Apart, but not forever

Chapter 9

Lilah

Darren dropped us off outside the front of Kellan's house and just as Emma directed, she entered the party first and I was to wait fifteen minutes before entering. I admired the huge house in front of me. It was painted white brick with an immaculately pruned garden out the front. The red brick path leading up to the door was bordered by crisp white roses on either side. I watched a few people enter the party and checked the time on my phone. Ten minutes is enough time to wait, isnt it? I decide it is and head on in.

I find my way through the crowd now forming inside the house and walk towards the beach. Soon I spot the large bonfire on the sand. There, on the logs surrounding the fire, sit Monica and Ally. Monica was wearing a yellow one-piece swimsuit, with a flowy wrap skirt over the top. Her short red hair was sleek and straight, framing her face with dark eyeshadow and red lips. Monica was wearing an oversized t-shirt that was just long enough to cover her bather bottoms, her long legs on full display. She had her black hair slicked back into a tight bun that accentuated her high cheekbones. They both looked amazing.

After we said our hellos, we went for a swim. The water was amazing. The perfect temperature. Just cold enough to cool you down in the warm weather, but not so cold that you have to get out instantly. We dry ourselves off and head back to the fire to warm up now that the cool night air is coming in.

We weren't sitting there for long before someone sat beside me. They were sitting pretty close to me. I could almost feel the warmth radiating from their skin, they were that close.

I looked up to see Flynn. His deep blue eyes gazing straight into mine. I couldn't help but admire his toned abs as he sat beside me shirtless. His dark skin highlighting the impressing muscles covering his arms and back. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and tried to soothe the butterflies going crazy in my stomach. I waited for him to say something for what seemed the longest time.

"We're all looking lovely tonight, ladies!" Flynn says cooly.

"What do you want?" Monica asks a little harshly. I try to slide myself over on the log to create some distance between us, but Flynn closes the gap as quickly as I made it. I desperately needed to make some space between us to clear my mind of his musky scent and closeness.

"Just wondering how the Senior Girls Soccer team are looking?" He shrugs my shoulders casually as if he isn't bothered by our close proximity at all.

It must just be me. I think to Violet.

I wouldn't assume as much... Violet defends.

"Really good now we've recruited Lilah!" Monica smiles at me while elbowing me lightly on the shoulder, knocking me into the wall of a man beside me. My skin lights up at the brief touch of our arms. I am overwhelmed by the sensation. I look up into Flynns eyes and swear I see something halt as if he felt it too.

"I have actually been meaning to talk to you Lilah," Flynn begins, bringing my attention back to the conversation as he continues, "Coach Lowe said you are the one to contact about tutoring? I have had a lot going on recently so I have missed a few lessons. I need someone to help me catch back up, are you interested?"

Yes! Violet practically yells.

I just don't know if he is a good idea. I warn warily.

How will you ever know if you don't try? Violet argues. Although I don't always agree, I find it hard to disagree.

Monica is virtually bouncing in her seat at the prospect.

You have to do it! Monica links me.

Flynn just asked you to study with him, one on one! Ally gushes.

I'm not sure this is a good idea... What about Emma? I ask nervously via link.

Screw Emma! She's too dumb to tutor anyone! Monica comments, making Ally giggle.

I notice Flynn waiting patiently, he must know that we are having a conversation over link about it. I almost feel rude doing it right in front of him.

"She is interested!" Monica answered for me before suddenly turning to face Ally and start their own conversation. Leaving me with Flynn.

"I don't even know if I am doing the subject you need help with," I state honestly.

"I need help with chemistry." Flynn replies simply. He must be in my class, but I haven't seen him yet. He did say he had missed classes so that could explain it. It wouldn't be too bad considering I would be studying for myself at the same time.

"Oh, OK then. I can help you with that." I responded nervously. I had been in study groups with guys at my old school and that was completely fine. Why is studying with Flynn making me go all coy and anxious?

"How about you give me your number and we can work out a time?" Flynn asks me. I glance between the phone Flynn is holding out to me and his face, still considering if this is a good idea.

Too late now! Your'e in! Violet chimes in. She's right. Can't back out now.

"Sure." I say and take his phone out of his hand. I type in my number and hand it back to him.

"Pleasure doing business with you." he winks at me. I feel the blood rush to my cheeks as I turn my head to face the beach, away from deep blue eyes.

"Have you been for a swim yet?" I ask, changing the subject.

"I was just on my way there when I ran into you. Have you?" Flynn wonders.

"Yea, we went in earlier. It is really nice. Just the perfect temperature." I respond. Flynn looks lost in thought at my answer.

"Was your old pack by the beach?" He asks, seeming genuinely interested in my answer.

"Yep! We used to get a good swell up on the northern beaches. It was perfect for using the longboard. My Dad taught me when I was a kid." I explain, I feel all warm and fuzzy talking about the beaches back home. My Dad and I used to spend almost every weekend out there trying to teach me how to catch the waves and read them.

"You surf?" Flynn tries, and fails, to hide his surprise. I chuckle at him.

"Not as much as I would like, but I give it a go." I say, shrugging my shoulders.

"Maybe you'll have to come out with me and the guys sometimes. We like to have a go." Flynn suggests. I cant help the bubble of excitement forming within me at spending the day surfing with Flynn. It is so unlike me to get all giddy about a boy but I cant help it.

"She would love to!" Monica answers for me. My cheeks begin to flush again.

"But only if she can bring some friends!" Ally chimes in from over Monica's shoulder.

"The more the merrier!" Flynn laughs. Monica and Ally look like kids on Christmas morning.

"Sounds good! I might have to borrow someone's board though - we couldn't fit ours in when we moved." I comment, forgetting that we weren't about to bring my Dad's board with us. I glance into Flynn's eyes but get distracted by their deep blue.

"Flynn!" one of the guys calls from the deck, ripping me from the deep blue eyes I was staring in to.

"Beer pong! Youre up!" He continues, holding up a can of beer in his hand. I roll my eyes.

"Well, I have a game to play." Flynn states while getting up from the log beside me. I didn't realize how close we were actually sitting until his warmth was no longer there.

He turned to me, "I have your number so I will let you know about tutoring." he adds before turning and running back up the deck to the beer pong table.

"And surfing!" Monica yells after him.

"And surfing." Flynn laughs, still heading up the stairs.

I turn and see Monica and Ally staring at me open-mouthed.

"What?" I ask innocently.