I can't appreciate the reviews more than I do right now! Thank you all so much for your amazing thoughts and encouragements. I got the job! It's nothing big but it's something so I'll still be able to write but I might be MIA sometimes. In case you didn't notice I want to point out that Rose is indeed 17. I accidently typed 16 but made sure to go back and correct it. Thank you for letting me know my mistake . This chapter is a little longer and I hope you all enjoy it. Please don't forget to leave a review and let me know what you think!

Rose's POV:

The last thing I expected when I walked into the bathroom was to find a tall, muscular, and naked Russian standing in the middle of it. Yet here we were…in the bathroom…and he was steaming…literally. Dimitri looked somewhere between frozen and…is that fucking lust? Gulping, I watch as his gaze runs down my body and quickly return the favor. The man was built like fucking Adonis. Cords of muscle were everywhere and I could wash my laundry on his abs. A line of thin hair starts close to the v of his hips and I follow it down to find…I feel like someone just to a torch to my insides. There between, what had to be, two solid pillars of pure muscle stood a very proud and rather large and concrete looking member.

I quickly run every excuse for it to be there in my head, but I can't seem to find one and groan lowly at the obvious cause. Dimitri was aroused and with the way his gaze heated up at my sound and attire…I was the cause. Neither one of us move. It's as if we've been frozen, except the temperature in the bathroom was more than warm. My mouth feels dry and to my horror I feel my body react as the pull I've been feeling between us rears its ugly head. My breasts grow heavy, my stomach twists, and there's a wet throbbing between my legs that I have no idea how to get rid of. Entranced, I watch as the fight on his face is lost and he starts moving towards me slowly as if against his will. He comes to stop barely a foot away from me. He's so close I have to look up to meet his eyes.

"Ummmm." I manage to push out as my heart pounds against my ribs. The pull surges within me. "You must work out."

I wince at my choice of words and a strangled sound between a laugh and a groan emit from his chest and I feel myself move back as he pushes forward again with. My back hits the wall and for a short second panic flares in me.

"Don't you want to play a game with me little Rosie."

My hands shoot out in front of me instinctually and I fight my way through the fog of fear that's clouded my head. It's gone as suddenly as it came and I'm left with the realization that my hands were placed on the hard abs of his abdomen. Blinking I stare at his chest as I try to get my breathing under control. He has me pinned. Both arms cage me in and I'm stuck between a wall and him. Flexing my fingers against his body I feel him tense impossibly more and hear a low another groan rip from him. He's fighting, I can tell, but he's losing the battle against the dangerous attraction between us. I try to find something to say that can free us from this moment, but what comes out is anything but that.

"Kiss me."

Time slows down at the same time. One of his hands move from the wall to tangle in my hair, tilting my face upwards and his body moves the final inch to press fully against me. My eyes flutter shut and he leans down, lips finally meeting mine. Electrifying is all I can think. I feel like I've been zapped by lightning and the only thing keeping my heart from giving out is this kiss. His lips are soft yet firm as they dominate mine in a searing dance. My mouth parts on a soft moan and Dimitri takes advantage, shoving his tongue inside to stroke against my own. I feel scatterbrained and all I can manage to think are broken thoughts about the fact that he tastes like chocolate, cinnamon, and spiced…something. The kiss comes to an end and he pulls back just enough that his lips still brush against mine.

Opening my eyes, I stare dazedly into his. His gaze is intense and holds me hostage as his hand, in my hair, moves down my back causing me to shiver. My breathing is short and shallow. My skin feels like there are tiny flames following his touch. Closing my eyes in hopes of getting some clarity back, I lean my head against the wall and almost jump when his lips touch my neck. I can't focus. I can only feel. I can feel both his hands now running along my skin, now under my camisole. I feel his mouth kissing and sucking gently a trail up my neck and shoulder. I feel the heat from his body as it strains against me. Most importantly I feel the hardness of his erection grinding into my stomach.

My breath hitches and I move my hands up his body, brushing his nipples in the process. His body freezes at my touch and his breathing grows harsh against my neck. I can't seem to get enough as my hands wander. The cord between us feels like it's vibrating and I feel it pulling us closer, whether we liked it or not. Using his shoulders to balance me, I stand on my tip toes so I can suck the skin of his collarbone. The move seems to urge him on as his hands move to settle on my thighs and suddenly I'm being lifted. Wrapping my legs around his waist I throw my head back again as his hardness presses eagerly between my thighs.

"Ah!" I gasp out as I press back.

"So warm." He groans into my neck as he presses forward again. His hands move to cup my ass so he can press harder. "Can't stop."

"Don't stop." I moan back.

The tension is almost too much to bare and I'm reaching for something I can't name. Grunting, Dimitri rocks into me over and over and I rock back. Leaning down he captures my lips in a bruising kiss. My nails dig into the skin of his shoulders and my lower stomach feels like it's tightening. A high pitch whine comes from me and I'm so close I just need to…

"FUCK!" I shout as a large wave of ecstasy ripples through me from my core.

The pleasure is almost blinding and I feel sensitive as Dimitri's rocking speeds up before he calls out and something warm and wet soaks through my top. My legs feel shaky but I keep them wrapped tightly around his waist and focus on slowing down my breathing. Dimitri's face is buried in the crook of my neck so I can't see his expression, but I feel tension growing in his body as more time passes.

"Breakfast!"

Olena's voice is like ice water being thrown on us. Before I can even blink I find myself standing alone and Dimitri across the bathroom facing away from me. The air in the bathroom doesn't feel warm anymore and I rub at the goosebumps on my arms. I don't know what to say. The breath-taking passion has been replaced with a cold awkwardness that leaves me feeling nauseous. I watch as Dimitri wraps a towel around himself and without another look at me he walks to his room and closes the door.

Hurt rises inside of me sharp and clear. It slices through my heart. It twists up my stomach. It lays waste to everything inside of me and, to my displeasure, brings tears to my eyes. Wiping roughly at my face I shove against the emotion and lock it in a box. What reason is there to be hurt? It's not like I shouldn't have expected it. What we just did was crossing the line. It was one thing to have the thoughts. It was another to act on them. He's my history teacher for fucks sake. Anger at my stupidity and lack of control takes over as I strip out of my ruined clothes and into a shower.

I don't take long in the shower and rush to get dressed. If I'm fast enough I can get down the stairs and out the door before anyone notices I'm gone. The goal looms in my head as I French braid my hair. Thank God I was too tired to take my outerwear off downstairs last night. Shrugging on the jacket, shoes, and grabbing my bag I quietly back out of my room and back up slowly as I turn around…only to hit a wall…a warm…hard…breathing wall. Breath catching in my throat I keep my eyes on the, now clothed, chest in front of me.

"We need to talk." Dimitri says seriously.

Wincing I look up and meet his eyes, hoping to find a clue as to how he's feeling. I frown when I find his famous blank expression. Ignoring the twisting in my stomach and the blush that's risen to my cheeks I shake my head.

"There's nothing to talk about." I tell him as I attempt to move past him. He doesn't budge and I'm stuck where I am. "You're going to make me late for work."

"I'll drive you." His voice is flat and unamused. "We need to talk."

"There's no need. I'm smart enough to know what'll be said." I tell him as I brush my hair back away from my face. "It was a mistake. We barely know each other. I'm too young. You're too old. Teacher. Student. Never to happen again. The end."

"Rose…"

"Look I need to go to work, so unless there's something I missed, you need to move out of my way." I huff at him.

He doesn't move and I look up again. His eyes bore into mine and flash with emotions too fast for me to read. A frown takes residence on his face and he says nothing. Sighing I shake my head and let out a small groan of frustration.

"I have one question." I tell him in a small voice. He nods slowly. "Is it always that intense or is it all in my head?"

I watch as his brow furrows and conflict takes over his face. He looks away from me and runs a hand over his face before sighing. He sounds defeated almost as he looks back to me.

"No, it's not always that intense." He informs me quietly.

The knot in my chest loosens and I let out a relieved breath. I wasn't crazy after all. The thought comforted me.

"What's not always intense?" Abe's voice sounds out behind Dimitri and I jump slightly.

We both turn to look at him standing at the top of the stairs. Eye brows raised and standing tall, I watch as his eyes dart back and forth between Dimitri and I. He's measuring the distance between us. Observing our mood. Trying to solve the scene in front of him. I take my time in stepping past Dimitri.

"The competition between the students at school." I lie smoothly. "Apparently getting the highest grade on one paper makes you an enemy."

"She's being modest." Dimitri says from behind me. "She's valedictorian material. She has the highest grades in the class."

I watch as the suspicion on Abe's face is washed away by abrupt pride but before I blink it's gone.

"So, you're smart." He states sounding impressed.

"I do what I have to do." I tell him flatly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get to work."

"I noticed you haven't decorated your room." He sounds out as I start my descent down the stairs.

"I told you I don't need your money." I call over my shoulder as I make my way out the door.

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"I'll take a piece of pumpkin pie and your number."

The request brings me out of my thoughts of this morning. Looking over the counter I spy a Jesse Zeklos.

"It'll be $3.50 for the pie. Anything else?" I tell him politely.

"Ouch. Not even a chance, huh?" He chuckles.

I raise an eyebrow at him as I grab a plate and set a piece of pie on it. Taking his $5 I give him his change and watch as he deposits it in my tip jar. Turning over his receipt I watch him write something on it and then he handed it to me folded up.

"In case you ever want some company." He smiles before walking away.

Jesse Zeklos was a part of the elite crowd of SVA. A group made of the wealthiest, most popular, and oldest of families in Hallowsville, Pennsylvania. Short blonde hair, green-blue eyes, plump lips, and a tall muscular physic…he was easily a knockout. Along with his good looks he had the whole bad boy thing going for him. I didn't buy it. He may be charming, but I've seen enough to know that he was only after one thing and after he got it he would be gone. Shoving the paper into my apron I take a minute to wipe down behind the counter before handing the reins over to Lisa for my break.

"I've cleaned up and restocked the shelves and case." I let her know as I empty the jar into my apron.

"Really Rose, take the rest of the day off. You've been working so hard. I feel like I've been taking advantage of you." She insists. Biting my lip, I reluctantly agree.

"Fine, but only because I've been meaning to explore the town." I tell her smiling. "If you need me don't be afraid to call me in."

Waving goodbye I quickly exit out the door. Stuffing my apron into my bag I head to the left and observed the shops as I passed by. Old Towne Pharmacy, Hallowsville Bookstore, Lucy's Flower shop, Hallowsville Grocery, Ashford Hardware, Cindy's Pet Supply, Hastings Candy and Soda Shoppe, Miss Pott's Tea, Castile Candles, Sage Natural Beauty, Rinaldi Boutique, Ozera Quilt and Yarn, Mazur's Home Décor. Stopping I quickly raise an eyebrow at the last store within the inner square of town. There's something almost comical about the idea that Abe owned a home décor shop.

"Would you like to come in?"

Jumping slightly I meet Abe's questioning gaze.

"I didn't take you for a man that sells picture frames and candle holders." I smirk at him.

"I sell much more than that little girl." He jabs at me. My eyes narrow. "I have catalouges inside if you'd like to take a look at them."

"What for?" I growl at him.

"To decorate your room." He says slyly.

Ignoring him I brush past him and head inside. The store was beautiful and soothing. Cream walls with white trim and brick pillars. Light flooring and flush lights gave it a warm glow. The store was home to picture frames, knick knacks, wall décor, rugs, some furniture. It was a surprise.

"I keep the catalogues on a shelf towards the back." He lets me know as he moves past me.

"No need." I tell him. "I'm just here for a frame."

"That's it?" He asks deadpan.

"Mine broke." I tell him, feeling amused. Abe didn't return the sentiment.

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The day flew by after I left Abe's store. I found out that the center square shops were all original. The second square served as more of a food square. The third ring contained a green ring which basically is a giant border around town that served as a lake, park, walking paths, and the outer border of housing. It apparently served as the fair grounds and festival grounds for the town. It was a pretty town and as I'm on my way back to Lissa's for some coffee I feel Dimitri fall in step with me. A small surge of concern flows through me at the fact that I don't even have to look to know it's him.

"We need to talk." He once again brings up.

Sighing I just nod. I know there isn't a way out of this. If there was one thing I've learned about Dimitri is once he's set his mind to something he always fell through with it.

"I was just on my way to Lissa's for some hot chocolate and a Danish." I tell him calmly. "I'll just stop outside the window and we can talk on the way home."

He seems to accept my answer. Together we walk back to Lissa's and I order two of my order, much to Dimitri's surprise. Handing him his and taking mine we get to walking home. The silence is comfortable but there's no putting off the conversation…at least not without trying.

"Rose_"

"I like to read." I cut him off. He looks at me knowingly. "I like candles, the color blue, rain, crocheting, running, and doing my homework. I want to see the ocean one day and I like festivals so living in this town can't be too bad."

We stop walking and turn to face each other. He studies my face silently.

"I don't like clowns. I hate smoking. I can't stand the name Jerry." I continue. "I've never had a real home. I don't know my dad. The last fond memory of my mom is when I was 8 and she took me to the fair. This is the first time I've ever stopped being hungry and have clothes that keep me warm…or even a place to sleep without bedbugs."

"Rose, you need to stop delaying this." He tells me firmly.

"I'm not delaying anything." I rush out. "I'm explaining to you that you don't have to worry about this morning happening again. For once I'm safe, fed, clothed, and housed. I can't risk that. If I get put in the system…I'm not stupid enough to believe that it'll get any better than here. I'm also smart enough to understand that you have to feel this…this pull too. I don't know what it is and it scares the crap out of me. I don't think it's going to go away. If anything it's only going to get stronger. So I say we give it what it wants. We stop avoiding each other. We get to know one another and maybe…just maybe it'll stay where it's at."

He doesn't say anything. His face is blank and he's looking around blankly as he sips his hot chocolate. Slowly he looks down at me before walking away. My hope falls and I think of how long it'll be before I'm put into foster care.

"I wouldn't have taken you as someone who crochets. Maybe you can make me a scarf." He calls out over his shoulder.

The relief that flows through me is so sharp it takes me a minute to remember how to walk. Smiling widely for the first time I can ever remember I run to catch up to him.

This is where we finally see a take off in their relationship! PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW. They give me inspiration! See you all at the next update!