Alive (Mended Hearts #1) (10 page)

Chapter
8

Maisie

I woke up this morning with a ginormous smile plastered on my face, and nothing is going to remove it. I haven’t felt this happy in months, and it’s all thanks to my sexy man, my boyfriend. Yes, I said it.
He’s my boyfriend!
I want to scream it from the rooftops, letting everybody know that I’m in a relationship with Jesse Cohen, the guy all the girls want, but can’t have because he’s with me now.

I’m currently getting ready to go out with Jesse this morning. He called about an hour ago, telling me to dress comfy. When I asked what we were doing, all I got in reply was ‘it’s a surprise’. No matter how much I begged him to tell me, he wouldn’t budge. I hate surprises, I always have. I trust Jesse
, though, so I know I will love whatever he has planned.

Headphones in, I start applying my make-up. One Direction
’s Midnight Memories starts playing. I can’t help but sing.
Loudly.
I love this song; it makes me happy.

A tap on my shoulder makes me turn around, screaming my head off.
My eyes land on Chloe, standing there, laughing her head off and pointing at me.

I take out my headphones, giving
her a glare. “Didn’t your mother teach you not to sneak up on people like that, Chloe? I think I just had a mini heart attack, you bitch!” I say, holding onto my heart and waiting for my heartbeat to even out. It’s beating double time right now.

“Oh
, stop being a big baby. I tried getting your attention by shouting your name for the last few minutes, but you were too into your song. But your face was priceless!” she says, another round of laughter hitting her. Her laughter is infectious and, with the good mood that I’m in today, I can’t help but laugh along with her. It is pretty funny, now that the shock has worn off.

“Just don’t do it again.
I think I peed my pants a little. I’m going to have to go change,” I say, getting up to grab some new panties. After choosing a white lacy pair, I walk into the bathroom.

“Where are you off to anyway?” Chloe shouts through the door.

“Jesse’s taking me somewhere. Don’t ask where because he wouldn’t tell me,” I shout back, pulling my jeans up. As I open the door, I’m met with a confused Chloe. Yeah, I’m not surprised. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her since the football match yesterday. I have a lot to fill her in on. “Come sit down. I have a lot to tell you, but I’ll have to make it quick. Jesse’s picking me up in twenty,” I say, looking at my cell for the time.

“Start by telling me why you left the game early? You were fine when you left to get a drink, then when you got
back, you looked like someone had kicked your puppy.” I tell her everything that happened with Tiffany in the restrooms.

“Who does she think she is? She wouldn’t
have said shit if I’d have been with you. I’m sorry, Maisie. I take it you didn’t listen to her, seeing as you’re seeing Jesse today?” she asks, anger radiating from her body.

“That’s the thing... I was going to forget all about him. That’s why I left early. I couldn’t sit there an
d watch him when I knew I had to give him up. I was going to give him a chance before Tiffany threatened me,” I say, remembering how I felt yesterday.

“So
, what made you change your mind?” she asks, intrigued.

“
Jesse happened,” I reply, a smile taking over my sullen face. Chloe doesn’t say anything, just waves her hand for me to explain. I explain about Jesse coming over after his match, me explaining everything to him, and how we ended up admitting that we have feelings for each other. The whole time, the smile on my face gets bigger and bigger. I must look crazy.

“Please
, tell me that you two are officially a couple now?” Chloe asks, sitting on the edge of the bed in suspense.

“
Yes!
” I squeal, jumping up and down. Chloe joins me, her smile matching my own. This is why I love my best friend. She always shares my enthusiasm.

“Thank God for that. I thought I was going to have to give you an intervention
and knock some sense into you,” she shouts while continuing to jump up and down.

I get
a stitch, so I stop jumping and hold onto my side, trying to catch my breath. “I know, but you know I’m wary from what happened with Matt. But, you helped me see that life is too short and to live in the moment. This is me living in the moment, giving things a go. I just hope it’s worth it.”

“Oh
, babe, it will be. Trust me. Plus, if Jesse upsets you, then he has to deal with the angry best friend. I’ll chop his balls off, which by the way, you should have let me do to Matt!” Chloe says, putting her hands on her hips and giving me a stern expression. I just laugh at her. Trust her to bring that up now.

“That’s all in the past now. However, if Jesse upsets me, you will be the first person I tell so that you can seek revenge.”
Chloe’s cell phone ringing interrupts us. Looking at the caller ID, I see it’s Jake. Interesting... Chloe’s just staring at the cell, watching it ring. “Are you going to answer that?” I ask.

Looking up at me, she shakes her head, chucking the cell down onto her bed.
“Nope.”

“What do you think he wants?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? Jesse will be here in five minutes,” she says, changing the subject. Having known Chloe since I was little, I know it’s best to just drop the subject. She will tell me what’s going on when she’s ready, and I will be here to listen to her when she is.

“Oh crap. Yeah
, I have to finish my make-up,” I say, scrambling off the bed.

Five minutes later, I’m ready
and peaking out the window to watch for Jesse. It’s not normal, but I can’t seem to get enough of him.

I don’t have to wait long. He’s literally coming down the road as soon as I reach the window. He is definitely the hottest thing I have ever seen
, especially riding his motorcycle. My parents would have a fit if they found out, but oh well. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

I grab
my denim jacket from my bed, put it on, and pick up my cell. “I’m off now, Chloe. I’ll see you later?” I ask, making my way toward the door.

“Yeah, I’ll be here
,” she replies, still staring at her phone. We need to have a girl’s day soon. I’m getting worried about her.

My cell rings as I’m making my way downstairs. Jesse. Smiling at the screen, I answer, “I’m on my way down.”

“Okay. See you in a minute, pretty lady,” he replies, then disconnects the call. I can feel my cheeks heat up from him calling me that. I know I’m not the prettiest girl around. I’m quite plain compared to most girls. I don’t think I’ll ever understand what Jesse see’s in me, but he must see something, so I’m not going to complain.

As I step
out into the autumn heat, a breeze sweeps my hair in front of my face, blocking my view of Jesse. Swiping my hair to the side, I take him in. I swear he seems to get better looking every time I see him. How is it even possible? His jet black hair has that ‘just got out of bed’ look about it, but he pulls it off so well. At least if I run my hands through it, I don’t have to worry about messing up his hair. I don’t think he’s shaved since I saw him last night, either, as he’s sporting more stubble than usual. That’s going to hurt if we kiss. I’m hoping there’s plenty of kissing today. I’ve been dreaming about his lips pressed against mine, along with other things, all night. Jesse’s wearing his usual black leather jacket, but this time, he has on a red tight fitted t-shirt, showing off his perfect pecs. I just want to run my hands up and down them to see if they feel as good as they look! He’s wearing his usual dark jeans and biker boots, too. All that’s missing are his yummy tattoos. I’m turning into a pervert, but I don’t care. When your man looks as good as him, it’s hard not to look and think dirty thoughts. I stop in front of him and look up, smiling. Cheesy much?

“Do I meet
up to your standards?” he asks, a dimpled smirk on his face.
Busted!
I feel a blush creeping up my neck for the second time in the last five minutes. I’ve never blushed so much in life before. Damn you, Jesse, and your hypnotic powers!

Trying to act indifferent,
since the redness now covering my face gives me away, I say, “Mostly yes. However, it would be nice to see your tattoos once in a while.” I hope I sound confident. I sure don’t feel it, though.

“If you’re lucky, you may get a peak later.” He winks, holding out his hand
.

“I hope I’m lucky then.” I wink back, placing my hand in his calloused ones. I wonder what
he does that makes them like that. Maybe he plays the guitar? Jesse laughing shakes me out of my thoughts. I seem to be day dreaming a lot lately too. Damn him for that also. “Where are we off to?” I ask, changing the subject.

“I thought we’d take a walk down to the beach and have a picnic there
. The weather’s not too bad today, so I thought we’d make the most of it while it lasts. Is that okay?” he asks, looking unsure of himself.

“It sounds
perfect... I’ve never had a picnic on a beach before with anyone except my family and Chloe,” I reply, smiling up at him. He returns the smile, melting my heart. He really does have a beautiful smile. I could stare at it all day if he let me.

“
Well, let’s go then. This way, m’lady,” Jesse unstraps a basket from the back of his bike, spins me around, and then we head in the direction of the beach. The smile that I woke up with is still in place, except now it’s bigger, all thanks to the amazing man next to me.

****

Jesse picks out the spot for us to sit. I don’t mind. He said to me on the way here that this is a date, and he wants it to be perfect. So far, he has been true to his word, and we’ve only been walking.

He sets out a checkered blanket, which by the looks of it has seen better days. Making myself comfy, I slip off my sandals, close my eyes
, and let the sun do its magic. This is heaven. I love the beach, being from San Francisco, but they don’t make guys like Jesse back home. Being with him makes the experience all the more amazing.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” Jesse says from beside me.

Opening one of my eyes, I sneak a look at him, seeing an amused expression on his face. “I love the beach. I haven’t had the chance to come here yet, so I’m making the most of it.”

“I chose well then. I’m glad. I was pretty nervous this morning, thinking that you may not think it’s very adventurous
,” he admits honestly. I didn’t think guys like him got nervous. You learn something new every day.

“This is perfect
. Thank you.”

“Are you hungry?”

As if on cue, my stomach rumbles, reminding me that I haven’t eaten today. “I’m starving.”

“Good. I
bought a lot of food, since I don’t know what you like. We have ham sandwiches, sausage rolls, strawberries, grapes, potato chips, chocolate, and water,” he says, pulling the items out.

“You’re in luck. I love all of that.”

“I thought we could be romantic, feeding each other strawberries like they do in the movies,” Jesse says laughing, a blush creeping up onto his cheeks. I laugh along uneasily. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to. It’s cheesy, I know.” Now I feel bad. I’ve probably made him think that I’m laughing at him.

“I’d love to. I’ve never had someone feed me strawberries before
. Well, if you don’t count my parents when I was a baby, I haven’t, so you’ll be the first.” A smile takes over his face, and it’s contagious.

“I’m glad that I’ll be your first then.”

Passing me a sandwich, we eat in silence. It’s not awkward, but more peaceful. It doesn’t feel like we have to say anything to fill the silence, either. We’re content with just looking at the ocean.

Between
the two of us, we ate nearly all of the food. Well, Jesse did, but I’m so full, I feel like my stomach is about to explode. Lying down to get comfy, Jesse leans over me, blocking the sun.

“Have you got room for strawberries?” Oh God, I forgot about them. If I say no
, he’s going to think it’s because I don’t want him to feed them to me. I’m going to have to eat them. Eurgh. But for him, I will.

“Okay, but only a few
, though. I feel like I’m going to explode into a million pieces.”

“You’ve hardly eaten anything.”

“I don’t usually eat much,” I say, feeling insecure. Since my break up with Matt, I’ve lost my appetite, causing me to lose a few pounds. I could afford to lose that weight though.

“I’ll make it my mission to get you to eat properly then.” I put my arms around my stomach, closing in on myself. He must have noticed because he
adds, “Not that you need to put any weight on. You’re perfect just the way you are. I just don’t want you to starve yourself.”

“I’m not
,” I reassure him. I need to change the topic and fast.

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” I ask the first thing that pops into my head.
Besides, I haven’t heard him mention his family before. I don’t really know that much about him actually...