I am in trouble and I don’t mean the kind where your mom just caught your hand in the cookie jar trouble…no, bigger than that. I’m talking about life changing, heart stopping trouble. I can’t even be near Alyssa without thinking about holding her in my arms, brushing her hair from her face and crashing my lips against hers. Who thinks like that? She’s got me so screwed up right now.
Ever since Alyssa spent the night, whenever I look at her I can feel my breathing slow and my pulse quicken. Something about that night really hit me. She could’ve gone anywhere else to get away from Ryan but she trusted me and chose to let me in. Having her lay beside me the entire night and watching the peaceful rise and fall of her body has ignited a fire deep inside.
Yet, I’m trying my damndest to suppress all of these feelings. I know that taking our friendship to another level would be the dumbest thing I could possibly do. I would be compromising the first person who’s ever come into my life and treated me as just Justin. Not only would I be jeopardizing our relationship, but Alyssa has made it clear she wants absolutely nothing to do with the public side of my life. So all things considered…I’m completely fucked.
However, tonight I’m hoping Alyssa and I can just kick back and enjoy the Fourth of July party. I know she’s been stressing out over this event and has been putting a lot of time into it. So for her sake, I hope it’s a huge success. The Radisson is buzzing with at least fifty people running around with their heads cut off. It’s actually kind of entertaining to watch them practically bump into each other as they frantically try and set everything up. Knowing Alyssa would be busy all afternoon, I decided to drive into town and go shopping. I figured while I was here I might as well see what the town has to offer besides surfing.
After parking the car, I started walking down the street. Stores lined the sidewalks and gift tables were practically exploding out from every corner. It was definitely a different type of shopping than Los Angeles, but these quaint shops were warming. Every store I stopped at I was greeted with a huge smile from the owners.
“Hey there young man…can I help you find anything?” A woman asks as I was looking at her table.
“I’m just looking for a gift for a friend…”
“Well that’s nice of you. Do you have anything in particular you’re looking for?”
“No…I have no idea what she would want.” I sighed and let out an uneasy smile.
“Hmmm…tell me a little about her.”
“She’s probably my best friend since I got here and she’s the nicest person I’ve ever met before. She’s completely selfless and has the biggest heart.”
“She sounds like a wonderful young lady.”
“Oh she is.” I nodded and smiled.
“Well how about this?” The woman says while handing me the gift. I can feel a smile tug at my lips and I know it’s perfect for her.
“Let me wrap that for you…” She says before grabbing a box and tying a bow around it. I handed her some money before heading back to my car with the box firmly in my hands. This would definitely surprise her but she deserved it. She’s worked so hard for tonight and it’s just a little something to make her smile.
Once I arrived back at the hotel there were tents, tables, grills, food and drinks set up all along the beach. Intertwined on the tents were white, red and blue lights which helped cast a warm glow over the beach. Alyssa had gone all out for this event and it really showed. People were already standing around with drinks in their hands and loud laughs escaping from their mouths. Everyone appeared to be having a great time.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Alyssa before she disappeared inside the building. She was carrying a million papers in her hand and her face carried a frazzled look. Quickening my pace, I walked into the hotel and scanned the lobby for her. Yet, she was nowhere to be found. Instead of searching some more, I decided to head up to my room and change for the party. Sliding the card into the slot I pushed the door open.
“Hey stud…”
I smiled. “Is this becoming customary that you’re in my room when I’m not around?”
Alyssa shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe…” She said coyly.
“The party looks like a huge hit.” I said walking into the room and pulling out clothes to change into.
“Yeah…I was hoping you would be back to escort me down there. I’ve finished everything finally so now I get to be a guest at my own party.”
I turned to look at her before I walked into the bathroom. “Give me a second to change and I’d be happy to be your date.”
In the bathroom, I splashed some cold water on my face and tried to calm my swirling head. She looked beautiful in a white baby doll dress and her hair curled around her face. Every time I see her she’s even more beautiful than the last and it’s hard to stop myself.
After throwing on a pair of jeans, flip flops and a white button up shirt I immerged from the bathroom to find her sitting on my bed flipping through her papers. She looked up slowly when she heard me coming out and smiled. It was one of those smiles that literally takes over your face and can’t help but light up the whole room.
“You look handsome.”
“Thank you. You ready to head downstairs?” I asked while extending my hand to her.
“Let’s go stud…” Alyssa said as she linked her hand with mine. Before walking out of the room, I reached back and slipped her present into my pocket. Together we walked hand in hand down to the party. Alyssa greeted guests as we passed through and everyone was complimenting her on what a great party it was. Alyssa was glowing with pride, this was her baby, this event was her shining glory and it was a huge success.
“Congratulations Lyssa…” I said while handing her a drink.
“For what?” She said before taking a sip of the liquid.
“Your event is a hit…” I winked.
“I’m so excited Justin. This was my chance to really prove my worth as an event planner. This was what I went to school for…this was it. I bet you have this feeling every time you perform on stage.” She said crossing her hands in front of her.
“I love performing and the adoration my fans give me. There’s nothing better than doing what I love and they give it back to me ten fold.” I said honestly. It’s the one part of my job that never gets old.
“That’s how I feel tonight. Seeing everyone laughing, eating, drinking, and just having a good time…it’s so rewarding to know all the hard work paid off.”
“So what else do you have planned for the rest of summer?” I asked pulling out a chair for her and the sitting down across from her.
“Just the end of the year bash. The Radisson has the most traffic in the summertime therefore we have a going away party for all the guests in August.”
“I see…I can’t believe August is just around the corner. I can’t believe I’ve been here for almost two months.” I said taking a look around at the property.
“I know…I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. It’ll be sad when you leave and I can’t go up to your room anymore.” She said.
“Like I said you’re always welcome in California.”
“I know…I just might have to make an exception and take a vacation to see your sorry ass.” Alyssa said cracking a smile.
“Hey I resent that…I think I have a nice ass.”
Alyssa rolled her eyes and softly hit my arm. “I was joking Justin.”
“So you’d really come and see me when I leave North Carolina?” I asked softly.
Alyssa turned her bright blue eyes at me and nodded her head. “I’d miss you too much.”
I could feel the butterflies in my stomach and just like before my heart started pounding in my chest. She was working her way into my heart and I couldn’t control it. I am so screwed. I really need to remove myself from this situation before I end up doing something I’ll regret.
“I’ll be right back…” I stood up from my chair and practically bolted in the other direction back towards the hotel. I wasn’t really sure where I was going but I knew I needed a minute to just be alone. Everything about Alyssa was drawing me to her and this could definitely blow up in my face. She’s so innocent and sweet and I come with this huge amount of baggage. I can’t allow myself to bring her into my world and ruin our friendship.
Sitting down on a bench, I took a minute to compose myself. I ran my hands across my head and let out a huge sigh.
“Why the troubled look on your face young man?”
I looked up when I recognized the voice as my stalker around here. “Hi Mrs. Smith. I’m just a little confused, that’s all.”
“I see…” She said gently reaching out and squeezing my hand, thankfully not my ass this time. “Only a woman can make a man that confused…”
I smiled knowingly. “How’d you know?”
“Oh please honey, I’ve done that to a few men in my days.” She laughed. “She must really have you torn up inside if you’re over here by yourself.”
Knowing I needed to talk to someone, I took a deep breath preparing to confess all of my feelings. “She’s just so wonderful and perfect…it’s almost too good to be true. Why would she ever want to be with me? I’m not the easiest person to be in a relationship with; in fact my life makes it almost impossible to have one. But every time she’s near I can feel every fiber of my being stand on edge and all I can focus on is her.”
She smiled softly and let go of my hand. “That’s what love is all about…”
Sharply I looked at her and felt myself get defensive. “I’m not in love…I know that…”
“Not yet…but you’re getting there.” She confirmed. “Don’t think so much and let your heart do the talking. In fact, she’s been watching you ever since you sat down over here.”
My head turned in the direction of where I left Alyssa and there she was starring back at me. Her eyes were sparkling and she let a small smile take over her face. The wind was blowing softly and the dress flowed around her. She was beautiful.
“Thank you Mrs. Smith…” I said before leaning down and giving her a small hug.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang in the air and a stream of light zipped up over the ocean. My head jerked at the sound and I stopped to watch a firework explode into the sky. Quickly, I walked towards the tent Alyssa was in. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and their attention was directed towards the sky. Slipping through the crowd, I found Alyssa standing off to the side with her arms wrapped around her body. Quietly, I snuck up behind her, removing my jacket and draping it over her shoulders.
“Thank you…” She said softly.
I stood behind her and pulled her body close to mine. Wrapping my arms around her from behind, we stood together watching the fireworks light up the sky. If only for tonight, I was going to take Mrs. Smith’s advice and let my heart do the talking. She relaxed against me and I finally felt at peace. Having her close and in my arms was actually calming because it just felt right.
“I have a little something for you. I know this night was important to you and I just wanted to get you something to show you that I support you one hundred percent.” I explained while reaching into my pocket and removing the box.
“You didn’t need to do this Justin…” She said taking the box into her hands.
“I know…but I wanted too. Open it.” I urged.
Alyssa untied the bow and slowly opened the box, inside laid a silver ring. Nothing fancy, just simple and honest. “It’s beautiful Justin…thank you.” She said sliding it onto her finger.
“You’re beautiful Alyssa…” I whispered into her ear.
Alyssa turned in my arms and was now mere inches from my face. Staring into her eyes I felt like I could see deep inside her. I felt her conflicting emotions and I could see her struggle with everything I’ve been going through. “Justin…”
“Yeah?”
“Just for tonight…will you kiss me?”
I could feel my heart leap into my throat. I wanted to, I mean I really wanted to but would that change everything in the morning? Would we be in that awkward stage because we crossed the friend’s line? You know what…I said I would let my heart do the talking tonight and it’s screaming at me to just kiss her.
I gently brought my hands to her face and cupped her cheeks. Her eyes fluttered close and I took a minute to just appreciate the simplicity and beauty of this moment. Lowering my head, I softly brushed my lips against hers and I felt this electricity course through my body the minute we touched. Alyssa parted her lips and I felt her tongue slide across my lower lip. Slowly, I opened my mouth and allowed her our tongues to graze before breaking the kiss. As I pulled away I laid small kisses on both cheeks before removing my hands from her face. Softly, she opened her eyes and smiled up at me.
“That was wonderful…”
Author's Chapter Notes:
Hey there!!! Sorry it took me a little bit to get the update out to you all! I was busy finding a new apartment since I'm moving and it's been a pain in the ass. But good news...I finally found a cute one! :) Anyways though...here's the latest update and things are about to get a little crazy now. :) Enjoy and please please review!! Let me know what ya think!! Thank you all!!
Story Tags: daddyj
