Chapter 12

"Stop staring at me," Arielle scolded Javier.

He was standing beside her open locker with his arm over the door. "I can't help myself," he said with a smile. "You're stunning."

She rolled her eyes. "I look like a literal goblin today." She pointed at the messy bun on top of her head. "Don't you see this?"

"I do. I think it's cute." He tilted his head. "Is it the result of a sleepless night?"

She nodded.

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

"My brother has been having violent nightmares." She frowned. "I didn't realize he was having them until the weekend. He's been having a hard time, so I was sleeping in his room for a few days. I woke up one night to him thrashing and crying in his sleep. My foster mother is into those essential oils and natural remedies, so we've been trying different things to ease the nightmares."

"Any luck so far?"

"Not really." She sighed. "But, my brother has officially kicked all of us out of his room. He thinks we're treating him like a baby who can't sleep through the night."

"I'm sorry, Arielle." He moved his arm as she closed her locker. He walked with her down the hall. "How have you been holding up with…everything?"

She shrugged. "Better, I guess. I've been focusing on my brother, so I haven't really had a chance to get into my own head." She shook her head. "Enough about me. Let's talk about you. What are you doing this weekend?"

His cheeks darkened. "Well, I was actually going to ask you that question."

"Oh. I'm not doing anything this weekend. Why?"

He put a hand behind his head. "I was wondering if you wanted to go out tomorrow night. There's a pizza shop on Colonial Drive with amazing food. I was thinking we could get something to eat and see a movie. The live-action version of Aladdin is still in theaters. We could see that if you want."

She smiled. "Yeah. I'd like that."

"Great. Um, so I'll pick you up around seven."

"Sounds good."

He grinned. "Okay." He gave her a side hug. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She watched him amble down the hallway. "Until tomorrow," she whispered.

On the ride home, Arielle constructed a plea to convince Felix to let her go out with Javier. She replayed the words over and over in her head, desperate to get them right. Although Felix had been generous by letting her go out the last few times with her friends, she wasn't sure how long he'd allow her to mingle with the mortals.

When they returned home, Arielle followed Felix into her mother's old office. Her guardian hadn't moved any of her mother's belongings, but he did use it as a work space. She glanced around at the abundance of law books and family photos on the bookshelves. Her eyes lingered on a photo of the red-haired woman sitting on the couch with her two-year old daughter kissing her pregnant belly.

"Is everything okay," Felix asked as he sat down behind the desk.

Arielle looked away from the photo. "Yeah," she replied. "Can I go out with Javier tomorrow night?"

"What will the two of you be doing?"

"He suggested pizza and a movie."

He raised an eyebrow. "Like a date?"

"No! Not a date! Just two friends hanging out." She clasped her hands together. "Please?"

He sighed. "Arielle, I don't think you should keep hanging out with him."

"What? Why?"

"Do you really need me to go through the list of reasons?"

"We're just friends," she insisted.

"Does he know that?"

Arielle looked down.

He shook his head. "Listen, Arielle, I know you enjoy spending time with this mortal, but it would be best if you gave him some space."

"But, Felix –"

"No buts, Arielle," he said firmly. "You're not going out with him tomorrow night."

Arielle crossed her arms and pouted her lips. With watery eyes, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. She stomped up the steps and slammed the door behind her.

Sighing, she flopped down on her bed. Why couldn't Felix let her go out one more time? She and Javier were just friends. Sure, she was beginning to care about him, but she wasn't getting close to him. Was she?

Her thoughts drifted back to the party where they'd danced together. She remembered his hips moving against hers, his gentle grip on her hips, and the enchanted look on his face when he tried to kiss her. That was the first night she'd felt it – that tingling fire in the pit of her belly. But, it didn't mean anything – did it? She tried to convince herself it was normal to feel such a way for a good friend. Platonic love came in all shapes and sensations, right?

Her phone buzzed in her bookbag. She got up from her bed to check the glowing screen. Javier had sent her a text.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow :)

Arielle smiled at the simple phrase. Who was she kidding? She was getting attached. Too attached. And so was he! But, she couldn't help herself. All the romance books she'd read during her first year with Amber and Felix had rotted her brain. She'd been fantasizing for someone to sweep her off her feet. All her dreams about a mysterious suitor with blue eyes were still clear in her head. She'd been waiting for an opportunity like this. While it wasn't as extravagant as a ballroom party or an upscale club, it was still enough to make her heart race.

She turned her attention to the photos on her nightstand. She tilted her head as the blue eyes she'd once dreamt stared back at her. Her tears threatened to return as she picked up the fragile frame. He's dead, she thought as she gazed down at the photo of her and her old boyfriend. She combed through her mind for something – anything about the boy. All her brain could spit back were vague, blurry images. Holding his hand and watching the sunset. Driving down the suburban streets with the music blasting and the wind blowing through her hair. Kissing him and tasting peppermint on his tongue. Laying in his arms and experiencing the same fire she felt when Javier was near her.

She sat back down on the bed, still cradling the photo in her arms. Why had their creator killed him? What had he done to deserve such a punishment? He'd already been stripped of his parents, his old life, his mortality – what kind of sadistic asshole would take more from him? Her stomach clenched as she remembered that she might have the opportunity to find out.

Before the dark clouds could take over her mind, Arielle put the photo back on her nightstand and picked up a book that could make all her troubles go away.

The following day, Arielle was sure to be discreet about her outing with Javier. During breakfast, she talked about the book she was planning to devour overnight to insure her family wouldn't bother her. Quietly, she got dressed in a peach maxi dress that hugged her slender curves. She straightened her hair and created soft curls that framed her round cheeks. For her makeup, she kept it simple with pale pink eyeshadow and shimmering lip gloss.

Her phone buzzed on her vanity dresser. Javier was outside.

Arielle quickly spritzed some perfume around her body before grabbing her wristlet and opening the window. Effortlessly, she climbed out and held herself on the edge. Carefully, she shut the window and hopped down onto the grass. She hurried across the yard to Javier's waiting minivan.

When she entered the car, he stared at her in both awe and confusion. "Did you just jump out a two-story window in heels," he asked.

She glanced at her window; it faced the left side of the house, but it was still visible from where he'd parked. "Oh. Yeah."

He raised an eyebrow. "Okay, so you're extremely intelligent, beautiful, and agile? Are you a super hero or something?"

Arielle smiled. "Nah, I'm just a girl."

He grinned. "Oh yeah? Maybe we can change that to my girl by the end of the night."

She blushed. "Please drive!"

He chuckled as he pulled off from the curve.

Arielle watched the dark suburban streets pass her by. There were a few civilians out walking their dogs or jogging. All of them seemed to be in their own little worlds. The vampire wondered what it was like to be in their shoes. She imagined getting home from work and being greeted by an ecstatic golden retriever. She'd rustle the dog's fur as it licked her face. Before she took it out for a walk, she'd start preparing dinner for herself and her partner. Then, she'd let the pet drag her down the street. Maybe she'd run alongside it or restrain it from pooping in someone's yard. When she got home, dinner would almost be ready, and her partner would be home. After dinner, the three of them would curl up on the couch and watch television.

A smile graced the girl's lips as a hand curled around hers. She glanced at her companion and gave his hand a soft squeeze.

Within a few minutes, Javier pulled up to brightly lit restaurant. Eagerly, he tugged her into the establishment.

Upon entering, Arielle was bombarded with the foreign smells of oregano, pesto, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The distinct smells washed out the scents of the other mortals. Although it didn't make her mouth water, Arielle could admit the joint smelled heavenly.

"So, what kind of pizza would you like," Javier asked as he motioned towards the giant menu board hovering over the cashier's counter. "You can build your own slice, or you can choose from one of their Lazy Faves."

"Which one do you like?"

"My two go-to's are the Buff, which is basically a buffalo chicken pizza, or the Chili Slice."

Arielle scanned through the list of signature slices. She wasn't familiar with any of the different ingredients. She only ate human food when she hung out with him. "Um, can I try the Down Home slice?"

His arm slithered around her waist, and he pulled her close. "Of course, you can." He pecked a kiss at her temple. "How about soda?"

"Surprise me," she said.

He grinned. "Alright." He nodded towards the abundance of tables around the room. "How about you go find a seat, and I'll order the food. Okay?"

Arielle nodded.

Javier reluctantly let her go.

The vampire found an empty table near one of the windows. She set her hands in her lap as she glanced around the restaurant. Mortals sat together at the square tables and high-top counters, eating and chatting. A few mortals were even playing some type of ball game near the back of the establishment. She watched them roll the colorful balls in attempts to hit the sole white one.

Javier returned within a few moments with a colorful number stand and two plastic cups filled with Coca-Cola. He pushed one of the sodas and a straw towards Arielle before shrugging off his varsity jacket.

Arielle cautiously took a sip of the soda. She was surprised at the sizzling suds on her tongue, but she enjoyed the vanilla flavor. "This is a nice place," she told Javier.

"I'm glad you like it. My dad and I used to come here all the time. He loved this place."

"Why did the two of you stop coming?"

Javier looked down. "He passed away two years ago."

"Oh," Arielle said. "I'm…I'm so sorry." She lay her hand on top of his. "Are you okay?"

His gaze returned to her. "Yeah. I'm a lot better than I was." He smiled. "This is where he taught me 'Proper Gentleman 101.'"

"Such as buying ice cream for girls you like?"

"Yup. Rule number fifteen."

"What's rule number one?"

"Don't be a dick."

She giggled. "Really?"

"Yeah. Rule number one: Don't be a dick. If you like a girl, treat her with kindness and sincerity."

"You dad sounds like a wise man." She sipped on her soda. "May I ask what happened to him?"

His grin fell. "He was a police officer who was killed on duty. He got a call about a domestic abuse situation and wasn't able to walk out alive."

She squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. If it wasn't for him, the poor woman and her child might've been killed. He saved their lives." He looked away as a server sat down two enormous slices of pizza and a tray of cheese sticks with a side of tomato sauce.

Arielle raised an eyebrow at all the food. If she wasn't immortal, she'd tease him about giving her a heart attack. Carefully, she picked up the greasy slice with both of her hands. "This thing is bigger than my head," she exclaimed.

Javier chuckled. "Isn't it cool?"

She lowered the pizza, so he could see her wide eyes and gaping mouth. "That's insane!"

"Go on, try a bite."

Arielle lifted the pizza again and brought it to her mouth. She took a small bite and let the flavors marinate on her taste buds. The tangy barbecue sauce and the red onions gave the pizza a spicy flavor. The chicken and bacon were tasty, but their tastes were subtler. The gooey mozzarella cheese practically melted in her mouth. Together, the flavors were indescribably delicious. "Mmm," she hummed in pleasure.

Javier smiled. "Like it?"

"Love it," she said before taking another bite.

The pair didn't talk much during dinner. Both were occupied with devouring their pizza and the cheese sticks. When they did talk, it was usually Arielle pointing out that Javier had food on his face. He'd laugh and wipe his mouth with a napkin.

After dinner, Javier drove to the local movie theatre. He purchased the tickets for the Disney movie and brought another soda for them to share. The pair sat in the middle of the theatre with a perfect view of the large screen.

Once the movie started, Arielle couldn't pull her eyes away. She was enchanted by the beautiful visuals, the catchy songs, and the adorable romance. She was so entranced that she hadn't noticed Javier put his arm over her shoulders.

He'd pretended to yawn and stretch when he'd done so – another move he'd learned from his father. He glanced over at her when he didn't receive an immediate response. A grin tugged at his lips at the sight of her wide smile and the wonder in her green eyes. He scooted closer to her and returned his attention to the movie.

When the movie ended, Arielle couldn't stop babbling about it. She talked endlessly about the costumes, the jokes, the chemistry between the two main leads, and the general magic of the film. Javier listened intently as he drove her back home. He couldn't stop glancing at the beautiful girl in his passenger seat. He'd never seen her so ecstatic and giddy before. The smile on her lips expressed all her white teeth, and her voice was bubbling with enthusiasm. He didn't want to take her home yet. He wanted to bask in her happiness for just a little while longer.

Purposely, he missed the turn towards her street and drove towards the park.

Arielle, who was still babbling, didn't even notice their detour. She continued to ramble on about the movie, this time solely focusing on the beautiful duet between the two leads. "I've never heard a more perfect song," she gushed. "And the scenery when they sung it – ugh, it was so beautiful! It makes me wish I could go on a magic carpet ride!"

Javier chuckled. "I don't have a magic carpet, but I do have a minivan."

She giggled. "As long as it can take someplace special, that's all that matters." She tilted her head as he pulled up to the park. "I thought you were taking me home."

"I was, but then I figured you might want to hear the song again." He hopped out of the car. "Come on."

Arielle followed him towards the grassy fields.

Stars sparkled across the onyx sky like diamonds. A full moon glowed in the middle of the sky; every single detail of its craters reflected in the rippling lake in front of them.

Javier fiddled with his phone, searching for the original duet from the animated version. Smiling, he turned to Arielle as the song began to play. He held his hand out towards her. "I can show you the world. Shining, shimmering splendid," he sang.

Arielle's heart melted as she put her hand in his.

"Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?"

He pulled her close against him. "I can open your eyes. Take you wonder by wonder." He led her into a playful waltz. "Over sideways and under on a magic carpet ride." He picked her up and spun. "A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view! No one to tell us no or where to go or say we're only dreaming."

The lyrics to the song left her lips as if she'd practiced them for years. "A whole new world. A dazzling place I never knew." Her arms looped around his neck. "But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear that now I'm in a whole new world with you."

Their voices filled the silence of the park. Luckily, no one was around to hear them. They weren't the greatest singers, but they belt their hearts out as if they were. Javier twirled and spun Arielle in his arms as they sang. He admired the sweet smile on his crush's lips and the stars sparkling in her emerald eyes. Beneath the moonlight, she looked like an angel.

"A whole new world," he sang as he slowed their dance.

"A whole new world," she echoed.

He caressed her cheek. "That's where we'll be."

"That's where we'll be."

Their voices meshed together as Javier leaned his head down. "A thrilling chase. A wondrous place." His lips brushed against hers. "For you and me."

The moment their song ended, their lips crashed together. Javier's lips were undeniably soft and tender against Arielle's. They kissed her once, twice, and then a third time – trapping her lips in a slow, sensual dance. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close against him, engulfing her in his tropical, mouth-watering scent. Every inch of her torso was flushed against his. Arielle could feel his heart racing in his chest; it vibrated rapidly against her chest. His tongue, wet and warm, slithered between her lips. He tasted the same way he smelled – of mangoes and peaches. His lips were sweet, delicious, and luscious.

Arielle couldn't get enough of him as he kissed her with a passion she'd only read about in books. Her hands tangled in his hair, and her lips eagerly moved to the rhythm he established. She wanted more of him. She wanted to kiss down his jaw, peck kisses down his neck, lick his soft skin, and pierce her teeth into his veins. She bet his blood tasted even sweeter. Wait, no!

Arielle abruptly broke out of the kiss. She pushed out of his embrace and walked a few steps away from him. She sucked in the clean air and urged the intrusive thoughts away. She wouldn't hurt him. She couldn't hurt him. She cared too much about him to ever do that.

"I – I'm sorry," Javier said. "I – I – I didn't…I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"You didn't," Arielle assured him. "I just couldn't breathe," she lied.

He laughed. Blush covered his cheeks as he put a hand behind his head. "I'm sorry. Are you…are you okay?"

She nodded. "I'm fine."

He stepped closer to her. "Can I… Can we do that again?"

Arielle smiled. With a tighter leash on her instincts, she grabbed the collar of his jacket and pressed her lips against his. Her arms looped around his neck, and her chest pressed against his. Their lips fell back into their dance as if there was no interruption. The fire Arielle had only felt in her stomach spread across her entire body, making her feel like gooey lava in Javier's arms. If she wasn't so distracted by his lips, his taste, his smell, and her need for him, she may have picked up the distinct scent wafting through the air. Perhaps then she would've looked up and realized the two weren't completely alone.