JIM ROOT: ONE SHOT

Chapter 1 - Morning ride.

7 am.

I'm startled as my phone rings next to my head. Angrily I try to shut it off until I realize it was James calling me. My face lit up but I was still quite groggy.

"Hello?" I answer, still clearing my throat.

"Good morning sunshine. Are you up yet?" I can hear James' smirk on the other end of the line.

"Uhh, I am now I suppose" I sighed trying to keep my eyes open.

"Go freshen up, I will be on the way soon with coffee."

"Can't I have 5 more minutes?" I  mumbled into the phone jokingly.

"If I show up and you're still asleep, I'm gonna toss myself on you and you'll definitely regret it" He chuckled back.

"Mmm that doesn't sound like a bad idea either" My thoughts escape through my mouth.

"Sorry what?" James replied knowing damn well what I said.

"Nothing, I'm up now. I'll see you soon" I can feel my face flush red.

"Alrighty. Bye now" I could hear James' smile thru the phone as he hung up.

My heart flutters simultaneously as my stomach knotted up.

James has always had an effect on me that no other person will ever be able to replicate. He's so honest, kind, caring, and I just fear sometimes I'm not quite what he wants or needs. He's very independent yet some how tends to rely on validation at times to keep himself on the right track.

We've always been close friends but we both fear of ruining anything. I won't dare make a first move and I know James won't either, he's just too timid.

Today we decided to go riding up a mountain along with freelance hiking. Hiking being my thing, riding being his. I've never ridden on a bike before and he had never been hiking. So it was definitely something for both of us to get outta our comfort zones and try to connect more.

As I was finishing up my hair, I heard the doorbell, James let himself in knowing the passcode to my front door. His hands full with 2 tall cups of coffee and a smile from ear to ear.

"Helloooo" his voice echos throughout my house.

"Hi James!" I lean outta the door frame, putting the last hair tie into my hair.

He sets the coffees down on my island and embraces me.

"I brought your favorite." He smiled handing over one of the cups.

"Life saver" I smirked back.

"I just need to grab my coat and put my shoes on, then I'm ready to go." I say after taking a sip.

"No rush. Sun is still only peaking through the sky"

He always spoke so delicately, so soft yet powerful enough to be heard. It always made me feel butterflies hearing him.

I took a swig of my coffee and headed for my coat, it wasn't suppose to be too cold today but morning breeze on a bike definitely required a jacket.

"So, first time you being on my bike. You nervous?" He broke the silence.

"Little bit honestly. But I trust you... right?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Awh man, that means I can't take sharp turns and show off?" He sarcastically replied letting out a hardy laugh.

"James D. Root..." I gave him a stern look.

"Obviously I'm gonna ride safe. But you make up half of that. I'll show you what to do when we get on"