Young Annabelle Series: Young Annabelle, the Truth About James, What My Heart Wants (10 page)

Anytime soon?!

I needed to put a stop to him. He was going way overboard with the dirty talk, or whatever it was. The only thing I knew was that I was uncomfortable as hell with the idea of him sneaking through my window.

“Dude, even if you wanted to you couldn’t,” I answered. “My room’s on the second floor, so it might be a little difficult for you seeing as there’s no tree to climb.”

I turned to the window.

Neutral tone: check.

“So your room’s up top, good to know.” He rejoiced at figuring out another clue.

What!
I spun around to face him, my eyes and mouth wide open.

“It doesn’t matter,” I snapped, “even if you could fly, you’re not invited anyways.”

Neutral tone: uncheck.

It was beyond my realm of expression at the moment.

So there!

“Not invited
yet,
” He responded matter-of-factly. The light turned green and he made a left.

“Whatever,” I sighed breathlessly, feeling my energy beginning to dwindle. I wasn’t going to fight him on this because he wasn’t going to get anywhere near my room anyway
s.

He followed the speed limit and at the rate we were going I’d be home in less than ten minutes. I watched the setting sun through the window, in a few more minutes it would be gone completely and I’d be stuck in a car with James.

Alone.

In the dark.

Breathe!
I urged myself.

Change the subject. Maybe I should bring up something he likes?
I pondered, stealing a peek at him from the corner of my eye. Perhaps if I brought up a neutral, light, fun topic I could see a different side of him, someone besides the boy who loved to bring up dirty innuendos every chance he could.

Baseball!

“So… How was baseball training?”

He took his eyes off the road for a second to grace me with a glance, smiling.

“It’s going pretty good. I’ll probably be batting in the first game.” His eyes returned to the road but his voice sounded happy.

Baseball makes him happy.

Noted!

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah, I’m the newbie. But Coach thinks I’m the shit. Not that I blame him, I’m pretty amazing.”

Obviously not humble.

“Well, congratulations.” I didn’t know what else to say. I didn’t want to rain on his parade, even though the way he kissed his own ass made me want to shut him down, Annabelle-style.

But I didn’t.

“Don’t congratulate me now. Do it after I win the first game by slamming an awesome home run.” 

“You ever hear the phrase ‘there’s no ‘I’ in the team’?” I asked in awe of his idea of his own self-worth. He obviously thought he was some sort of superstar.

Definitely not humble.

“Besides, I don’t do sporting events,” I added.

His eyes shot back and forth between the road and me, narrowing in his confusion.

“That’s a crock of shit. You went to that mock swim meet today.” He sounded like a lawyer catching the star witness in a lie.

I’ve wounded him.

“Jenna’s my best friend
, she’s earned that privilege,” I explained, like the rules of my world were written and sealed, with no room for any provisions.

“Yeah, and what do I have to do to earn that privilege? Become your boyfriend?” James shook his head and laughed.

The sound of his wild laughter crushed my heart. Humiliation didn’t begin to describe it.

Annihilated, that’s how I felt.

I wanted to crawl underneath a rock and stay there forever. At least the car was dark so he couldn’t see the crimson heating my face.

Why wa
s he laughing?

Was
I that bad?

Wa
s the idea of being my boyfriend that horrible?

Whatever was left of my heart began to pound painfully against my chest. The harsh reality was setting in. Who was I kidding, holding on to some miracle that maybe he’d actually like me. He probably held my hand and gave me a ride home out of pity. I wasn’t what someone like him would go for and if he ever did
, it was probably for something quick and easy.

So he thinks chunky girls put out faster… He thought that if he charmed me a little bit I’d put out! 

I wasn’t girlfriend material.

He knew what he was worth
, yes it was mostly in the looks department because his personality was shit, but he still knew his worth.

My throat burned as my
eyes pricked with the beginning stages of a meltdown. A huge bubble filled with anxiety grew in my stomach as he kept laughing. I feared it would inevitably burst and I’d be a hysterical mess right here in his car. I wiped water from the sides of my eyes. Once they were dry, I turned to face him.

Well
screw you too!
I told him silently as I stared at him in disgust.

I took a deep breath.

“Can you stop the car, please?” I asked him calmly, pulling the best nonchalant face I could muster. He instantly stopped laughing and turned to me.

“What? Why? We’re not at your house yet.” His voice was now void of the incredible hilarity he’d just experienced.

Asshole!

“Please pull over,” I demanded, my voice getting louder and noticeably more irritated.

He reluctantly pulled the car the curb. “What did I do now?”

I needed to get out of this car – like now.

I couldn’t breathe.

I unbu
ckled and flung open the door. “Thanks for the ride. BYE.”

I slammed the door shut and began down the sidewalk. Behind me, I heard the engine turn off and his door open and shut. I quickened my stride as James jogged up to me. I slowed down knowing I couldn’t escape his long legs anyway
s.

Plus, I didn’t want to get home all sweaty and have to explain myself.

“What happened?” James asked, matching my pace.

“Leave me alone!” I snapped back.

I felt his hand grab my elbow, halting me easily. “Stop,” he ordered.

Damn it, he’s strong!

“What are you pissed about now?” He towered over me. I was trapped in front of him, if he tugged a bit, I’d be in his embrace.

“It’s so funny huh? I’m that bad? I’m a clown, I’m so funny!” I jerked my arm, trying to break free of his grip. “Let me go!”

“No!” He squeezed tighter, pulling me closer.

“Leave me alone!” I spit the words like venom, pulling my arm with all my might.

“What’s your problem?” James demanded loudly. His hand tightened on my arm with each attempt to pull away. My energy was dwindling and I was mentally exhausted. I stopped jerking my arm back, deciding it was pointless because he was too strong. There was no way I could pull my arm back without first kneeing him in the balls.

We were alone, standing in the dark of night in a neighborhood that didn’t see much traffic.

“Fireball?” He murmured softly.

“What?” I replied quietly, defeated.

Hesitantly, he asked, “Did I say something to make you sad?”

I wasn’t going
to mention the boyfriend thing.

T
here was no way.

“Yes,” I whimpered.

That’s just great, way to sound strong there, now he’ll have no reason not to pity you!

“I’m sorry,”
He said quietly.

Well maybe ‘I’m sorry’ just isn’t good enough. The damage is already done!

“Whatever.” I snipped.

“What can I do to make it all better?”
He murmured.

“There’s nothing you could–” I began but was interrupted by him pulling me against his body. His arms encircled my waist, holding me tight. My arms instinctively bent upwards, hands firmly planted against his solid chest. Any resentment I had swiftly melted away as something brand new took its place: pleasure.

Jesus!

“What do you think you’re doing?” I asked him softly
, his face was only a few inches from mine.

“What do you think you’re doing?” James asked back, looking down at my hands on his chest. I slowly slid my arms up around his neck.

I could not believe I just did that!

“That’s better.”
James murmured, huskily.

Our bodies were plastered against one another
. I felt a new kind of nervousness touch every single inch of my body.

I
t prickled electrically.

“James,” I murmured softly.

“Fireball,” He whispered back.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I repeated
, my brain felt frozen. My heart had stopped beating a mile a minute instead issuing slow, heavy beats.

James uncurled one of his arms from my waist and trailed it along my back to the base of my neck, holding it firmly yet delicately. Blood rushed to the very spot he was holding, heat filled my eyes as I stared at him.

“What are you doing?” My bewilderment was audible in the hush.

I wasn’t sure I had the capacity to speak anymore. That function had fled along with the bitch. Her replacement was a delicate flower that yearned to be touched and taken care of. I felt his hand shift on my neck, ever so slightly, causing my head to tilt up to him. Slowly, inch by inch, his face descended on mine, stopping just a breath away from my trembling lips.

I wanted it.

Badly.

My lips parted a fraction, letting a thread of air escape.

“Can I?” His breath was warm on my lips.

Screw it! 

“Yeah,” I whispered back. He closed the distance until his lush lips covered mine.

My first kiss…

His lips moved softly over mine. I felt his grip on my neck squeeze as his lips pressed deeper into mine, more urgently. I tightened my hold around
him and was pulled even further into his embrace. I devoured his lips hungrily, which were just as hungry for mine.

I felt his wet tongue push its way between my lips. As he entered my mouth, I moved my tongue to join his.

I felt myself running out of breath, but I didn’t want to pull back and stop the passion…. I’d sooner faint than pull back.

Possibly the best moment of my life!

My phone beeped.

Damn it! Mom!
I stopped moving my lips but his still remained on top of mine. I took a long breath and slowly leaned back. The cool wind swirled around us, eliminating the sweaty warmth we generated.

“Sorry,” I murmured breathlessly, “it’s my mom.”

“Damn, Fireball,” He replied slowly, breathlessly. He leaned his forehead against mine and caught his breath.

“Yeah, I know.” I couldn’t keep the smile from my voice or my face.

*~*~*

“Where have you been?” Mom demanded as I opened the front door.

“I was with Jenna. We were hanging around the pool after the mock meet,” I told her as I peeled off my shoes, avoiding eye contact. I wasn’t lying,
technically
, because I did hang out with Jenna after the meet for a short time.

Here’s hoping she doesn’t call Jenna’s parents to confirm this!

“Okay. You didn’t eat anything right?”

“No, I didn’t.” I answered her.

She followed me into the dining room where everyone was already eating.

Hell yeah! No fish tonight!
I looked at their plates: chicken breasts with potatoes and mixed vegetables. 

That doesn’t look too bad
,
I thought as I took my place at the table.

*~*~*

After a surprisingly delicious dinner, I lay on my bed in my pajamas. It was time to reflect.

But I didn’t know where to start.

So much happened in such a short period of time. I’d gone from cold to hot in seconds, and all because of a kiss.

A sweet, long, beautiful kiss!

I smiled contently and crossed my arms behind my head. I stared at the ceiling, envisioning James and I locked in that heated embrace again.

I c
ould not believe that happened!

I took a deep breath before the fool’s smile returned, stretching painfully across my face.

Still couldn’t believe that happened.

My first kiss, while
wrapped in his strong arms.

How did
it happen?!

After I’d answered Mom’s annoying text, James and I separated and he offered to rush me home before I got into any more trouble.

He was so sweet…after.

I had him drop me in front of a house three doors from mine. I didn’t want Mom to see me being dropped off by some stranger and grill me about my whereabouts.