Mad Boy Next Door

Chapter Six

OLIVIA'S POV

We were en route to Mount Marcy, but before we could proceed, we needed to drop off our belongings and properly prepare our hiking outfits.

I had chosen a budget-friendly hotel for our stay, as I wanted to experience the joy of traveling minimally and spending as little money as possible.

"You don't strike me as someone who would watch the local news channel," I remarked, taken aback to find Julian engrossed in the local news on TV. He was seated in the lounge.

I had previously assumed that activities like watching the news would be the most boring routine for someone like Julian—a wild boy with tattoos, someone I considered a bit reckless and rule-breaking.

"I rarely do. But it's the headline. Take a look. The weather forecast predicts a heavy storm in the region around Mount Marcy," Julian replied.

"It can't always be right."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I mean, the forecast can't always be accurate."

"Well, maybe. Whatever you say. If you still want to go, then sure. But we should take emergency supplies and buy an umbrella on the way."

Julian had suggested postponing our hike until the next day due to the weather forecast. However, knowing how determined and eager I was to reach Mount Marcy, he didn't bother arguing further.

I had chosen Julian because I knew he would listen to me and do as I wished. He was the type of guy who wouldn't fuss over whichever option I decided on. He would focus more on doing his job.

Outside the hotel, I noticed Julian's eyes scanning my hiking outfit—a dark blue pants and a zip-up jumper. Without making it too obvious, I returned the favor, glancing over his attire. He was clad in black leather pants and a thick, buttoned-up brown leather jacket.

We hopped into a taxi, and within fifteen minutes, the sky darkened, and a heavy downpour began.

Weather forecast. This is bad.

Under my breath, I cursed silently as I caught Julian's eyes on me, wearing that smug, mocking smirk that clearly showed he was enjoying the turn of events.

That boy certainly knew how to get under someone's skin. I cursed once more under my breath.

"We're not turning back now. We'll hike in the rain," he stated in a deadpan voice.

Was he testing me?

"I can't hike in the rain. I thought the forecast might be wrong. We'll find the closest place to Mount Marcy to stay until the rain stops," I declared.

And that's exactly what we did.

We found accommodation at a small motel closest to Mount Marcy. By now, the downpour had intensified, becoming scarier by the minute. At this rate, the storm could turn into a real disaster.

I wondered how long we would have to endure staying in this cramped, single room, waiting for the rain to subside.

This was the best room the motel had to offer. All the other rooms were occupied, so we couldn't book two separate rooms.

Forty-six minutes had passed, and there was no sign of the rain letting up. I was growing increasingly frustrated, watching the minutes tick away.

_____

JULIAN'S POV

"I think you should eat your lunch and stop waiting for the rain to stop. It's already 2:30 pm. We can't go hiking today," I suggested, glancing out the window just as lightning flickered. I knew what was coming. A loud rumble of thunder followed, and I felt Olivia's grip tighten on my arm.

We were both seated on the floorboards, leaning against the bed frame, stretching our legs.

"Sorry about that," she apologized, releasing her grip. "I'm not hungry. I'm more concerned about how we'll get back to the hotel. I don't think we'll be able to find a ride."

"We won't know until we try. Just eat your lunch before then."

We had purchased lunch earlier on our way to the motel. I had finished mine already, but Olivia hadn't even touched hers.

"Okay." She moved away from the bed, crawling over to retrieve the takeaway container from the other side of the room.

Out of all the things in the room I could have focused on, I didn't know why my eyes chose to stare at her curves. I couldn't help but notice the shape of her backside, and how her pants perfectly hugged her hips.

I leaned back against the bed frame, running my hands through my hair, simultaneously releasing a shaky breath. The things boredom could do to a guy's mind, it was messing with me. Not now.

I felt my chest rise, and a strange sensation settled in the pit of my stomach as she crawled back and sat down next to me, her fingers accidentally brushing against my forearm.

Was it me, or was the heat in the room truly becoming more intense?

Olivia brought her legs together and wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chest between her thighs. I could feel the awkwardness hanging in the air, and I knew she was waiting for me to say something. Unfortunately, my creative mind had shut down, leaving me restless as I felt a stirring in my pants.

"Hey, are you okay?" she asked, tilting her head to get a closer look at my face. I desperately wanted to touch her.

I glanced at the window, just to avoid staring at her. "Ugh, yeah. I'm fine," I lied. "Just feeling hot in here. Maybe I should step outside to get some air." Before you drive me crazy and I lose control, Olivia.

"Come on, Julian. It's raining out there. And you don't seem okay at all. There must be something serious on your mind. I'm quite familiar with that kind of look."

My gaze shifted to her petite legs, and I couldn't resist the urge to gently brush my fingers against her beautifully painted toenails in a dark maroon shade. They were stunning.

I traced slow circles around her toes, observing her shift slightly in an attempt to avoid my touch. Her resistance only fueled my determination. All I wanted was to kiss her.

I lifted my gaze to meet her eyes, and in that moment, my desire became stronger than any self-control I possessed. The look in her eyes mirrored bewilderment.

Without seeking permission, I grabbed the back of Olivia's neck and held her in place. "I'm sorry, but I have to kiss you," I confessed hurriedly before pressing my lips against hers in a frenzy.