Forever Mine(30)
The truth was, she wasn’t entirely sure she was going be able to handle this. It was well known the way the girls, especially Dana, acted around Angel. Just the thought of watching another girl throw herself all over him now made her cringe.
“Hey,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with everything staying the same as far as you hanging out with your friends, and me with mine. But in case there’s any doubt, I wasn’t planning on keeping this understanding a secret.”
Sarah felt her heartbeat speed up. For the first time the reality of it all was sinking in. This was really happening, and with none other than Angel Moreno.
“Oh, I know that,” she said. “That’s not what I meant at all. I just don’t want to smother you Angel. I want you to still have your space.”
“You have it all wrong, Sarah,” he said “If anyone is gonna have to watch the smothering, it’s gonna be me. In case you haven’t noticed, I just can’t get enough of you.”
His words sent shivers up and down her spine. She felt the exact same way, yet Angel didn’t seem scared. She, on the other hand, was terrified. This kind of happiness was uncommon in her world. She wasn’t used to it and in some ways almost felt guilty about feeling so happy.
“You have to stop saying things like that.”
“Why?” He sounded very serious. “I say what I feel, and I want you to do the same. Don’t ever hold anything back.”
“Okay.” She loved the way he made her feel so uninhibited. “Can I tell you what I’m feeling right now?”
“Of course.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I’d like to crawl right through the phone right now, and kiss you all over.”
She heard him groan. “That’s not fair. Okay, let’s get one thing straight, things like that you can only say when I have you right in front of me. Damn, how am I supposed to fall asleep now?”
Sarah giggled. “Sweet dreams, Angel.”
“Yeah, you know what I’ll be dreaming of.”
“I’m sorry,” she said, still giggling. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
He groaned again. “Sarah, baby, I know you mean well, but that’s not helping my situation over here.”
She forced herself to stop giggling; reminding herself to not make promises she couldn’t keep. She’d already seen firsthand how hard, almost painful it was for him to restrain himself. Not that she had any doubts he would, but it was cruel to tease him like that.
She stared at the phone for a while after they’d hung up, and wondered how she, herself would get any sleep tonight.
CHAPTER 8
True to his word, Angel didn't keep their relationship a secret. As soon as he saw her on Monday morning at her locker, he was on her. He slipped up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her neck.
The rest of the day was pretty much the same. Anytime she was near, he was wrapped around her, unable to keep limb or lips off of her.
She’d introduced him to a few of her girlfriends and he’d also met one of her guy friends, Freddie, the guy that had his locker right below hers. But walking up while she’d been laughing with Freddie had Angel seeing red. He mentioned how his own locker was closer to her homeroom, but she didn't bite.
They were undeniably a couple. There were quite a few sneers, and barefaced gawking from some of the girls Angel knew, but if Sarah had noticed, she hadn’t said a word. He half expected her to be tense or apprehensive; given what she’d said to him at the beach about being afraid of getting hurt. But her brazen resolve throughout the day had surprised and impressed him, making him even more fascinated with her.
Although Angel’s friends seemed surprised, they hadn’t said much. Eric had just smiled knowingly, but hadn’t said a word, he knew better. Romero didn’t remember much about Friday’s party, so, he was at a total loss. After seeing Angel all over Sarah a few times though, he finally spoke up.
“Damn, that good uh?” he’d said. “Let me know when you’re done, so I can get me some.”
Eric had choked back a laugh, and waited for the fireworks. But Angel knew his friend could have no idea. So, he let him off with a stern warning.
“It’s not like that dude. So, don’t even think about it.” And that was that.
By the end of the day, it was out there for everyone to see. And Angel was quite pleased.
*****
Sarah took Sofia up on her offer to come out and run with the track team that week. Instead of running by herself after school that Wednesday she met Sofia in the locker room and walked out with her to where the team was practicing.