I'll Reach For You, page 10
"Skylar, you’re scaring me." She moves closer and puts her hands on my waist. Her blue eyes staring at me, making me even more nervous. Then I look at her, really look at her and see all the things that make me love her. Her beautiful brown hair with a hint of red and the blue eyes that look a little grey right now. I brush her hair behind her ear; they’re so small and adorable.
"Sky-" I move my arms in between hers, place my hands on her butt and lift her up. She wraps her legs around my waist and puts her hands on my shoulders. Thank God, she’s small and thin.
"Sky, what are you doing?" She chuckles. I move and sit on the edge of the bed with her on my lap. Then I cup her face, lean my forehead on hers and close my eyes.
"I really, really want to." I plead and place my hands on the back of her neck feeling her soft hair in my hands. She is breathing fast, but soft. I breathe her in and she smells wonderful as always.
"Then do it." She whispers. I open my eyes to take one last look at her. Hunter looks at me the way she does. I never expected her to say that, but I’m so happy she did.
"I love you," I say and close my eyes again, lean into her and put my lips on hers. She’s so soft and warm. This is what I’ve been waiting for and it’s worth the wait. She put her hands on my stomach and clenched my shirt. Her heart’s beating as fast as mine, I can feel it on my skin. My stomach’s tingling and every worry in my mind is gone. It's like her lips make every bad thing go away. I break the kiss to breathe, then start to kiss her cheek, her throat, everything. I move my hands to her back. She moans a sweet sound making me want her more. I move my hands down her back.
"Sky-" She moans again as my lips touch underneath her ear. Then I move my hand under her shirt on her back.
"Sky, stop." I move my hand and feel something on her back.
"SKYLAR!" She grabs my hands and moves off my lap.
"IS EVERYTHING OKAY UP THERE?" I hear dad yell. I look at Hunter for an answer. She looks upset; I stand up and take her hands in mine. She nods like she already knew what I was going to ask.
"YEAH, IT'S FINE!" I yell down to dad.
"OKAY!" He answers. I look at Hunter, who’s looking at the floor, lost in her own thoughts.
"I'm sorry," I say. She doesn't look at me, not moving. I felt a scar on her back and I can't believe I haven't felt it before now. I’m not sure if it was the feeling of it under my hand or her reaction that scared me more. I move closer and put my hands on her waist.
"Hunter-"
"No." She says and shakes her head. Then she looks at me, her eyes lost somewhere I don't think I want to go.
"I don't want to talk about it." She whispers, and I nod.
"It's okay. Let's just go to sleep and you can talk about it when you’re ready, okay?" She nods, and a tear falls down her cheek. I lean in and kiss it away.
"I'm sorry, Hunter. I didn't-"
"No, it's not your fault." She takes a deep breath.
"Can we just go to sleep?" I nod.
We lay down in bed, Hunter with her back to me. I move and lay my arm around her, then bury my face in her back and kiss her. When I finally got to taste her lips, she shut me out again, but it’s my own fault, I went too far. I feel so guilty, something I haven't felt in a while. I feel the tears streaming down my face onto Hunter's shirt. I didn't mean to hurt her, I never do. But somehow, I’m good at it.
"Skylar?" I don't answer, I don’t want her to know I’m crying.
"Sky?" She turns around, finding me with tears on my face.
"No, Sky." She says and places her hand on my cheek to wipe the tears away. I can't seem to stop them from falling.
"I'm sorry," I said sobbing.
"Skylar. You can't be sorry, there’s nothing to apologize for." I clench her shirt on her back and bury my face in her chest. She starts stroking my neck, moving her soft fingers up and down slowly.
"But I am," I answer.
"Skylar, if you don't stop crying, I’ll have to change my shirt." My sobbing turns into chuckles. I move and look at Hunter. She looks at me and I want to kiss her again. Sometimes I wish she didn't look at me like that, it’s hard to stay away from her. She knows I’m weak for that look on her face. She’s using it right now to make me stop crying.
"Goddammit, Hunter."
"What?" She chuckles.
"You know what."
"Does it work all the time?" She teases.
"Yes, it does. Sometimes it can be very annoying." I tell her.
"How?"
"Because that’s my weakness, my way of being vulnerable to you. I ‘d do almost anything for you when you look at me like that." She raises her eyebrow.
"Anything?" Oh no. I give myself a mental punch.
"Goddammit, Hunter." I make her giggle.
"Anything I want?" She wonders.
"No, Hunter. I’m not going to do anything now, I'm tired." I yawn and close my eyes.
"So, no kiss for me then?" She whispers in my ear. I open my eyes faster than lightning and kiss her before she can even react. She grabs my shirt with both of her hands as I place my hand on her cheek, moving her closer to me. This feels so good; I wish I could kiss her all the time. She moves back and breaths. I lean down to her chest and listen to her beating heart.
"I love you, Hunti." She answers with a kiss on top of my head and that’s good enough for me.
Chapter 31
I just like to look at You
"No, Hunter stop," I say sleepily and turn around with my back to her. She’s poking me in the side again, every goddamn morning she does this. She touches me once more, I grab her hand and wrap it around me. She moves out of my grip, I turn around and bury my face in her chest.
"You’re adorable in the morning." She says. It’s surprising, I don’t think she’s ever complimented me like that before. She pokes me again.
"Hunt, stop." I plead, and she chuckles. She doesn't listen and does it again.
"Hunter, if you don't stop I’ll kick you out of the bed." She laughs and kisses my cheek. Then she pokes me again. I open my eyes and give her the death glare. She has this satisfying grin on her face. I start to push her out of the bed. She falls but takes me with her and I fall next to her.
"Dammit, Hunter!" I yell, and she’s dying of laughter.
"Hey, this was your fault." I stand up and so does she.
"No, it wouldn't have happened if you just stopped touching me," I say irritated and she smirks.
"You don't want me to touch you?" She asks, and I sigh.
"Why do you always have to turn my words against me?" She shrugs, and I move towards her.
"Oh no." She steps back and points at me.
"You said no touching."
"Are you kidding me?" I ask irritated, she shakes her head.
"No." I walk to her, but she steps back.
"Hunter, come here." She shakes her head.
"Dammit, Hunter." She laughs and turns around to walk out the door. I walk after her and she starts to run down the stairs.
"Goddammit, Hunter." It’s too early to run, but I do anyway. Hunter reaches the last step and I’m halfway down.
"Wow!" Dad says, Hunter stops, and I stumble into her. I fall back and grab Hunter by the shirt, taking her down with me. She lands with her back on top of me. I hear dad laugh like never before.
"Are you two always this clumsy?" Hunter gets up and helps me.
"No, Hunter just can't stop pissing me off."
"Hey," she says and pokes again.
"I swear to God if you don't stop doing that-" She does it again and runs out the porch door. I follow and hear dad's laugh disappear as I go out into the sun. Hunter stops meters away from me, I stop in front of her listening to her breathing. She looks beautiful in the sun, her messy hair shining red and her eyes sparkle. I take a step towards her, and she takes one back. She looks behind me.
"Your dad." I look behind me, seeing dad on the porch watching us. It makes me sad I can't hold her hand around others. I’m afraid if he finds out he’ll get angry with me for being in love with a girl from work. The worst part is there’s a chance he’ll find a home for her somewhere else. It scares me to know she can end up far, far away from here. I don't want that to happen, I promised I’ll always reach for her. I can't do that if she lives on the other side of the country.
"Sky, you okay?" I look up at her and nod. She looks down at herself.
"Maybe we should go change clothes." I snort and look down at my sleeping clothes. We were so busy joking around we forgot what we were wearing. She gives me the look.
"Don't." I point my finger at her and start walking back to the house.
"What?" She asks following me.
"I’m supposed to be angry at you." I walk up the stairs and into my bedroom.
"You’re cute when you’re angry." Another compliment, I’m not sure if I like this one. I stop walking and feel Hunter right behind me. I turn around.
"Hunter, if you try to poke me one more t-" She grabs my shirt at the collar and puts her lips on mine. I can't help but smile at her and put my hands on her waist. I like she’s not afraid of taking the initiative, she doesn't need to be afraid of doing things with me. She can also decide what to do.
"Are you calm now?" She mumbles against my lips. I lean to the side to kiss her cheek.
"Yes," I say stunned. I didn't expect her to kiss me like that, but goddamn I loved it. She’s so soft and warm.
"You’re amazing, you know that?" I say and kiss her on the cheek again, then under her ear. I know it’s one of her weak spots.
"Stop." She chuckles, and I do. I don't want her upset. That’s the last thing I want right now. I look at her and smile; it makes me so happy I can kiss her without her feeling uncomfortable. The only problem is she’s unsure about her back. She seems afraid of it in a way.
"Can I ask you something, Hunt?" She takes my hands and puts them around her waist. Then she lays her arms over my shoulders. She smiles at me and shakes her head.
"No." I look at her confused.
"Why not?" She kisses my cheek.
"Because you have a worried look on your face and it means this is something important."
"What?" I ask surprised.
"You stare down, I lose you for a little while and when you look at me again, you look serious." She moves closer to me, just inches from my lips.
"Am I that easy to read?" She shakes her head gently.
"I just like to look at you." I lean in those few inches and kiss her. God, she’s amazing. She moves her hands down to my waist, pokes me, and I jump away from her. She has that teasing smile on her face.
"Dammit, Hunter." Yes, she can be amazing, then again, she can be so annoying. That’s why I love her.
Chapter 32
She took your breath away for a Minute
Hunter and I are on the way to pick up Taylor, she wants me to drive her to a party tonight. I asked Hunter if she wanted to join and she said yes, I didn't have to beg. I stop the car outside Taylor's house and wait. I turn to look at Hunt, who’s watching me. She always has a smile on her face when I find her looking at me. I can never stop my own from coming to my face. I grab the arm of her sweater and lean over to kiss her cheek. She turns and sneaks a kiss on my lips. I jump back as I hear the back door shut.
"Jesus, Ty," I say irritated and she laughs.
"Maybe I should drive so you two can sit in the backseat." I turn and hit her knee.
"Ouch!" She yells and hits me in the arm. We laugh it off and I start driving.
"So, how are things with the two of you?" She asks curiously. I look at Hunter, who’s looking at me as usual, I take her hand in mine. Hunter leans to look back at Taylor.
"She hasn't killed me yet." Ty bursts out in laughter again. I hit Hunter in the arm.
"Sorry," Hunter says and turns to look at Ty.
"She's not that bad." I hit her again.
"How can you be so mean?" I ask irritated.
"You’re the one hitting," Hunter says and Ty can't stop laughing.
"I have tears in my eyes." She says.
"Do you want me to try again?" Hunter asks and shrugs. I shake my head but can't stop smiling.
"You really know how to work her nerves, Hunter," Taylor says. I take Hunter's hand again and kiss it.
"Yeah, she really does. One of the million reasons I love her." I stop the car in front of the house.
"See you later," Taylor says and jump out of the car. I turn to look at Hunter.
"Come with me?" I beg. She smiles and nods. We both get out of the car and walk up to the house. I open the door and music hit us in the face. The place is packed with people, so I start to walk and push myself through. Then I feel a pull on the back of my shirt, I look behind me finding Hunter holding on to me. She’s so cute when she’s shy. I keep wading through the drunk people with Hunter on my tail. Brook suddenly appears in front of me, making me jump back hitting Hunter.
"I'm sorry," I say and look at her, she rubs her head.
"Hey, Skylar!" Brook yells and stumbles into me. I grab her by the arm to hold her up.
"Are you drunk already, again?" I laugh.
"Yeah, I’m having so much fun, Skylar. You should drink too." I shake my head.
"I'm driving." She looks confused.
"You drove last time." She argues. I know, I just don't want to drink. I want to spend my time with Hunter not drinking and doing shit I’ll regret in the morning. Hunter will probably wake me up early anyway. I’ve gotten used to it now, it’s almost been four weeks of waking up at nine in the morning. Now I understand why she wants to wake up so early, she simply wants to spend the whole day with me. I really appreciate that, and it’s so worth it.
"Yes, I did, but I don’t want to drink. Hunter’s with me." I say and look at her standing behind me, almost hiding.
"Come on, you’re so much fun when you’re drunk." I shake my head.
"I'm sorry, but Taylor’s drinking and she’s here somewhere." I look around not finding her. Where the hell can she be? She disappeared the last time as well. God, I need to pee.
"Okay, fine, I give up." She sighs and walks away. I turn to Hunter.
"I really have to go to the bathroom. Can you sit there?" I point on the couch.
"And wait for me?" She looks unsure, but nods.
"I'll be right back." I run up the stairs and look for the bathroom. I open at least three doors before I find the right one.
"Holy shit!" I yell and put my hand over my mouth. Taylor looks at me wide-eyed and so does Lauren. They’re sitting on the edge of the bathtub. I take my hand from my mouth and open it but can't speak. I just found these two kissing in the damn bathroom.
"Why didn't you say anything?" I yell shocked and close the door. Lauren buries her face in Taylor's arm and she wraps her arms around Lauren.
"Hush," Ty says. The way Lauren’s clinging to Taylor reminds me of Hunter. There’s no cousin; it was Lauren she talked about. She’s as shy as Hunter, that’s how Taylor knew. Now I feel like an ass.
"God, I'm sorry. I did not mean to... Ty, you do know there’s a lock on the door, right?" I say irritated and she chuckles.
"Yeah, my bad." She kisses Lauren on the head, making me miss Hunter already.
"You could’ve told me, you know." She sighs. Lauren looks at me now with tears in her eyes. Poor girl. Maybe she’s afraid thinking she’s about to lose Taylor.
"I'm sorry, Lauren, I didn’t mean to. My girlfrie..." I stop myself, I’m not even sure she’s my girlfriend, we haven't talked about it yet. We should though.
"Taylor, there’s an empty room down the hall and you can lock it as well." She nods with a smile.
"Thank you." She says, they both leave, and I can finally pee.
I walk back down, and Hunter’s gone. My heart’s beating so fast in my chest. Goddammit, Hunter, I told you to stay put. I look around, nothing, but I find Brook.
"Have you seen Hunter?" She drinks from her glass and nods.
"Yeah, Ryan went outside with her." My eyes widen, and my heart went from fast to supersonic fast.
"Back or front?"
"Back, Amy’s out there too by the way." I run past her, the anger in my blood makes me shake, and I bite my inner cheeks. I open the door and walk out. The light from the outside lamps helps me see Ryan, Amy and her friends. Dammit, why is Hunter always in the shit? She stands behind Ryan; he and Amy are yelling at each other. I walk towards them hearing my heartbeat and them talking.
"Hunter?" She turns to look at me with scared eyes. It appeared like she was about to run towards me but stood her ground. They all look at me as I reach her.
"You okay?" I ask. She looks at the ground and nods. Ryan moves away from us.
"Hunter's savior is back." I hear Amy mock.
"What’s going on?" I ask and stand in front of Hunter, just as Ryan did.
"Your little friend was flirting with Ryan."
"This is so stupid!" He yells and walks away. I really doubt Hunter would have done that, it’s just an excuse to get at her. I’m so tired of Amy's bullshit.
"Amy, will you stop hurting Hunter!?" I yell. She grins.
"Yeah, if she stops flirting with Ryan." She says. I make my hands into fists. Hunter grabs my shirt and moves next to me.
"I don't even like him." She says, her voice trembling.
"Yeah, right. You little shit." She makes Hunter step back behind me. There’s nothing I hate more than when someone scares or hurts Hunter, and Amy’s done both. Watching someone you love and care about being hurt is painful.
"She doesn't like him, okay? He’s the one-"
"Shut the fuck up!" She yells. Hunter grabs my shirt again and I take a deep breath. To be honest, if it wasn't for Hunt holding me back, I’d have smacked Amy by now.
"Amy, listen to me. Hunter’s not into Ryan, okay?" I say slowly, so she can understand. Apparently, talking like a normal person doesn't seem to work.
"I'm not stupid, Skylar." Oh, my God, I think I’m going to choke on my words soon.
"Amy..." Hunter moves in front of me.
"I don't like him." Amy takes a step towards her with two friends following behind. To my surprise, Hunter stands her ground.
