Chapter Four

Three whole days. Three days of intense shooting for the second season of our show, formal events to attend and a hectic schedule that was leaving me out of breath and sleep deprived.

Three and half days since she had made me zip up her dress, three and half days since she had talked to me for the first time without hissing or scoffing... she had even smiled and joked with me... until... she had found it too comfortable, too familiar and had drawn her walls back up in a split second.

An entire 36 hours had passed since my phone had started buzzing with the ringtone set for her calls only.

And it was my turn to ignore her calls. Talk about irony.

Maybe I'll catch some sleep when you finally STOP calling me! Geez.

A small, smug smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I sent the arrogant message I had typed up.

Let me guess... too lazy to turn off your phone?

Ha, she was good.

Good night, Miley.

I decided to dismiss her response and opted for a farewell reply.

Not so fast! You need to answer my calls.

I chuckled.

Look who's begging now :P Am loving the role reversal we've got going here.

My smug answer was bound to earn an eye roll and even a loud huff from her.

Well I'm NOT!

Ohhh looked like Miss Miley did not like it when control was taken away from her hands.

Just leave with me now, say the word and we'll go

I'll be your teacher, I'll show you the ropes

You'll see a side of love you've never known

I can see it going down, going down

My ringtone. Jason Derolo's "In my head". Surprised? Me, 'innocent', purity ring wearer Nick Gray had set my ex-girlfriend's ringtone as a highly 'implying' song.

"What do you want?" I tried to appear aggravated when truth was, I was fighting to keep a smile off my face.

"You answered!" I heard her clap excitedly on the other hand and chuckle. Oops, I guess the cover had been blown a little too quickly. Or...

"I answered, now tell me What. Do. You. Want?" I huffed.

"Nicky, don't act mad..." She pleaded in a small, babyish voice.

"Are you gonna apologise?" I smirked to myself as I heard a groan escaping her lips.

"I don't know. Should I?" She teased.

"Miley!"

"Okay, chill." I could hear the pop and imagined she had just blown a bubble with her gum. "Do I really have to?"

I chuckled.

"Yes."

"Nick!"

"You said something very hurtful and unless you apologise I will hang up."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Watch and learn." I took the phone away from my ear and was about to press end call when I heard her shout into the phone:

"Okay, I'll apologise!"

"I'm sorry? I didn't catch that." I put the phone back to my ear, a grin curling up my lips.

"Nicholas!" She barked into the phone. She was obviously losing patience so I decided to play it safe for now.

"Sorry." I chuckled. "What is it exactly you're apologising for?"

"You really want to make things difficult, don't you?"

"No." I let my voice trail off before adding: "I just want to know what you're talking about because I swear I have no idea what you're apologising for."

"I'm sorry I doubted your reasons for wanting to fix things." She let out a deep breath. "There I said it, now will you stop torturing me?"

"Depends. What do I get in return?" I smirked.

"Do you still want to have that talk you asked for?" She asked, her tone growing serious.

"Which one was that?" I played dumb. "Oh yeah, the one I asked for a week ago?"

"Nicholas, if you keep this up I will be the one hanging up."

"Alright, alright." I sighed dramatically. "I do want to talk." I added softly.

"It's settled then. I'll text you."

"That's what you said last time." I teased.

"Hey, I've been texting you for three days, you're the one who was set on not answering me." She countered smugly.

"Well I'm sorry. I happen to be a very successful singer and actor and I do have a busy schedule you know... Not all of us can afford delaying our private jet to get our hair done."

"Not all of us look good by just slipping on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Some of us actually have to work at it." She retorted.

"Bull." I blurted before I could stop myself. I could just picture her rolling her eyes at me and smiled. "Night, Miley."

"Night, Nicky."

"You know how much I hate that nickname."

"Well too bad, I think it suits you."

"I thought you hated it too."

"Oh I do. Especially when it comes out of that goody two shoes mouth."

"Who? Selena?" I laughed. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Miles."

"I-"

"Night!" I hung up before she could get in my face about how arrogant and cocky I was.

You're an arrogant jerk.

I shook my head at the small message illuminating my phone's screen moments later.

I know XD

I tossed my phone on my bed and stripped out of my beige knee length shorts and my plaid shirt before heading towards the bathroom to wash away the day's dirt.

What I really needed was to relax and think straight.

Something had possessed me and it honestly scared me to see how bold I had become around Miley. Was I pushing it? After all that had happened between us was it wise to earn her friendship without finding closure first? The next question was what bothered me most... Did I really want to open the now 9 month old wound and explain myself when all she would do was toss my apology out of the window without a second look back? But then again she was Miley... And if there was something I knew about Miley is that under all that stubbornness lay a big, soft, forgiving heart. The very same one that had forgiven me for walking away and turning my back on her when we had been 14 years old.

As the hot water hit my tense muscles, my thoughts were sent back to Georgia. Tybee Island. June 10, 2009.

The gentle waves hit the Jet Ski as Miley came to a stop far out in the ocean. The motor died down as she switched off the engine, letting the quiet breeze whisk through her long curls. The ends of her hair tickled my stomach and I squirmed behind her, instinctively clutching her waist as the Jet Ski rocked dangerously from side to side.

"Stop moving!" She hissed. "Or we'll both end up in the water!"

"Sorry." I mumbled apologetically, setting my chin on her bare shoulder. Her body relaxed against mine and I couldn't help the smile that settled across my face at the feel of her being so close and so trustworthy around me.

"I've missed you." The sentence escaped my lips and it was hard for me to ignore her body tensing up at the confession.

"I've missed you too." Came her surprising response. She twisted her body to the side and turned her head to face me, a wide smile adorning her plump lips. "I'm glad you decided to fly out here."

We were friends. Just friends. Ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend getting reacquainted with each other after a whole year of hurtful words thrown across at each other in a variety of ways, lyrics battle included.

"I-" My breath caught in my throat as her soft hand settled on my thigh, squeezing it in the most alluring of ways. I knew it was meant as a friendly gesture but I couldn't help the way my body reacted to her. A smirk replaced the smile she had been wearing and I knew that she had felt it (my hard on), pressing against her back. "I- I'm sorry." I looked away and stared at the birds flying in the distance, anything to keep me from dying of embarrassment.

"I can't believe I can still make you do that." Her laughter rang through the silent afternoon and my stomach clenched painfully.

"It's not funny." I growled, clenching my fist around the strap of her life jacket.

"Aw come on." Her fingers ran up my arms and I closed my eyes, trying hard to ignore the fire she was reviving within me.

"Don't." I tried to push her away, only to have her leaning closer, eyes half closed. My eyes widened when I realised I was mirroring her actions. Another inch and our lips would be touching. "Mile-"

"Why did you have to ruin it?" She rolled her eyes and turned around to face the water, roaring the Jet Ski back to life. She expertly manoeuvred it towards the wooden docks right ahead of us and I sighed in frustration. When would I ever to live in the moment? Be spontaneous like she was?

......................

I need to see you. Your place. Text me whenever we can get some privacy without raising unwanted questions.

I scanned the message with wide eyes, my heart beating rapidly in my chest in anticipation. She had kept her word.

"Nicholas, I'm talking to you!" My mother exclaimed. I quickly stuck my blackberry into my pant pocket.

"Mom." I took a stand in front of her and set my hands on her shoulders to stop her from pacing. "We'll be fine. Kevin lives nearby and we can always call him if we have a problem. Joe and I will be fine." I rolled my eyes at her worried gaze. "I'm turning 18 at the end of the year!" I huffed childishly. I smiled when it got the reaction I wanted from her, aka a hearty laugh.

"Then start acting like it." She pinched my cheek teasingly and ruffled my curls.

"That was not necessary!" I glared at her only to be laughed at.

"There are rules, Nicholas." Her eyes narrowed and I gulped slightly. "Us living in Toluka Lake does not give you a free pass to the Stewart house to cause trouble. Do you understand me?"

A little too late for that, don't you think?

"Mom-" I tried to defend myself but she wouldn't hear it.

"I know you, Nicholas and I know that things with Miley are not good at the moment... Just try to be smart about it." She cautioned with a soft smile.

"I will, mom." No need to mention things were about to get a lot better.

"Good. Now." She turned to the multiple suitcases placed in the hallway. "Your father, Frankie and I will be back as soon as everything is settled in New Jersey... but you know your grandmother." She rolled her eyes. "She can be quite demanding at times."

"It's fine, mom. She's not well, she needs you by her side. Stop worrying. We'll be fine." I tried my level best to reassure her. A plan was already forming in my mind and I tried to ignore the nagging feeling at the back of my head, telling me that I was going against my mother's 'rules'. Oh well... she never mentioned I couldn't invite Miley over... as a friend. So technically speaking, I wouldn't be breaking any rules.

"Whatever's got your mind in overdrive" She pointed a warning finger in my direction, "Do not even think about it." I rolled my eyes and let out a chuckle as she walked out the door to meet my father and little brother in the driveway.

"Oh and Nicholas?"

"Aren't you gone yet?" I half joked.

"I'm going to pretend like you didn't say that." She shook her head. "Just remember that keeping your innocence till you are at least 18 years old would make your mother very proud."

"Mom!" I groaned.

"I'm serious, honey." I swallowed hard and prayed that she hadn't noticed my tense posture.

"Okay." I squeaked out in a voice that did not resemble mine. She gave me a funny look before leaving once and for all.

Finally! I pumped my fist in the air.

"Let's get this party started!" Joe yelled out as soon as he entered the house, jumping around with too much energy to my liking.

"Joe. Mom put me in charge." I told him seriously, earning a shocked gasp from his part.

"Traitor!" He huffed.

My fingers flew over the keys of my blackberry and pressed send.

Coast is clear.

"Miley's coming over." I stated, fighting the smile begging to appear of my face. Joe's expression was priceless and I smiled triumphantly. "I'm the man, big bro, remember that." I lifted my hand to his jaw to close his gaping mouth.

"You guys want privacy?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and I simply rolled my eyes. "Good luck lil bro." He patted my shoulder. "You've got one hell of messed up love life for a 17 year old..." Ouch.

"She is, was my best friend. I just want her back in my life. Even if it's just as a friend."

"Keep telling yourself that until you convince yourself." He smirked.

"Where are you going?"

"Demi's." Should have known...

I watched him leave from the window and soon noticed a suspicious looking figured walking up the driveway.

Miley.

Ha! Didn't expect me to update this soon, did ya? :P hehe. Thanks a million for the support you guys showed me on the previous chapter and hope I will keep receiving it ;)

I'm slowly starting to reveal what happened between them in the summer of 2009 so you guys understand what Miley was upset about!

I just wanted to specify that this isn't going to be some story about Nick and Miley fighting back and forth non stop... they're older, more mature in this and they deal with things in their own way and that also means talking! *hint* *hint* LOL. Okay I'm shutting up before I ruin the suspense. Haha.

Love you guys!

xoxo