I looked out the window until I felt Ryder's hand on my thigh which automatically made me focus on it, which in return he smirked. I hated but, also loved the effect he had on me. I snapped out of it and looked out of the window again. We've been driving for about thirty minutes and I texted Jeremy to cover for me until I got home. I still didn't know where we were going and I was getting eager.

"Okay now can you tell me?" I asked, curiously which led him to squeeze my thigh.

"Be patient." he replied with a charming smile.

I bit my lip in anticipation and waited twenty more minutes until we turned into a clearing and all I seen was a field of red roses. It was absolutely beautiful, there also seemed to be a small house in the middle of it all.

"We're here." Ryder stated with a smile on his face as he looked at me.

"It's beautiful." I said in awe, looking out on the vibrant colors of the roses from the window.

We drove up a dirt path to the house until we parked, then he helped me out. Inside it was surprisingly very cute and comfy. There was a small living room and kitchen as well as a bathroom. When I walked into the kitchen, Ryder trailed behind me, where a table sat with food on it like it was set up for a date.

Wait-

As if reading my thoughts, "I figured I never took you on a proper date." Ryder stated and I turned around to face him, "So Octavia will you go on a date with me?" he asked very sweetly.

I couldn't believe my ears, my heart was melting, how could he be so sweet. It's hard to believe my dad thought he was unsafe.

I nodded my head with a smile, "How could I say no."

With that, he smiled and leant down to capture my lips in his in a soft kiss. Then he sat me down at the table and served me. It looked like it was a home cooked meal, tasted like it too, it was amazing.

"Did you make this?" I questioned, looking into his eyes.

"I did do you like it, if not I can make you something else?" he said quickly and nervously.

I shook my head, laughing slightly, "No, it's good I like it." I smiled which caused him too as well.

"Good." he replied.

We began eating the rest of our food and talking about one another. Ryder told me about his mom, Marissa Salvatore, who was super caring and loved gardening. Then his dad who taught him everything he knew, Daniel Salvatore. He was an only child but, had a best friend that was like a brother named Carter. It went on like this for a while, us talking about family or childhood memories.

Until I wanted to know what my dad meant.

"Ryder?" I asked warily.

"Yes?" he answered with his eyebrows drawn together in confusion.

"My dad told me it wasn't safe to be with you, why is that?" he shifted uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze.

Was it really this serious?

He was taking a minute to reply so I started to think he didn't want me knowing, "Ryder." I repeated his name and touched his hand that was on the table.

His gaze turned to our hands before he spoke, "There are just things that you don't know, things I've dreaded telling you I still dread telling you." he replied, sounding like he was choosing his words wisely.

"Why, is it really that bad?" I questioned softly as his gaze met mine for a second until he looked back at our hands.

"I just don't want you to not like what you hear and decide to just...leave me." he trailed off as he said the last words which made my heart break.

How could he think that after what amazing times we've had. Ryder looked very vulnerable right now, it was the first time I've ever seen him like this.

"Ryder, I wouldn't leave you whatever it is I'm sure it'll be okay." I said reassuringly, this didn't assure him since he seemed to close off from me completely.

His hand slid from my touch, making my heart ache a little, "I think we should get you home now." he stated still not meeting my gaze.

I didn't like the way he was acting, if he couldn't tell me, my dad would. I'll make sure of it, I only nodded getting up and walking out of the house with Ryder behind me. I wanted to ask who's house this was because, it definitely wasn't his. But, I decided against it as the air was now a bit tense. When we got into the car I felt like I ruined the whole night by bringing that up.

Why couldn't I just stay quiet then I could have found out from my dad later. To think this night could have been so great then I had to open my mouth. The ride back was silent while I looked out the window, I felt him glance at me every once in a while. I also noticed his grip on the steering wheel and how his hand twitched. Before I knew it we were parked around the corner from my house.

It was quite for a minute before I just decided to leave if he wasn't going to say anything. But, just as I reached for the silver car handle and opened the door, it was being shut by Ryder's hand. I looked at him to see his dark eyes filled with many emotions. Until he grabbed me, pulling me over his lap so I was straddling him. Then he brought my face close, kissing me deeply.

I could feel all of his emotions being put into this kiss. I could barely bask in the mere touch of his lips on mine before logic broke through. He can't tell me about this secret him and my father are keeping from me but, he can kiss me, it wasn't right.

"Ryder you can't, stop." I panted, pulling away breathlessly him just as much, "I-I'm going now." I stated, already getting up but, his hands landed on my hips to push me back down on him.

"Octavia listen I'm sorry for the way I acted earlier, I'm just scared." he claimed, his words seeping with vulnerability.

"Of what?" I asked, meeting his soft eyes searching for anything that could help me.

"Of losing you." he finished while looking at me still.

Did he just, my heart was pounding so fast. I never knew he cared so much but, what could be so bad he thinks he could loose me over. I slowly cupped his face between my hands.

"Ryder nothing in this world could keep me from feeling the way I do about you." The words just slipped from my mouth like I couldn't stop them.

I seen his genuine bright smile form on his lips before my lips were attached with his again. Everything else, all the worries just like that, were gone.

Then the once great night was great all over again.