"So have you told Hayden yet?"

The question had been weighing on my mind all day, and I was grateful to finally get it out.

Skylar glanced at me from her perch on the couch with a wry smile.

Elijah hadn't stayed over last night, having said something about needing to check on Cole, so it was just me and her watching reruns of 'The Brady Bunch,' on tv. I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep after he had left and was even more conflicted than I had been. I wanted to tell him how I felt, but there was always something holding me back.

I guess that silly fear of being worried that someone doesn't feel the same well was real. Maybe if I heard how Skylar did it, I would get some inspiration.

"No, but I was planning on doing it today. I was going to wait until tomorrow, with it being Christmas and all. Although I am not sure if I want to wait."

Hearing that practically sent me over the moon. While I might not have been sure how Elijah felt, I did know how Hayden felt about her.

"How are you going to tell him?"

Her eyes lit up, and she grabbed the remote from off the armrest of the couch, shutting the tv off, and facing me.

"Well, since we are going to his parent's house tonight, and staying over there, I just thought I would tell him sometime then." She paused a nervous expression forming in her eyes. "I have been trying to think of a special way to tell him, but my mind keeps coming up blank. At first, it freaked me out, but then I realized that love just is. It doesn't need to come attached to flowers, rainbows, and grand gestures to be real," she said, spreading her arms out wide, a blonde strand of hair falling into her face.

I smiled, as the excitement shone from her eyes, her words holding the undeniable truth.

"I want you to know that I am really happy for you guys Sky. I also think that it would be great to just tell him and get it off your chest."

"You think so?"

"I know so. You are right, you don't need fancy gestures to show how much you love someone." She sent me a toothy smile, elation taking over her features before she arched her eyebrow.

"So, what about you and Elijah? You guys are spending Christmas together right?"

"Yes, we are." Jut the idea of it sent a nervous burst of butterflies through my stomach. "Mom wanted to meet him, and his mom had already made plans, so I asked if he wanted to come to spend it with us."

She wiggled her eyebrows, in a way that only she could pull off, without looking positively goofy. "So things with you guys are becoming serious then?"

Serious. I brought my hands to my mouth, with a nod. Just thinking about it was crazy. Each day was just an affirmation that I had made the right choice in choosing to take the risk.

"I am not sure if it was just a careless mistake but I forgot a date we had." Skylar's eyes changed, almost as if already understanding how I had felt at that moment.

"How did he take it?" She whispered.

I pressed my lip together, shaking my head as I blinked back the tears. "Jeez Skylar..." I cleared my throat, finding it harder to peak the more that I thought about how wrong I had been. In fact, he had acted normal the whole night. Even though I knew that there had to be some worry about me forgetting other things he didn't show it at all. "He was perfect about it."

She scooted closer to me, her hand on my arm. I splayed my hands out on my thighs, before leaning on my elbows, my hair coming to cover my face. "I know I more than just like him," I whispered admitting it out loud for the first time.

It felt good too. I hadn't known that holding it in had been so heavy, but I felt lighter somehow.

"I could've told you that babe. Some relationships develop over time, with feelings growing gradually. But then there is what you and Elijah have. I think in a way your hearts belonged to each other before you even met." She murmured. "I know it might not make much sense. But Love is anything but Logical. The relationship that you guys have though," she nodded as if she had just found the answer to a question, "that is what makes sense."

I took a shaky breath. "Is it supposed to feel this terrifying? I can't help but have all these worries. What if one day I wake up and I don't remember who he is. Or what if it all doesn't work out and then the one thing I won't be able to forget, is him."

She smiled softly, hugging me tighter. "I think love is supposed to be scary, babe. How can it be real if you aren't afraid to lose it?" Skylar tilted her head. "But I will say that if you feel that way for him then you should tell him."

She was so right but it didn't make things any easier. With every passing day, my fear only heightened that I would wake up and not remember. And the thing that scared me the most was that if that happened, I wouldn't even be able to tell.

I ran a hand through my hair. "I think I want to tell him. All the unfortunate possibilities just keep getting the best of me, I guess."

"I was like that too at first, but then I realized that I should live in the present rather than worry about what might happen in the future. So in the words of the wisest person I know, I am telling you now, that you should just grow a pair and women up." I looked up. "There is no use in worrying yourself over the future that you have no control over. Fate is a bitch like that." She nodded with finality and I laughed.

"Who is this wise person that you are speaking of again?"

"Umm me," she deadpanned, before winking. I shook my head and she nudged me playfully.

What would I do without her?

Neither one of us said it, but we both knew she was right. Life was too short to live in the past or the future. In doing both you could never advance to the next stage of life. I was jerked from my thoughts when a sound blared from my phone. I picked it up and answered without checking the contact name.

"Hello?"

"Hey." A wide smile filled my face and I leaned back on the couch. "I was just wondering if you were still coming over tonight?" Elijah asked.

I fiddled with my sleeves, unable to hold back a smile.

"Yea, I am," I said, glancing at the clock above the oven, and realizing that it was about time for me to get ready to go. "I am still at my place right now, but I was planning on heading out soon."

"Okay, well text me when you head over. Make sure to drive safely." I heard a rustling sound, followed by the sound of a car door slamming shut, piquing my curiosity.

"Did you just get out of practice?" I asked, at the same time that my phone beeped. I raised it from my ear and into my line of sight. My breathing faltered when I saw the alert, letting me know that the roads were icy, my heart skipping a beat.

Great. Icy roads were not my forte. Too many things could happen.

"Yea. I couldn't wait until I got home to call you though. I needed to hear your voice."

If happiness could be written in the stars, I am sure mine would take up the whole sky.

"It's good to hear your voice too."

"I know." I laughed, practically able to hear the smirk in his voice. But gosh if it wasn't true.

"You are so above the legal levels of arrogant."

"Maybe. I know that you still love me though."

All the air caught on my chest at the phrase that had become so much more than words to me, in a matter of a few weeks. His words held so strong of truth, that I was almost left breathless. He had no idea how much I did.

"Are you still there?"

"What?" I shook my head, telling myself to get it together, as he repeated what he had said. "Oh, yeah. I am still here, sorry."

I stood up, glancing over at Skylar, who had somehow managed to fall asleep in all of two minutes. One hand covered her eyes, while the other was propping her head up, and I laughed inwardly, wondering how the hell she could sleep in such an awkward position.

"Okay." I caught the hint of uncertainty that lingered in his voice, but he didn't question it and I was grateful. "Are you still spending the night?"

"Yes, I am. If it's okay." Elijah and I had discussed me staying with him today so that tomorrow we could drive over to my mom's house together.

"It's more than okay. If I had it my way, you would spend the night more often." Elijah had told me that multiple times now. If I had it my way, I would too. But being in the same bed as Elijah made me want to do things, that I had vowed to wait to do until marriage.

I laughed. "Well okay, let me get ready, so I can head over there. I'll see you soon, okay."

"Okay, sweetheart. I-" Elijah stopped speaking abruptly, clearing his throat. I frowned at the pause, but he quickly spoke again. "I will see you soon."

"Okay," I said, feeling as if he had been about to say something else. "I will see you then."

"Bye."

I ended the call, frowning at my phone, but brushing my worries off, as I walked into my room. I started grabbing a few overnight things, and an extra change of clothes for me to change into in the morning.

I had everything ready pretty quickly, considering that there wasn't exactly that much for me to get together. When I went back into the living room, Skylar was still sprawled out on the couch, and I glanced at the clock. I still had a few minutes left before Elijah would be home, and I needed to leave.

I bounced back into my room, spinning around slowly as I made sure that I had everything. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I was a little nervous for my mom to meet Elijah. Well, officially meet him.

I took a deep breath. It's going to be okay, Rowan. She is going to love him as much as you do.

I had just walked back out into the living room when there was a knock at my door. Confusion ran through me, and I narrowed my eyes. I hadn't been expecting anyone, and Hayden wasn't coming over to get Skylar until later today. I walked over, peeking through the peephole, and surprise fled through me.

I quickly opened the door, and my eyes locked on Elijah.

His hair was damp, hanging down over his forehead in a way that was way too attractive for my own good. He had swapped out his soccer uniform for a black t-shirt and sweatpants, but still looked unnaturally put together. I flushed when he smirked at me, leaning in and kissing my forehead.

"Hi," I said flustered, opening the door all the way, my eyes only on him.

"Hi to you too, Rowan."

My eyes cut to Hayden, who was leaning against the door frame, and I sent him an apologetic wave.

Whoops.

"Hi." He waved back, ruffling my hair as he stepped in. I narrowed my eyes at him in a playful glare, before I turned back to Elijah. "What are you doing here? I thought I was supposed to meet you at your place."

A grin tugged on his lips. "I know, but I got an alert about the roads being icy today," he said, holding up his phone. "I know you don't like driving in weather like this, so I thought I would stop by and get you instead."

I stared at him, not knowing what to say. He said it so nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal, when in fact it meant the world to me. I just nodded though.

"Okay. Well, let me get my bag. I was just about to leave, actually." I turned just in time to see Hayden scoop Skylar up off the couch, and my heart melted.

When I made it to my bedroom, I grabbed my bag off of the floor and double-checked that I had everything, before I turned around. I didn't make it far though, as I crashed into a warm object. I would have bounced back onto the floor if it weren't for the firm hands that caught me before I fell.

"How did you not see me?" Elijah asked, chuckling deeply.

I glared at him, and he tried to stop laughing but failed miserably. "It's your fault," I huffed. "You are so gosh darn quiet all the time."

I hadn't even heard him close my bedroom door.

"Sorry, babe." My glare, quickly dissipated when Elijah took a step forward. "But I have a peace offering."

He smiled before leaning down further, pressing his lips on mine. His hands came up to cup the back of my head, his movements languid as he kissed me senselessly. If I hadn't been there myself I would have thought he hadn't seen me for days. My bag crashed to the floor when I wrapped my arms around his waist. The kiss lasted until we were both panting for air.

"Now that is a proper hello," he husked, pulling away slowly. He stripped when our mouths were just inches apart, daring me not to pull him back into a kiss.

Fortunately enough, I was a rebel.

I decided to answer him with my mouth.

My mouth on his.

Elijah's grip tightened around my waist, a deep hum raking through his body when I leaned on my toes connecting our lips once again. In a matter of seconds, things went back to as they had before, everything became a blur of hands, lips, and panted breaths.

Yet this felt slightly more igniting, needier, more unquenchable. I knew I'd seen him the day before, but as his mouth worked over mine, his thumbs painting warm swirls against my skin, I felt as if I had been deprived of him for too long. Elijah took a step, and my body complimented his actions, my feet moving backward. A breathless yelp left my lips, when my knees buckled, hitting the edge of my bed. I hadn't expected it to be so close.

But my heart picked up in speed for a different reason as soon as Elijah settled over me, my back against the mattress and him falling over me. Our eyes locked, and he sent me that smile. The one that oozed masculinity but had a boyishness about the edges, that warmed my insides.

He was everything.

The very air I breathed, and all things in between.

I bit my lip as his hands trailed downward, sneaking underneath my shirt and caressing my midsection. His fingers explored the curves of my sides, the pads of his palms seeking and searching intoxicatingly. His muscles tensed, when I ran my fingers over his stomach, feeling the muscles that rippled underneath my hand, and loving the effect that I had on him.

My breathing hitched when the golden hue of his eyes deepened, and I leaned up on my arms slowly, looping one around his neck, and luring him back to where I wanted him.

"Baby?"

His voice was husky, the deep ethereal sound only pushing me further and further into him. I dragged my hands to his back, grazing his skin lightly with my nails. He shuddered.

"We don't have a lot of time."

I didn't respond, my back arching as his words fanned over my skin, brushing the crevice of my neck and sending sensation through every inch of me. Every part of me was overly aware of him. Overly aware of the coarse fabric of his jeans rubbing against my legs, and the feathery soft material of his cotton shirt between my closed hands.

I was breathlessly aware of him pressed up against me, the way his lips grazed the side of my neck leaving me anticipating his next movements. Each pass of his mouth on my neck, my bare shoulder, then finally where my heart should be, left me unable to think straight.

I didn't say a word, fisting pockets of his shirt closer when he placed a fiery, yet gentle kiss at the crook of my mouth. He stilled our bodies aligned, thigh to thigh and chest to chest, as his lips lingered, leaving a warm and invisible imprint.

"I would love to continue this, but if we do then we'll are going to be late," he murmured.

"For what?"

"Dinner."

I paused.

Right. Dinner.

We had rescheduled the reservation probably way too many times now. Either opting to stay in or being bogged down with the circumstances of life the time before.

"Although," he whispered. "We could reschedule. I don't mind staying here. Doing this."

My chest rose and fell noticeably from underneath his weight, welcoming the pressure from his body weight.

"I feel like we have to go since we rescheduled so many times."

When he lifted himself a coldness washed over me, warmth leaving me. He didn't get up all the way, however, half hovering as his forearms supported his body, a hand placed on either side of my head.

"What?" I whispered, unable to discern the look in his eyes.

Elijah didn't respond, instead, leaning down to capture my lips once more. My eyes fluttered close, my head reeling with the gentleness of the kiss, as I fell further and further. It was one I felt at the very depths of me, my body aching for him to reduce the distance between us.

Too soon did the connection end, his slow but heavy breathing hitting my ears when he pulled back, this time coming to a complete standstill. My eyes washed over his calming smile, his eyes soft, as he grabbed my hand gingerly.

"Come on, Sweetheart."

He walked backward, eyes on me, and mine on him. I wasn't so sure that I could form a coherent thought in his presence.

Those lips were almost lethal.

Elijah picked my duffel bag from off the floor with one hand, and grabbed mine with the other, leading us out into the living room. He stopped near the door, reaching up to the coat rack I had bought a few days ago for my coat.

Finally managing to regain hold of my thoughts, I took a breath, removing my eye from him, and the smirk that was growing on his mouth.

I reached for my phone, shooting a quick text to Skylar, to let her know that I was leaving. Of course, I could tell her in person since she was still here, but I wasn't going to barge into her room. Especially not when she and Hayden were in there.

From the low voices that came from her room, I could tell she was awake now. No way was I going to be a witness if they were going at it like rabbits.

How hypocritical of me.

"You ready?" He asked with a soft smile.

I nodded, slipping my arms into the jacket that he held up for me when I was done texting her. He buttoned it up before I could. After I pulled my gloves on and made sure that everything in the house was in place, we walked out the door, his hand resuming its position in mine.

"Wait." Elijah smoothed his hand over my head, a chuckle falling from him when he did it the second time. "Usually I wouldn't say anything about it as I rather love the look on you, but your hair is kind of..."

He made a circling motion with his hands, his mouth curving up further with each second that passed. His expression was nothing short of satisfaction. My eyes widened when i realized what he was talking about.

"Oh gosh."

Elijah grinned. "If it weren't for the fact that I know we are going out I wouldn't say anything. I kind of like seeing the aftermath of what just happened. It is sexy."

My cheeks heated, and I narrowed my eyes to which he laughed.

"I will be right back," I mumbled making a beeline to my room.

When I managed to tame my unruly curls, I made my way back out to him, a devilish grin still on his face.

"Ready?" I asked as he took my hand before nodding.

"Hey, how's Cole doing?" I asked when we got outside remembering that Elijah had told me something about him and Amelia going through a rough patch.

"He is doing great actually," Elijah said when we reached the stairwell. "Amelia is going through some stuff and he hasn't really given me details. I think he wants to respect her privacy. It seems like they worked everything out." He glanced at me. "I am just glad that he finally stopped studying. Or whatever the hell he was doing."

I raised an eyebrow. "It was that bad?"