Unscripted

chapter 11

That night, after Malachi dropped me off, I lay awake in bed replaying everything—the way he'd held my hands at the lake, the way his voice softened right before he kissed me, the way his lips felt against mine.

It wasn't just a kiss. It was something deeper, something that made my chest ache in the best way.

My phone buzzed on my nightstand, snapping me out of the memory. My heart flipped when I saw his name.

Malachi ❤️: You asleep yet?

I smiled, rolling onto my side.

Me ❤️: Not even close.

Malachi ❤️: Good. Because I can't stop thinking about tonight. Especially that kiss.

I covered my face with my pillow, laughing softly before replying.

Me ❤️: Same. You've officially ruined all other kisses for me.

The dots appeared instantly.

Malachi ❤️: Perfect. That's the goal. Just me, Frey. Always me.

My chest warmed. How does he know exactly what to say?

Me ❤️: Goodnight, Mal. Sweet dreams.

Malachi ❤️: Only if you're in them. Night, beautiful.

I set my phone down, my smile refusing to fade. Sleep didn't come easy, but when it finally did, it was filled with him.

⸻

The next morning, I was just grabbing my bag when my phone buzzed again.

Malachi ❤️: Morning, Frey. I'm outside.

My heart jumped. I rushed to the window, and there he was—leaning casually against his car in my driveway, arms crossed, like something straight out of a movie.

I grabbed my stuff and hurried out, trying not to look as excited as I felt.

"Morning, beautiful," he said as I approached, opening the passenger door for me.

"Morning, Mal," I replied, my cheeks heating as I slid into the seat.

The whole drive, his hand found mine on the center console. He kept stealing little glances at me, his lips tugging into a smile every time I caught him.

"You know," he said softly, squeezing my hand, "I'm not sure I'm ever gonna get used to this."

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"This... us. You. Sitting here next to me. Making my whole morning better just by being here."

My chest tightened in the best way. Why does he make it sound so easy to fall in love with him?

When we got to school, he parked and came around to open my door again, slipping his fingers through mine as we walked toward the entrance. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, quick but warm, and my whole body lit up.

⸻

At lunch, Arianna and Sway were already waiting for me.

"Well?" Arianna asked the second I sat down.

I blinked. "Well what?"

Sway smirked. "Don't play dumb, Frey. You came to school with him this morning. He kissed your cheek in the hallway. Do you think we're blind?"

I groaned, shoving a piece of fruit in my mouth to avoid answering.

"So," Arianna continued, leaning closer, "how was the date?"

I finally gave in, cheeks burning. "It was... amazing. We kissed."

The shriek that came out of Arianna nearly knocked me over, while Sway just grinned, shaking her head.