Forgotten

Chapter 12

A Date to Remember

Alysson POV

I was buzzing with excitement—the kind that makes your skin feel too small for your body. The school day was crawling by, each second dragging like it knew I had somewhere else to be. The thought that my date with Jacin was almost here made my stomach twist with nerves and giddy anticipation.

I couldn’t sit still for more than a few seconds at a time. I kept tapping my pen, glancing at the clock, my mind already far away from class. Not knowing where he was taking me only made me more restless. What if he had something amazing planned? Or what if it was something simple, and I messed it up by being too dressed up? Or not enough?

Then I heard it.

A low, distant rumble.

My heart leapt into my throat. A motorcycle. It’s him. He was here. I didn’t even need to look—I felt it in my bones.

The excitement hit me like a tidal wave. I started bouncing in my seat, silently begging the clock to move faster. When the bell finally rang, I nearly jumped out of my chair.

Grabbing my bag, I rushed over to Liara, who was already waiting for me with a knowing grin. She took my extra bags from me, and together we headed to the bathroom. My hands were shaking as I changed into my outfit: ripped blue jeans, a bright red cropped sweater, and a pair of black-heeled boots. Casual, bold, and maybe just a little flirty. I ran a comb through my hair and added some tinted lip balm, just enough to feel like me.

“He’s earlier than I thought,” I murmured as we left. “I figured he’d have to work before coming.”As we stepped toward the front of the school, I could already hear the murmurs. Students were clustered around, whispering curiously, craning their necks to see the figure leaning casually against a sleek black motorcycle.

“Who is that?”

“Is he in a biker gang?”

“Someone from this school can’t possibly be dating him, right?”

I spotted a few people from the beach party—the ones who’d seen me with Jacin before. Their expressions were full of recognition… and curiosity. A few smirks, a few envious stares.

I gave Liara my bags as we reached the doors. My heart was hammering. My palms were damp. I took a deep breath.

Then I stepped outside.

There he was.

Jacin leaned against his bike like he belonged in a movie—black jeans, crisp white T-shirt, and a leather jacket that hugged his frame just right. The wind caught a few strands of his tousled hair. He looked up. When his eyes met mine, he smiled. That smile. It made my knees weak.

How could someone look so hot and adorably dorky all at once?

I smiled shyly and gave a small wave. Then I turned to Liara, pulled her into a hug, and whispered a quick goodbye before walking toward him.

He stepped away from the bike and opened his arms. I didn’t hesitate—I ran straight into him. His arms wrapped tightly around me, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. He kissed the top of my head, a soft, affectionate gesture that sent my heart fluttering.

I looked up, emboldened by the tenderness in his touch, and grabbed his face.

Then I kissed him.

Right there, in front of the whole school. I kissed him.

And he kissed me back with fire. His arms pulled me tightly against him, his hands hot on my hips where my top had ridden up. My whole body felt like it was vibrating. When the kiss finally ended, I pulled back, breathless and blushing furiously.

He chuckled softly and pulled off his leather jacket. “Here—it might get cold with that outfit.”

I slid it on. It was warm from his body and smelled like his cologne—spicy, woodsy, him. I wanted to wrap myself in it and never take it off.

“This way,” he added with a grin, strapping a backpack to his chest before getting on the bike. He handed me a helmet—he’d brought one for me this time.

“Thanks,” I said, slipping it on.

I climbed on behind him, sliding my arms between him and the backpack until I was pressed flush against his back. I could feel the strength in his frame, the steady rise and fall of his breathing. I was aware of everything. Every curve, every motion.

We zoomed out of the school parking lot, wind whipping through the ends of my hair. I held on tighter. There wasn’t a single part of me that wanted to be anywhere else.

He didn’t take the main road. Instead, he took the scenic route—winding along the coastal cliffs, where the ocean stretched out beside us like a living, breathing painting. Blues, whites, sunlight glinting off waves.

It was beautiful.

I got lost in it, lost in him.

Eventually, he pulled off onto a grassy hill overlooking the water. A huge tree stood nearby, casting a wide patch of cool shade. It was a lookout point, but it felt like ours.

I hopped off, handing him the helmet as he hung both on the handlebars. Then he took my hand—warm, strong, steady—and led me beneath the tree.

From the backpack, he pulled out a soft blanket and laid it on the grass. Then he began unpacking drinks and sandwiches from the coffee shop.

“I’m sorry I’m not a great cook,” he said, spreading everything out with care. “I only made the sandwiches myself.”

I couldn’t stop smiling. “This is amazing. Thank you.”

I leaned in and kissed his cheek, and he looked almost bashful.

“I won’t lie,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “It made me nervous. You’re a reviewer—you’re used to fancy food. I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

My heart squeezed at his honesty. He cared. I suddenly felt like I was the one who had to prove myself. I was the one still in high school. He was older, more experienced, and somehow still trying to impress me.

“It’s perfect,” I said softly. “Really.”

I took a big bite of the sandwich—and nearly melted.

“What is this? It’s incredible.”

He grinned. “I made a marinade with chili sauce and spices, let the chicken soak in it, then shredded it and mixed it with sweet chili and a bit of sugar. The bun is brushed with sea-salted butter, and I added thin-sliced peppers for crunch.”

“You made this?” I said, already halfway through. “It’s amazing.”

He offered me his sandwich after I devoured mine—and I didn’t say no to his.

When we were done, I leaned back against him, sitting between his legs as we watched the sun start to dip toward the horizon. The sky turned golden, then pink.

“This should be our spot,” I murmured, not looking away from the view.

“Our?” he asked. “Are you saying… you want us to be exclusive?” My breath caught. I froze. Why did I say that?

“I—uh—”He wrapped his arms around me, his voice warm and certain.

“Alysson, would you like to be my girlfriend?” I turned, heart thundering, and looked up at him. He smiled, and it was the kind of smile that made me feel like I was standing on solid ground.

“Because I want to be exclusive with you. I’m not into sharing. I want to be your boyfriend. Do you want to be my girlfriend?” I wanted to scream YES! from the top of the cliff.

“I think that would be great,” I said, barely hiding the joy in my voice. He cupped my chin and kissed me again, soft and slow. We sat there until the light faded and the air turned cool. Then he packed up and took me home.

The wind on my face felt like a dream. But it shattered when we reached the edge of my street—and I spotted my father’s car in the driveway.

“Keep going,” I tapped his shoulder. “Don’t stop.” He rode to the corner and pulled over.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as I climbed off the bike.

“My dad’s home,” I said quickly. “If they see you, I’m dead. I’ll be grounded forever.” He frowned, concerned, but nodded.

“I had the best time,” I added, stepping close. “I can’t wait to do this again. Next time, I’ll cook for you.” I rose on my toes, kissed him one last time, and jogged back toward the house. At the gate, the security guard handed me my bags. I took a deep breath and headed inside.

Disaster was waiting.

My father was on the phone, pacing. Lyssa stood near the entryway, arms folded, her eyes locked on me like a hawk. Her smile was tight, predatory.

“Where have you been?!” she shrieked. “We were worried sick! Your father was about to file a missing person’s report! You are in so much trouble!” I could see the satisfaction behind her eyes, the way she struggled to contain a smile. She was enjoying this. She was loving that I’d finally slipped up.

“I can explain,” I said, my voice quiet but steady. Even though my heart was racing. Even though I knew the storm was just beginning.