"I've got a bone to pick with you," says August

Laurielle's face held a stunned expression; One because what could he possibly have a problem with, two— if she remembered correctly, he alleged that he was going to find another shirt, instead he returned without it.

"And what exactly might that be about?"

"How you gonna say I was being pushy? I could've called you pushy the first time you wanted me to open up so suddenly, I peeped your frustration."

She made room for him on the sofa as he sat beside her, "You're right and I apologize for that, I have been on edge lately— I'm still learning how to control my emotions at the moment."

"Duly noted," he responded and took the opportunity to admire her beauty, something he had been wanting to do for some time now,

She had a bronze hue, her complexion being utterly impeccable— with facial features similar to a gorgeous pixie. He admired the way her crescent shaped eyebrows inclined whenever he stared at her, the luminous smile that could pierce through darkness, and her elegance all mesmerized him.

"Why are you looking at me like that August?" she asked in a shy, baby-like tone

"I'm just trying to understand what kind of knucklehead ruined an opportunity of a lifetime, with the most gorgeous woman in the world."

"Thank you," she blushed and began twiddling her thumbs, a habit she possessed whenever she was nervous "Being gorgeous doesn't keep a man,"

"Of course, at least not the ones who don't want to be kept." he then shook his head "Why you wanna be married for anyways?"

"Lots of reasons, it's always been a goal for me— plus my parents are old fashioned, it was education first and foremost, marriage, then babies i.e family..."

"And you thought you were ready for all of that, in your mid twenties?"

"It wasn't a thought, this was a for sure thing on my end. Obviously it wasn't on Cameron's but hey, you live and learn."

"I'm sure being engaged isn't a walk in the park, and at the end of the day it's not you that's taking a loss here, it's Clayton."

"Cameron," she corrected while laughing

"Caleb, Carson, Crayon same shit..." he frowned "Whoever this guy is— he's an idiot."

She agreed and began studying the plethora of tattoos covering his flesh, "Which is your favorite most of all?"

"Definitely this one," he pointed towards his chest "Even though it was a bit painful and took hours, it's top five for sure." tucking his twists behind his ear, he then showed her the 'self made' tattoos along the sides of his face "Second favorite, because I am that."

"I've never met someone with this many tattoos, it's cool and it reminds me of art."

"Well tattoos are a form of art Cher,"

August grabbed her hand and gently placed it upon his bare chest as it slowly heaved, their eyes soon aligned as she gradually traced each tattoo with the tips of her fingers— her soft touch became inviting, feeling an ascension within his comfort he tucked his arm behind her, pulling her closer by the waist.

"You smell amazing," he whispered against her neck as she began to melt into his arms "And Lauri, I know you've been wondering for a while if I'm feelin' you like you're feelin' me, I absolutely am."

"Oh Jesus." was her response as she held her breath

"I think you're funny, I like your style— your confidence, I adore the fact that you have hope in any and everything, there's never a dull moment with you and I feel like you're what I've been missing in my life, I'm not trying to come off too strong either, but you definitely have earned the right to know these things."

"Awww August," she cooed "I'm relieved to say the least, I thought it was me who was coming off too strong. Even so, I wouldn't know how to let up unless you had told me verbatim..."

"I don't ever want you to feel like you can't be expressive, or have an opinion. My biggest thing is communication so if I'm feelin' some type of way about a situation, I'm gonna speak on that right then and there."

"Great, because I'm the exact same way."

"Nothing to worry about then, right?"

She nodded a bit while smiling, "Sooo um, what about you?"

"Whatchu mean,"

"Why didn't it work out between you and your last person?"

"She was selfish." he simply answered with a shrug "I don't like people like that, she just wasn't the compromising type."

"And how long have you two been broken up?"

"Maybe three, four years now? I'm uncertain anymore because I try not to think of her— too many unwanted memories."

"I see..."

"On top of that I just wasn't the one for her, she told me several times but I kept fighting for it because I was in love."

"Wow, that's some trauma for you."

"She was very manipulative too, and I was the fool allowing that mess to go down, never again." he chuckled "I wasn't innocent though, I have a temper on me so don't let this reserved personality fool you."

"They say the quiet ones are the ones people should watch closely, I'm aware."

"Did a red flag go up yet? Or are you still willing to explore?"

"I personally believe everyone has a red flag, at least ONE— but you having a temper wouldn't scare me off, I'm tougher than that."

"You're tough huh?" he mocked before pinching at her thighs "We'll just see about that."

"Sir do not provoke me alright?"

"Whatchu gonna do about it Lauri? Hmmph?" he questioned now leaning in towards her face "Whatchu gonna do?"

She nervously chewed on her bottom lip while staring into his hypnotizing eyes, her gaze soon averted towards his luscious lips as temptation started to rise.

While August had seemingly assumed the position, giving her full access to kiss him if she wanted, Laurielle patted his chest twice, and backed away indicating that she wasn't interested in the offer.

"No offense August, but I can't take it there with you— we still have a lot of learning to do about one another, and I want to make sure your intentions are pure. I also can't take part in any form of intimacy with you until it's made clear to me exactly what we are. Earlier you said I was your friend, and friends don't kiss."

"I can't do anything but respect that, I apologize if I spoiled the moment... I don't know what's gotten into me." he mumbled the last sentence and looked off at nothing in particular

"Hey," she cupped his face and turned his head back towards her "It's okay I promise, I'm actually flattered at the fact you think I'm kissable." she teased

"Absolutely," he breathed out "Every last part of you."

"Where would you start if given the opportunity?" she asked with a hint of seduction in her voice

"Here," he said and gently caressed her collarbone "That's my favorite spot on any woman, personal reasons and preference."

She cleared her throat and crossed her legs, "I would say continue, but I want to keep it PG."

"It's not me who has no self control ma'am."

"Oh trust me I know I'm the one who doesn't have it, that's no secret August." she admitted causing him to chuckle

"It's getting late anyways, I actually don't want you traveling on those dark roads by yourself— plus those animals... they put the wild in Idyllwild."

"Are you suggesting that I spend the night here?"

"I'm not suggesting, I'm telling you." he stood to his feet and pulled her up as well "You can stay in the guest room, everything's already made up for you."

"I don't know August, I don't want to invade your privacy."

"It's just for one night Lauri, do me this favor? It'll make me feel better— I want you safe."

She eventually gave in to his request as he escorted her into the guest room, she shyly sat on the bed as he leaned against the opening of the door frame, "Let me know if you need anything at all, I'm right down the hall okay?"

"Okay, thank you."

Pushing himself off of the frame, he walked over basically hovering over her "And I know you said friends don't kiss friends but..." he shrugged while placing a tender kiss against her forehead "Goodnight gorgeous."

"Night." she replied in a daze as he left the room, she fell backwards into the bed now covering her blushing face

Her question had finally been answered, August was interested in her after all.