“Do you need directions?” I ask quietly, glancing up at Brody from under my eyelashes. My hair is covering my face and I push it back, tucking it behind my ear. I’m sat in the passenger seat of Brody’s car whilst he drive me home. The entire journey has been silent so far, giving me time to think hard about Brody’s words.
“You and me going to be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”
What does he mean by that?
I’m not a boy whisperer. I’m actually clueless when it comes to reading the opposite sex’s mind. Brody takes his time to answer, the muscles in his arm tensing as he focuses on driving.
“No, I remember where you live.” Brody finally responds, turning briefly to give me a lopsided smile that brings out his dimple. I nod at his words, feeling my stomach tighten in knots.
“We’re almost there,” I state, glancing out the window at the familiar streets. It’s late in the evening and the street lamps have set a soft glow in the night sky.
“I know,” Brody smirks at me, turning into my street. I nibble on my bottom lip nervously as he cuts off the engine, taking out his car keys. Without saying a word, he opens the drivers door and hops out, leaving me sitting there cluelessly. I frown and follow his movements, watching as he walks around the car to my side.
My eyes widen as I realise he’s opening my door for me. My stomach flutters with butterflies and I bite down on my lip hard to stop myself from grinning like an idiot. Brody leans against the door, watching me —
“Are you going to hop out?” He questions, eyes shining with amusement. I nod and undo my seatbelt before leaning forward. Brody’s hand instantly shoots out and he motions for me to take hold of it. I stare down at it, my throat drying out.
“Take my hand Bella,” Brody instructs me firmly and I nod once again, letting my hand slide into his. The second I feel his warm skin against mine, goosebumps erupt up my arm causing me to shiver. Brody’s grip on my hand tightens and he gently pulls me out of the car, shutting the door softly behind me.
“Thank you,” I reply, unable to look at him directly in the eyes. Even though I’m now fully and securely out of Brody’s car, he never releases my hand. His grip remains the same and I glance down at both of our hands touching, my stomach somersaulting at the sight of it.
Brody suddenly moves and he’s now standing right in front of me, inches away from my body. I suck in a breath and feel my head go hazy from having his intoxicating scent so close. I close my eyes and tell myself to stay calm, confident.
“Bella.”
Brody’s words are soft, quiet. If the street wasn’t deserted right now, I wouldn’t have heard my name come from his lips. I blink and look up at him, swallowing the lump lodged deep in my throat. I can feel my hands shaking with nerves and hope Brody doesn’t notice.
“Yeah?” I say quietly, searching his green eyes that are staring at me fiercely.
“I had a good time,” He says softly. His thumb begins rubbing circles on the back of my hand and I have to force the squealing inside my head to quieten down. Heat begins travelling up my arm from Brody’s touch and my mouth dries out further, making it hard for me to reply.
“M-me too,” I stutter. I suck in a breath as Brody’s free hand reaches up, his fingers running down a strand of my hair. It’s like his touch has me mesmerised, staring at him in awe. He chuckles quietly at my expression before tucking the strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lightly brush the skin on my neck and I shiver, my heart beating wildly against my chest.
“Well, goodnight Bella.”
I blink a few times as he takes a step back, creating distance between us. I instantly begin to think clearer, the fog inside my head disappearing.
“Goodnight Brody.” I whisper, looking up at him. He smiles lazily in return before clearing his throat and walking away from me.
I turn and watch as he slides inside the drivers seat smoothly, starting his car up once again. He turns to give me another smile and I return it, waving at him. I watch as he drives down the street, his car growing smaller and smaller the further he goes. Once he completely disappears, I inhale deeply and run a hand through my hair.
Tonight has been crazy.
I bite my lip, grinning as I remember how Brody whispered my name. His voice is so smooth, the words rolling off his tongue so easily. Even I can’t deny the spark I feel every time his skin makes contact with mine. I close eyes before letting out a little squeal, hopping on each foot happily.
To anyone watching me right now, I must look like a crazy person doing a crazy penguin dance. . .
But I don’t care.
I hop my way to my front door, turning the key and entering the house. My cheeks are aching from the wide grin on my face and I sigh happily, shutting the door and leaning on it.
“Where have you been Bella?”
I look up to find Jedd halfway down the stairs, his eyes amused as he studies my smile.
“I went out with a friend after school to grab some food.” I reply casually, making out like it isn’t a big deal. It really is a big deal. It’s a huge deal.
Jedd’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise and he leans against the wall, folding his arms over his chest. A small smile plays on his lips.
“Oh really? Who is this friend?” He asks me teasingly, eyes sparkling at me. I bite down on my lip and push myself off the door, shrugging my jacket off.
“Just a friend from school.” “A boy or a girl?”
“Don’t be so nosy Jedd,” I scold him however I’m unable to keep the smile from widening on my face.
“So it is a boy.” Jedd responds, walking down the last few steps. He looks at me sternly, his arms folding over his chest once again.
“What’s his name?”
“Brody,” I sigh, looking like a love sick puppy. Brody’s adorable face flashes through my mind and I squeal happily again, bouncing on the heels of my converse.
“I hope you don’t have a boyfriend Bella Winters.” Jedd replies, raising his right brow at me. I immediately stop squealing and feel a blush creep up onto my cheeks.
“He’s not my boyfriend, just a friend.” I correct Jedd, moving past him to head to the kitchen. Jedd instantly follows me, wanting to carry the conversation on further.
“I’ve never heard of Brody before.”
“That’s because he’s a new friend.” I sigh, pulling open the doors of the refrigerator. I search its contents and grab a juice box.
“What is he like?” Jedd asks me, shutting the fridge door. I lean against the dining table and shrug, focusing on my juice box.
“He’s nice.”
“Boyfriend material?” Jedd asks, waggling his eyebrows at me teasingly. I let out a giggle before leaning over and shoving him lightly.
“Get stuffed Jedd,” I grin. Jedd mirrors my smile — “I’m happy for you Bella.”
I nod at him silently, looking down at my trainers. Jedd taps my shoulder after a few moments and I look up at him —
“Goodnight kid,” he grins.
“Goodnight Jedd,” I smile back, watching as he leaves the kitchen to head back upstairs. I sigh and take a seat at the table, sipping my juice box slowly as I replay tonight over and over again.
Despite everything that happened with Clayton and Beatrice, I feel hopeful. Hopeful that things will change for me. . . Brody is the cause for that.