Okay. So just a couple chapters left and then I'm going to end this story and start a second part. Don't worry, I really like this story, so I am going to keep this going. This continues off from the previous chapter in a way. This is Eric POV. Again I'm going to stick with keeping this chapter M, just to be safe. I hope you all enjoy.

ERIC

"Eric, I'm really sorry." She sounded so irritated with herself.

"Don't be, Alex."

I was going to start getting irritated now. Why was she acting like this? This wasn't her fault. We had just starting going out, we were still figuring everything out. Yes, of course I wanted the physical part to jump up a bit, but not if it was making her feel this way.

I turned to lay down on the bed and pulled her next to me. I had to show her that I was okay with her just being with her. And I was. I had just got her in my life, I didn't want to lose her or scare her away. Slowly I felt her ease into my arms and melt alongside my body. Alex started to run her fingers along my abs. It was something that was so familiar, to feel her right here. It was calming, relaxing and giving me the strength I lacked before I met her.

"Like I said, if you're comfortable with this, then so am I." I brought her face slowly up and pressed our lips together gently. Partly to assure her and partly to calm down any desire she built up within me to push this further.

"I really do enjoy every part of you Alex. Please don't doubt that. I won't ask anything more, unless you're ready." A smile played across her face. I stroked her cheek. That smile, I thought to myself. That smile was now mine.

"Thanks Eric. I care about you, too. I don't want you to feel like I don't care, because I'm not ready."

"I wouldn't think like that. I know you well enough to understand that everything with you takes time. Right from the start, you were pretty, how did your Dad put it... Oh yeah, STUBBORN," I teased as she lightly punched my side.

"I hate to admit it, but my Dad is right." Alex sat up a little. "Just don't tell him I said that." We both started to laugh a little. She folded her arms on my chest and rested her head on top to look at me and kept a small smile on her lips.

As I looked down at her, I just couldn't understand how she didn't see the affect she had. She held so much power over me, so much appeal to my senses, so much intrigue to my mind. Her eyes always kept me guessing if I was going to see innocent Alex or naughty Alex. Her touch always made me feel wanted. Everything about her made her important to me, cause she made me feel important myself. Why would she ever second guess that?

"What are you staring at Mr. Matthews," she teased.

"The most beautiful, smartest, craziest, stubborn girl that I know." I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her up to kiss her softly. "And for some reason, she wants to be with me."

"Of course," Alex replied with a soft kiss and then resting her head back on my chest. "Because only someone beautiful, smart, crazy, and stubborn," she said as she rolled her eyes. "Needs someone just as, if not more, handsome, intelligent, funny, and determined." Just then Alex pulled herself into a straddle. Really? I was trying to calm myself down. This was not going to help any.

"Did I mention that he can be such a jerk sometimes? Yet, he's so caring and patient, too?" She smiled. I couldn't help but run my hands along her thighs. "Whoever that girl is that you know," she teased. "She's really lucky to have a guy like you," Alex finished as she pulled on my shirt to sit up. Right as we kissed, that damn dog just had to bark again.

"Grr," I growled back at it. It whined and slowly stepped back under Aidan's bed.

"Eric," Alex pouted.

She climbed off and went to check on the mutt. Really? I was hoping to get another kiss out of her. In no way was I tired of that. Her lips just felt so right, her body so warm and soft in my arms.

As she walked over to Aidan's bed, I couldn't help but look at her ass. There! She just did it! She must have known I was going to watch her walk over there, so she put that little sway in. She really was going to make this hard for me. I looked down, like literally was she making it hard. I shook my head, trying to get the sound of her moaning and sighing a couple minutes ago, out of my system. I really was going to have to learn to control myself.

Alex picked up the puppy, who came out from under the bed for her. That frickin' dog ended up snuggling into Alex's chest.

"Now why does that thing get to rest his head over there, and I still need to wait?"

"That thing! He's a puppy," she said making her voice sound like she was talking to a baby. "Besides you've already touched and kissed me over there," Alex responded normally as she turned her attention back to petting the puppy.

I thought back, how in the world could I forget that? The first time I saw her in a bra, I couldn't look away. In my defense it was right there and she was sitting in my lap almost the whole night. It looked so round and inviting.

The second time she let me see her we were lying down in my bed and it was so tempting having her chest pressed right upon me. The time she let me touch it and press my lips on it, it was intoxicating. The feel of it in my hand was so erotic. My hand cupped it so nicely, too. I shook my head, trying to forget about the feeling those memories were bringing up in me.

"Eric are you okay," Alex asked me. No. You're making me horny, I thought as I looked at her. I was always comforted and felt needed when I was with her. There were so many moments when I would get turned on so much by her, but I always tried to forget about it, thinking she didn't feel the same way. Now that I knew how she felt about me and that we were in a relationship, it was difficult to ignore those feelings.

"Yeah, I'm good," I said looking away trying to think about something else.

That silly dog barked. Oh my god! If I could kill that dog. A dead dog? Imagine all it's guts spilled out. That's a gruesome sight. Huh, I wonder, I thought to myself. I looked down and it seemed to have worked. I started to chuckle. Great. Now if I got too horny around Alex, I just gotta think about some dog getting run over or drowning, basically just picture it dying.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing," I said turning back to Alex. She smiled and leaned on my shoulder. Oh no, that feeling just had to come back. Come on, what was it Eric? Dead dog. Dead dog. I wrapped my arm around Alex and saw the puppy stare up at me. Thank God she was going to take that mutt with her. I think I would end up killing it. I know that was probably cruel of me.

Aidan walked in with Zeke, Four, Edward, Peter, Uriah, and Will.

"How very fortunate of you, isn't it Eric?" I looked up at Peter. "Cannot practice, but able to spend all this time with your girlfriend."

"Speaking about that, we need to lay down some ground rules," said Aidan throwing his duffle on the floor.

"You're joking," cried out Alex.

"What happened the last time I left you two alone," Aidan replied crossing his arms waiting for Alex to reply.

"Your sister and I had some fun," I replied as Aidan glared at me and Alex elbowed me.

"Let's not forget the time we came in and she didn't have a shirt on," added Uriah as he and Peter did a high five.

"Oh my god, grow up," said Alex. I rubbed her back to calm her.

"That too. Thank you, Uriah." Alex rolled her eyes. "Rule number one, and so that everyone knows and can help me monitor, there will be no unauthorized sleepovers."

"Unauthorized," Alex repeated.

"Well, he did sleepover at her room a few times already," said Will.

"Exactly. Those were unauthorized. I need to know beforehand when that is to happen. If it's going to be in here, I am going to be in here, so there's no kicking me out of this room. If Eric is sleeping down at your room, I need to know at least in a three hour notice."

"What happens if I don't tell you?"

"Well, I can call Mom and Dad."

"Aidan!"

"Another rule, there is to be no PDA when I'm around. You can hold hands, but I don't want to see your tongue down my sister's throat," Aidan pointed at me. "Do whatever you two want to do as a couple, just not in front of me, understood?" Alex looked at me then back at her brother and then back at me. I knew that look.

"When does it start," Alex asked as she scooted closer to me.

"Right..." Before Aidan could finish, Alex threw herself down in my lap and pressed our lips together. She pushed the kiss deeper and let out a soft moan. There was no way I was going to stop her. Aidan came to stop us only to get stopped by the puppy who barked at him.

"What in the world is that," asked Four. I pulled away and looked down. The puppy was on my bed. That damn thing was on my bed! It's dirty paws where stepping all over my precious sleeping area!

"Oh, it's so cute," said Uriah. Everyone stopped to look at him. "What? It is cute!"

"See the puppy doesn't like Aidan either," said Alex climbing off of me, giving me a kiss on the cheek, and picking up the puppy. "Which is a shame considering who it's for." Alex winked at her brother.

"I see Alex has found the gift," said Edward smiling. Aidan turned to look at him and nodded towards Will.

"Who's it for," asked Uriah as he started to pet it. Aidan looked like he was sweating bullets.

"It's obvious it's for Alex, isn't it," questioned Zeke as he and Uriah almost started wrestling.

"Not around the puppy," Alex scolded and they both stopped. "Actually the puppy is for Cara," said Alex. I pinched her side the same time Aidan threw her a glare. 'What' she mouthed.

"For my sister," asked Will. Alex looked at me and it hit her then. She turned and mouthed 'sorry' to Aidan.

"I wanted to get her something to say thank you for all the things that she did for me," Alex said quickly turning to Will. "I found out from Eric and Edward that she always wanted a puppy. And a West..." Alex turned to look at me.

"A West Highland White Terrier," I said smiling at her.

"Exactly, the little dog that's on the Cesar dog food cans," Alex replied nodding and turning back to Will.

"It's her favorite breed and Aidan knew how to get one, so he helped me." Aidan let a sigh of relief as Will seemed to accept that explanation.

"In fact, I was just waiting for Aidan to come back, so I can ask him what the puppy likes to eat," Alex said standing. "I can watch her," she looked down at the puppy. "I mean him. I can watch him now. I'll take it from here and bring it back before we see Cara this weekend. Thank you Aidan." Edward looked at me and nodded. I started to chuckle. That was almost so convincing, that we almost bought it.

Aidan walked her over to the kitchen and gave her the mat, treats, and whatever else.

"It looks like you and Alex are okay," Four said as the guys somewhat settled into our room.

"Yeah," added Zeke. "You were worried for nothing earlier today."

Actually there was a little something that I was worried about and it could have turned into a big complication for mine and Alex's relationship. I didn't want to tell them about it, either.

"Yeah, I guess I was worried for nothing. By the way, I never really did thank you two," I said motioning to Four and Zeke. "I really appreciate the help I got for setting up that dance on the football field. Alex really liked it, too."

"Hey, you were the one who came up with the idea," replied Zeke.

"Yeah, it was nothing," added Four. But it really was everything to me.

The guy I was always trying to compete with, the guy whose parents totally did not like my mother and vice versa, the guy who did the same things as me but most adults considered him as responsible, was the same guy who helped me to understand my situation with Alex. Even though he knew it, he didn't hold that over me either. He gave me a small smirk and then looked at Alex still in the kitchen talking to her brother and then nodded at me.

I guess that was one way you could tell everything from last year that seemed to damage all of our friendships just seemed to disappear.

"Okay," said Alex walking back in. "I guess I got everything. I'll see you later," she said as she leaned down, but stopped midway and then stood back up to face Aidan.

"Can I at least give my boyfriend a goodbye kiss?"

"No. I'm in the room."

She shook her head and leaned down to kiss my cheek. It wasn't a passionate kiss on the lips, but to Alex and I this was our signature kiss. I stood up and kissed her forehead. There was so much more meaning to it and we both knew it.

"Remember what I said now," I whispered and she smiled and nodded. "I care about you Alex. I mean it. To be with you and see that you're happy brings me enough satisfaction. I don't mind waiting."

"Thanks Eric," she whispered and gave me a small kiss. Aidan cleared his throat. Alex looked down and held back a laugh.

"Oh and Will," she said turning around. "Please don't tell Cara." She held up the puppy.

"I know she'll be happy. She always wanted a pet. I wouldn't worry about me saying anything though. Your biggest threat is my girlfriend, who just happens to be your roommate."

Alex rolled her eyes as some of us started to chuckle.

"That's right," Alex said as she walked out of the room. "See you all later," she called from the door.

There was still some time before dinner. Uriah, Peter, Will, and Zeke played a game or two on the Xbox. Aidan, Edward, Four, and I mostly talked about practice, the upcoming game, and of course classes.

"That was a smooth cover up," Aidan whispered as we headed out the room, on the way to dinner. "Remind me to thank Alex again."

"Yeah, that was pretty quick thinking of Alex," added Edward.

"I'm assuming there's a real story behind that puppy," said Four. Edward motioned towards Uriah and Will walking in front of us and Four slowed his pace.

"The puppy isn't actually from Alex. It's from me. I thought I would get it for Will's sister, because..." Aidan hesitated.

"I think I might like her," said Aidan closing his eyes waiting for Four and Zeke's reaction.

Immediately Zeke started to laugh. Aidan opened his eyes and Edward and I tried to shush him.

"Sorry," he said looking ahead at his brother and Will. "But Aidan, really? Man, you're worst than Eric!"

"What does that mean?" I stopped and turned to Zeke.

"Eric, you were in denial for so long about how you felt about Alex. And now here's Aidan doing the same thing. I think I might like her." Zeke said mockingly and shook his head.

"Wait a minute, is this the same girl you were talking to on the phone ever since sophomore year after you came back from spending spring break at Eric's," asked Four. Aidan smiled and nodded. "Then, yeah, you are worst than Eric."

"Wow, thanks Four," I replied as Edward started to laugh.

"However, at least Eric admitted to you that he liked your sister. You're scared to admit it to yourself, just so that Will won't find out."

"It's not so much that I'm concerned about Will. I mean I am. Look at how I dealt with Eric and my sister. He made her cry and I almost lost it! I can't begin to imagine what Will would think of me."

I looked away. "Well, that won't happen again with me and your sister," I said turning back to Aidan. "I really care about Alex, so you have nothing to worry about."

"Thanks Eric. And besides Will, I'm more occupied with thinking about Cara. What if she just wants to stay friends? What if she doesn't want to be friends after that? What if she'll end up hating me?"

"I was the same way with Alex, Edward was the same with Myra, and I'm petty sure Four was the same with Tris. The thing is that you'll never know until you say something. If not, you're life will just be a bunch of 'what ifs'," I replied.

"Of course you're scared because you don't want to lose her as a friend. I know I was scared. You can't help but think about what she means to you, because for one she already gives you so much. You think that if you say something, then she'll take it all away. But, it's better to know though Aidan, than just to wonder. Someone once told me," I added looking at Four. "That if she's worth it, you'll risk everything to show her how you feel about her."

Where in the world did that come from? Edward and Zeke looked at me and cocked their heads. They were probably wondering where that came from too. Four smiled slightly and nodded.

"May I just say one thing?" Zeke looked at us expectantly and then I nodded. He threw his hand up in the air. "Whoopah," he said mimicking a whip sound.

"Yeah, yeah," I said pushing Zeke.

"Welcome to the club, my friend," teased Four.

"What club," Will said turning around. Thank goodness, for Aidan's sake, he only heard the ending part of the conversation.

"The whipped club," yelled Zeke trying to hold back laughter.

Funny, the thing was that I didn't think I was whipped. I think I was in love. I stopped dead in my tracks.

"We're just messing with you, Eric," said Zeke.

I shook my head. "No, it's not that." Was that really how I felt? "Let's just head down to the cafeteria, already."

At dinner, I leaned down to kiss Alex on her forehead and then went to sit by the guys. Every now and then I would look down and see her smiling, talking, and laughing with the girls. I knew I liked her a lot. And I swear I thought I was in love. But was that really what this felt like? I know I said it quite a few times in my head. Yet as I sat here, catching smiles and glances from Alex, my heart would skip a beat. Even when she didn't look at me, I could still see her smile in my mind, hear her voice or laughter in my head, feel her presence in my bones. She really is consumed in every part of me.

I knew I told her what she meant to me and what I liked about her. But I didn't tell her yet that I loved her. We just started going out though, when was I supposed to tell her?

This was serious. I knew it was late, but I was hoping he wouldn't mind. After dinner, I walked over to the room knocked on the door.

"Four, I need your help with something."

"Did you kill someone?"

"No," I responded someone insulted. If it was anyone else they probably would have been scared, but Four was probably the one who could read my bluff. I hated him for it.

"I'm..." I looked away. I felt even more ashamed now. First I needed his help to apologize to Alex. Then he was helping me out on the football field. Now I wanted his advice again!

"I need help with something about my relationship with Alex," I finally spit out.

"I'm kind of shocked that you came to me," said Four.

"Well, you've been helping me so far," I replied looking away. "And you said it. Out loud. In front of all the guys that you love Tris."

"Okay, I think I might know what you need help with," Four turned around and looked back in the room. "Zeke is still up talking on the phone with Shauna, so why don't we go to the roof?"

The second we got out there, I just couldn't contain my thoughts.

"When do you tell a girl that you love her?"