Senior Year

Chapter Fifteen

HEAVY
POV: Apollo

Haven was upset with what Alexa said. I could tell by the way she tensed and avoided everyone's gaze. I was irritated just by the mention of Landon Adam's name. I hated that Haven was associated with him. I hated how everyone still thought that asshole was all she could think about.

After dinner I drove us to the movie theater. Haven looked a little nervous. She fiddled with her fingers like she usually does. I wondered if horror movies weren't her thing. "Haven, do you remember when you ran out of the theater that one time? You were so scared you started crying," Alexa laughs as she recounts the day.

Haven chuckles, "Yeah, I remember."

"It wasn't even that long ago it was last year," Alexa digs the knife in even deeper. This time Haven doesn't answer her; she fake smiles.The theater attendant takes our tickets before we enter the dark room. Haven walks a little closer to me. I slip my hand behind her, lightly touching the small of her back.

We take our seats at the back of the theater. Haven insisted I take the seat closer to the aisle and I didn't ask any questions. I had a sneaking suspicion that Haven got scared walking horror movies. The movie began and Haven was doing okay. That was until the jump scares began. She clutched the armrest like it was the only thing holding her in her seat. She flinched and sank back in her chair.

I noticed Alexa and Deshaun pointing at Haven. Their faces were full of amusement. It pissed me off. I was holding myself back from storming over there and creating a scene. Watching the tense expression on Haven's face was almost painful. I decided to do something about it. Something I've never done in my life. My fingers inched closer to hers. At first she flinched then calmed down when she realized it was me. I took my chance to intertwine our fingers. Even though it was dark, I could see her watching me.

I leaned into her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. Her breathing deepened. I faintly press my lips just under her ear. "Are you scared?" I whisper. She releases a breathy moan.

"No," she shakes her head. She casts her head upwards, enjoying my touch. My fingers wrap around her neck as I get aroused by her voice.

I feather kissed down her jawline, but stop when I get to her lips. "Tell me the truth," I whisper as I rub my thumb across her bottom lip.

"Yes, I am," she finally admits. A smirk crawls onto my lips now that I know I won. I remove my hand off her chin, but leave our fingers laced together. Her mouth drops open slightly. She looks frustrated that I left her hanging dry. I face my attention back on the screen with Haven's eyes burning a hole in the side of my head.

When the credits begin to roll we all file out of the theater. Haven didn't act scared for the rest of the movie and she squeezed my hand as we entered into the light. Luca flashed me a knowing smile and I just shook my head at his antics.

We said our goodbyes and headed to our separate cars. I held the door for her and she said a small 'thank you'. The rest of the car ride was in a comfortable silence. I steered the wheel with my left hand while the other held her knee. When the car came to a stop I noticed the lights were all off.

Haven's eyes slide down my body. Her eyes held desire. Before I knew it I was reaching over the center console. Our lips connected and I completely melted like a popsicle. She tastes like the Skittles she ate during the movie and her lips were soft like gummies. My hands slide up the side of her thigh as I devour her. She threads her hands in my hair, pulls at the roots causing me to make an unholy groan to pour out of me.

I fumble with the seatbelt until it clicks. I drag her across the console onto my lap. She feels like liquid gold melting into me. My hands roam her body and I can't get enough of her. She whimpers when I press up against her. That sends me over the edge. I pull my lips away from her and swiftly set her back down on her passenger seat. She looks at me in shock.

"I need to stop," I say, breathing deeply. I try to think of something to take my mind off how bad I want to take Haven right now. Her cheeks turn bright red and her eyes get watery. I furrow my brows and sit up. "W-what's wrong?" I ask her. Seeing the tears pooling in her eyes made me have a mini heart attack.

"Was I not good?" She asks, her voice cracking.

My stomach lurches. "Baby, you were amazing. Maybe even too good," I say, gripping her face in my hands. Her bottom lip quivers. I grab her hand and place it on my stiffness. Her eyes widen. "Do you see how you make me feel?" I ask her.

I wipe her tears away with my thumbs. "God, I'm so embarrassed," she sighs, closing her eyes. I place a gentle kiss on her nose.

"Please don't be embarrassed," I say, nestling my face in the crook of her neck. Her arms wrap around my neck. "Trust me, I wanted to go further." I say looking her dead in the eye. Her face turns pink and she avoids my stare.

"Then why did you stop," she asks just above a whisper.

"Because you're not ready," I say, squeezing her waist.

She begins fiddling with her fingers. "I am," she says. I grab her chin, tilting her head up to face me.

"No you're not and that's okay." I press my lips to her cheek. "I'm sorry if you felt pressured. I just couldn't help myself."

She shakes her head. "You could never pressure me." A moment passes by before she speaks again. "Thank you for tonight. It was the best night I had in a while." A real smile curls on my lips.

"I had an amazing night too, Haven," I say, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I'll walk you up." We say our goodbyes and Haven disappears into her house. I touch my lips reminiscing on the way her mouth worked against mine.

I drive home in a daze. The smell of her perfume still lingers in the air, but it's so much better from the source. I wonder if she saw that I added my contact to her phone. I wonder if she misses my touch as I miss hers.

When my head hits the pillow a ding comes from my phone. I immediately pull my phone, inches away from my face. My lips tip upwards. Indeed it was from Haven.

Unknown: Is this Apollo Laurant?

I reply immediately.

Me: Yes, is this a certain Haven Collins?

My phone dings again and I smile like a school boy.

Unknown: It is. Did you make it home safe?

I save her contact to my phone. Nicknaming her Angel because they have those in heaven.

Me: Yes, how could I not after the night I had?

Angel: I'm glad you had an amazing time as I did. I talked to my uncle and he said I can go to the business party.

My heart beats a little faster. I'm glad I don't have to take my mother's colleague's daughter. I would pick Haven over anyone.

We text until the wee hours of the morning. Even though I was tired when I woke up I still had a pep in my step. The bags under my eyes were a reminder that it was real.