CHAPTER SEVEN

 ❣️ STAY WITH ME❣️

They ate dinner in silence. Jason kept stealing glances at her and Crystal smiled knowingly. 

She was winning and she knew it.

When they were done, he offered to 'drop her off' at her place.

"Where are we riding to?" He asked after he was sure she was comfortable.

"Hillcrest Avenue"

"Not so far. Ten minutes tops I guess" He thought out loud. And the ride back home began. Her body pressed into his and it made the ride difficult, almost impossible.

He was having a hard time keeping his sanity in check.

"So what do you do, Miss Adams?"

"I'm into interior and exterior decorations as well as events planning"

"Wow. Sounds important" He teased.

"Yes. It is important" she kicked him as one would kick a horse and he snickered.

"So how many events have you planned so far?"

"Just one" she replied.

"What?" He stopped short in his tracks.

"Yes. My best friend's birthday party"

"Oh really. How many guests were there?"

She looked at him, pissed. How dare he.

"Why are you being a detective right now?" 

"Answer the question or I'm gonna label you a liar"

"Just two guests. I and my best friend" she mumbled.

He put her down as they both fought hard to control the laughter that threatened to burst forth.

She decided she was going to walk the rest of the way home. And she did. His warm body and bulging muscles were too tempting to be so close to.

Out of habit, they held hands and talked some more. The street was busy and the lights were on. There were lovers scattered in dark corners. The two blended in. It was well past 9 PM.

In no time, they were at the front door.

"Here we are" she took a deep breath in and out. He blew air out as well and handed her her purse.

"I had a great time Crystal" he smiled. So enchantingly.

"Me too Jason"

"Your partner didn't show up at the restaurant" He noted.

"Yes. I guess he stood me up. But it was worth it" They stood, staring at each other, wondering if it was time to drop the act.

Jason wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, touch her.

Crystal wanted to be in his arms, to feel his warm body again.

"You wanna come in?" She asked casually.

"For a cup of coffee and some music, yes"

"Good. I'll put on some coffee and turn on some music. What's your taste?"

"I'll listen to anything you play"

She handed him the keys. He opened the door and stood aside to let her in. She flicked the switch on the wall and the lights in the sitting room came on.

"You have a nice place" he commented.

"Thank you"

"Do you live alone?"

"No. I have a roommate, who happens to be the same best friend I've been talking about"

"Oh. Is he coming home tonight or anytime soon?"

"No. Why?"  She asked, staring at him curiously. When he did not answer, she proceeded to the couch closest to her.

"Make yourself at home"

He sat opposite and they just stared at each other awkwardly. Was the game over? No one knew.

"I thought you were going to get us coffee?" Jason asked. He was making her uncomfortable and enjoying every moment and feeling he got from it. It took a lot to put Crystal on edge. The girl was as hard as a rock.

"Yes, coffee" she mumbled and took off her shoes. They were killing her feet and she promised never to put them on, ever again. Then she stood up and walked to the kitchen. Jason tagged along.

When she turned with a question in her eyes, he simply said "I'm coming to help you. I'm a gentleman, remember?"

A rat scurried past. She screamed and jumped on Jason. How in the name of heaven did a rat get into the house?!

Jason's protective instinct jumped into action and he forgot about the act and flirting. He opened his arms and took her in while she whimpered and shook.

Crystal. Always Crystal in every way.

"It's just a rat baby girl, nothing more" he soothed.

"Yeah. I hate rats" she said with an easy smile. But he saw that her hands were shaking.

Crystal placed her head on his chest and she thought she could hear his heartbeat. It was fast.

"Why is your heart beating so fast?" She brought her head up to ask and then she saw the look in his eyes. The same look she had all those years. The same look she always had when he wasn't looking at her.

"Jason" she whispered.

"Your pulse is racing too," he said to her as he brought his finger to her neck.