Chapter 4

The following morning, I wake up in the bed of the guest room that Dean and I were in next to Lisa and surprisingly, Halsey too. I get up and rub my temples. “Argh.” I groan, shuffling around, careful not to wake the others. 

I slowly walk to the door with one hand still rubbing my right temple which hurts the most. I open it and hear chatter downstairs along with music. I walk down and see Dean on the phone, shirtless while tidying up. 

I stop rubbing at my temple and stare at him. He turns and smiles at me once he notices me. I smile back. He ends the call and walks towards me. I stand still, frozen like an idiot. 

“Morning, beautiful.” He leans into me and kisses me on the cheek. I nervously reply with my hands on his bare chest, trying to push him away. 

“May I…?” I ask, trying to escape the heat between us. He smiles and nods, making space for me to pass. I then ask him for painkillers. He gets them for me along with a glass of water. “Thanks.” I drink the whole glass of water while admiring him from the kitchen as he tidies the living room. “We have to go now.” I say. 

“Wait, about the kiss last night. Can we talk about it?” 

I roll my eyes and sit on the counter. “You always want to talk about something.” 

He sighs. “I really like you and I want to know how you feel, not for me, but for me.” He chuckles as he sits next to me.

“Look, Dean. I really liked you last year, but after everything that went on with you and other girls, I don’t think I want to be one of them.” I tell him, playing with my fingers. 

Dean intertwines our hands and looks at me. “How can I prove to you that I only want you?” He asks in a soft tone. I shrug and pull away from him. I swiftly jump off the counter and fix my top. Dean jumps down too and wraps his arms around my waist.

I hold my breath. “Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll take you out to the Yankees game. I’ll lend you a shirt and a cap. I’ll fetch you.” He finishes and removes his arms. I fast walk to the stairs and call for Halsey and Lisa. 

“Where are your parents anyway?” I ask. “Work. They’ll be back soon though.” He replies. I nod as Lisa comes downstairs, almost falling, followed by a pain-free Halsey. 

“It’s time to go.” I tell them before handing Lisa pain killers and a glass of water. 

As she finishes drinking up, I catch Halsey eyeing Dean. I roll my eyes and walk to the door, swinging it open and stepping out. “Bye ladies. Don’t miss me too much. Dean says with a smirk.

>>>

When Halsey and I eventually get home, Halsey goes straight to bed when my parents call me to tell me that they won’t be home for dinner. I decide to rest for an hour and then make my way to the kitchen, looking for Mom’s lasagna that she said she had made last night. I sit down and eat when notifications come in from Dean. 

Dean: What are you up to?

Me: Why does it matter?

Dean: I don’t know, but I know you’re alone right now.

Me: What? Who told you that?

Dean: I’m on my way to the door. Mind opening?

I look at the text in disbelief, uncertain of whether he’s serious or not. I hope not because Halsey is still in the house. A knock sounds at the door. I put my plate in the sink and open the door. “Happy to see me?” Dean asks with a smile. 

I try hiding my smile but I fail to. “What do you want, Dean?” I ask, adding an eye roll. Just as I’m about to turn around, he kisses me. I give in. I pull away and I catch my taken away breath.

Dean’s P.O.V.

Hailee pulls away and steps back. “Are you crazy?” She harshly asks. I shake my head and shrug. “I guess I just really want to prove to you that I’d do anything to have you.” 

She starts crying. I frown. “Hailee, why are you crying?” I ask, stepping towards her, wiping her tears. 

“Because, I don't know what to say or feel. I really like you too but I just, can’t.” She says in tears. 

“Why can’t you?” I sadly ask. “Please, leave.” She says. 

I nod and step back from the door. “I’m sorry if I made you feel this way.” I say before pulling her into a long hug, not wanting to let her go.

She pulls away and closes the door.

>>>

Hailee’s P.O.V.

I can’t get what happened out of my head. I really would like to be with Dean too, but I can’t help but think of Halsey. How it will all make her feel. I’ve already crossed a line by kissing him more than once. I climb under my bed covers and before I get the chance to doze off, my phone chimes. 

Dean: Are you okay?

Dean: I’m sorry about this afternoon.

Me: It’s okay. Really.

Dean: We still going to the game tomorrow? Together?

Me: Yeah, sure.

Dean: Awesome.

Me: My emotions got the better of me. But…I still want you too.

Dean: …

Me: You know what? Forget I said anything. That was a mistake.

Dean: No, I mean, finally. You’re actually admitting it, because why else would we still be going to the game together?

Me: Don’t get your hopes up though. The kisses always catch me off guard.

Dean: But you kiss me back anyway.

Me: Whatever, Dean. It doesn’t even mean anything.

Dean: What does it mean then?

Me: I don’t know, Dean. Just drop it.

Dean: Just admit it, you like it too.

Me: NO!

Dean: Lol, goodnight. Just bring a jacket tomorrow and wear blue jeans.

Me: Okay.

I switch my phone off and put it under my pillow. What am I doing? I know the choices I’m making will not have mild consequences. I think back to every moment with Dean thus far and fall asleep with a smile on my face.