Book 2: Chapter 12

Chapter 12

After doing some digging, I found out Twila was finally taking Kira on that date; meaning Bradyn was free to come over and help us out. Of course, she was excited to come and hang out with me. My attention has been off, but we were also going to have a great day tomorrow too. In the meantime, we were going to enjoy painting a big ass room all day.

"Thanks for inviting me over, I thought I would be bored!" Bradyn walked through the door.

"I should be thanking you, we could use the help," I say closing the door.

Jay came through to the living room greeting Bradyn. "Hey Bray, you guys can go get started if you like. I'm just waiting on Ashton to get here."

Bradyn's cheeks turned red at the sound of that name piquing my interest. I had no idea who this Ashton guy was, but it was clear something is going on. Why would her face go crimson at the sound of someone's name? Bradyn has never mentioned having any sort of crush on anyone before. This isn't something she would keep from any of us either. She was the most open out of our friend group. My prying eyes went mad with wonder!

I agreed to Jay's proposition dragging Bradyn up to the room. I'm certain she wouldn't want to talk about this in front of Jay since they don't know each other well. Plus, I wanted to get more insight into this Ashton guy. Who was he and where was he from? I'm assuming this is one of Jay's friends, but Bradyn knows him as well. This girl has been keeping secrets I'm going to unravel.

We got to the room and started tapping up the walls and other necesities. I was more focused on getting to the point with Bradyn.

"So, Ashton huh?" I question her immediately.

Her cheeks turned red again. "Um, Ashton, yeah he's lovely," she was hiding something.

I raised my brows in amusement. "You like 'em?"

"I mean he's cute or whatever," she didn't want to admit it. "It's not like I developed a crush on him though."

I laughed to myself at how she was acting. It reminded me of when my feelings started to develop for Cyrus. I was so in denial that lying to myself felt right. It also led to our relationship ending up where it is now. If I hadn't wasted so much time not admitting my feelings to him things might be different. Though my feelings for Jay might not exist and that's a world I can't imagine.

Regardless, Bradyn didn't need to end up on the same path as me. Last time she couldn't get who she had a crush on because of me. This time Ashton was fair game. At least to my knowledge. I needed more answers.

"What's this guy look like? Who even is he?" I kept asking questions while we opened up the paint cans.

She gushed. "He's only as hot as a Greek god!"

"Greek god? Now I have to see him," that intrigued me.

Bradyn sighed, having a look of defeat on her face. "Sadly, I don't think he knows I exist."

I walked over to her sitting down. "What do you mean? Of course, he knows you exist how could he not?"

"We're friends but I'm sure that's all he sees us as. Like he doesn't see me as girlfriend material," that's disappointing.

That was upsetting to hear. Though, she could be reading that wrong. He could have been hiding his feelings for her. It doesn't make it any better but that could give her a bit of hope. If this guy was as hot as she said, then she had a chance. Bradyn was one of the best-looking girls I've ever known. Her heart was filled with gold and it would be impossible for anyone not to like her.

A few more minutes went by as Jay finally came up to the room with Ashton right behind him. Bradyn wasn't lying when she said he was as gorgeous as I greek god. This man was tall with black curly hair like Jay's but a bit longer while also messier; but it worked for him. He had the prettiest hazel eyes and beautiful teeth. His smile was to die for and don't get me started on his physique. I'd say his body beat out Jay's by a long shot. His muscle shirt only proved that fact even more. Ashton was hot!

I whistled, crossing my arms as I meet him for the first time. "Wow," was all I could say staring him up and down. "You said he was hot, but not this hot."

Bradyn nudged me because I wasn't supposed to say that. "Autumn, shh," she whispered.

Jay rolled his eyes at my comments. "This is Ashton, Cyrus' cousin."

Did he just say Cyrus' cousin? That confirmed why he was so good-looking. He was related to Cyrus of all people. Though, they looked nothing alike. I also assumed he was from his dad's side of the family because he had more features resembling Cyrus' dad. It seemed like everyone from Sunbury would look heavenly. I missed out big time on growing up here.

"You're that Autumn girl, right?" He asked to make sure I was me.

I nod, shaking his hand. He had a strong grip. "Yeah, nice to meet you."

"My cousin has good taste in women," he complimented, then looked over to Bradyn with the brightest smile known to man. "Bray, I didn't know you would be here."

Bradyn's cheeks flushed again. She was definitely into this guy. "Hi Ashton, figures we'd both end up in the same place."

The exchange was awkward for them, but you can tell that they had something brewing. Now it was my time to get them to figure it out before letting it go to waste. I could see them being the hottest couple in Sunbury. Ashton would be lucky to have a smoking hot babe in Bradyn. He seemed like a nice guy as well. Most of the guys I've met here so far have been absolute gems. Ashton was no exception, prompting me to make this happen even more.

Before we could get into that, though we had a paint job to at least start. Jay and Ashton went to one side of the room, while Bradyn and I took the other. We planned to meet in the middle so it'll possibly get the job done faster. It didn't seem that it'll be the case, but we were doing it anyway. Though it was a bit messy on our side, we eventually got it together. The paint was a pretty pale blue color that I think complimented the room well. Jay did a great job picking out a color for sure.

Almost an hour had gone by and we weren't even halfway done. Though, I was enjoying learning more about Ashton and Bradyn's relationship through whispers.

"Aw, was it like love at first sight?" I gush.

Bradyn giggled. "No, but I did say I believed in that huh?"

I nod, "yes, you did, however, don't you think that is what happened with you and Ashton?" Nothing would work if I didn't push.

She shrugged, dipping the brush back into the paint. "It would be had he fallen in love with me too, but that's not what happened, and I'm not in love with him!" She yelled gaining the attention of the boys.

That wasn't what we meant to do and I think Ashton knew we were talking about him at that point. The smile on his face gave that away, but Bradyn had no idea. Ashton was playing things cool when he should have been talking to her. He had no idea how much that would make her day and give her more hope for the future.

For now, Bradyn thought it would be a good idea for her to go to the bathroom. Now it was my time to get Ashton to see what I see.

I walked over to the boys particularly looking in Ashton's direction. "Why haven't you asked my friend out yet?" I got straight to the point.

He looked at me confused with a slight smile on his face. "What are you talking about?" He was trying to act like he didn't know what I was talking about.

"Why didn't you ask her out on a date?" I repeat myself.

Jay chuckled. "Here she goes again," this was amusing for him.

I crossed my arms, turning my attention back to him now. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, you just think you're a matchmaker that's all."

For his information, I was a matchmaker. In this case, there was nothing to match because they already had a connection. I'll admit, sometimes I do tend to dip my toes in places they don't belong. Like when I tried to get Jay with Bradyn before we developed a relationship. That wasn't going to work since I'm sure Jay had feelings for me at that point too. This was different though! Bradyn liked this guy and deserved to at least be given a chance.

Ignoring Jay, I looked back at Ashton. "There's no way you don't see how she looks at you, but Bradyn isn't the type to spring into action," I explain.

Ashton stopped painting for a second, really thinking about what I said. "Trust me, I know and I will one day ask her out on a date. For now, though, it's not a good time with the wedding and everything."

I smiled to myself understanding his dilemma. "Okay, but I hope to hear good news in the future, sir!" I say, pointing my finger at him. "Also, you do have an awesome body." I couldn't help but compliment the man.

Jay rolled his eyes. "Go back over there," he jealously said to me.

"Whoa, someone's jealous," Ashton chimed in.

I laughed. "Look at his face," I poke more fun at him.

It was funny how he got worked up over little things like compliments. I was in no way interested in Ashton. Plus, he was my best friend's crush. It's hard not to give a guy who looks like Ashton a compliment though. Doesn't mean I want to sleep with him. We both needed to work on our over-complicated feelings. This was unhealthy, but sort of fun at the same time.

"Can we please focus back on the paint job?" Jay was a little annoyed.

Nevertheless, Bradyn came out of the bathroom and we continued to work on the walls. It took us far into the night, but we got it done and it looked great. There was still so much to do since the room was so big. Though Jay and I were going to knock it out of the park! The bathroom was the next thing to paint, but we could do that ourselves since it was smaller.

Handing, Bradyn back her jacket, Ashton was giving her a ride back to the Hadid's place. It wasn't something I suggested, but Bradyn was happy that it was happening. This is her chance to get some alone time with him and work towards that date she desperately wants. I want it for her just as bad!

"Don't forget we're going swimming around 12 o'clock," she reminded me.

I nod, "I'll be there don't worry. I even have the cutest swimsuit." It's true I did.

We hug one last time before they both headed out. Now the problem was where I was going to sleep? We broke down the bed and everything in the room. It also wasn't a good idea to sleep in a room where paint was freshly in place. The only options I had were the couch or Jay's room because he turned the spare into a room for his siblings. Sleeping in the same room, in the same bed may not be ideal given our situation. How would that even go over? I know I can sleep next to him in a platonic way, but could he handle it?

Jay and I looked at each other debating what would be the best move. He didn't seem certain in wanting to sleep next to me, but he also didn't take that off the table. It would be nice to feel him next to me, his strong arms holding me close. However, we shouldn't get too close to one another. I wouldn't be able to control myself feeling him up against my body like that. Ugh, but now I was secretly craving it.

"So, I can take the couch and you can sleep in my bed." I knew that's what he was going to say.

I pouted, but tried not to look too disappointed. "Yeah, that's fine," I say before going to get ready for bed.

It was disappointing that he didn't say what I wanted, but I understood. It was for the best to not create more problems for ourselves. So, I reluctantly went upstairs, changed into some pajama's, and got ready to get in his big comfy bed. His room was exactly how I remembered it last year. Memories came flooding back into my head of that fateful night that started everything. It was intense, yet so pleasurable. It was the first time I ever felt anything like that. It made me want him even more with how rough but sensually he was being. The picture never left my mind since that day.

In the midst of my pondering, Jay walked in his room leaving me speechless looking at him. He had his shirt off in his fabulous grey sweat pants. His upper body looking immaculate and so inviting. Did he have a v-line? I swear that wasn't there before, but there it was. Out in the open for me to see. Jay must've worked super hard over the course of the year on his body. It was hard not to look at him in awe.

After a minute of my gawking, Jay caught me. It caused him to smirk and made me blush. It was always embarassing when you get caught staring at a guy you think is hot. Things were even worse when you couldn't be intimate with said guy. My heart yearned to feel his beautiful body. Jay didn't know how much I wanted him.

Putting on a t-shirt, Jay walked to the end of the bed smiling from ear to ear. "You need something, miss?" He asked, relishing that I was checking him out.

I shake my head. "No, just want to say goodnight."

He didn't buy what I was saying. "Yeah, okay. Good night Autumn." He started to walk away, but I stopped him before he got out the door.

"Wait!" I yelled, "um, do you think you could sleep in here with me?"

It was ballsy of me to ask him this given our weird dynamic. We've gone a year without being close to each other and I wanted to see what it felt like after all this time. I'm not saying sleep with him phsyically like sex. I just wanted to lay next to him. Feel the warmth of his body right next to me. If it was too weird for him I wouldn't pressure him. Though, this was something I desperately wanted.

Jay looked at me confused, but was interested in what I was saying. "You want to sleep in the same bed?" It was like he was hearing things.

"If you don't want to it's fine, I just would like it if I didn't sleep alone." I pleaded my case.

He looked as if his brain were racking. "Uh, I mean platonically sleeping is definitely okay in my book," he sounded hesitant. "We're only sleeping side by side right?"

"Yes, Jay, we're only *sleeping* in this bed." I reassured him.

Hearing that, he shrugged turning off the lights and getting in the other side of the bed. "Fuck it, let's do it."

I was so happy he decided to stay in here with me. Laying next to each other was nice. There was no sex involved, just two friends laying next to one another in a single bed. Okay, it was a bit awkward, but I wouldn't be the one to say anything. If I did he would regret agreeing to this, going back down to the living room. We were going to make this work no matter what. It's not like friends of the opposite sex can't ever work. Secretly, I was hoping we could be more than friends at some point, but for now that's what it was. It felt good.

Clearing his throat, Jay kept a respectable distant before talking again. "This isn't awkward right?" He asked, feeling what I was feeling.

"Nah, it's okay. Don't make it weird," I say as to not feel uncomfortable.

He laughed. "Haha sorry, I'll shut up now. Goodnight A."

I smile to myself, enjoying him next to me. "Goodnight Jay."

This was a good first step to getting back to us.