Semi-Edited!

Song above is...Green River Ordinance. (This song fits Riley and Alex so well I think! Listen to it!)

Happy Reading! :)

Recap: "Riley wait." As she turned to face me I lost the last shred of control I had over myself.

Taking the three steps in one stride I made my way towards her. Her eyes were wide as I bounded in front of her.

"Forgive me."

Before she could say a single word I grabbed the sides of her face and kissed her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Riley

I haven't been kissed that many times in my life. Mitch was my first kiss and at the time I thought it was amazing. Sure I didn't experience the whole 'foot-popping' thing but it thought it was good.

No. I was all wrong. If I had thought Mitch was a good kisser than Alex was...there were no words to even describe the feeling I had. It was the foot popping moment I've always wanted.

Before at the 'gym' when I kissed Alex it wasn't like this. This was everything I wanted our first kiss to be like. At first it was a little rough then the both of us just sunk into it.

All I could do was hold onto his shirt as he kissed me. And boy did Alex kiss me. Eventually we had to pull away and catch our breath. Placing his forehead against mine, the two of us closed our eyes breathing heavily.

I liked knowing I wasn't the only one affected. Alex seemed just as out of breath as me and I wanted to believe he enjoyed the kiss just as much as I did.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't leave without kissing you." Alex whispered, his lips softly brushing against mine as he spoke.

"I-its okay." I stuttered.

We stayed like that for a few minutes. Alex still softly holding my face and my hands gripping his t-shirt. Our foreheads were still touching but we both had our eyes open, staring at each other. All I had to do was move an inch and we'd kiss again.

"I better let you go inside." Alex mumbled sounding like that was the last thing he wanted to do. It was the last thing I wanted too but I think I needed a moment for everything to sink in. It's been a crazy day and being up all night last night I was exhausted.

"Okay." I breathed, yet neither of us moved.

Finally Alex pulled away, dropping his hands from my face, and taking a step back making my hands fall from his shirt. The look on his let me know stepping back wasn't what he wanted.

"I'll see you tomorrow." It came out more of a question as he gazed down at me.

"Tomorrow." I nodded. Thank god tomorrow was Sunday and not Monday. With one last smile at me, Alex walked backwards towards my car. I wanted to grab him and pull him back but I didn't have the confidence to do so. Or to even ask him to stay.

Waking up to him this morning was...different. I'm not use to waking up to a house full of people, let alone a guy in my bed. But it was the best nights sleep I've gotten in a while, even if I was drunk.

With one last breath taking smile Alex got in the car, disappearing from sight. My was fluttering like mad in my chest as I pushed my front door open. I took another glance at the driveway and found Alex still idling there waiting for me to go in.

With my cheeks bright red and a loopy smile on my face I walked through my door and shut it behind me. Resting my back against it I let out a squeal I've been holding in.

Now that I was alone I did a little happy dance against the door, squealing like a little kid who just got cake. Placing my hands on my burning cheeks I grinned while replaying the kiss in my head.

Alex kissed me.

The kiss at the gym was more of a 'in the moment' type kiss, and we had an audience, so Alex could have just kissed me back to not let me feel embarrassed. But this time he did it on his own. He voluntarily kissed me!

I was literally floating on Cloud 9 and I didn't want to come down from it anytime soon.

With an ear-splitting grin I finally moved away from the door and headed for the stairs. I was beyond giddy and despite it being late I didn't feel tired at all. I was still a little high on the atmosphere from the gym and now the kiss.

The fact that it was Alex Kinley that kissed me still baffled me a bit. He could have any girl he wants, hell they all practically throw themselves at him. I've seen first hand how many girls like Alex. I'm not that oblivious that I don't see the looks girls give him and then me for standing next to him.

I was pretty sure the entire girl population at school hated me. First for dating Mitch, then 'cheating' on him, and now being around Alex. In their minds I was stealing the two hottest guys the school had.

I didn't even want to think about what would happen when someone finds out we kissed. I wasn't sure where the kiss was going to lead. Sure I wanted more but I don't know where Alex's head is at.

It could be a one time thing between us. He could realize that being with me causes too many drama and trouble. Trouble he didn't need in his life.

If it honestly came down to it I would accept his decision not to be with me. I wouldn't want to be with someone with as much baggage as I had. Let alone having the entire school always at our backs.

All kinds of bad thoughts were swarming my head as I changed and got ready for bed. But I didn't want anything to ruin tonight. I wanted to remember this moment without all the 'what ifs'. It was a good night and its been awhile since I've felt this happy. I was going to enjoy it no matter what.

So pushing aside all my negative thoughts I got in bed with a smile still planted on my face.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"Helen?" I called out, shouldering open her front door.

"In here!" I heard her call out from what I believe was the kitchen. With full arms I made my way towards her voice.

After getting up this morning I realized I've been slacking when it comes to Helen lately. Being so busy with everyone I haven't really worked or seen Helen as much as I usually do. I felt extremely guilty which lead me to calling her seeing if she needed anything at the store.

I practically begged her to let me go to the store for her and then drop the stuff off. I knew she was perfectly fine doing it herself but I've missed seeing her. And the guilt of not working much is weighing me down; despite her telling me it was okay.

"Good morning." I greeted once I entered her kitchen.

"Hi sweetie." When Helen turned around she rushed to my side. "Honey you didn't have to carry it all." She fussed, grabbing a two bags from my arms. I didn't want to make two trips so I weighed myself down so I wouldn't have to.

"It's okay they aren't too heavy." I lied. One glance at the red lines along my arms was proof the bags were heavy. After placing them on the counter I was pulled into a tight hug.

"Thank you for going to the store for me."

"Of course." I moved to help her put stuff away. "How have you been?" I questioned.

"I've been good. These old bones can't stop me." Helen joked. "How about you? I'm happy you've been going out."

"I'm good. I'm sorry I haven't been around. I promise I'll be back to work more."

"I'm perfectly fine running the store and I do have Tina helping me. You deserve to go out and have fun Riley."

"I know but-"

"No buts. You are finally acting like a teenager and I am happy for you. Plus Tina likes the hours." I knew it was useless trying to even try and argue with Helen. "But tell me about these new friends of yours."

I couldn't stop the grin that over took my face.

"They are pretty great." As we unloaded her groceries I talked about everyone. I haven't had someone to talk to about Alex and his friends. No one to really gush to about the fact that I met some pretty cool people. I couldn't tell my brother because if he knew I was hanging out with guys he'd freak; plus he was miles away. And my parents...well not sure they would bother to answer the phone.

I did leave out the part about Alex and I kissing. It just happened and I wasn't even sure it would happen again either. It was all so new that I didn't want to go talking about it in case it all blew up in my face. Nothing more embarrassing than gushing about something or someone and then having it all disappear the next day.

"So this Alex guy," Helen started to say. I ducked my head so she couldn't see my face, afraid she'd pick up more than I told her about. "He seems like a good guy."

"He is." I replied softly. It was crazy how Alex had this reputation for being such a bad boy and when I first met him I thought the exact same thing. He was cold and distant, he still had his moments like that. But he was far from that guy.

Maybe he's only showing me a certain side but I've seen how he acts around his friends, around his sister. He is a good guy. I didn't need to know about his family and sister to know he was a good guy with a good heart.

We were quiet for a few minutes, me putting the bags under sink like Helen always does while she made me a glass of her famous lemonade.

"Are you going to tell me whats going on between you two?" Helen suddenly asked, placing the lemonade in front of me. My head snapped up so fast I almost got whiplash.

"What? There's nothing going on."

"Hun, you can't hide from me. I saw the way you talked about him. Your face lit up like a christmas tree." My cheeks flamed at her words. I tried to act nonchalant when talking about Alex but it clearly didn't work. "I haven't seen you look like that. Not even with your last boyfriend."

I turned my gaze down to the glass, tapping my finger against it as I avoided her gaze. Helen didn't know much about Mitch and I's relationship. She did know we were together and when we first got together I was giddy. Giddy about the fact that the star football player asked me out. But I was such a nervous wreck about it.

When things started to turn with Mitch I never told her about it. I put on the fake smile whenever she asked how we were doing. I guess she noticed I wasn't exactly happy but she doesn't know the extent of how unhappy I really was. Plus she's never met Mitch. He never came by the bookstore when we 'dated'.

"I don't...I'm not sure what's going on between us." I spoke softly. "We kissed last night, but it may have just been in the moment you know. I'm not sure if I'm ready to date again or if he even dates. He's got other stuff to worry about in his life and to add me in the mix." While I rambled Helen sat there listening. "I just...don't know." I sighed.

"It sounds like you like him." I went silent at her words. They echoed through my head before finally sinking in. I shouldn't have been surprised at the shock that went through my body at her words, but I was. I knew I liked Alex but it wasn't until Helen pointed it out that I realized just how much I actually liked him.

I guess I haven't been as honest with myself about how I feel. After last night my feelings have definitely grown. Anytime anyone kisses you your feelings skyrocket. I just hadn't realized how fast my feelings grew in a short amount of time.

"I do like him." I whispered.

"Why do you sound so sad about it? It's a good thing to like someone." Helen reached over and grabbed my hand, drawing my attention to her.

"I don't want to get my heart broken again." My voice slightly cracked. My biggest fear was Alex doing the same thing to me that Mitch did. That all of it was a lie and being used to only be humiliated once again. I wasn't quite sure I could bounce back from that again.

"Riley there will always be a chance for you to get your heartbroken. That will never go away no matter how hard you run from it, but running will break you more than if you stayed. The what if's will always haunt you.

"I ran away from the love of my life and it was the worst decision of my life." I looked at her in surprised.

"I thought Harold was the love of your life?"

"He was the second love of my life." I watched as her eyes dimmed slightly at the thought of her late husband. I instantly felt bad bringing up her late husband knowing how it was still a soft spot.

"Harold was a good man. He was kind, funny, everything you'd want in a husband. He became my everything and I loved him dearly, but nothing will ever hold a candle to your first love."

"What was his name?" I leaned forward needing to know more.

"Jay." When her eyes lit up I think I knew what she meant when your eyes lit up like a christmas tree. "Oh back in the day he was such a stud." I grinned at her wording.

"He was a year above me in school and whenever we passed each other in the halls he would send me this wide grin that never failed to make my heart race. The moment we talked I knew I wanted to marry him. Everything in me knew he would be my husband one day." A sort of haunting tone took over her voice, this time it was me grabbing her hand.

"But back in those times it wasn't easy for us. Whenever we went out people would stare or make comments. No one in town wanted to see a white woman with a man of color. People hated us being together; my parents included." I felt my chest as she talked, not being able to imagine how hard that would have been.

"We got through it. That summer was the best summer of my life." Tears gathered in Helen's eyes and I squeezed her hand tightly. "But as soon as school came around my parents gave me an ultimatum. Break up with Jay myself or they would send me away to some private school. Away from the boy that was 'corrupting' their daughter.

"When I told them I wouldn't do it they made the decision for me. Next thing I know I'm being shipped off to some all girls boarding school for my last year of high school, hundreds of miles away from Jay. I tried to write but he never responded. Slowly time passed and I met Harold."

"Helen-" I started but she patted my hand.

"It's okay dear it was a long time ago. I do regret not having fought harder for us but Harold became my world and I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father." She sent me a small smile. "My point Riley is you can't be afraid to fall for someone. There is a chance you'll get your heartbroken but you won't look back at it with regret. Regret is worse than heartbreak."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Are you seriously doing homework?" Derek asked as he walked into my kitchen, finding my sitting at the counter with my textbooks spread out in front of me.

I was jerked out of my thoughts by his voice. Not having heard them come in and slightly forgetting everyone was coming over.

"Uh yeah?"

"It's a Sunday." He said in a 'duh' tone, like it was against the law to do homework on a Sunday. Although the past ten minutes I've been replaying Helen's story over and over in my head. My homework mostly forgotten in front of me.

"So? I don't want to fall behind." I turned back to my Government homework. I felt him move behind me and peak over my shoulder to see what I was doing.

"We aren't even learning this for another week!"

"I like to be ahead." I defended myself. There was nothing wrong with getting a head start on homework. The sooner I finish it the less time I have to worry about it. And I may have been trying to distract myself from my conversation earlier with Helen.

"At least she is trying with her homework." Olivia spoke from behind me. I sent her a grin over my shoulder.

"Hey I try with my homework!" Derek exclaimed.

"Doing it right before handing it in doesn't count."

"Yes it does. At least I did it." He stuck his tongue out at her, making me laugh. Knowing I wasn't going to get anymore work done with them here I shut my books and started gathering my stuff.

"Or you copy my homework." I didn't have to turn around to know Olivia had her hands on her hips giving Derek a look. Liv took her school work seriously while Derek...he only put in effort sometimes. He was smart he just didn't seem to apply himself sometimes. It was something that seemed to annoy Olivia to no end.

"And you still let me copy." Liv didn't answer that but I knew she was shaking her head. When it came to Derek she couldn't say no. And same went with Derek.

I moved all of my stuff off to the side of the counter before turning my full attention to Olivia and Derek. The two of them were having a stare down. It was comical watching little Olivia glaring up at Derek who towered over her. From the smile tugging at Liv's face she didn't mean her glare at all.

As predicted the smile broke out on Liv's face and she shoved Derek. She turned her back, completely missing the look that appeared on Derek's face. I couldn't help myself as I came up to his side and nudge him with my hip, a knowing smirk on my face.

"What?"

"Nothing." I sang before sending him another smirk and walked towards Liv. Just as I came up to Liv's side the front door opened, drawing my attention.

The door opened and immediately my gaze landed on the one person that has been on my mind all night. Those grey eyes held me in place as Alex walked through the door.

I could feel my cheeks heating up at the thought of our kiss. All morning I had silently stressed about seeing Alex again. I went from excitement to nervousness and then back to excitement all morning long. I wasn't quite sure how I should act around him now.

One of the reasons I was doing homework was to distract myself from Liv texting me that everyone was coming over. By everyone I took that to mean Alex. For the past half hour I've been focused on my homework instead of Alex. Leaving no room for certain thoughts to wiggle into mind.

But standing there looking at Alex I felt my nerves dissipate a bit. And the smile he sent me made my knees weakened. The sound of my name being yelled jerked my gaze away from Alex's.

I came back to earth just in time to feel Harper run right into my middle. I staggered backwards a step and tried to gain my breathing back.

"Riley." Harper tilted her head back and grinned up at me. Her smile was infectious as she grinned at me, her missing front teeth sticking out.

"Hi sweetie."

"Look at my outfit! I picked it out myself." She pulled back to show me her outfit. My smile grew as I took it all in. Harper clearly picked it out herself.

On top Harper had a bright pink t-shirt with a unicorn plastered on the front and looked like it had those sequins that change color when you run your hands over it. For bottoms she had on orange leggings underneath a blue tutu. Yes a blue tutu. Her dark hair pulled into two pig tails.

"Wow that is...such a cute outfit! You picked it out yourself?"

"Yep." She nodded her head making her pigtails fly around.

"I love it." The way she beamed up at me I knew my response made her day.

"Is that my favorite little buddy?" A new voice yelled. Before any of us could say a word a pair of arms suddenly grabbed Harper, pulling her high into the air.

Her squeals echoed around the house as Derek lifted her up and swung her around. I watched as he carried her through the house into the living room, making airplane noises as he went.

My attention was torn away from the pair and went immediately to Alex who was still standing in the doorway. We both met each others eyes at the same time, the soft grin he had on while looking at his sister, staying as he looked at me.

"So a blue tutu?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"She wanted to show everyone." He shrugged and I knew he couldn't have stopped her if he tried. She had her brother wrapped around her finger so bad. "It was today or have her wear it to school tomorrow. I choose this."

I grinned at the way he said it. Almost like he had to put his foot down about it and he didn't like it.

Since I now knew it was just him and Harper things seemed to click. Him not showing up to school until later as he had to get his sister ready for school and drop her off. How the mom's of Harper's friends suggested she could stay over, the sympathetic looks on their faces making sense now.

Alex was doing everything on his own. He was only 18 and taking on the parenting role for his little sister. That alone made me respect Alex even more. I don't know any 18 year old that would put their sister first before themselves.

"Well she looks adorable." Olivia butted in, moving past us and heading towards Derek who was tickling Harper on the couch. It left the two of standing there, silence descending upon us.

"So uh...did you sleep well last night?" I lamely asked. I inwardly face-palmed myself. Really? Did you sleep well last night? Could you be anymore awkward Riley?

I was such an awkward person, my god. I wasn't the type of girl that could kiss a guy and then act natural afterwards.

"I slept good. How about you?" His amused tone made my cheeks flame up.

"G-good." I cleared my throat. "I slept good."

"Are you two going to come in?" Olivia's voice asked. Biting my bottom lip I realized that Alex was still standing in the doorway.

"Sorry come in." I stepped back. My eyes moved over Alex's form as he came further into the house and shut the door behind him. How he can make a pair of jeans and t-shirt look good I have no clue. It seriously looked like he stepped out of a magazine and I can guarantee he didn't put that much effort into his appearance...unlike me.

As soon as I knew Olivia and the others were coming, aka Alex, I quickly changed. I went from lounging around in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, to quickly throwing on a pair of leggings with a cute Friends t-shirt. It wasn't exactly a sexy outfit but it was better than sweatpants. I even put on a bit of makeup to cover the two zits that magically appeared this morning.

I didn't want it to look like I tried too hard but also that I wasn't a complete slob....which I was when I was home alone. It was still taking a bit to get use to the fact that I now had friends that wanted to hang out with me. That came over willingly even after seeing each other the day before.

"Is Noah coming?" Olivia called out.

"He'll be here in a few. Nico and Lexi are at a family thing." Alex responded, brushing past me. His arm brushed against mine. I knew it was accidental but it still made my heart flutter.

"You guys want to just hang out for a bit or is there something we want to do?" Liv asked taking a seat on the couch.

"I want to watch Mulan!" Harper chirped, sitting upright on the couch with her little legs swinging.

"I do have snacks and Mulan. We could stay in and watch movies." I suggested. I didn't mind staying in.

Everyone glanced at one another before nodding, on board with the idea.

"You know what." I looked at Harper who was bouncing around excitedly. "How about we build a fort in the living room to watch tv?" Just like what we did at Alex's house a few weeks ago.

"Can we?" She looked at her brother to see if it was okay.

"Just tell us where the blankets are." Came Alex's response. Harper's whole body shook as she bounced on the couch extremely excited.

"I haven't built a fort in years." Derek said, seeming just as excited as Harper. He really was a 6 year old trap in a 18 year old body.

"I'll show you how." Harper patted him arm as she spoke, sounding like she would gladly teach him. I stifled my laughter at the exchange.

"We'll go grab some blankets." I gestured for Olivia and Alex to follow me. Leading them towards the side closet by my parents room, I opened it showing row after row of blankets. How we got so many I have no clue.

"We can use any of these. Some are bigger than others, and I think there's even a bedspread somewhere for the ground if we want."

"Jackpot." Liv grinned grabbing multiple blankets.

"You grab these and I'll go get started on the popcorn and snacks." Leaving the two of them to grab blankets I made my way to the kitchen. Thankfully I always kept the kitchen stocked with snacks. Even though it's just me you never know when or what you wanted to munch on. Better to be prepared.

As I was in the middle of sliding a package of popcorn in the microwave I heard the door open followed by Harper calling out Noah's name. Smiling to myself at how cute she was, I moved around the kitchen gathering snacks while the popcorn popped.

I was lost in my own little world, humming under my breath as I took the popcorn out. Twirling while stuffing a handful of popcorn in my mouth, I face the doorway only to choke. Standing there watching me was Alex with an amused smile on his face.

Trying my best not to cough I quickly swallowed my popcorn. Please tell me he wasn't watching this entire time. I inwardly pleaded.

"I was checking if you needed help but looks like you got it."

"Please tell me you didn't see any of that." I placed my hands over my cheeks to hide the blush was getting brighter by the moment.

"I didn't see too much." By the smirk growing on his face I knew he was lying. He walked further into the kitchen. With each step closer to me I felt my heartbeat pick up. "But nice hip action."

"Oh god."

"And the mouthful of popcorn was super sexy." He teased coming to a stop in front of me.

"Stop." I whined, covering my entire face. Of course Alex had to see it all. He grabbed my hands and slowly lowered them away from my face.

"You've never looked cuter." Came his cheeky response. All his response did was make me feel more embarrassed.

Despite feeling embarrassed we continued on standing there like that. Alex's hands holding onto mine, his gaze directly on my face. We were finally alone since our kiss, or should I say kisses, last night.

I wasn't quite sure what to do. Do I bring it up? Do I kiss him again? After everything with Mitch I wasn't sure about myself. I never really was but even more so now than I've ever been. Plus how can you not be insecure when a guy like Alex is around you.

The sound of the next bag of popcorn beeping in the microwave broke our little stare down.

"The popcorn just beeped." I stated lamely. Wow, smooth Riley. Real smooth.

"Later can I steal you away to talk?" At his words I felt my nerves skyrocket. When someone says that it usually means something bad...right?

"Y-yeah sure." His smirk disappeared to a smile and it did enough to slightly calm my nerves. I was still inwardly freaking out but not enough to make me go too crazy.

Alex took a step back, dropping my hands as he did so.

"Need help taking the snacks to the living room?" All I could do was mutely nod.

The two of us filled out arms up with snacks and bowls for the popcorn. By time we came out to the living room the fort looked almost finished. Derek was draping the last blanket over the top by the tv, while Liv and Harper were probably inside. I was impressed with how fast they managed to put it up with it expending the entire living room.

Following Alex I ducked under a sheet and was surprised a how roomy it was inside. There was plenty of room for all five of us to sit down comfortably. Liv and Harper managed to cover the entire floor with blankets and pillows, creating little spots for everyone to sit at. They were just added a few more blankets when Alex and I came in.

"The snacks have arrived." Alex announced, awkwardly crawling further in the fort. We worked on placing everything in the middle as the others finished up and as Derek slid inside as well.

Seeing as it was my tv I felt the others to pick their snacks while going over to grab Mulan. Thankfully the disney movies were inside the fort so I didn't have to crawl out and back in.

In a matter of seconds I had it out and in the dvd player. As a huge disney fan I always made sure to keep the disney movies close. Who doesn't love a good disney movie anyways.

As the previews started all of us got situated, claiming sections of our own. Wasn't quite sure how but I ended up sitting against the foot of the couch beside Alex with Harper between us. Derek and Liv were on opposite sides in front of us each already munching on some sort of candy.

Harper sat between us humming as she grab a huge handful of popcorn, pieces getting everywhere. I smiled down at her not even mad, she looked so happy and content.

As soon as Mulan started Harper sat forward intently watching the screen. I watched with a grin as Derek instantly shut up and paid attention to the movie. A soft nudge on my shoulder made me glance to my right. Alex held out a bowl of popcorn in my direction, eyebrow raised in question. With a thankful smile I took it and settled in for the movie.

"I'LL MAKE A MANNNN, OUT OF YOUUUU!" Derek belted the lyrics out, the veins in his neck popping as he sang along.

I cringed backwards as his voice cracked. A weight settled on my right side as Alex leaned into me, his own face scrunched up at the sound leaving Derek's mouth. The only person who didn't seem to mind was Harper. She was yelling the words just as loud as Derek. Both of them taking turns and doing different voices.

Every single song that has come on Harper has sang along followed by Derek. It was like having our own mini concert...thank god we didn't pay for it with the horrible singing going on.

"My ears are going to fall off." Alex whispered, his warm breath fanning my ear.

"I think the neighbors are going to call the cops." I whispered back as Derek screamed his next line.

"This is how I'm going to die. I can see the light." I stifled my laughter at his words.

"Would it be mean to tell him to shut up?"

"If you don't, I will." I shook my head. We both knew neither of us were going to stop Derek from singing. If we did then we'd probably upset Harper who was having the time of her life. And lets face it Derek would probably throw a fit as well.

Thankfully the song ended but not for long. With songs every few minutes our mini concert was set to continue and were only like twenty minutes in.

Alex and I stayed leaning against each other as the movie continued. The feeling of Alex's weight leaning against me was oddly comfortable. It also helped ease my nerves a bit.

"Here we go." Alex muttered as the start of "A Girl Worth Fighting For" started. Thankfully this would be the last main song so hopefully we can get a break from Derek's voice the rest of the movie.

It was comical watching Derek and Harper try to dance around the little fort. Harper could stand up but Derek's large frame was a different story. He moved on his knees alongside Harper, his head grazing the top of the blanket.

I was busy grinning at the pair singing their hearts out I didn't notice Alex looking at me the entire time. Something nudged my hand making me glance away from the pair. Looking down I found Alex's hand softly nudging mine, silently asking to hold mine.

When I looked over at Alex he was staring straight ahead but I could see the little smirk on his face. My own lips tilted up at his slyness. Turning my attention back to the movie I laced my fingers through his. I fought hard to keep the giddy grin off of my face as he tightened his fingers around mine.

We stayed like that through the rest of the movie. The only time we moved was to grab a snack or lean further into each other, but our hands never once separated. When Olivia looked back at us I didn't miss the look she sent me along with a smirk.

Seconds after Mulan ended Harper was begging to watching Tangled. One look at Alex I knew I didn't want to move, if we did our little bubble would be broken. Sitting here pressed against him with our hands intertwined I never wanted to move.

Letting go of Alex's hand I crawled over to the tv and switched Mulan for Tangled. I had absolutely no plans today and sitting around like this was perfectly fine with me. It was better than being alone like I always am on the weekends. As much as I liked to complain about Derek's singing voice I enjoyed the company. Having everyone here made me feel less alone than I have in months.

Once the movie previews started I crawled back to my spot beside Alex. I barely had time to turn around and sit before he was grabbing my hand back in his, placing them on his leg. I was seconds away from melting into the floor. Alex had absolutely no clue what he was doing to me right now.

I was trying my absolute hardest to calm my racing heart, all the while trying to act like I wasn't affected by holding hands. Thankfully everyone seemed into Tangled to notice how red my face was.

My heart calmed down as the movie got started and all 5 of us got lost in it. Tangled was personally one of my favorites and every song was perfect, so it wasn't hard forgetting that I was pressed into Alex's side.

As Rapunzel and Flynn started singing on the water I found myself humming along, my eyes glued to the amazing graphics. It was by far the best part of the movie and almost always made me tear up. If only Rapunzel could see the way Eugene looked at her.

After my favorite part passed I glanced around noticing it was pretty silent. A soft grin overtook my face as I looked at Derek and Harper snuggled against each other dead asleep. Derek was practically laying on top of Olivia who was still awake, running her hands through his hair as he slept.

I watched as a look passed over her face. A look that I've only seen my grandparents give each other before passing away. The look of pure adoration. The sight made my chest ache. I wanted someone to look at me like that. Like they couldn't imagine life without me.

It made me even sadder than neither of them knew how the other felt. Derek had no clue that laying there in Olivia's arms was probably making her entire day. That she could fully look at him the way she can't when he's awake. I wanted to slap the two of them to wake them up!

A poke to my side had me glancing around from the pair. My eyes met Alex, who I had a feeling has been watching me for awhile. He gestured towards the 'doorway' of the fort. My heart stopped for a second realizing he wanted to have that talk now.

With a now dry throat I weakly nodded. I crawled quietly towards the opening of the fort not wanting to wake Harper or Derek. While Alex silently told Olivia where we were going, I was having a slight mental breakdown.

I knew I was probably overreacting to Alex wanting to talk but I couldn't stop all the bad thoughts from filling my mind. Despite having spent the last two hours leaning against each other and holding hands, I still couldn't push aside the thought of him rejecting me. Even Helen's story wasn't helping.

Secretly knowing he was going to try and kindly let me down I headed for the front porch for some privacy. Olivia didn't need to hear, although she'd probably get it out of me eventually.

Alex softly closed the door behind us. The sound seeming to vibrate through my whole body.

You'll be fine Riley. If he does reject you its not the end of the world. You'll keep going like you always do. I inwardly coached myself. Taking a seat on the front step I steeled myself for what was to come.

When Alex took a seat beside me I clenched my hands under the back of thighs. Maybe if I squeeze hard enough I won't cry. With each passing second that neither of us spoke, the more my nerves grew. I was seconds away from snapping.

"So last night..." Alex started. When he paused I knew it was coming.

"You regret it." I found myself saying, keeping my gaze straight ahead.

"What?"

"It's okay I get it. I wouldn't want to be with someone with as much baggage as I have."

"Riley-"

"You don't have to say anything." I cut him off. Quick and painful. "You don't like me like that. We'll just forget the kiss ever happened." I quickly stood up and headed for the door. Pretty sure if I stayed here any longer I'd burst into tears.

Just my like to finally like someone and they don't like me back. Better this than being humiliated in front of the entire school though. I'll give Alex that.

Before I could make it to the door a hand wrapped around my wrist, tugging me around. I stumbled over my own feet and slammed into Alex. He looked down at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Alex let me go." I moved to push away from him but his hands moved to my lower back, pressing me against him so I could move.

"Are you going to let me finish?" He cocked his head to the side in question. His touch and gaze making me feel flustered.

"No." But it came out in almost a whisper, my eyes locked onto his chest. I didn't want to see the pity in his eyes.

"What I was going to say before was last night was amazing." My head snapped up so fast I almost got whiplash.

"What?"

"I've been wanting to kiss you for a while now." My eyes grew at his words. Okay, maybe I fell asleep watching Tangled. I have to be dreaming right now.

"Freckles." Alex brought one of his hands up to cup the side of my face. "I don't regret the kiss; not by a long shot. Do you?" Fear flashed across his eyes as he spoke. The look sent a jolt through me. Was he just as nervous as I was about this talk? Thinking I was the one who regretted the kiss?

"No." I breathed out. "I don't regret it."

"Good cause I plan on doing it more often." His thumb rubbed the side of my face as he stared down at me. I had no control over what came out of my mouth when I spoke.

"You better."

Alex grinned at my words before leaning down and capturing my lips with his. His lips were so soft and for a split second the question of what kind of Chapstick he used went through my mind, but his lips moving against mine made it fly right out.

I leaned against Alex as I kissed him back, my hands gripping the front of his shirt. Damn he was a good kisser. This one was even better than last nights. When we finally pulled away I was left breathless.

"Wow." I whispered, my eyes still closed as the feeling washed over me.

Alex's hand was still cupping my face, his thumb stroking my cheek as he gazed down at me. I gazed right on back as he spoke.

"I was also going to say that we can take this slow. I know the thing with Mitch ended not too long ago and you may not be ready. So I am okay going slow."

All of my fears instantly washed away at his words. Alex really was the best guy. He is willing to go slow for me, knowing what I've been through. He could have easily not said anything about it.

I hadn't really thought about it until right now but I did want to take things slow. I didn't want to jump head first. I didn't....no couldn't do the same thing I did with Mitch. I jumped in head first with him and it tore me to pieces. I didn't want that with Alex. The fact that he was willing to do so for me was enough to show me that he actually cared.

"So freckles," I grinned at the nickname. "will you go on a date with me sometime?" With a grin that almost split my face in half I answered.

"I'd love to."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I just wanna squeal! They are together AHHHHH!! I know freaking finally they are together...ish? Like they aren't boyfriend and girlfriend yet but its coming! I just want my own Alex.

Sorry for the late update. I've re-written this chapter like three times not liking it. I had a certain idea of how I wanted it to go and it wasn't lining up. But no worries it is here now! I do hope you guys like it. I mean who doesn't love Rilex?!?  And YES I plan on adding more of Olivia and Derek in the next few chapters as well, in case you were wondering about them. Who know's maybe I'll do a short story on their love story?

Anyways, I love you guys. Thank you for being so patient with me. You guys are so wonderful, I really don't deserve you. As always let me know what you think! I am always around if you guys would like to talk! I'm on Insta, Twitter, here and I'm trying to be on Snapchat a bit more too. 

LOVE YOU! 

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-Ken