SURPRISE!!! I have uploaded two chapters so if you are seeing this first make sure to go back and read the one before!!

Song above is...To The Man Who Let Her Go by Tyler Shaw (You'll see how much this song fits later in the chapter. Highly recommend listening to)

Because it is my birthday today I thought why not give you guys a present from me!! So I hope you enjoy the two chapters!! <3

Happy Reading! :)

It took us a good 3 and a half hours before we called it quits. We didn't spend the whole time picking fruit, although our baskets were really full. We both just seemed to enjoy walking casually through the trees talking and teasing one another.

I ended up learning quite a bit about Alex as we walked. I found out he absolutely hated mustard, claiming it was the worst thing ever. He loved cool ranch Doritos, didn't like white chocolate, claimed 1984 was his favorite book, his favorite cereal was Coco Puffs, and swore that The Office was the greatest show ever; which promoted a heated discussion on why he was wrong.

They were just little things that I learned but I loved learning them. It showed me more of who Alex was and what I was learning made me like him that much more. Even if his taste in tv shows was bad.

When we made our way back to the main barn we paid for our fruit, which the lady was kind enough to only charge us for one basket. By time we got back in the car I felt so refreshed and almost sad to be leaving such a beautiful place, but Alex said there was still more on the agenda.

I would have been perfectly fine if that was the whole date but I couldn't deny I was excited for what else Alex had planned. I was just touched that Alex shared with me a place that meant a lot to his parents and him.

On the ride back we talked about everything and anything. Funny stories from school or stupid things that have happened to us. I'm pretty sure I haven't laughed so hard.

I loved hearing stories about Alex and Noah when they were kids. All the trouble they would cause. I could totally see those two being little terrors when they are younger.

I could have sat there listening to Alex talk forever. The way he talked about Noah I could tell they weren't just friends, they were brothers. After everything they've been through they are family. When he talked about the others it was clear he cared about them more than he'd ever say.

With Alex family and friends meant everything to him. He would do anything for those that he cared about. And the way he talked about his little sister made my heart melt. She was his entire world. There was absolutely nothing he wouldn't do for his little sister. He'd move mountains if he had to.

The fact that he was only 18 and already so selfless with his sister was the thing I respected most about him. Anyone else would have pawned the responsibilities to someone else. They wouldn't move their entire school schedule so they can drop her off at school. Wouldn't babysit a group of little girls, learn how to do hair, cook, clean. All the while working and going to school.

"What are you thinking so hard about over there?" Alex's voice jerked me out of my thoughts. I hadn't realized I had zoned out.

"Oh nothing." Like I was going to tell him I was thinking about him. I would never live that down.

"You sure?" He didn't seem too convinced but I nodded and smiled.

"I'm good." He turned back to the road, his hand laying on top of my thigh. His finger softly tapping to the beat of the song currently playing.

Looking over at him while he drove I felt my heart squeeze. I liked him. Today gave me a closer look into the real Alex and I found I liked him even more now. I quickly looked away as it all finally sunk in and clicked.

I was falling for Alex and I was falling HARD.

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

Alex

Today was going amazingly, more than I thought it would honestly. I was already planning on asking Riley out when Olivia called me and demanded I take her out this weekend. I was secretly glad for the push because as much as I hated to admit it I was nervous she wouldn't have said yes.

After our fruit picking I felt more relaxed. Driving to the same farm my father took me to years ago I was nervous Riley wouldn't have liked it. Most girls want something grand or where you had to spend money. I didn't want to do the normal date thing with Riley. I wanted our first date to be unique and fun.

As soon as I saw the look on her face when we pulled up to the place I knew my idea was perfect. Why I thought Riley wouldn't like it was beyond me. Time and time again Riley has proven is isn't anything like the other girls I've 'dated' before. But then again most of them were just flings. I've only ever dated one other girl before Riley and that was back in 6th grade. It lasted for two weeks before she moved away.

Everything about Riley pulled me in. From those green eyes to her contagious smile. The moment I saw her in 4th grade I was smitten. Riley probably doesn't remember but all the classes were out at break. I was playing kickball with a group of kids and I was in the outfield. I was too busy trying to catch the ball I hadn't noticed someone was beside me.

I ran smack into Riley, knocking her down. I fully expected her to burst into tears and I was already spewing apologizes. But all Riley did was get back up, flash me those gorgeous green eyes while smiling and told me it was okay before running off. I stared after her in awe. From then on I always noticed her in the crowd, my secret crush growing.

I wasn't quite sure why I never went up and talked to her before a month or so ago. She was always that one thing that was unattainable. Even through my dark phase after my parents passed I would see Riley in the halls or in the back of class and I'd feel better. Feel like my old self a bit more.

But every single time I would talk myself into going up to talk to her I would chicken out. Reminding myself that I wasn't good enough for a girl like that. A girl who radiated sunlight and could make anyone feel good just by smiling.

I kick myself daily for just sitting back and letting Mitch use her the way he did. When I first heard the rumors about Riley and Mitch dating I didn't believe it at first. Riley Carson dating the dick Mitch Lingston? Impossible.

Lingston was the biggest tool on the planet. I've had the displeasure of having classes him almost my entire life and I've hung out at the same parties as him. I saw how he loved to be treated like he was a king. Somehow girls fell for his charm and I never understood it.

After seeing Riley and Mitch at a party it felt like a kick to the gut. She had no clue about me or my crush on her but seeing her with Lingston of all people, it sucked and hurt. I couldn't fathom what she saw in him.

But when I saw them again at a party my eyes never left Riley. I watched as she stood alone in in the corner, looking so out of place and uncomfortable. She honestly looked so miserable and it took everything in me not to go up to her that night.

Then a week later it all blew up in front of the school. I hate myself for just standing there watching as he belittled her and made up lies, lies that everyone believed.

I had thought my crush on her was gone but watching as people said such hurtful things to her all I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and never let go. I wanted to shield her from it all.

That day I was walking towards my bike when I heard the voices and snickers. I glanced over to see Riley walking back Lingston and Rebecca and their little cronies. I watched as she noticed what they did to her car.

And just like that day on the playground in 4th grade Riley didn't cry or yell. She just simply started cleaning her car off.

I'm pretty sure it was that single memory that made me get on my bike and stop beside her car and talk to her for the first time since that day I bumped into her. Hearing her cursing under her breath was still one of the funniest things to me. Who knew Riley had such a mouth on her.

The girl that I had been crushing on for years was standing there cursing at me and basically telling me to fuck off, yet it was the greatest thing ever. In that moment I saw the true Riley Carson. The girl who underneath of it all had fire, who didn't give two shits, who was stronger than most.

She hadn't known it then but from that second on I was completely and utterly enthralled with her.

It was crazy to think we went from that to having Riley sitting in the passenger seat of my car with my hand on her thigh. I wasn't quite sure what I had done to deserve this moment right now.

"Are you hungry?" I asked as I pulled off the highway back towards town.

"Starving." As soon as she said that her stomach growled loudly in the car. I laughed loudly which only caused Riley to turn bright red.

"Food it is. Where do you want to go?"

"I could so use a hamburger right about now." I clenched my jaw at the slight moan in her voice. She really had no clue what she does to me.

Amused at her response I drove us towards the only place that had the best hamburgers in town.

"Thank god you didn't say a salad." I commented.

"Salad?" She laughed, the sound music to my ears.

"Yeah don't all girls love salad?" I asked, looking over at her real quick before going back to the road.

"Men can like salad to by the way. But no, not every girl likes to have a salad every meal. I mean I love a good salad but I also like hamburgers and fries." Riley shrugged. "Oh and a milkshake."

I chuckled under my breath. I loved how Riley loved her food. She wasn't the type to be embarrassed about eating in front of me. Every time I saw her I could see her coming out of her shell more and more. The walls she has built over the last few months were slowly coming down and the selfish part of me wanted to believe it was because of me.

I pulled into Monroe's Place and looked over at Riley. She was looking at the diner almost with hesitation.

"Hey." I spoke softly. "We don't have to go in. We can go somewhere else to eat or I can go in and order it to go." I offered. I knew the last time we were here wasn't a good experience. I didn't blame her either, especially after Rebecca came over and was a complete bitch.

If she didn't want to go in I'd gladly turn around to go somewhere else. I would never expect Riley to be uncomfortable with anything.

Riley was quiet for a moment, her eyes still glued to the diner and deep in thought. I waited patiently as she seemed to have an internal debate. A few minutes passed before she nodded her ahead with whatever conversation she was having with herself. I felt my lips tug up at how adorable she was.

"No lets go in." I couldn't guarantee that people from school wouldn't be in there. With it being a hot spot for teens most likely a few will be there. I had no problems going in there with Riley. I wanted everyone to know she was mine but I wasn't going to force Riley if she wasn't ready.

"You sure?" She turned to look at me with a smile.

"Positive." I searched her face to see if she was lying but found nothing.

"Okay then." Riley got out the car before I could say another word, making me scramble to turn the car off and meet her around the front.

When I came up to her side I could see she was tense despite her saying she was fine. I reached down and grabbed her hand, lacing my fingers with hers. I couldn't seem to get enough of touching her. Just holding her hand made everything inside of me melt. Her hand fit with mine so well that I didn't want to let it go ever.

Squeezing her hand I gave her an encouraging smile before leading us inside. With it being around lunch time the place was a little busy as we stepped inside. But almost immediately we were greeted.

"Riley!" The front hostess greeted. I watched as Riley and the lady hugged and greeted each other like they know one another. Last time we were here so knew one other waitresses too. Everyday I found something new to be intrigued about when it came to Riley.

"So just you two?" She asked a moment later.

"Yeah." She grabbed two menus while looking between us. "This way cuties." Beside me I heard Riley mutter something under her breath.

I reluctantly had to let go of Riley's hand as we slide into the booth on opposite sides. I really needed to get a grip on myself.

"Have fun you two." I didn't miss the wink the lady sent Riley who in turn ducked her head. I stared at her amused.

"You good?" I asked as soon as the lady walked off.

"Yeah that's just Alice. She likes to tease me." She muttered.

"You seem to know a lot of people here." I commented.

"Yeah with it just being me, sometimes I don't want to cook so I come here for dinner. The staff knows me pretty well." I felt my heart tug at her words.

Riley was alone in that big house. While my parents weren't around anymore I wasn't ever alone; I had Harper, Noah, Noah's parents. Riley had no one. It didn't sit right with me.

I could tell she was slightly embarrassed about it so I let it slide. But one thing I was sure of was she wasn't going to to spend a lot of time at home alone. She can always come over to mine or Noah's.

"Well hello you two." A slightly familiar voice spoke from the side. A quick glance up I recognized the waitress as the one we had the last time we were here. "Do I see my little girl here on a date?"

"Patty." Riley groaned. For a split second I thought she was going too deny that we were in fact on a date but instead she said, "Please don't embarrass me."

"Don't worry Hon I won't embarrass you in front of this cutie." I could tell they knew each other well and that the older lady liked to tease Riley.

"I'm Alex nice to meet you." I greeted politely. My mom did raise a gentleman after all.

"You treat this one good you hear Alex?" Her tone changed to firm as she spoke.

"Always." I had no plans ever to hurt Riley. I've waited years for this, I wasn't going to screw it up.

"She's a good one."

"Yes she is." I spoke softly as I gazed at Riley. She looked at me with red cheeks but her green eyes were shining brightly. I wanted to take a picture right then and there. Riley was absolutely stunning.

"What can I get you two kids then?" I finally looked away from Riley.

"I'll take a double cheeseburger with fries and a chocolate shake."

"I'll have a regular hamburger with fries and one of your amazing birthday cake shakes, please."

"I'll get those in for you two." Patty smiled one last time at the both of us before walking off.

"Birthday cake?" I questioned.

"It's a secret menu item that only Patty makes, so you have to know about it to get it. It is the absolute best."

"You know that sounds like a stomachache waiting to happen right?" I mentally made a note to never tell Harper about it or else she would beg me for it everyday.

"Just you wait until you try it. You'll fall in love." Riley said, leaning back with a confidence grin on her face.

Placing my forearms on the table I leaned forward a little bit, watching as Riley swallowed her eyes glued to mine. I liked seeing her reaction when I got close her. She tried to hide it but I could tell I had as much of an affect on her as she did me.

Riley had no idea how whipped I actually was. She didn't know I've imagined her sitting across from me like this for years. I never thought Riley would ever be mine, let alone want to go on a date with me. I don't like showing my emotions so Riley would never know exactly how nervous I am whenever I'm around her. I cover easily but inside my heart was beating a million miles an hour.

When I sent her that text asking her out I have never felt more nervous about anything in my entire life. The moment I hit send I was up pacing. Something that annoyed Noah to no end. The entire time he groaned about how stupid I was acting, that Riley was going to say yes. It took everything in me not to snap at him at the time.

When I heard my phone buzz I literally shoved Noah out of the way and vaulted over the couch. I won't confirm or deny if I shouted 'yes' at the time of my lungs when I saw her reply. Pretty sure I scared the shit out of everyone in Noah's house but I didn't care.

My eyes took in every detail of Riley's face as she sat there. She was wearing makeup, no doubt curtsey of Olivia, making her look gorgeous. But I personally think she looked the prettiest without it.

Yesterday when we got back to her house after getting caught in the rain, she was wearing a huge sweat-shirt and a pair of sweats, her hair was down around her shoulders and still damp. Her face was clear of makeup and her cute freckles were on display. She's never looked more beautiful.

Even now sitting here she had no clue just how beautiful she was. Don't get me started on how great she looked in her outfit and those jeans. I was a guy after all.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Riley's voice broke me out of my staring. I quickly looked away, coughing and rubbing the back of my neck, embarrassed I was caught staring.

"Uh you just had something on your face." I lied. She quickly reached up to wipe at her cheek. "You got it." Smooth Alex, smooth.

Thankfully Patty decided to walk over with our shakes just then. Saved me from further embarrassment. I really needed to get my shit together. I can't be acting like a starstruck idiot.

"Here you cuties go. Your food will be out in a minute." As soon as she placed down Riley's shake she grabbed it and brought it closer. Amused I watched as she scooped some whip cream on her finger.

I had to quickly look away as she ate her whip cream. Now was not the time to be having such things run through my head. She had no clue that what she was doing was enough to turn a guy on in seconds.

Instead I grabbed my own milkshake, keeping my gaze downwards. Moving the cherry off to the side I took a sip of mine, pushing any dirty thoughts about Riley out. It was easier said than done.

"You don't like cherries?" Riley suddenly asked.

"Not really they taste too fake." I shrugged. "Do you want it?" She gladly took it with a smile.

You know people always say to find someone who will eat the pickle off your plate if you don't want it. Sitting there watching as she ate her milkshake with a content smile, I knew I wanted Riley to be the one to eat the cherries off my milkshakes.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"If you had to choose who would you smack?"

"I can't! I wouldn't slap any of them."

"You have to. Nico, Lexi, Noah, Derek or Olivia...who would you smack for 3 million dollars."

"How can you ask that! They are my friends." Riley whined.

"You don't have to actually smack them, freckles." I laughed.

"Who would you choose?"

"Nope you first." I shook my head. "3 million dollars." She was quiet for a moment before she sighed.

"Fine in this fake situation," She emphasized 'fake'. "I would slap Derek." The way she said it was like she had acid in her mouth. Riley couldn't hurt a fly, but I've seen deep down she'd hurt anyone that hurt her friends/family. I saw it at the club a few months back.

"I wonder how Derek will feel when he finds out." I teased, rubbing my chin like I was really contemplated telling him.

"Don't you dare." Riley narrowed her eyes at me. Her glare did nothing on me but I found it cute. I've gone against men triple her size in the ring, no way does she terrify me.

"Alex." She warned. I put my hands up, the corner of my lips tilting up.

"I won't. Promise."

"Now you. Who would you smack?"

"Easy. Noah."

"Noah!"

"He's my best friend. He'll forgive me." I waved it off. "I've slapped him before anyways."

"You've slapped your best friend before?" Riley's eyes were wide.

"We use to have slapping battles." I said it casually which only made Riley's eye wider.

"What are slapping battles?"

"You stand in front of each other and ask questions. If the other person gets it wrong you get to smack." Back in the day it was a fun game. We haven't played it in years though.

"You...and people wonder why women live longer." Riley shook her head. I laughed. Guys tend to do more stupid shit than girls, that is true.

"How are you two love birds doing?" Patty appeared.

"Patty." Riley groaned under her breath. I just smiled and looked at Patty.

"We are good. I think we need to get going though, I have another thing planned for us."

"Oh he's a keeper." Patty winked at me. As she started cleaning up our plates I took out my wallet.

"Here let me help." Riley said, reaching into her bag.

"You're not paying." I shook my head instantly.

"That's not fair. I can at least give you half."

"No."

"Alex I don't mind."

"Riley." I lowered my voice and looked over at her. I made sure my tone wasn't rude but it was firm. "You aren't paying."

I had no problems if she wanted to pay but this was our first date and I'll be damned if I let her pay. My dad always taught me that if you ask a girl out first then you pay. He also said to never ask one out if you cannot afford to at least buy dinner.

Keeping my eyes on her I placed down two twenties and extended it over to Patty. Riley blushed under my gaze but made no move to grab her wallet again. Good. Seeing that she wasn't going to try and pay again I turned back to Patty.

"Keep the change." Patty looked back and forth between us with a grin I couldn't decipher.

"You two have fun the rest of the day. Don't do anything I wouldn't." She winked. Riley placed her hand on her forehead in embarrassment. With that Patty walked off.

"Ready to go?"

"Lets go before she embarrasses me even more." Riley grabbed her stuff and quickly got out of the booth. Coming up to her side I gently placed my hand on her lower back and lead her towards the door.

While we ate the place hadn't gotten any less busy, in fact it seemed even more so. We had to dodge a few people as we got to the front door. My hand moved to her waist as we got to the front. The door opened before we could and I barely had enough time to pull Riley back before she ran into someone.

As soon as I saw who was in front of us I clenched my jaw, my hand tightening around Riley's hip. Of course. Of all people he had to be here.

"Well, well, well isn't it Kinley and Riley." The sound of his voice grated on my nerves.

"Lingston."

Beside me Riley stiffened and stepped closer to my side. I looked at Mitch and fought to keep the smug smirk off my face seeing the bruise still on the side of his face. The colors black and purple suited him.

"What are the two of you doing together? Is she still trying to seduce you?" I hated the way Mitch looked and spoke about Riley. I watched as his eye went up and down her like she was a piece of meat.

I pulled her even closer to me and narrowed my eyes.

"I'd tread very careful Mitch. Don't want you to get matching bruises on the other cheek." Mitch's eyes snapped towards me. He stood a little bit taller but I still had a good two inches over him.

"You can't handle the truth Alex? We both knew she isn't worth the hassle." He looked over at Riley at the last part and sneered.

"You don't know shit Lingston." I gritted out.

"I know she will spread those legs for any guy with a dick." He spat. At his words I lost it. I lunged forward fully intent on knocking the prick on his ass. Before I could reach him someone tugged my arm hard.

"Alex stop." Riley tugged me backwards. If the situation was different I would find it comical that she thought she could move me.

"Riley." I said through clenched teeth.

"He isn't worth it Alex." Her grip was hard as she brought me back a step.

"Yeah Alex listen to the bitch." Mitch smirked. God I wanted to punch it right off his face.

"Lets go." Riley's voice was firm as she ignored him.

Every part of me itched to let loose on Mitch. He would never stand a chance. He'd finally learn not to mess with me or what's mine. I was seconds away from doing it to. But the sound of Riley's voice I knew if I did she would run scared.

With my eyes still trained on Mitch I reached back to grab Riley's hand. Once I felt it in my hand I felt myself relax.

"Move."

Mitch stood there for a moment still glaring at me. A good minute passed before he stepped to the side. More than ready to get out of here I stepped towards the door.

"Have fun with the slut then Kinley."

I turned ready to punch him regardless of what Riley said but instead she beat me to it. Riley's arm snapped out and landed a punch directly on the same cheek I hit the week before. Mitch stumbled back a step into one of his friends, his hand coming up to his cheek. The sound echoed around us and I was pretty sure most of the diner heard and saw what happened.

"Next time I'll make sure Alex gives you a matching set." She spat. Before Mitch could say anything else Riley marched out the door, tugging me after her.

Riley didn't stop until we reached the car. Getting in the drivers seat I turned my body to the side to look at her. She sat there cradling her hand, her face flushed from what she just did.

"I probably shouldn't have punched him but damn did it feel good. I just wanted to smack that stupid ass smirk off his face." Riley rambled feverishly. She turned to look at me as she spoke.

"I know I told you not to and then I did it but the asshole deserved it. He-" Before she could say anything else I reached out and grabbed her face, pressing my lips against her shutting her up instantly.

I kissed her hard but she kissed me back just as hard after a split second. Her hands came up to grip the front of my shirt as she kissed me. I pulled away after a moment, panting heavily. I rested my forehead against hers, my eyes still closed.

"That was the hottest thing I've ever seen." I breathed. Her breath fanned against my face as she let out a small chuckle. "I am so proud of you."

"You're not mad?" Her voice was soft. I pulled back to look at her face.

"Never." I told her furiously, still cupping her face. "The prick deserved it, if not more." My eyes flickered back and forth between hers. "You were standing up for yourself and I couldn't be prouder."

I meant every single word too. She's always let Mitch say horrible things to her, let him walk all over her but today she showed just how strong she was. She had every right to punch him for what he said.

"That was a good punch wasn't it?" Riley giggled. A smile spread across my face at her laugh.

"It was perfect." Surprising me she pulled me in for another kiss.

"I forgot how much it hurts though." She murmured against my lips a minute later. Pulling away I glanced down at her hands still gripping my shirt. Gently I pulled them away and held her right hand in mine. It was bright red and already swollen.

"For someone who says they wouldn't hit someone you sure do it a lot." I joked. She let out a hiss as I moved her hand around to make sure it wasn't broken. It had just barely healed from the last time. "I'm going to have to start charging you for taking care of your hand."

"Maybe this is our thing." Riley tried to joke but then winced when I bent her hand.

"Maybe we don't make you hurting yourself 'our thing'." I suggested instead.

"Yeah maybe not."

Seeing that her hand wasn't broken just bruised again I gently placed it back in her lap.

"We better go find some ice for that...again. Thankfully though it looks worse than it is."

"I promise I'm not that much of a trouble maker."

"I don't know, I think there's another side to you I haven't seen yet."

"Like what?"

"Like maybe you're a secret agent sent here to spy on us." I shrugged, starting the car.

"Damn I think my covers been blown." Riley spoke just as seriously as I did. But one look at one another we broke out into grins.

I pulled out of the parking lot and headed for the gas station down the street. In a matter of minutes we were once again parked.

"Come on Agent Carson lets get you some ice." With Riley still cradling her hand against her chest, I gently lead her towards the fountain machine.

Filling a bunch of napkins with ice I made Riley hold it to her hand while I filled a cup with extra.

"To make you feel better pick whatever you want." I swept my arm out towards the store.

"What?"

"Snacks always makes things better, plus where we are going next we need some. So go grab some stuff."

I could practically see the excitement build up in her body as I spoke. I barely got the words out before she took off to find some snacks for us. Chuckling and shaking my head I went to find us drinks.

Remembering that her favorite soda was Sprite, I grabbed one for her and a Mountain Dew for me. I was gone for maybe a minute and by time I came back to where the candy bars were at Riley standing there with a wide grin, struggling to hold a bunch of stuff in her one good hand.

"Did you pick one of everything?" I asked, going over to help take some out of her hand. I saw Snickers, Reeces, Skittles, 3 Musketeers, Laffy Taffy's, sour gummy worms, and even two ring pops.

"You said get whatever I want." Riley shrugged. "Oh and these." Reaching around me she grabbed a big bag of Funyuns. God she was amazing.

"Anything else?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Nope." With a giddy smile she went to the counter and dumped the stuff in her hand down. Thankfully we were one of the only people in the gas station.

The guy at the counter looked at our stuff and back up at us. He looked severely put out having to ring up everything we got. With a huff he started ringing us up, occasionally looking at Riley's hand covered in the makeshift icepack.

"That will be $25.45." At the price Riley paused.

"Maybe we should put some back." I shook my head and paid. "Alex."

Grabbing the two bags from the cashier I gave him a nod before ushering Riley out.

"Alex we didn't need all of those. Lets take some back."

"Riley the price doesn't matter." I tried to reassure her.

"But-"

"No buts. We are probably going to eat all of them anyways so they won't go to waste." Opening her door she sighed and got in, letting the topic go. Placing the bags at her feet I went around to the drivers side.

"Are you going to tell me where we are going this time?" She questioned a minute later.

"Nope." I was hoping she would like where we are going just as much as the strawberry farm. I wanted to take credit for this one but Olivia was the one who suggested it.

We sat in comfortable silence as I drove us another 20 minutes to our last stop. It got darker the further we went out, the sun setting in front of us. Not before long I was following a small stream up cars.

Riley leaned forward curious but didn't say anything. Growing slightly nervous I followed the cars into a large open field. We were a bit early so there wasn't too many people and it wasn't fully set up quite yet. Pulling off to the side I parked the car and turned it off.

"You grab your things and I'll grab the treats."

"Uh."

"I promise you're gonna love it." With a quick nod she grabbed her bag and phone and met me around the front. Holding the two bags in one hand I used the other to grab her hand.

Big flood lights lit the field as we walked.

"What are all these people here for?" Riley asked, looking around and more and more cars came.

I didn't answer and kept leading her forward. I was pretty sure she knew what we were doing here for. The line of cars parked the way they were most likely gave it away.

When Liv told me that they were doing a Drive In Movie on the other side of town I knew it would be perfect with Riley. Liv assured me they were playing one of Riley's favorite movies so I just hoped she enjoyed it.

Leading her around row after row of cars I finally spotted the one I was looking for. Because I only had my motorcycle and my Camero it would be difficult seeing the movie. So I asked a huge favor of Derek to borrow his truck so we can use the bed.

I made a promise that I would take good care of it and return it home if he took mine. He was probably picking it up as we speak.

"Is that Derek's truck?" With a grin I nodded.

"He's letting us use it tonight." I brought her around to the back. I had to basically bribe Derek to get here early so we could have almost front row seats.

"A Drive In Movie Theater." Riley breathed catching sight of the large screen being put up.

"They are showing When In Rome. Olivia told me it was one of your favorites." Out of habit I nervous rubbed my neck. I was praying Liv didn't lie to me that this was one of her favorite movies.

"Alex." Riley breathed. I stilled. "This is incredible." She faced me with a wide grin. "I've always wanted to come to one of these!"

"Yeah?" Maybe the whole day didn't go according to plan. I didn't plan on encountering Mitch and Riley to hurt her hand again, but seeing her face light up I knew today was a success.

"And this movie is one of my all time favorites!" I sent a silent thank you to Olivia for this idea.

"Let me help you in." I put down the tailgate and was pleased to see the back was already set up with a bunch of pillows and blankets. I had a feeling Olivia came here with Derek to help. No way would he do something like this.

The movie wasn't set to start for another ten minutes so gave us plenty of time to settle in. Holding Riley by her waist I gently lifted her up and into the back. Once I was in we made quick work of putting all the snacks in one bag to fish through and placed our drinks off to the side wedged between blankets.

There were plenty of pillows placed for us to lean back on and blankets to put over us. With the sun almost set the air was getting colder and colder.

Once we finally got settled Riley and I were seated beside each other, our sides pressed together. I wanted to wrap my arm around her but I wasn't quite sure if she wanted that.

"Thank you for bringing me here." Riley whispered.

"I wanted to make sure our first date was amazing." I whispered right on back.

"Everything about today was amazing Alex." I hadn't realized just how tense I was all day, worrying if she liked our date, so hearing those words I felt the weight lift off my shoulders.

A few minutes passed as I worked up the nerve to say what I wanted to say. I've been practicing what I would say for days now, hell if I'm being honest years, but now I was struggling for the words. Just say it Alex!

"There is something I want to ask you Riley." My voice came out slightly breathless and I cleared my throat. She turned those gorgeous green eyes on me. With slightly sweaty palms I took a deep breath.

"I've been wanting to ask you this for a while now but I wasn't sure when the right timing would be. I didn't want to ask too soon and assume anything or be late and miss my shot." I rambled.

"Alex." Her hand came down on top of mine. Shaking myself I finally got to the point.

"I was wondering if you'd like to be my girlfriend."

The moment the words left my lips it was like the world went silent. Everything else faded but the two of us. I was a ball of nerves as I waited for her answer. It literally felt like eons went by before she opened her mouth.

"Are you sure you want me as your girlfriend? I come with a lot of baggage." Her voice was so soft and timid.

Grabbing her chin I tilted her face up to mine.

"I don't care about your baggage. You are amazing, strong, funny, clumsy." Riley laughed softly, her eyes filling with tears. "You are everything I have ever wanted." This time it was my voice that was soft.

My thumb wiped away a tear that rolled down her face as she leaned her cheek into my palm.

"So will you be my girlfriend? Officially?"

"I would love to." 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wow this just reminds me of how single I am.....

THEY ARE OFFICIALLY BOYFRIEND AND GIRLFRIEND!! AHHHH! Finally Alex asked Riley to be his gf and I found the way he asked so cute. All nervous and jittery like she wouldn't say yes. This whole chapter just got me in the feels not gonna lie. 

Did you guys like a good look into Alex's head? We got to see how he actually met Riley years ago, how he's had a crush for years! We even see him sticking up for Riley with Mitch, just proves he's the perfect guy. I hope you guys liked the date part to. Honestly I'd love to be taken to a drive in movie on a date. 

Anyways, it is my birthday today. I'm 24 can you believe it!? God I'm getting old. But I thought why not give you guys a present from me on this special day. So I hope you guys enjoyed the TWO chapters! Each are almost 10k words, so hopefully the wait was worth it. I know some of you are pissed. I've seen the comments and I'm sorry for making you wait. 

I love you guys and I hope you all are still  being safe and healthy!! Thank you for the endless love and support! 

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<3 <3 <3 <3

-Ken