Finding Ourselves Together (READ REVAMP VERSION - IN WAVES)

08 | The Unexpected

"You have to leave? Why?" I asked startled, disappointment quickly weaving into chest.

Matt sighed and raked his hand through his hair, his gaze dropping to the floor.

"My dad just called, his company is having some family brunch thing tomorrow and I have to be there. It's in New York, and he already booked me a flight out for tonight."

I think I could literally feel my heart drop into my stomach. I wanted him to stay so bad.

"He changed his mind, he told me about it a few days ago but said I didn't have to go." He huffed out, visibly annoyed again. He covered my hand with both of his and caressed the top of it. "I'm really sorry, I know you were looking forward to hanging out. I was too."

I was, but I guess things like this happened and all I could do was be alright with it. I would just have to wait for that first kiss with him.

"It's okay, I mean if you need to be there with your family, then you need to be there." I shrugged, trying not to sound too sad.

He gave me a gentle smile and leaned in to kiss my cheek, then wrapped his arms over my waist and turned it into a hug. I folded my arms around his neck and closed my eyes, breathing in his cologne.

"I promise I'll be back in time for our date tomorrow night." He said into the crook of my neck. His hot breath tickled my skin and I pressed myself into him more, not wanting the hug to end just yet.

We eventually broke apart and I rested my hands on his chest, looking up into those baby blue eyes.

"Pick you up at seven tomorrow?" He asked, his fingers moved softly over my back as he talked. I nodded and smiled to him, fearing my voice would crack with disappointment if I spoke. "Can't wait." He smiled and let go of me, walking back through the house and presumably to his car to drive home.

I stood in the silence and crossed my arms over my chest, gazing out over the pool and down the big hill that led to the beach. There was a fence obstructing the view from where I was standing, but I could still hear the vague sound of crashing waves.

"Well, well." I flinched at the intrusion of my thoughts and spun around to see Jay Carter emerging almost out of thin air. "Little Lia, all alone." He cockily strode over and stood close to me.

"Were you just hiding in the bushes and spying on us or something?" I asked infuriated, imagining him witnessing that intimate moment with Matt.

"The bathroom line was too long so I came out here to take a leak. Not my fault I heard that sweet voice of yours." He answered back indifferently.

"Just leave me alone, Carter. I'm not in the mood." I said with sadness creeping back into my voice.

"I can get you in the mood." He said with a devilish smirk, openly staring at my chest. I rolled my eyes at his gross attempt to be seductive.

"Do you not feel bad constantly hitting on me when you know I'm with Matt? Who also happens to be your best friend?"

"Hey, you guys aren't official yet, I'll back off when you are." He shrugged like it wasn't a big deal.

"Will you really, though?" I asked, not buying what he said for a second.

"Hmm. Nah, probably not." He laughed like it was a joke, but as I told him; I wasn't in the mood. I turned to walk away but quickly felt a strong grip on my wrist, whipping me back towards him.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Not so fast."

"Don't touch me, Carter!" I pulled my wrist from his grasp with difficulty and he just sniggered at my reaction.