Disclaimer: I Own Nothing
A/N: Thanks so much for all the positive reviews! You have definitely made up my mind about continuing. Here's the next chapter.
Manhandling
The first thought that popped into my mind when I realized Jesse was standing in front of me was: Why does he always show up at the exact wrong time? It never fails. It's like he has this sixth sense, and only comes to see me when I really, really would rather not see him. And that's only when I have something to hid, because most of the time, I would love to see Jesse a hell of a lot more often. Nope, that is just not how my life works.
"Jesse, what have you been up to lately?" Now, any normal teenage peer of mine would answer this question with a "Oh 5'4, how bout'you?" But no, Jesse, seeing as he is incapable of picking up any of the lingo, our generation now speaks, and is continually wondering what I'm saying. But then again, I am always wondering that as well.
"I think the more pressing question here Susannah, is what has been occupying your time as of late." See.
"Oh the usual. You know homework and stuff. Cee Cee and I have this history project that we are going to be working on together. And you know I constantly have to deal with Dopey's stupidity. Household chores. The pressure my mom continually puts on me to get a boyfriend…" I pause there because that seemed a little too close to what had happened tonight, and the small detail that the reason I wasn't interested in getting a boyfriend because the one I want, apparently doesn't want me in that capacity, contrary to the occasional lip lock we engage in every once and a while.
I also realize I have been rambling on while Jesse has just been standing there looking at me curiously.
"Susannah, where were you tonight?" Ah yes the dreaded question that I had been trying to avoid had crept up on me again.
"Oh, tonight?" My voice has a bit of a squeak to it as I say this. Quick think! Think! "I went out with Cee Cee and Adam." Good thinking Suze. "We were hanging out like we normally do on a Friday night. You should know that by now." The fact that Jesse didn't know that I usually went out on Friday nights with Cee Cee and Adam made me sad when I realized this was probably because he didn't care what I did.
"Yes, Susannah, I know that you usually do hang out with Cee Cee and Adam on Friday nights," Yes! He does care about me! "But it just so happened that Cee Cee called here earlier, looking for you." I take it that he had been eavesdropping on the person who had answered the phone, and had not actually answered the phone himself. Because, of course, he can't. "So Susannah, this leads me to believe you were not in fact out with your friends and have lied to me about where you were tonight." Uh oh.
"Jesse, its not like that, its just that I was hanging out with this new guy form school, and it didn't go very well and I didn't really want to talk about it." Saved.
"I am afraid, Susannah, that that won't fool me. I know you better than that. It didn't by any chance have anything to do with Paul did it?" From the look on my face, he figures out that it was about Paul. "Susannah, how many times do I have to tell you, Paul Slater is dangerous. You should stay away from him. Yes, he may charm you with his pretty words and gifts, but he only want to use you for his own gain, whatever that may be. He is the kind of man I had to chase away from my sisters when they were being courted. He is not the sort you should be involved with." By this time, Jesse had tried to emphasize his point by grabbing hold of my arms and shaking them slightly, but not enough to actually hurt. To do this though, he had to come closer to me, something that I didn't mind in the least. Now if only I could get him to change his anger into heated lust.
Yeah Right.
"Jesse. I didn't go near Paul, I promise. I only went out with this guy because he seemed to know stuff about Paul. And he also knew about mediating. I wanted to see if he knew dirt about Paul. That's it. I didn't put myself in any danger tonight." I conveniently left out that fact that later tonight I was going to do just that. Put myself in the path of danger I mean. I just hope Jesse had forgotten about that.
"Susannah, you aren't planning on going to meet Paul again tonight are you?" Busted.
"Jesse, I have to. I already said I would and I am already half and hour late, and Paul really doesn't like it when I keep him waiting. And if I don't' keep my end of the bargain, he won't keep his. Besides, how come you aren't worried about me getting my innocence stolen by the guy I went out with tonight?"
Jesse, looks into my eyes angrily, although I am not sure whom he is mad at, and says franticly, "Did he try anything Susannah? Are you hurt in any way?" His eyes visually search for any wounds on my body.
"Of course not. I can take care of myself you know." Oh man. I want him to be all protective, and the minute he is, I get all defensive and become a feminist. I don't know how he puts up with me.
"Girls are not built in the same way men are. If he was to try and overtake your small frame, I have no doubt he could have, and I shudder at the very idea." I'm getting all mushy inside. "But don't think for a second that I have forgotten about Paul, Susannah. I am not about to let you go met Paul again." He looks very determined. But then again…
"Jesse, how do you think you are going to stop me?" For a minute I think I have stumped him because he is too gentlemanly to manhandle me in any way, much to my chagrin. He surprises me by gripping my hips in his hands. Not something he is prone to do so I pause when I am about to go out the door.
"Susannah, I plan to stop you like this." And with that he lowers his mouth to mine. I am so startled that I just stand there not doing anything, but I soon realize what has happened and I fully take advantage of the situation and I put my hands around his neck and start to kiss him back. This lasts for a few minutes and then he takes his lips off mine to whisper,
"Susannah." He breathes. I don't want the moment to be over so I put pressure on the back of his head and bring it back to mine, and I do some kissing of my own. I move backwards and the back of my knees hits the bed. I stumble and Jesse and I tumble onto the bed all without breaking apart. I'm too caught up in what I'm doing to notice that Jesse succeeded in stopping me from meeting Paul. I'm too caught up in what I'm doing to even think about the consequences of not meeting Paul; consequences that might not be good for Jesse. But hey, I was finally getting manhandled the way I wanted. That's got to count for something.
A/N: Sorry about the cliffhanger again. I can't seem to help it. Please review and tell me what you think!