Falling Behind (Falling Series) Read Free

would never betray Candice’s parents ’ trust that way. They’re my family. I scooped up my bag, shouldering it and started toward the door. “He knows, Mom. He’ll pick us up, there.”
    “Alright , honey, have fun and good luck on your Homecoming Rally. I’ll see you at the game.”
    I waved bye as I stepped out the door and then closed it, behind me.
    Walking down the well-worn sidewalk toward Candice’s, I thought about Josh. The only time I let myself think about what happened with us was when I was alone. Two weeks ago, he took me out for dinner after I’d babysat all day for the girls. Mom allowed me to go on a Sunday because I’d watched them so my parents could go to the beach for the day. Mom even extended my curfew until eleven. After dinner at Applbee’s Josh took me back to his house.
    “ Wanna watch a movie?” He’d asked, as he unlocked his front door. As soon as we walked in, I realized neither his parents nor his sister was home. It was the first time we were truly alone for an extended amount of time.
    “Sure.” I headed over to the couch.
    Grabbing my hand, Josh pulled me into the hallway. “I’ve got a TV and surround sound in my room. I’ll even let you pick the movie.”
    Inhaling deeply , I followed him to his bedroom. I walked in behind him, taking in the massive, four-poster bed and the dark comforter with coordinating curtains. Everything was black or dark wood and sleek. His room was surprisingly tidy. I looked around, noticing a picture of him and his sister on the dresser and a few old baseball trophies along with a single poster for a rock band I didn’t recognize on his closet door.  Under the TV was a box labeled DVD’s. I squatted down and started sifting through them. “Anything you want to watch?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder.
    “Nah, whatever you want.” Josh was sprawled out on his bed , arms bent behind his head and looking perfectly at ease, except the strong emotions in his eyes. I wasn’t exactly sure what the look was, but if I had to guess, I would say desire.
    I turned away from his intense stare and quickly shifted the DVD’s ba ck and forth, searching for something interesting to watch. I finally chose “The Hangover”. It was perfect—funny and not a romance. I stood and flashed it at Josh before looking for the DVD player.
    “That works. The player’s right there in the cabinet.”
    After putting it in, I stood and glanced around thinking about sinking into the beanbag on the floor. But Josh cleared his throat and patted the spot next to him. I kicked off my ballet flats and crawled up on his bed. It was soft. I don’t know why, but I expected it to be hard. As Josh fumbled with the remote, I moved the pillows and sat up crossed legged against the headboard.
    He looked over at me with one eyebrow raised, “Come here.”
    I stretched my legs back out, scooting closer to him, the previews for new movies played for a moment before he hit the menu button, starting the movie. He turned away to put the remote down on his nightstand. And when he turned back, he slipped his arm around my shoulders. He softly ran his strong hands up and down my arm, sending shivers through out my body.
    Josh chuckled. “I’ve been waiting for this for a while.” He smiled down at me. I looked up into his light green eyes. His pupils were huge, almost masking his irises. “We never get any alone time.” He bent his head forward, resting his forehead on mine.
    Cupping his face with my hand, I ran my thumb along his jaw line. The nerves in my stomach squirmed and it felt as if a thousand monarch butterflies were trying to break free. “I know. There’s always someone around. Your friends or mine, parents, sisters someone is always with us. I’m glad we’re finally getting this time together.” I reached up and pressed my lips against his.
    He sighed when I pulled back, running his fingers through my hair; grasping the back of my head and pulling me back