Problem with Wanting You

chapter three

I watch him cautiously as he begins walking around my room. "So are you gonna tell me what you did?" I ask, the reason he ended up here in my room undoubtedly peaking my interest.

"Mmm, probably not." His replies mindlessly as he inspects my room, running his fingers lightly across the dresser in the corner of my room.

I nod, getting the hint that was probably the most he was going to delve into that topic. At least for now, anyways. "Um, what exactly are you looking for?" I question him, eager to gain his attention to distract him from examining my bedroom any further.

Will shrugs, turning to me. "Just looking."

Suddenly, I realise I hadn't even introduced myself. I move from the spot near the window that I had been previously rooted to and walk somewhat closer to him. "Well anyways, I'm—"

"Penny Westbrook." He says in amusement. "I also know who you are Penny."

"Oh." I frown, realising the need to introduce myself was pointless; he was already aware of who I was. "Well how'd you even know anyone was in here?"

Will, instead of answering, gestures towards my cream couch asking for permission to sit. I grant it to him, nodding my head and watch as he takes a seat, trying to find a comfy position. Once he does, he finally replies. "I saw the light in your bedroom."

I mimic his actions, but instead take a seat on my bed, pulling my legs up to my chest. "And you just decided you were gonna take refuge in a strangers room?"

He shrugs, once again. "You used to have a party every year for your birthday when we were kids. I knew you lived in one of these houses, I'm just glad I found the right one."

I frown. "I don't remember you going to any of them.."

"Yeah, well I wasn't allowed to go." His words are spoken absentmindedly, a grimace on his face. However, the sour look disappears as quickly as it appeared as he snaps out of it, replacing the look with a smirk. "But it's not exactly a secret where you live Penny. I somehow ended up running through this neighborhood and remembered you, I guess."

I nod, the room falling into silence. Will's story was believable. We lived in a small town. Here, everybody knew everyone and I was very aware that many people knew where I lived. "Wait!" I yell, but quickly lower my voice when I realise it was practically the middle of the night and I couldn't afford to awaken my mom or Jack. "How'd you know I was even gonna let you in?"

Will laughs, shaking his head slightly as he strummed his fingers against the arm of my couch. "You ask a lot of questions—but the answer is that I didn't." I open my mouth to call him out on his coyness but Will beats me to it, eyeing the book disregarded on my nightstand. "Wuthering Heights. Good choice."

"You've read it?" I ask in astonishment as I reach over and grab it, fiddling with the book now in my hands, inspecting the cover.

"Mm, I may have. The movie sucked ass though."

"Definitely." I tell him in agreement as I laugh at his directness, placing the novel back onto my night stand. "Y'know, when I think about Will Ashford, I don't picture him reading books like Wuthering Heights..."

Will folds his arms as we make eye contact, the glint of smugness in his eyes shining back at me. "Are you saying you think about me?" He quizzes in a teasing tone, clearly finding my choice of words comical.

"Shut up Will." I roll my eyes. "You know what I meant." I say before covering my mouth and letting out a yawn.

"Tired?"

"Kinda." I admitted truthfully, turning my attention towards the window. "I think the sirens have stopped now. It's probably safe for you to go."

"Yeah about that..." He smiles at me sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "...do you mind if I crash here for the night? I promise I'll be gone before anyone wakes up."

I'm taken aback by his words. He wants to stay here? Overnight?

"I don't know..." I say in uncertainty but quickly take in his pleading face and for some reason find myself going against my normal nature. I heave, getting up from my bed and walking over to my closet. I stand on my tip-toes to reach the top shelf, pulling down my big fluffy blanket and chucking it in his direction. "You'll have to use this."

"Thanks, Westbrook." He tells me with a smile, laying on his back and propping his arms behind his head, the blanket splayed over his legs. I turn the lamp off and climb back into my bed, instantly greeted by it's warmth. After a minute of dead silence, I feel myself falling asleep.

"Promise you'll be gone in the morning?" Is the last thing I remember asking Will.

"Scouts honour."

And with that I drifted off to sleep.