18 Chapter 18: He Thinks I'm My Brother

CLOVER'S POV:

Sitting so close to Rigby, it's almost impossible to remember that I am not myself. Right now, I'm supposed to be acting like Creed but everything about Rigby reminds me that I am very much a girl.

Even without touching him, my skin feels like it's on fire.

He's so close and yet completely out of reach. One thing is for sure, I need to get the hell away from him.

The words of the bridge, that he's just created while staring right at me, are intoxicating. And the look he's giving me right now makes me almost giddy, as if he's singing for me. As if I'm the one the words are about which is beyond stupid because he doesn't even know who I am.

He thinks I'm my brother.

Glancing at his lips, I feel drawn to them. I want to kiss him. My eyes travel up to his eyes. His brow is lowered as if he's concentrating on something, trying to work out a puzzle of some sort.

"I'm going to go to bed," I stutter out, gulping down the air between us so fast I almost choke.

He doesn't speak. He's just staring at me.

My heart's racing. I can't think straight.

If I'm not careful I'll do something I'll regret. I need to get the hell out of here.

Rushing to my feet, I almost knock us both flying along with the stool we're sat on. His arm wraps around my waist, catching me before I can fall and once again, I'm transfixed by the look in his eyes.

Apologising quickly, I try to right myself but end up pulled up against his chest.

It's a reminder of the hug we shared earlier, and it causes my body to alight with awareness. I push my hands against his chest and turning sharply I make a rush for the door.

It's only when I reach the living room and I hear the sound of the others talking that I realise that my breathing is erratic. I pause with my hand on the door handle, trying to rein in whatever control I can.

Rigby comes up behind me, taking me by surprise. He covers my hand with his and twists before pushing the door open.

"Not going in?" I hear his voice close to my ear.

I nod because words are bloody impossible and stumble into the room. I try to put as much distance as possible between myself and Rigby, choosing a seat at the far end of the room. I'm completely oblivious to what the others are saying, unable to focus on their conversation when I can still feel his eyes on me.

If I look at him, I'm positive that I'll find him looking right back at me, but I can't bring myself to check. Partly because I'm scared that I'm wrong but also because I'm scared that I'm right.

Even though we've got several metres between us, I feel the same way I did when we shared the piano stool. Something ripples in the air between us and I can't handle it any longer.

My voice spikes as I wish the guys all good night without so much as looking at them.

As I climb into Creed's bed, I silently pray that my brother will wake up soon. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

***

The next morning I'm woken by the sound of someone banging on my door.

"Get up!" I can hear Rigby shouting.

I roll over, rubbing my eyes. A glance at the alarm clock tells me it's still early.

"F*ck off," I grumble.

"Hurry up." I hear the handle turn, but the door doesn't budge. Thank hell I locked it last night. "Since when have you locked your room?"

"Erm," I panic, "I'll be down in a few minutes." Hoping that he won't press the topic, I wait for a response, but none comes.

Sighing with relief, I pull the covers off my body and look for some clothes in my brother's wardrobe.

Ten minutes later, I can at least say I'm clean and dressed. The only thing left to do before I can unlock the door is my hair. I've left the hardest job until last. Trying my best to catch all the hair in the cap that Crimson gave me, my head is upside down and I'm beginning to feel dizzy.

There's another bang at the door.

"You said ten. It's been at least fifteen."

I almost scream out in frustration. If only he knew what I am trying to do, then he'd shut the hell up for sure. When I finally have all my own hair hidden beneath the cap and the wig in place, I give myself a quick once over in the mirror. I really do look just like Creed.

The knocking starts again and I'm making my way towards the door.

Opening it, I try to avoid looking at the gorgeous man on the other side but it's damn near impossible because he's taking up all the space directly outside my room. His presence is imposing but I try my best to conceal my reaction to him.

"Come on. We're all heading to the studio. I want to get at least one song nailed down today."

There's no room for discussion. He grabs my hand and as good as drags me down the stairs to where the others are already waiting.

Don't Wake Me Up Lyrics

I know I'm dreaming

I'm dreaming about you

I know it's not real

But don't wake me up

I don't want to see

Reality, because

You're not mine in reality

You're not mine, no, no, no

Don't wake me up, up, up

Don't wake me up, up, up

I know it's all in my mind

It's a fantasy, pure delusion

My own wishful thinking

But don't wake me up

I don't want to see

I might as well be sleeping

Thoughts of you fill my head

I know it's not possible

But don't wake me up

I don't want to see