Chapter 8 Dreading It
Gracie
I dread seeing Ryland after what happened last night. He saw right through my lies. It was written all over his face. I will need to make sure I convince him that I hurt myself. I don’t want or need him to find out anything else. I need to find a way to distract him from the topic.
I finish getting ready and pull a baggy hoodie over my outfit. I can get away with it today because it is colder than it has been recently. I am trying to leave as quickly as I can. My dad is still passed out, and I would rather not be here when he wakes up. I grab my bag and run out of the front door. I am outside 15 minutes early. I take my cell out to mess around with it, sitting on my front porch and wait for Ryland.
“Someone is eager to get to school.”
Ryland! I turn to face him, smiling. He is standing in his garden.
“Always, I enjoy school.”
“Weirdo,” he teases.
I jump to my feet and go out to the front of the house. Ryland soon joins me.
I got to my feet, going out to the front path, Ryland soon joining me.
“Good morning, beautiful.” He chirps.
I blush at him calling me beautiful. “Good morning.”
“We have a little time, do you want to grab a coffee before school?”
I nod, and Ryland gently rests his hand on the small of my back, leading us to his car. I am surprised when he opens the door for me. I turn to him, the look on my face clear to read. Ryland laughs and motions for me to climb in. Who knew he would be the opening doors type? Then again, I don’t know him that well.
I smile. “Thank you.” I slip into the passenger’s seat.
He closes the door behind me before he runs around to the driver’s side to climb in and gets us on our way. I suddenly become nervous. I am in a moving car with him, which means I can’t get away. I am not scared to be alone with him, it isn’t that at all. I am naturally anxious. I turn to stare out of the window, sighing.
“Hey, are you okay?” Ryland asked, placing his hand on my knee.
Ryland rests his hand on my knee. “Are you okay?”
I refuse to look at him. “I am fine.”
With his hand on my knee, a comforting feeling takes over me.
“Gracie, I meant what I said last night. If you need to talk, I am here.”
I manage to get a strained thank you out, hoping that if I don’t say much, he will leave it be. It works, he doesn’t push any further. He removes his hand from my knee. Not another word is spoken between us. I still can’t believe he is my new neighbour. Out of all the people in the world, he has to be the one who moves next door. What are the chances of that?
Ryland pulls up outside the coffee shop. It is the one which happens to be my favourite. Marco’s makes the best coffee in town.
“Nice choice.”
“Thanks. I saw you here with your friends one time and decided to come to somewhere I know you like.” He miles.
“It is the best place in town for coffee.”
“Let’s go then.”
Ryland climbs out first, and I follow. He comes around to help me, but it's too late. His hand lands on the small of my back once again, and I shudder under his touch. I turn to look at him and find him watching me. A strange look in his eyes. One which I can’t work out the meaning behind.
“I knew you were attracted to me,” he says, a smug look painted on his handsome face.
I go to protest, but he doesn’t give me the change. With a loud laugh, he pulls away and heads into the coffee shop. I groan in frustration. Why does he need to be so smug all of the time? What makes him think I am attracted to him anyway? I have not given him any reason to think this. I don’t think. I don’t know anymore. I am tempted to run and go in the other direction.
“I swear, if you run away from me, I will come after you. I will toss you over my shoulder and carry you in. Is that what you want, brown eyes?”
I use an eye roll to respond, no words. Why does he insist on calling me that all the time? I barge by him, heading inside. He follows, laughing. I swear I will end up slapping him one day if he keeps irking me. I take my place in the long line. It is the time of the morning when people are going to school or work. It is always busy at this time.
Ryland comes up behind me and stands very close. I try my hardest to ignore him, but having him this close isn’t making it easy. The scent of his aftershave is strong. Not in the way he is wearing too much, but enough for the scent to follow behind him. He smells amazing! The warmth of his breath brushes against my neck, and his lips land on my ear.
“Do you like me being this close?” he rasps.
“Hmm,” is the only word I manage to get out.
His hand falls on my hips. “I will take that as a yes.”
I glance over my shoulder at him. “Are you always this annoying and arrogant?”
A sweet smile grows on his lips. “Nope. I am a delight.”
A giggle escapes my lips. He does have a good sense of humour. I like that in a person.
“Much better.” He winks.