Chapter Four: Gawd, He Can Kiss!
Carol slammed her bedroom door, her body trembling as she secured the lock – not that she had to worry about the boys barging in on her - and slid down the surface to land on the hardwood floor. She brought her fingers up to press against her kiss-swollen lips, stifling the sob building in her chest as tears washed over her flaming cheeks. What had she done? What had Daryl done? They'd kissed, that's what, her inner voice sneered. It had been perfect – not the brief panicked kiss of before – and everything a first kiss should be. Then why did she feel so horrible?
The upbeat strains of 'Wild Thing' filtering through the silence of her room, startled Carol, and she scrambled to pull the phone from her pocket. She didn't need to look at the screen to know who it was. She had a different ringtone for each of her friends. "H-Hello?"
"Hey, just checking in. Are you packed yet?" Michonne asked as the call connected.
"M-Mostly," Carol replied, wiping away her tears and trying to pull herself together. "I just have to pack my toiletries in the morning and I'll be all set."
"What's wrong?" her friend asked after a brief pause, worry evident in her tone.
"N-Nothing."
"Carol …"
"I kissed Daryl!" she blurted out in a rush, tears threatening to spill once more.
Across town, Michonne batted Rick's hands away and pointed to his bedroom door. He still hadn't packed for the retreat and she had no time for his foolishness when Carol was on the phone weeping as if her heart were breaking. "Oh. My. Gawd! Well, that's a good thing, right? I mean … you've had feelings for him as long as I've known you."
Carol picked herself up off the floor and moved to lie across her bed. "I know, 'Chonne, but … it wasn't real. I want it to be real between us and not some 'pretend' thing we're doing because Ed is an asshole!" She went on to explain what had happened at work, and Ed's disbelief over her new relationship. "You know Daryl doesn't like to be touched. This whole thing has put him out of his comfort zone, yet he stood there and let me touch him … kiss him. He shouldn't have to put himself up like a sacrificial lamb just to protect me," she said bitterly.
"I still think you should file a restraining order against him. Ed is only going to get worse, Carol. Stop being so damn nice!" she scolded. "And Daryl isn't the type of man who will do something he doesn't want to do. Did you ever think about that?"
"He just … he takes our friendship very seriously. But that's all it will ever be, Michonne … friendship," she said quietly, dragging a pillow over and clasping it to her chest.
"So, tell him! Tell him how you feel, and go from there," she insisted.
"I can't!" Carol whispered furiously, keeping her voice low in case one of the boys were lurking about in the hallway. "Say I tell him, and it ruins what we do have. I'd rather remain stuck in the friend zone than lose him altogether."
Michonne sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head wearily. "Are you ok? I can come over if you need me. I'm at Rick's, so I can be there in ten minutes."
"No … you have stuff to do, things to get ready for tomorrow. I'll be ok."
"Are the two of you riding out with us?"
Carol shivered. "No, Daryl wants to take the bike." She was actually looking forward to the ninety-minute drive to the island, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her thighs cradling his hips, her face buried against his nape … Gah! Stop it, Carol! "We should be there around five."
Michonne hung up the phone, a troubled frown marring her brow as she glanced up to meet Rick's eyes where he stood leaning against the door jamb, arms crossed over his chest as he regarded her silently. "Ed is becoming a serious problem," she said darkly.
"Which is why you invited me to your retreat, remember?"
He squeezed into the oversized recliner with her and pulled her into his arms. "I know, but you're only one man, Rick. There are going to be times where you can't keep an eye on things. What if he's able to get to her … only this time it's not just verbal harassment? What if he tries to hurt her when he sees her with Daryl? Jealousy is a vicious motivator."
"Shane and Lori are going to be there too," he reminded her, mentioning the wisp-thin girl from Michonne's class who was dating his partner on the force. "We'll keep an eye on her, and you know Dixon isn't about to let her out of his sight. At least that's what I gathered from all you've told me about him."
Michonne settled back into his embrace, but she couldn't relax. "I just have a really bad feeling about this weekend."
"Stop worrying. Carol's going to be fine."
*.*.*
"Th' fuck y' grinnin' at? Y' still gotta work half a day before this little shindig," Merle said around a yawn as he pulled a mug from the tree next to the coffee pot, eyeing his brother suspiciously.
Daryl shrugged as he leaned against the counter and sipped from his own cup. He frowned down at the brew, tasting a hint of cinnamon on his tongue, wondering what kind of weird beans Carol had brought home this time. He smiled at his brother over the rim of his cup, deciding the blend wasn't that bad. If Carol liked it, then he could get used to it. "There a crime against bein' cheerful?"
Merle shot him a look as he poured an ungodly amount of cream and sugar into his cup. "In case y' hadn't noticed, it's seven in th' mornin'. Nobody should be cheerful at this hour."
Daryl's smile widened as he watched Carol drag herself into the kitchen, mumbling a 'good morning' to them both on her way to the coffee pot. He waited until she had fixed her cup before latching onto her waist, his arm curling around her as he dragged her against his chest.
She yelped in surprise as his lips came down on hers, a sweet sipping kiss - one which lingered a lot longer than necessary to get his point across - before he let her go. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at the poleaxed look on his brother's face. "Hurry up, woman, an' get your shower before you're late for class," he said, watching her mouth gape at him in surprise.
The mention of class got her moving, but she paused at the edge of the open kitchen to glance back at him, a sheepish grin on her face.
Merle's gaze ping-ponged between them, waiting until the bathroom door closed behind her. "Th' hell was that? Did somethin' happen last night after I crashed?" he asked in a furious whisper so his voice wouldn't carry. "An' since when've y' started kissin' unsuspectin' females. It's jus' … jus' NOT you!"
Daryl snorted. "No, nothin' happened. She never even came outta her room after y' interrupted us an' she came runnin' up here t' hide."
"So, what? Yer practicin' or some shit?"
"Nope," he hedged, draining his cup. "I'm steppin' up my game."
Merle slapped his hand against the surface of the table, his crystalline eyes sparkling with merriment. "Hot damn, brother! She ain't gonna know what hit her."
His grin faded, a serious expression clouding his features. "I'm takin' your advice. I'm gonna use this weekend away t' my advantage. I'm nervous as all hell, but I ain't playin' some game with her. It's time she knows how I really feel about her, an' with any luck …" At Merle's arched brow, he amended, "A'right, with a lotta luck, she'll be mine for real when we come home."
*.*.*
Carol watched Daryl surreptitiously from beneath her long lashes as he made his way through traffic towards the university campus. His profile still stole her breath away, but today, it was more pronounced. It took her a long moment to realize the subtle difference, and her eyes widened when she acknowledged what was so blatantly apparent. He was happy. The slight upturn of his lips, his relaxed posture, the way his fingers tapped on the steering wheel in time with the music; she couldn't mistake it for anything else.
What the hell is going on?! This new side of him was almost as confusing as the kiss he'd laid on her in the kitchen. She'd hardly been able to concentrate on her morning routine, a blush on her cheeks and heat coiling through her body every time she thought of it. She'd met him downstairs with just minutes to spare. She still felt a little guilty for pushing him the night before, but her concerns hadn't been unfounded. If they couldn't touch each other, it was never going to convince Ed. Gawd! What a coil!
Well, Daryl hadn't seemed to have any problems touching her that morning. Could he have gotten over his aversion to touch so quickly? Or was it simply because she was his friend and he trusted her? He knew she'd never hurt him either physically or mentally. For one, she wasn't the type to set out to cause anyone harm, and two … this was Daryl, the man she loved and wanted to build a life with. Though he didn't know about the second part. Perhaps he was simply practicing, putting himself in the right frame of mind for what he would be forced to endure over the weekend.
Carol was so lost in thought, she sat there for several moments, staring through the windshield at nothing as he pulled into the parking lot outside of her Neuropsychology class. "Earth t' Carol … c'min, Carol," he teased. "Y' a'right?"
She smiled and shook off her fugue. It was going to be hard enough to concentrate on her class. "Yeah, I'm ready to get this over with."
Daryl hopped out of the truck and reached in, lifting the center console out of the way so she could slide towards him. He could have trotted around to her side and opened the door for her, but he didn't think Carol had seen Ed's car – as distracted as she'd been – and this would give the bastard a better view, he thought smugly. She looked up at him inquisitively, her brows raised in question, when he didn't move to let her out. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and hauled her up against his body. He set her gently on her feet as his chest pressed against hers, caging her in a cocoon of warmth.
Carol's backpack dropped to the pavement, her arms going around his broad shoulders as she was set off balance. "Daryl!"
The tiny smirk at the corner of his mouth was her only warning as he backed her into the side of the truck and claimed her lips in a searing kiss. Oh, dear merciful lord! she thought, clinging to him as he plundered her mouth. She moaned low in the back of her throat as he gave it his all, making her wonder where the hell her shy introverted friend had disappeared to – not that she was complaining. Or had she simply woken something inside him he'd never thought he wanted? How could this be fake? What she was feeling – what Daryl made her feel – how could it be anything but genuine? But it wasn't. He was pretending – though she'd never thought he'd take it to such extremes – it was all an act. Damn, but it felt so good!
Daryl's arms tightened around her, careful to keep his lower body from coming into contact with hers. If she knew how much her touch affected him - out there in broad daylight - she would never believe him to be 'just pretending.' Though, how she expected him to bask in her sweetness and remain unaffected, he couldn't fathom. He knew he shouldn't be taking such delight from her dilemma, but he couldn't seem to help himself. He didn't care that Ed was watching. He hoped the fucker got an eyeful of just how much she was enjoying herself in Daryl's arms. And there was no mistake she liked the way his tongue felt sliding against hers, the breathy little moans, her thighs clenching around his waist, her hands making a mess of his hair, a testament of her pleasure.
A giggle from the sidewalk from a passing student, made her head snap up, leaving him to chase her lips with his own. Stupid interruption! But if she were going to get to class, he'd have to let her go.
Carol's feet dropped to the pavement next to her backpack, but she didn't try to pull away, staring up at him with wide passion-dazed eyes. "Wow!" she breathed, fingers tugging on the ends of his hair. "Tell me, Dixon … is there a reason for all this lovely affection?"
Daryl snorted. "Practice makes perfect. Gonna show Ed there ain't no way you'd want him after that."
She froze. "Oh, god, he's watching, isn't he? You saw him!?"
His hands on her hips held her firmly in place. "Behind me, three cars down on th' left. Don't look!" he warned.
Since the whole thing had begun, Carol didn't feel threatened with having Ed so near. Not when she was securely enveloped in Daryl's arms. A slow smile spread over her face as she pulled his head down for another lingering kiss. "Will you stay until I'm inside?" she whispered against his lips, trying to muster the strength to let him go. He had work and she had class, after all.
He kissed her back, his thumbs rubbing hot little circles over her hip bones. "I always do." He pressed his brow to hers briefly before he bent down to retrieve her bag. "Y'know I'm only a phone call away if y' need me."
"I know." Her hands shook with need as she slung her pack over her shoulder and looked towards the building. "Gotta go. See you at three?"
Daryl nodded, his teeth raking slowly over his lower lip, savoring the lingering taste of her. "Yeah, I'll be here."
He leaned his forearms on the hood of his truck, his eyes never leaving her. Loitering in the parking lot had given her the time she needed to get inside where her classmates would be a buffer against Ed's unwanted attentions. And his presence there had prevented Ed from getting out of his car until the last minute, afraid of coming face to face with the younger Dixon. When he was sure enough time had passed, he climbed back into his truck and drove away. Oh, yeah … today was going to be a good one!
*.*.*
The bike roared beneath him as he sped along I-85 towards their destination. The weather forecast had reported clear skies for the weekend with the high's in the nineties and relative humidity, which was in his opinion, pretty decent for early May. He briefly wondered if Carol had packed a bathing suit. Her slender arms tightened around him, clinging to him, the machine beneath her making her edgy. It was almost as if she could sense he was thinking of her, or she just might be nervous because he was speeding. He wasn't speeding … much. So, what if he was anxious to get there?
The wind teased the hair at his nape, the sun beating down on them, the pavement rushing past, and yet Daryl wasn't able to appreciate the freedom of the open road. He was too consumed with thoughts of the girl molded to his back like a second skin. He was so in awe of her … of them. In the last twenty-four hours, there had been times when just the memory of those kisses would steal his breath and leave him weak and trembling.
When he'd opened his shirt for her and guided her hands to his bare flesh, he'd truly been expecting his body to rebel against him, to flinch and seek to pull away. It had happened so many times over the years, it was understandable. Even Merle was careful in the way he would pat Daryl on the back or sling an arm around his shoulders. It had been ingrained in him from the tender age of eight, to expect pain from another's touch. Nothing would send him into a full-blown panic attack quicker. It was why he avoided crowds, long lines in the grocery store or at the deli, and kept to himself when accompanying Merle to the bar for a drink after work.
He'd endured Carol's friendly hugs before this scheme had come into fruition, but he'd always shied away quickly. He'd never purposely sought her touch. By doing so, he was able to control his body from its natural tendencies, and he'd been stunned. He'd opened himself up to her, giving her free rein to explore, and … he'd felt his soul take flight. His body had welcomed her. She hadn't just been touching his skin, no. She'd touched his heart, and it had felt like home … or what he'd always dreamed home would feel like if he'd had a proper one.
Daryl felt as if his self-confidence had grown overnight, not realizing how free she could make him feel. It strengthened his resolve to make this thing real between them. He loved her with every fiber of his being, always afraid to show her what was in his heart for fear of her rejection, but he could sense the change in her since she'd lied to Ed about their relationship and hatched this plan. It was affecting her more deeply than she'd counted on. The questions was … would it fulfill his dreams or leave his heart in tatters? It didn't matter; he loved her enough to only want her happiness. And he'd never know what would bring her joy unless he asked. One thing for certain, he knew he couldn't hide his feelings from her any longer.
He picked up I-985 outside of Greenville, a slow smile creeping across his lips, knowing it wouldn't be much farther. One step closer … whatever fate may bring.
A/n: He's all in now! And they're almost there! Hope y'all liked it. Huge thank you to my beta, BettyBubble, who caught a giant-sized plot boo boo! I swear I don't know what I'd do without you, luv!
