Scars To Your Beautiful

Chapter 21

"... just because I like you," "... just because I like you too"

Jay and Violet's confession, as brief as it may sound and as easy as it may seem, is actually enough to knock the wind out of them while the longer they look at each other their cheeks start gradually to blush as they process the meaning of their words. Only a few months ago while she was in that car and of course before she met Jay, Violet was sure she wouldn't be able to trust any man again, let alone when that man was a stranger. She thought she could never be able to feel carefree again, to feel light-hearted, and to become herself again. While at the same time, Jay a few months ago and before he met Violet was sure he didn't deserve to be happy again. That his past and demons were all he had left and that above all he wouldn't let his heart feel something so strong for a woman after Erin and of course after the fiasco with Camila. But as the minutes go by, lost in each other's eyes, and with their hands still together, everything they believed disappears immediately and their scars are the last thing they think about.

Silence prevails once again, without however the atmosphere becoming uncomfortable, and like two teenagers that have feelings for someone else for the first time, they feel a broad smile created on their faces. As if starring in a movie, they stand still, feeling that the whole world around them has stopped spinning, completely indifferent to where they are or what has been preceded. With their hearts beating fast, they enjoy their little moment as the minutes pass under the hot sun of Chicago, since spring has finally arrived and the outbreaks of snow and rain have begun to wane, and Violet is finally the first to react by squeezing Jay's hand as she looks one at his eyes and one at his soft lips. She wants to kiss him just like she did a few days ago when she kissed him on the cheek, but the memories in her mind hinder her no matter how much she tries to push them away, no matter how much she trusts him. 

Realizing her hesitation, Jay smiles in his characteristic way, making her melt a little more, and then rests his hand on her cheek. It is not the first time they have touched each other, since even now his other hand is still holding hers, but for some reason after the words that they exchanged this contact feels different. His touch is warm, gentle and his heart is ready to explode as soon as he feels her leaning towards it, without taking her eyes off him. He also wants, more than ever, to bend over to kiss her but eventually, his lips meet her forehead, as he wants to show her again the right way that everything is done. He holds his lips a few seconds longer on her skin and then pulls away, grateful that she has her hair in a ponytail and can easily admire all the features of her face.

"Go out with me tonight" he blurts and chuckles with himself as he realizes that the last time he asked a girl in a way like this to go on a date with him was probably in high school, while Violet raises one eyebrow since she has managed to recover from the sensation that his lips had a while ago on her skin. 

"Are you asking me out on a date, Sherlock?" she playfully asks him, flirting with him, and Jay nods without wasting time. 

"Yes, Violet Jones, I'm asking you to go on a date with me," he confirms what she's already figured out, and butterflies flutter inside him as soon as he feels her squeezing his hand. 

"Then, I'd love to go on a date with you, Jay Halstead," she replies, deliberately emphasizing his name with her heavy accent as she now understands the effect it has on him and tries to hold back her smile when she hears him swallow loudly. 

"But..." she starts to say some seconds later, and before she can continue her sentence, the detective rolls his eyes. 

"Oh boy," he mutters dramatically, making her giggle. 

"No, no, it's nothing bad... I just... Well... Do you think I could come in my own car?" she finally asks him, and as the words come out of her mouth she looks at the ground suddenly embarrassed. With the understanding written in his features, Jay this time places his hand on her chin making her raise her head to look at him.