Chapter 37: Chapter 37

Rylie's POV

The moment Blake's lips touched mine, it felt as though something exploded in me. My eyes widened and my heart beat even faster. I had not been expecting this.

His lips felt soft against mine and he was kissing me ever so gently, like he was asking my permission to go further.

I knew that all I need to to make him stop was a simple nudge and he would let go but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't want him to let go. I wanted this. I wanted Blake Weston to kiss me and I wanted to kiss him back.

Letting go of the last of my resolve, I opened up my lips to let him kiss me. He seemed surprised at first at my actions but before long, he got over his surprise and grinned against my mouth.

Then he kissed me passionately and feverishly, our tongues moving in a synchronized motion together. He kissed me like there was no tomorrow and frankly, it felt that way. All that mattered to me was now, this moment and Blake.

I could feel the raw emotions, the desire, the passion, the hunger… everything was wrapped up together in that kiss and I still wanted more.

Slowly working my hands up his chest, feeling his toned abs even through the fabric of his chest, I grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled him even closer. He emitted a groan from the back of his throat, a sound that literally drove me crazy with passion. I used the opportunity to delve my tongue even deeper into his mouth, moaning as Blake trailed a finger to my neck.

We kissed until we both ran out of breath and Blake came up for air. I was breathless and panting but my stomach felt light. As we stared into each other's eyes, that was when it hit me. I just made out with Blake...in public! Holy fuck!!!

Blake moved back and helped me to my feet. When I wobbled, he didn't hesitate to swoop me up into his arms. I felt my cheeks darken and my breath hitch as I found my face barely inches away from Blake's face.

As he walked, his eyes were glued to me and if I didn't know any better, I would think he wanted to kiss me again. I know I wanted to.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder, could things ever be the same again?

Blake's POV

After the incident at the skating rink, I took Rylie home in my car. The ride home was silent and so tense you could cut through it with a knife. Though I was driving, that didn't stop me from glancing at Rylie from the corner of my eye.

Oh what I would give to be able to reach over and plant a kiss on her sweet sweet lips!

Honestly, I still have no idea whatever possessed me to kiss Rylie. I'd thought about it several times, dreamt it even but I never thought I would ever have the courage to actually do it but after she responded and opened her eyes, all reason disappeared and I couldn't help it anymore. So I kissed her.

The thought alone made me giddy with excitement and a tad confused. What did this mean for us then? Did this mean that I had feelings for her? Did she feel the same way? Why did she kiss me back then? Would she decide to end our “relationship” now?

I had no idea what was going to come next but if there was one thing I knew, it was that things were never going to be the same again.

Soon before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of Rylie's house which meant that the hour of reckoning was close. I helped her out of the car and into the house. As it turns out, we were alone as both her parents were not at home.

Still, I took her up to her room and gently placed her on the bed. I didn't feel comfortable sitting beside her so I took the chair beside her reading table and placed it by the bed but before I could sit, Rylie grabbed my hand and urged me to sit beside her.

"Are you sure about that, Ry?" I murmured, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.

"Sure."

"Okay then," I said, sitting in bed beside her. "So," I started once I was settled in.

"So?"

I glanced at her just as she glanced at me. Our eyes met and I was instantly overcome with the desire to kiss her again.

"Keep it together, Blake!" I chided myself.

"So…" I cleared my throat just as she spoke as well. Our eyes met again and we chuckled.

"Well this is awkward," Rylie grinned.

"You can say that again," I answered, nudging her with my shoulder.

"Why did you kiss me, Blake?" Rylie blurted out, just then.

"Why did you kiss me back?" I asked in return, turning to look at her.

"Would you be offended if I said I don't know?" she sighed, leaning back into the bed.

"Actually no because if you asked me, that's the same thing I would have said."

Silence reigned after that statement and both of us were left to our thoughts. I had no idea what she was thinking but all I could think of was cupping her cheeks and kissing her plump lips until I memorised the feel and taste of them. All I wanted was nothing more than to kiss her again.

All of a sudden, Rylie laughed. It was more of a snicker but the sound was enough to make me glance at her, wondering what about what was going on was so funny as to elicit such a response from her.

"I'm sorry, Blake. I really am, if my attitude comes off as crude to you but I guess I just found our reactions quite funny. It's obvious that this was all just an accident BUT it doesn't have to change anything between us, right?" she inquired, her eyes imploring me to agree with her.

"Right!" I stuttered, agreeing with her before I could stop myself. What I really wanted to say was “I think I have feelings for you, Ry” but if Rylie wanted us to pretend the kiss didn't happen, then maybe it wasn't as special to her as I thought.

"So milkshakes? I'm buying," she sang cheerily, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she grinned.

"Sure. Why not?" I faked a smile in return.

We got off the bed together and made our way to the door. As we walked down the stairs, Rylie slid her palm in mine. I stiffened at first. Probably, feeling my tense body, she started to remove her palm from mine but I was quick to tighten my hold on it before she could. She looked to me and as our eyes met, all seemed right in my world.

"After you," I mumbled, holding the door open for her.

"Thanks," she answered, stepping out. I sighed and palmed myself. Rylie might want us to pretend the kiss didn't happen but I had a feeling it might be the only thing I will be able to think of for a while.

Oh well! The things we do for... friendship? I couldn't tell with Rylie and I anymore. Could we still remain friends after this? Or was this just the calm before the storm?

I guess only time will tell...