Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

SAM:

After the party, we had dinner, and Alex offered to take me home. I wanted to stay, but I didn't tell Mum or Dad that I would be sleeping over, so I had to leave. Chelsea made me promise to come back. Although I wanted to, it was up to Alex and my parents to decide.

I told Alex I wanted to leave. He nodded and told me to wait for him outside. As I left, I heard him say something to his mom, and she looked over at me before nodding at Alex. He sighed and hugged her. Chelsea asked if I could come again, and Alex said I might. I didn't know if I should be happy or worried, but Alex came out soon after and stood beside me.

We walked outside together.

"You want to walk, or should we ride there?" he asked when we reached the open air.

The weather was chilly—perfect for a romantic night, especially one that I got to spend with Alex. But I wanted to get home quickly. Mum and Dad would be worried sick by now.

I looked over at Alex, and he was staring at the moon, focused on the beautiful ball of light reflecting on his hair as it flowed with the wind. He was exquisitely handsome. I blushed.

"I think it would be faster if we take Spirit," I said.

He nodded and walked towards the stable. I followed him, watching his house as I moved, but then I hit something hard. I realized it was Alex. I looked up at him, and he was staring at me.

He smiled and reached out his hand. I took it, and he held me, drawing me closer to him. I was engulfed in his warmth and scent—it was enticing.

We got to the stable, and Alex took Spirit's reins and saddle, securing them in place. Then he paused.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

He looked at me. "Would you like to ride him tonight?"

He was asking with his eyes on me. I was surprised—I didn't even realize when I ran and practically threw myself at him. He hugged me and rested his head at the crook of my neck.

I pulled back and looked at him. He smiled and placed me on Spirit. The horse neighed, and I hugged him, petting his mane. Alex led him on foot until we reached the gate. Then he got on behind me.

I blushed when he slipped his arms around me, placing them over mine on the reins. He nestled closer and gently kicked Spirit, prompting him to start galloping.

We moved slowly at first, but then he sped up, holding my hands.

"If you want him to move faster, move the reins up and down in a simultaneous motion, but not too fast," Alex instructed.

I listened intently, nodding, and did as he said. Spirit picked up the pace, going faster and faster.

I felt Alex's arms slowly move from my arms to my waist. I bit my lip and closed my eyes, trying my best not to moan.

"Focus," I heard Alex say.

I opened my eyes and glared at him before looking back at the road.

"How do you expect me to focus when you're acting that way?" I said.

I could see my house from a distance, so I just held onto the reins as Spirit moved on.

---

ALEX:

We were almost at Samantha's house. I let her take Spirit tonight just to be closer to her and to make the night more romantic.

I looked at how her hair glowed under the moonlight. She was beautiful beyond words. I watched as she nodded and followed all my instructions, though she lost focus when I held her waist.

We reached the hill leading to her house, and she slowed down. I held her waist a little firmer as Spirit moved slowly. The night was young, and so were we.

Sam used one hand to hold onto mine as we approached her house.

When we arrived, I helped her down. Before I dismounted, I took Spirit to the back and kept him in their barn, while Sam went inside.

I pondered on what my mum had said about me spending the night here. I sighed. I wanted to hear it from her parents since it was late, and I couldn't go home just yet.

I walked inside and met the three of them on the couch. Sam was narrating her fun time at my house.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers," I greeted.

They looked over at me. Sam blushed when I looked at her.

Her dad nodded and turned back to his daughter, while her mum replied, "Good evening, Alex. Thank you for bringing Sam back."

"It was nothing, actually. I just didn't want her to go alone," I said.

Sam looked at me with sad eyes, then turned to her parents.

"Why doesn't he stay here for the night? He can go home tomorrow," she suggested.

Her parents looked at each other and sighed.

"Alex, honey, why don't you stay here for the night?" her mum said. "It's already late, and I... we wouldn't want you to catch a cold."

She and Sam looked at me with pleading eyes. I glanced at Sam's dad, who gave me a simple nod.

I agreed, and Sam jumped up and hugged me. I hugged her back.

"Thank you. I don't know how I would've slept if you left," she whispered in my ear.

I chuckled and kissed her cheek. She blushed and ran upstairs, saying she wanted to get a pillow and a cover for me. I nodded and turned to her parents.

"I hope you don't mind sleeping on the couch tonight?" Sam's mum asked.

"It's fine. Thank you," I replied with a genuine smile.

She came over and hugged me. I was shocked at first but hugged her back—though not in the way I did with Sam.

"Please, take care of my daughter. Don't hurt her," she said simply, but I could hear the emotion behind those words.

"I won't. I promise," I whispered back.

She let go of me.

"Goodnight, Alex," Sam's dad said after his wife left.

I nodded and sat on the couch, waiting for Sam to return with my sleeping materials.

A while later, she came downstairs, holding a pillow and a blanket. I smiled at her as she brought them over and laid them beside me.

"Thank you," I said.

She just kept looking at me. So I took the pillow and blanket from her, stood up, and set up my sleeping space. Then I faced her.

I held her hand and intertwined our fingers. She had her eyes on me the whole time. I moved closer and pulled her into a hug.

After we parted, I cupped her face in my hands and pulled her even closer. My heart was beating loudly in my chest. She closed her eyes and slightly parted her lips. I leaned in and kissed her slowly.

She stepped in closer, wrapping her arms around my neck. I placed my hands on her waist as we deepened the kiss.

When we parted, Sam was reluctant.

"You wanted this, didn't you?" I asked.

She just nodded.

I kissed her once more, briefly, then let her go.

"Goodnight, my love," I said.

She blushed. "Good... night," she whispered before running upstairs.

I just laid on the couch and drifted off to sleep—with thoughts of Sam on my mind.

---