza."

"Pizza." Harper echoed excitingly.

"Sounds good to me." Alex replied around a mouthful of ice cream. I didn't even notice him reaching over to grab...wait. That's my ice cream!

"Hey!" I exclaimed loudly, making everyone turn to look at me. "You have your own ice cream."

"Its on the other side of you." Alex pointed to his with MY spoon.

"So? Go around me." I reached to grab my bowl only to have him pull it away.

"Yours tastes better."

"It's the same kind."

"Doesn't matter." Alex shrugged, a smirk teasing the corners of his lips.

"Fine." I put my hands up. "But remember my mouth was on that." I thought that would disgust him, but Alex just paused, looked down at the spoon and kept eating. I stared at him with my mouth wide open.

"You may want to close your mouth before a bug flies in there." I snapped my mouth shut and glared at him.

"We are going to go put our stuff away. Let us know when you kids are ready for dinner." I snapped back to reality at the sound of Ava's voice. My cheeks instantly flushed realizing everyone was watching Alex and I.

Alex tends to do that to me. I always forget there are others in the room or around us. I had yet to decide if that was a good or bad thing.

"Your parents are really nice." I commented after they left the room.

"They act like a pair of teenagers." Noah rolled his eyes but there was nothing but love in his tone.

"It's cute." I smiled.

"Hey nugget. How was school?" Alex asked, moving towards his sister who was still sitting on the counter top. She had a juice box in her hand that she was happily sipping away at.

"Good but I have homework." Harper mumbled the last part.

"I'll help you if you'd like." Alex offered. Harper was quiet for a moment before she suddenly looked at me.

"Can Riley help too?" Her voice was so soft as she asked, almost like she was afraid I'd say no.

"Of course!" I smiled.

"Lets get it done before everyone else shows up." Alex lifted Harper off the table and carried her to the living room where her backpack must be.

Noah and I trailed after them, both of us watching Alex and Harper with small grins. Seeing Alex with his sister was enough to make any girl weak in the knees. The big bad boy was an absolute sweetheart when it came to his sister.

"You know I am glad you were with Alex today when he had a panic attack." Noah spoke from no where. "He doesn't admit it but he does need help from time to time."

"Was he lying when he said he hasn't gotten one in a long time?" I asked softly, stopping right before going into the living room.

"No he was telling the truth. He hasn't had one in about 6-ish months." Noah glanced down at me. "Why?"

"Its just if he hasn't had one until now...what if I'm the one who caused it?" The entire time I was in the bathroom I couldn't help but wonder if it was me who caused it. I mean if he hasn't had one until now, that can't be a coincidence.

I don't want to be the one to make Alex have panic attacks again. If that is the case then it would be best for me to go away. I know what panic attacks feel like I wouldn't ever want to subject someone to them.

"Riley." A firm hand on my elbow made me look up at Noah. Why is everyone so damn tall! "You didn't cause the panic attack."

"How do you know though?"

"Riley." Noah's bright blue eyes stared down at me. I was once again struck with how gorgeous Noah Thomas was. The blonde hair perfectly styled, the deep ocean blue eyes, one of the strongest jawlines, and one of the cutest puppy dog smiles someone could have.

"There are some things about Alex's life that you don't know about; not yet at least. So believe me when I say you didn't cause the panic attack."

It took everything in me to not ask what he meant by that. It was Alex's story to tell and when he wanted. I couldn't pry it out of someone else until he was ready.

"You're good for him Riley." I followed his gaze towards Alex, who was sitting on the floor helping his sister take out her homework. "You didn't know him before but he wasn't like this. He didn't joke around, he didn't really talk that much or at least to no one but us, hell he wouldn't even smile. Now he does."

It was hard to believe that. Sure I've seen Alex's quieter side, but he's never seemed any different.

"So believe me when I say you didn't cause the panic attacks." With a soft squeeze on my arm, Noah smiled once more at me before walking away. I watched him go, still so many questions swimming in my head.

"Riley." Swallowing all my questions I made my way over to Alex and Harper.

* * * * * * * * * *

"You are going to do my homework for me to right?"

"Yeah, no."

"You are already doing Harps homework, just add mine to the mix." Derek whined.

"Harper is way cuter than you so she can get help." Alex replied.

"STOP THE CUTENESS!" Derek yelled, grabbing Harper and swinging her around in the air. I leaned back against the couch watching as Derek playfully threw her on the couch and proceeded to tickle her. The little giggles coming out of Harper's mouth was one of the most adorable sounds.

"Are you going to continue on being cute?" Derek asked, stopping for just a moment.

"No!"

"You asked for it." Beside me Alex chuckled as his little sister continued on getting tickled.

"Wow at a kindergarten education level." Nico towered above us, a teasing smirk on his face as he looked at Alex. "You really aren't that smart."

"I don't know coloring is really difficult." Alex deadpanned.

Alex was that type of guy that sat at the back of the classroom who never spoke, and who everyone thought was stupid. But if he was ever called upon he'd instantly answer with the right answer surprising everyone. That fit Alex to a tee.

"Where were you two today?" Olivia suddenly asked, plopping down on the couch behind me.

"Just out." I replied nonchalant.

"Out." The knowing tone and smirk she gave me told me she knew we weren't just 'out'.

"Yep, out." I willed my cheeks to not blush. I could feel her gaze penetrating my skin from behind.

"Alex told me he came over last night." Liv spoke softly. Its hard to believe it was only yesterday Alex came over to my house to make sure I was okay.

"He did. It was...nice."

"I don't think I've ever seen Alex so pissed before."

"Did he really punch Mitch?" I turned my body to face her, keeping my voice low. Olivia nodded.

"After you left he went off. Got two good punches in before Mitch's friends stepped in." I shook my head.

"He could have gotten hurt." I mumbled. I didn't like that Alex hit Mitch, not because I didn't like violence. No, Mitch was bound to retaliate and I didn't want Alex to get hurt because of me.

"Riley." Liv laughed softly. "Alex can handle himself."

The way she said it had me raising an eyebrow at her. Was I missing something here? I opened my mouth to ask her what she meant but I was once again interrupted.

"Everyone's here." Noah's mom walked into the living room, instantly making everyone smile.

"Momma A." Derek greeted from his spot on the floor, where Harper was now sitting on him. A chorus of "Hi's" went around the room as everyone greeted Ava.

While Ava went around the room and talked to everyone, I sat there watching. Seeing everyone interact with Noah's mom made my heart drop into my stomach. I was jealous. Beyond jealous actually.

I didn't need to be around Ava long to wish my mom was like her. That my parents were like Noah's. Watching her take interest in what everyone was saying. Hearing about their day and actually asking questions.

My parents weren't like that. My mom wasn't like that. I couldn't even keep her on the phone long enough to talk about my day, let alone have her ask and listen to me.

So watching the scene in front of me I felt jealous, hurt, angry. Angry that I didn't have someone like that in my life. Someone to care for me. To worry. To complain about my day to.

"You okay?" A soft nudge on my arm made me glance over to my left. Alex peered down at me in concern, his arm pressed against mine. I plastered a smile on my face and nodded.

"Yeah I'm good." There was no point in hanging onto something that would never happen.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Stop trying to steal money."

"I wasn't stealing...I was borrowing." Noah rubbed his hand where Olivia slapped it.

"You can't borrow from the bank." Olivia moved the fake monopoly money more towards her, sending a glare at Noah. It's been very entertaining watching Noah trying to steal money right from under Olivia.

I had thought the person who would try it would be Derek but Olivia purposely sat him as far from her as possible. Guess she should have done the same with Noah.

"Nico its your turn."

Not too long after everyone showed up, someone suggested we play a game since it was still too early in the day to eat. I wasn't entirely sure who picked Monopoly as the game. Everyone knows Monopoly is one of the longest games and most controversial ones too. You really see a persons true colors when this game is played. Hence seeing Noah trying to steal money.

Noah's parents decided to take Harper with them to run a few errands since the game was a bit too complicated for Harper to play.

Which now left us 7 sitting at the dining room table, an hour into playing Monopoly. Olivia was made the banker, which was smart seeing how almost everyone here was cheating. I didn't miss Alex and Nico swapping cards under the table, nor did I miss Lexi sneaking houses onto her properties. I was about 95% sure Noah was stealing money for him and Derek.

I think Olivia and I were the only two honest people playing the game as of right now.

"That will cost you 25 grand. Pay up bitch." I hid my grin behind my hand as Nico landed on one of Lexi's properties. How she was getting away with putting multiple houses on them without others knowing, I have no clue. She was going to bankrupt us all.

My turn was next but I got stuck in jail. Thank god, I thought. I already had to pay Lexi 3 times and didn't want to do it again.

"Pst." I pretended I didn't hear it at first until the person did it again. "Pst."

"Yes?" I whispered.

"Switch me properties." Alex whispered, his breath fanning my neck. I kept my gaze straight ahead.

"No."

"Come on."

"No."

"Freckles."

"Alex." I used the same tone back.

"It's just a small switch."

"Its cheating."

"So? Its Monopoly, everyone cheats." I turned and shot him a look.

"You do realize that's not part of the game right?"

"Such a good girl." He muttered but I still heard him. "Just switch under the table."

"I like my cards." I shook my head.

"Fine just one card." Alex tried to reason. I decided to ignore him and maybe he'd get the hint. It was once again my turn and as I rolled the dice I felt a hand on my knee. I jerked forward and shot Alex a glare. I quickly slapped his hand and finished my turn.

"I'm not switching hands." I hissed. I looked away before I could see the smirk appear on his face. A full minute passed without him pressing me to switch properties. Just when I thought he let it go a poke landed in-between my ribs.

I instantly flinched as he poked my ticklish spot. I knew if I made it known I was ticklish there he wouldn't stop. I tried my hardest to ignore him but I must not have hide my reaction well enough.

Only a second later Alex excessively poking my side. I only last a second before I finally yelled.

"Alex stop!" I tried to slap his hand away but he only started to full on tickle my sides.

At my laughter everyone stopped and stared at us. I wiggled in my seat to get away from his grimy little hands but I was wedged in with him on one side and Nico on the other.

"Alex." I laughed. I hated being tickled. Besides the whole feeling, I hated the horrible seal like laughter that came out of my life. I had a loud laugh in general but this was ten times worse.

Alex continued on tickling me, regardless of me telling him to stop. Everyone was still sitting there watching us, on one even bothering to come to my rescue.

Somehow I managed to get away from the table and Alex's hands. Panting I moved around to stand behind Nico's chair.

"Don't you even dare." I warned Alex as he pushed his chair back. My cards were still gripped in my hands. As if to taunt me he slowly stood from his seat, a smirk playing at the edges of his mouth.

"Just give me your cards." Alex slowly advanced towards me.

"Hell no." I knew if he caught me he'd tickle me until I gave in, but I couldn't find it in me to care.

A second passed before he suddenly lunged at me. With a yelp I ran around the other side of the table and stood behind Derek.

"Derek help me." I pleaded.

"I'm not getting involved." Derek shook his head, putting his hands out.

"Noah, talk some sense into your best friend."

"Yeah, no."

"Traitor." I hissed. I was too busy sending pleading looks to everyone else that I missed Alex making his way towards me. At the last second I saw him from the corner of my eye. Before he could touch me I ran again.

"Leave me alone." I grabbed onto the back of Nico's chair. "Nico won't let you hurt me." I boasted.

"You are on your own Riley." Nico calmly spoke.

"Is anyone on my side?" I asked, throwing my hands up.

"No." Lexi responded. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Gee, thanks."

"Give me the cards and I'll stop." Alex tried to reason. I knew that was bullshit. He would still tickle me if I gave him my properties.

"No." I shook my head. My heart started to go into overdrive as soon as that word left my mouth. I knew I just signed my death warrant by saying no.

"Fine, have it your way." Alex shot at me, his long legs eating up the distance.

Inwardly cursing myself I turned and ran out of the room. For a split second I thought he wasn't going to go after me but when I heard his shoes hitting the tile that thought went out the window.

"Riley!" Alex taunted from behind me. I moved around the couch and stared at him.

"Why do you want my properties so bad?"

"So I can expand my empire."

"Your empire. Its not even a fair trade cause I don't get anything out of it."

"I was going to give you half."

"Yeah right." I rolled my eyes.

"Lets find out shall we?"

Before he could run at me I took off first. Hearing Alex curse behind me I couldn't help but laugh. I ran back through the dining room and around the table of our friends, Alex at my heels and me still laughing.

I got too cocky that I didn't even notice I had slowed down enough for Alex to get close. One second I was running and the next I was falling forward. It all happened so fast I didn't have time to yell as I fell.

I landed on the couch with a bounce only to be pressed into it with a heavy weight on top of me. I started to groan at how heavy Alex was only for my groans to turn into laughter.

Alex's hands were once again on my sides tickling me.

"ALEX!" He had me pinned to the couch, unable to get away from his hands. He settled his weight on my legs as he straddled me. "St...st...opp." I got out in-between giggles.

I squirmed under him trying my hardest to get away but he weighed too much. No matter how many times I pleaded for Alex to stop he wouldn't. Tears streamed down my face as I yelled.

"Alex. Please. Stop!" Finally after what felt like an eternity, Alex stopped tickling me. He settled his weight on my legs, his hands still gripping my waist, and his face inches from mine.

Panting I stared up at him. Every part of me felt like it was on fire. We weren't even skin to skin but it felt like electricity was coursing through my veins. Both of us stared down at one another. If either of us moved forward just a few inches our lips would touch.

Every fiber of me wanted to kiss Alex. Wanted to feel those lips on mine. I've only ever kissed one guy in my life and I'll be honest...it wasn't that spectacular. I thought my first kiss would be this magical, leg popping, moment but it wasn't.

Mitch kind of just went for it. His lips were a little chapped and when he went straight for tongue it was gross. Overtime I got use to his...technique but I've always wondered if that was it. Was that how kissing was suppose to be?

Just kiss him. I inwardly screamed at myself. The only thing that was holding me back was rejection. I've already learned that guys like Alex don't go for girls like me. Hoping that he would return the kiss or any feelings towards me would be a mistake. I'll just end up getting my heartbroken once more. It was still in pieces on the floor and one wrong step it will get crushed even more.

My eyes went back and forth between his, seeing what I think was lust in his eyes. Alex was staring down at me with such an intense look. A look that set my skin on fire once more. It looked like he was having an internal debate.

I didn't dare move, afraid it would somehow ruin the moment. I wasn't even breathing as we continued on staring at one another.

Kiss me! Kiss me! I was internally screaming.

For a split second I thought he heard me as he brought his head down closer. My eyes widened as his lips neared mine. My eyes were fluttering shut as I silently sent a prayer that I wouldn't mess this kiss up.

Please don't let me drool or do something stupid. I pleaded. How embarrassing would that be.

I felt his lips barely grazing mine, my eyes fully closing. But before our lips could really touch the sound of a throat clearing made Alex jerk away and my eyes to snap open.

Alex hastily climbed off me, avoiding eye contact. Rejection ate away at my heart as I sat up, pulling my shirt down that had ridden up. Glancing up Noah's father, Mason, stared down at us with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you two going to go finish the game with the others?" He pointed over his shoulder. The smirk playing at the edges of his mouth was so much like Noah's it was uncanny.

Inwardly I was cursing at everyone. Of course we would be interrupted yet again. Apparently Alex and I weren't meant to kiss, because this is the second time its happened.

With flaming red cheeks I moved around Mason and Alex, heading back to the dining room. As soon as I walked in everyone turned to look at me. They were all giving me knowing looks which I ignored. Taking my seat again I was surprised that I was still holding my cards after all that.

Derek opened his mouth to say something but I instantly shot him a glare. I was not in the mood right now. I just wanted to wallow in my own self pity for a minute. I kept replaying how fast Alex got off me and the look on his face. The look of someone who regretted what they just did.

From the corner of my eye I saw Alex come back into the room, silently taking a seat beside me once more. Neither of us said a word. I didn't miss the looks exchanged between everyone before Olivia finally spoke up.

"Okay, Riley your turn."

* * * * * * * * * * * 

We spent another hour playing monopoly before we finally called it quits. When everyone started to get into arguments and we had to pull out the rules we knew it was time to stop. If not someone was bound to flip the table. Plus by then Harper wanted to do something with us and everyone was starting to get hungry.

We all ended up in the theater room, Noah's parents included, and were somehow watching Tangled. Harper was snuggled up between Noah's parents near the front.

Nico and Lexi had a recliner chair where they were sitting and talking quietly to one another. Derek and Olivia shared a couch once again, Derek intently watching the movie. Because for some reason Alex and I were avoiding each other he sat on his own chair furtherest away from me; while I sat on a small couch with Noah.

Ever since our little encounter Alex and I haven't said a word to one another. Everyone clearly knew something was up between us judging by the curious looks they kept sending us.

It was awkward for me for two reasons. One, Noah's father walked in on us seconds away from kissing. And the second was how bad I wanted to kiss Alex. I've never wanted to kiss someone so bad as I did right then. And then to see the look on his face afterwards. That was enough to bruise my ego.

"You should just go sit with him." Noah whispered into my ear making me flinch in surprise.

"What?"

"You've been looking over at Alex every two minutes. Just go sit with him."

"What? I-I wasn't staring at him." I replied, flustered. I hadn't even realized I kept looking over at Alex.

"I'm sitting right next to you Riley. You can't fool me." Noah responded, leaning into my side to keep his voice low for only me to hear. Leaning my head back against the couch I sighed.

"If you haven't noticed he's avoiding me."

"And why are you avoiding each other?" I kept quiet for a moment, not sure I wanted to talk to Noah about this. I mean Alex was his best friend and he barely knows me.

"We just got into an awkward position is all." I spoke only half the truth.

"He tried to kiss you then."

"What!" I shot opening my eyes. Realizing I was a little loud I quickly lowered my voice. "No, no we didn't. I mean..." I stumbled over my words.

"I'm not an idiot Riley." Noah chuckled softly. "Plus it explains why you two won't talk to one another." He softly nudged my arm. "So was it because he is such a bad kisser?"

Bad kisser? I highly doubt. A guy like Alex has kissed more than one person before and no doubt become a great kisser.

"No it wasn't that." I shook my head.

"Did he try some tongue right off the bat? I've told him he needs to stop that." I could tell Noah was joking to ease the conversation a bit, and I inwardly thanked him for it.

"No it was...it was the lack of the kiss." I mumbled the last part.

"So you two didn't?" He made a gesture with his hands to which I shook my head.

"Your dad interrupted us." My cheeks flamed at the thought of that awkward moment.

"Oh god." Noah started laughing.

"Noah." I slapped his arm trying to get him to stop. "Noahhh. It isn't that funny."

"Yes it is." He said between laughs. "My dad cock blocked Alex. Classic." I sat there waiting for him to calm down, arms crossed over my chest. When he finally settled down I raised an eyebrow.

"You finished?"

"God that's funny."

"No it was awkward.

"So that's why you two didn't kiss?"

"That and..." I trailed off.

"And?"

"And Alex didn't want to." I spoke softly.

"He didn't want to?" Noah frowned.

"He pulled away so quick and looked like he regretted it instantly."

"But he's talking about-"

"It's okay though." I interrupted him. "Probably would have made things weird. We've just become friends and he doesn't look at me like that so things would have gotten really awkward if we had." At least that was what I was telling myself. Not that Alex found me repulsive.

"Riley."

"No it really is okay. I don't even know him that well and he doesn't know me well enough to like me like that." I shook my head.

"Riley." I turned my head to look at him. Noah leaned even closer to me, his minty breath fanning my face. Up close Noah was just as hot as Alex. Both like night and day, one with blonde hair and blue eyes, the other with dark hair and grey eyes. But both equally as hot.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." He whispered his eyes darting over my shoulder for a second, before pulling away to watch the movie. I looked over my shoulder to see what he was looking at. At the last second I watched Alex look at me before turning back to face the screen.

I looked back and forth between the pair wondering what on earth Noah meant by 'I wouldn't be so sure about that'. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello I'm alive!! I know it has been ages but I do have a good excuse! I went on vacation (To universal studios LA (which was a BLAST!) ), then I got sick from said vacation. But this SUPER long chapter should hopefully make up for it. And some lovely Alex/Riley moments!

I was going to leave this on a cliffhanger but I knew you guys would kill me if I did that yet again. So its extra long for you guys. Did you guys like seeing a bit more of Noah in this chapter?? I am going to start having more scenes with everyone in them, not just fully focusing on Alex and Riley, so look forward to that. 

I want to thank you guys once again for being the best readers ever. You guys are so supportive and kind and sweet. I really don't know what I'd do without you. So I am extremely sorry that it is taking me a while to update. I need to just sit down and force myself to write even if I am stuck. 

But anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter as always. Comment what you'd like to see coming up in the next few chapters! I'd love to hear them! 

As always, 

VOTE, COMMENT!

Love you guys!!

<3 <3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S I am on Season 5 Episode 7 of Game of Thrones and guys its soooo good! Ugh this series is killing me!