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Dedication: Pfunzo18 for commenting so much last chapter! Thank you for reading and supporting the story. :)

Recap:

I chose not to answer. Instead, I leaned my head against his shoulder. He stiffened slightly, surprised, before wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

I nestled into him and stared out at the waves which were crashing into one another.

Despite the events that took place mere minutes ago, this turned out to be the perfect night.

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Hayden: What are you doing right now?

A huge grin lights up my face as I read the message. Since our confession/cuddle on the beach last night, I was left with waves of uncertainty of what was going to happen next. We didn't discuss nor define what we were--it definitely was too soon to put a label on it. 

But we are more than friends. And I am very happy about it.

What is going to happen next? I had come to the conclusion that I wouldn't hear from him until school, where we would either hang out or he would continue to ignore me and refuse to accept his feelings.

The fact that it is barely 10am and he has messaged me, gives me hope that things might actually work out.

Grace: Nothing, I'm bored. You?

Hayden: I'm coming over.

Biting my lip, my smile grows wider. I have never experienced this giddy, nervousness that suddenly is plaguing my body. 

I have dated boys before, but nothing felt like this. And we aren't even dating, so that's saying something.

I had not long showered, my hair still damp, hanging limply down my shoulders. Shrugging out of my oversized t-shirt that I had planned to wear majority of the day, I change into a loose, sun dress with a daisy print on it.

When I hear the familiar rumble of Hayden's item my stomach does a flip-flop motion.

I hear his footsteps ascend up the stairway before he lazily strolls into my room.

"Hey," I smile, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. I suddenly became acutely aware of what my movements. My hands up behind my head, playing with my hair, contemplating whether leaving it down or twisting it into a messy bun.

"Hey," he replies, flopping onto my bed and staring up at the ceiling. "Whatcha' doing?"

I breathe a sigh of relief as everything seems relatively normal between us, considering what happened last night.

"Seriously nothing," I admit, coming over to the bed and taking a seat, keeping a healthy distance between us.

I'm not sure what is worse--being frustrated at him for not being honest and sending me mixed signals--or this stage where we have both admitted we have feelings for each other, but there's now the pressure of what is to come from it.

"Was thinking about going and getting some lunch?" I suggest when he doesn't reply. 

"It's 10 in the morning," he points out with a playful smirk.

Damn. Busted.

"Er- Brunch, then?" I amend with a small smile. "I haven't eaten yet."

"Brunch," he says slowly, mulling over the thought. "Okay. Sure."

I get to my feet, reaching for my wallet.

"Are you wearing swimmers?" he questions as I slip my feet into my sandals.

"I don't always wear swimmers," I laugh.

He rolls his eyes playfully. "I thought we could go to the beach, or something? After we eat."

"Oh, okay. Yeah."

I enter the bathroom and strip, replacing my underwear with my blue and white striped bikini. I slide the loose dress back over my body and grab my towel, draping it over my shoulder.

"Did you bring a towel?" I ask as we make our way down the stairs.

"Yeah, it's in the ute."

I trail behind him after locking the front door (and making a mental note that I actually did lock it) and slide into the passenger seat. I settle into the seat, the leather feeling cold against my skin. I inhale with a smile. The car has a scent about it, a mixture of 'new car smell' with Hayden's cologne/natural smell. It is something I can't quite describe, but a smell that has quickly become a favourite of mine.

"Where are you taking me?" I ask, peering out of the window as we drive down town.

Surprisingly enough, I wasn't blessed with the crippling sensation of anxiety as we drive. I think I am beginning to trust and feel comfortable with Hayden now. Both him and Harvey have seemed to make their way through my anxiety, which is something I'm thankful for.

"You'll see," he mysteriously remarks, his tone playful.

I love this side of him. 

I study him for a brief moment. I like watching him drive. He is so carefree and relaxed. He is always so tense and rigid at school. He has his hand placed on the steering wheel, his thumb lightly tapping the leather. His other hand loosely resting on the gear stick. I cock my head to the side as I stare at the plain, silver bracelet he has wrapped around his wrist. It is simple and elegant, but somehow seemed quite masculine at the same time. I have never noticed it before.

"Heather bought it for me," he says as he notices my gawking.

"You mean your mother," I tease.

"Heather, mother," he shrugs. "Same difference."

"My mum would be offended if I addressed her by her actual name, instead of mum."

"She deserves to be called Heather sometimes."

"If you say so."

He pulls the car, rather abruptly, into an angle park and my shoulder roughly hit the window.

"Ow," I complain, rubbing my shoulder, even though it really didn't hurt that much.

He winces. "Sorry. I'm trying to drive a bit smoother, since you yelled at me."

I let out a laugh as I crawl out of the car. "Well you deserved it. You drove like a maniac."

"I was angry."

"So, you wanted to kill us? Wrap your ute around a tree?" I follow him into Mickey's, the burger shack that Harvey and I go to quite regularly.

"I'm a good driver."

I scoffe "Who say's?"

"Me, that's all the matters," he says firmly, before walking over to a corner table.

Sliding into the booth, I sit across from him.

The moment we sit down and look at each other, the pressure I spoke of before, suddenly feels thick around us. This hangout suddenly developed a 'date-like' feel as our eyes connect. I tear my gaze from his and stared absently down at the menu, suddenly feeling a little nervous.

"Hi ya'll," a cute, young girl with rosy cheeks greets us, a paper pad in one hand, a pen in the other. "What can I get you today?"

"I'll have a chicken schnitzel burger with no mayo, please," I request politely.

"No mayo?" Hayden exclaims. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, it's gross," I reply, wrinkling my nose. "It makes the lettuce soggy."

"I don't think we can do this," he says with mock seriousness, waving his hand between us. "I think this is a deal breaker."

I let out a giggle as he grina, looking back down at the menu. My cheeks heat up when I realise I actually giggled.

"Can I have the special? I think it's 'Surf's Up', right?" he questions, still looking down at the menu.

"Right," the girl nods in agreement, jotting down the order. "Your order comes with a large coke and fries." Hayden nods, before handing her his menu. "And for you?" she asks, reaching over and taking mine, before I have the chance to pick it up.

"Apple juice, please."

"Apple juice?" he deadpans. "Really?"

"Are you going to have a problem with my entire order?" I scold with a frown as the girl skips away from us, with a little too much bounce in her step.

"Only because you order weird things."

"I do not."

"Apple juice," he repeats. "Come on."

"Shut up," I laugh, playfully swatting his arm.

The girl hurries back with our drinks over and I ignore the look Hayden gives me when I take a sip.

"Let's play 21 questions."

"21 questions?" he echoes.

"What better way to get to know each other?"

"All right," he agrees, clasping his hands together. "Favourite colour?"

"Oh, starting with the hard ones," I snicker. "Blue. You?"

"No, you can't do that," her rolls his eyes. "You need to come up with your own question."

"But I want to know," I protest.

"Green, happy now?"

"Yes," I smile. "Go on."

"Unfair," he mutters, taking a sip of his coke. "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

"America," I reply without hesitation. "I am dying to see New York."

"How cliché of you."

"Hey! It's a cool place."

"As if you wouldn't want to go to Dubai."

"Dubai?"

"Yeah, they have the sickest cars over there."

"Typical. How old were you when you began swimming?"

"I started swim club when I was about..." he trails off, leaning back in his chair. "Eight, I think? Maybe nine?"

"No wonder you're good," I mutter. "I was about 12, I think."

"Swim club, too?"

"Hell yeah, Marlins all the way," I grin.

"Sharks," he boasts proudly.

"Of course your team name is cooler and meaner than mine," I laugh.

"Makes sense," he teases.

The waitress places our burgers in front of us, on oval shaped plates. I thank her once she put the fries in between us.

"Favourite food?" he asks me as I take a bite of my burger.

"Tacos," I reply with my mouth full.

"Classy."

I grin and he makes a face at me.

"If you could choose to have one super power, what would it be?"

"You're so weird," he laughs, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Um... I'd like to fly. It would just be easier than walking. Or teleporting. Something to do with travelling faster."

"Good one," I nod.

"You are seriously the messiest eater," he scrunches up his nose as he notices the sauce running down my hands.

"Yeah," I reply, once again with my mouth full. "I get that a lot."

"Can't imagine taking you to a fine restaurant," he laughs. "We would get kicked out and never let back in."

"That's just mean."

"Truth hurts."

I laugh and half-choke on my chicken. He lets out a loud laugh, causing heads to swivel our way as I almost choke to death. I quickly down some juice, in attempt to relieve my throat as Hayden continues to laugh at me.

We continue to play the game as we finish eating. I pick at the fries in front of me, dragging out eating them so we can sit here longer. I want to talk to him all day. Our conversation continues to roll, never seizing for a moment, even when we get up and thank the girl for her hospitality.

Now we are passed this awkward stage, I find that Hayden has really opened up. I'm beginning to see the guy, that I think he used to be, before whatever happened between him and Carrie.

"Beach?" I ask as we re-enter his car.

"Yeah."

After sliding the gear into first gear, he places his hand on my bare thigh. My eyes widen as I stare down at his hand. My pulse quickens as he inches it up slightly. I let out a deep exhale and attempt to seem nonchalant.

"Are you hot?" he asked, glancing over to me.

"What?"

"Are you warm?" he questions, quirking an eyebrow at me. "Do you want the air con on?"

"Not really, why?"

"You look flushed."

That's because you're touching me.

"Oh, no, I'm fine," I say with a shrug, leaning on the door frame, attempting to act normal. I must be really red for him to notice. My dark complexion comes in handy when I'm embarrassed but clearly, not today.

We pull up to the car park near the beach and he removes his hand from my leg. My skin tingles from the lack of contact and my eyes are glued to the spot he touched.

"Coming?"

I shake my head to clear my thoughts and scramble out of the car. I hadn't realised he had gotten out. I grab my towel and follow him down the path.

My legs feel stiff as I recognise man in front of us. Ashton, underneath the shower, washing off the sand from the beach.

His eyes meet mine as he turns, making me freeze, feeling like I had been caught doing something I wasn't meant to.

"Hello," Ashton greets, turning off the nozzles. His voice sounds slightly strained. His nostrils flared when he first saw us, indicating he was not happy that I am here with Hayden.

"Coach," I reply in a clipped voice.

"Beautiful out there in the water," he says to us and I tried not to stare at the water glistening on his abs.

"Looks like it," Hayden replies, his voice monotone.

"See you at school," I say awkwardly, before we walk away.

I feel his eyes on us as we walk down the sand-littered path. I step out of my sandals and place them in my hand and walk down onto the hot sand, happy that Hayden hasn't commented on the fact that we saw Ashton.

The beach is popular today, which is unsurprising considering it is a beautiful, sunny Sunday. There are small clusters of families and couples splashing around in the white froth, created by the rolling waves.

I place my towel onto the sand and before I can sit, Hayden wraps his arms around my waist and hauls me onto his shoulder. A feminine squeal leaves my lips as I dangle upside down.

"Hayden!" I exclaim with laughter, slapping him on the butt.

"Don't grope me," he huffs as he speed-walks towards the water.

"Says the one who has me captive!"

He was almost waist-deep in water, before he lets me go. The water is icy cold as it hits my skin like a thousand, tiny needles. I gasp, coming up for air, spluttering. I get to my feet, sending him a hot glare.

"You're going down."

"If you can catch me," he taunts, before diving underneath a wave.

I leap after him and manage to grab his foot. The force of the wave knocks me back, causing my hand to slip. I emerge, spluttering and seeing he is now further in front. I paddle out after him, trying to go as fast as I can.

Finally, I reach him. I jump onto his back, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He bucks underneath me, trying to get me to release, but my grip is too tight. I wrap my legs around his waist and cling. He dives under a wave and I tuck my head, pressing my forehead to his shoulder blade.

I inhale a lungful of the salty air when we emerge. 

"You've got a bloody good grip on ya'."

I thoroughly enjoy having my body this close to his. His skin feels warm as it touches mine, despite us being surrounded by the cold, salty water. He gives up trying to get me to let go as he continues to wade through the water, shouting "hold on" before diving under waves.

We finally make it out the back, to the point before the waves break, when I let go of him. I swim around to his side and we share a breathless smile.

He splashes water at me and I jump onto him again, shoving his face under the water.

"Do that again and I'll untie your swim top," he threatens.

"You probably want to do that anyway." I laughs.

"Good point."

My cheeks burn at the thought of him seeing me, partially naked. He eyes drop from my face, to my chest. I think he is having the same thoughts that I am.

Dragging my eyes from him, I look out at the water, letting the unformed wave move my body up and down.

"I used to date this girl," he suddenly says as silence had fallen between us for a few moments.

My eyes dart to him as he stares past me and out to the water.

"Carrie," I state.

"Carrie," he agrees quietly, frowning. "She looked similar to you."

"So I've heard," I remark dryly.

"I must admit, that's what drew me to you," he confesses, his eyes flickering to mine. "But you're so different. In every way."

"That's good, I think?"

"Definitely good," he murmurs thoughtfully, more to himself I think, than me.

"Tell me about her," I demanded. "I hear about her so much, but know nothing."

He let out a deep sigh. "We dated for years. It was serious. I thought I loved her and all that shit."

I snort at his word choice. "And all that shit?"

"Yeah," he says, giving me a lope-sided smile. "Anyway, some pretty hectic stuff went down with my family. It was a really bad time for me. I burdened her with a lot because... That's just what you do, you know? You tell your best friend the shit that's going on in your life."

My heart pangs as he calls her his best friend. That was really sweet. It made me feel sorry for him and I don't even know what she did yet.

"Right," I agree, urging him to continue.

"She was the only one I felt like I could talk to about this. She acted like she cared and wanted to know, but then told everyone I was too intense and all this shit."

I don't say anything.

"The more that went on with my family, the more pissed I got with the world and at everyone. But she was my rock, you know? She was there for me, when I felt like I had no one."

I chew at my lip while I listen, swirling my hands in the water.

"I felt her pull away from me. I knew it was so much for her to handle. I was depressed, angry, annoyed all the time, but of course I was. The situation with my family was messed up. She had become distant but I thought we would get through it. I didn't expect to find her with someone else."

A gasp left my lips even though I already knew it, deep down. "She cheated on you?"

"Yeah," he says quietly, not looking at me. "With someone I never expected, either."

"Not Mike?" I ask, but in some ways hoping he would say yes, but I know he isn't going to. I feel my heart beat faster as I realise what he is going to say.

He let out a dry laugh. "Coach Brennon."

I look down into the water, feeling sick. Carrie cheated on Hayden with Ashton. I had a fling with Ashton. He is going to be beyond crushed when he finds out. I know he will. Mia has the evidence on her phone and from last night's performance, I'm surprised she hasn't already sent it.

"You look kind of pale," he notes. "Sorry to burden you with all that."

"It's fine, I'm glad you told me," I reply with a weak smile, feeling queasy. "Starting to make sense now. All of the Carrie stuff."

"Yeah," he exhales, shaking his head. "She kept saying it wasn't serious but I was done with her."

I gulp, feeling light-headed all of a sudden. "Yeah."

"She moved schools because it was awkward. We were in the same group but couldn't stand each other. Well, I couldn't stand to be anywhere near her."

"To East Wood, right? Where the Eagles are?" I ask, thinking back to Taylor's tormenting.

"Yeah. To make it worse, she knew Taylor and I have been competitive against each other for years. She knew how hard we fought to be on top and she dated him anyway. I think she did it as revenge, because I didn't forgive her. Which is dumb because like hell I would forgive her now."

"That's true," I agree, my throat dry.

"Anyway, enough of that serious talk," he says with a forced laugh. "I shouldn't have even brought it up. I ruined our day, didn't I?"

"No, of course not," I lie. "I'm glad you felt you could tell me."

He offers me his adorable, dimpled smile. "Let's head back in?"

"Sure."

I wade after him, letting the waves carry me back to shore. I watch his tanned, well-built body emerge from the water, droplets running down his skin. I stare down at my feet, resisting the urge to cry.

He had shown me how great we could be. How much fun we could have together.

I'm going to ruin it because I have to tell him.

When I do, I know he will want nothing to do with me.

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Do you love me for the Hayden and Grace scene but also hate me at the same time? Haha

What do you think about finding out more about Carrie? And what do you think will happen now?

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