The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance(47)

“You have the best facial expressions,” he said to me, shifting to his side. I remained in place, unable to move.

“Just go to sleep,” I heard myself whisper. Squeezing my eyes shut, I could hear Micah chuckle beside me. He shifted again, this time, turning his back to me.

“Goodnight.” His voice was warm and husky in the dark room. I rolled onto my side, facing away from him, too.

“Night,” I replied, tugging the comforter up to my shoulders. After a long moment, I felt Micah turn again, and I felt his warm breath against my neck as he murmured, “Thanks, Charlie.”





“Let’s Hurt Tonight”

OneRepublic





I WAS WARM AND COZY. Everything was so comfy underneath my blankets and comforter. As I turned and adjusted in bed, my hand came in contact with skin—with Micah. I jolted just as my alarm began to go off. Memories of the night before rushed to my mind. Micah at the door. The rain. Sneaking him into my room after everyone had gone to bed. Slowly, I turned to gaze down at the disheveled haired and partly-sleeping man in my bed. I heard Micah groan softly, pushing his head deeper into the pillow.

“Ugh, turn it off. Five more minutes.”

“It’s on your side,” I murmured, rubbing my eyes. I peered again at Micah, who had ruffled bed head but seemingly appeared relaxed and soft and so tempting to cuddle with. I fought back my desire to do just that. When Micah didn’t move, I tried to lean over him to grab my phone from the nightstand.

“I have to lean over you,” I said. Micah snorted, still unmoving.

“It’s your chance to be on top of me. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by,” he mumbled into the pillow.

“You wish,” I said as I stretched my arm for my phone. I felt his warm hands brace my hips gently as I leaned over him, keeping me from falling over. I was glad he hadn’t seen me blush at his touch. Disconnecting my phone from the charger, I tugged it back over to my side of the bed and turned the alarm off. It was six in the morning. We had an hour to catch the bus.

As the realization dawned on me that I’d have to get him past Josh and my mom—my dad normally left for work at five o’clock—my heart began to pound more ferociously than ever.

“You look like you’ve just experienced a night full of regret,” Micah chuckled, sliding a hand through his hair as he turned onto his side. “I’m not used to that kind of expression.”

I rolled my eyes. “Do I really?”

“Are you already over thinking? It’s a bit early for that, don’t you think?” he joked as he poked my arm. “It’s not like anything happened last night.”

“I’m not worried about that sort of stuff,” I retorted.

“Really?” Micah seemed surprised. “You’re a virgin, right?”

“Are you?” I asked inquisitively.

“Am I?” he taunted playfully. “Micah’s mysteries.”

“How am I going to get you past my family?” I blurted, trying to change the subject. A thrilling and exciting shiver ran up my spine at the thought of Micah and I kissing…and more. But this wasn’t the time or the place. I glanced from my bedroom door, back to him. I hadn’t thought this out thoroughly. My priority had been keeping Micah away from his dad, safe.

“Yes, quite the dilemma you’re in,” he teased.

“Be serious,” I said as I began to crawl over him to get out of the bed. Micah caught my arm tenderly; his face very close to mine. This was becoming so confusing—this thing between him and I.

“Calm down. We’ll be all right. Just get dressed. I’ll think of something, C.”

For a brief moment, I found myself completely trusting him. I knew he was right; we’d be just fine. Carefully, Micah released my arm and I stumbled to my closet, gathering whatever clothes my hands touched and moved to my adjoining bathroom.

I was relieved to close the door and have a moment to myself to reflect on the last eight hours. I had slept beside Micah Jacobs. Sleeping in my own bed would never be the same. Would his scent linger on my pillows? Shaking my thoughts away, I slid a blouse over my head and tugged on a fresh pair of jeans. Glancing in the mirror, I pulled my hair up into a loose ponytail and then began to brush my teeth. Micah tapped on the door as he peeked in.

“Is it safe? I wanted to know if you had an extra toothbrush.” Thankfully, my mom always had our bathrooms supplied for unexpected guests.

“Yeah,” I said as I dug out an extra toothbrush from underneath the sink. I watched as Micah popped it from the plastic wrapping and used a bit of my toothpaste. He had changed back into the clothes he had arrived in.

“Are those still wet?” I asked between brushes.

“Huh?” He scrubbed his teeth, creating white foam behind his lips.

“Are those still wet?” I asked again, pulling the toothbrush from my mouth. Micah grinned as I felt a bit of the toothpaste dribble down my chin. Embarrassed, I quickly turned and began to rinse my mouth, keeping my hand up near my lips to cover my spit. Micah came to stand beside me, making quick brush strokes and then finally cupped his hands under the faucet, bringing the water up to his mouth to rinse. This was such an intimate thing to do together. I had never imagined brushing my teeth in front of someone, let alone him. When Micah was done, he smiled brightly, flashing his pearly whites at me.