Choose Me- the second novel

Chapter 32- lets just spend some time

Taylor's POV

Winters at bear lake can be quite cold, I flick on the heater and my fog lights. Luckily, as it is Sunday morning before ten am, the traffic is light and the only people out are church goers. Glancing in the rear view mirror, I check the road behind me and it's empty. My tyre tracks in the snow, that are being covered quickly by the white sprinkles. The 4x4 handles like a breeze in this weather, I hasten to remember my mums little Ford and how it would swing around loosing grip in the snow.

Entering the high way I accelerate briskly and get in lane enjoying the empty road and turning up James Vincent Mcmorrow singing away on my playlist. Decreasing in speed as I pass a junction, noting how the next one is mine. I prepare to get myself into lane, checking the mirrors and then swiftly taking a left.

Once I reach town, I enter the car park and the barrier raises. There are plenty of spaces and as I reverse into one on the ground level, the parking sensors bleep at me and I watch the car camera to get the large car in the bay. Turning off the ignition, I swipe my phone out of my bag and send Matthew a quick message telling him that I love him. That I am here safe, and that I'm planning on the biggest cake there is.

Making sure I have locked the car, three times. It isn't mine and I worry about it. Checking that I turned the fog lights off, I finally head over to the main streets. Ross booked us a reservation at The Copper Q and as I approach the establishment on pine knot Avenue I spy him seated by the large outdoor fire waiting. A forest green beanie on his head with his blonde hair ruffled and tumbling out, looking like a choir boy who drives a motorbike, with his pink cheeks and lightly tanned skin. He rubs his hands together before he spots me and his face softens. Watching me approach he stands, his broad frame evident in his leather jacket and I can't believe I'm here to break his heart.

As I walk over to him, through the snow trying to remain upright, my bag swung over my shoulder. He smiles warmly, and I feel his positivity and happiness radiate through me. Making me warm, just like a cosy hot water bottle. I wrap my arms around him. Under his leather jacket, his cashmere jumper is soft and it suits him. In a dark navy colour he's paired it with jeans and lace up tan boots.

"Hey" I whisper looking up at him.

"Hey, I'm so glad you're here" he smiles broadly. Little miss sensible in my head shouts at me; space, make some space between him and you. I ignore her for just a minute, this is going to be hard. Ross is the epitome of safety and comfort, with just the right amount of surprise. He holds onto me like he hasn't seen me in years. He breathes deeply as if he's relieved to have me, releasing me finally and looking into the establishment.

"After you" he says after ditching his cigarette in an ash tray, the snow delicately collecting around us.
Walking up the steps, I notice that he instinctively steadies me, with his hand on my lower back. Opening the door for me, we walk in together a large table before us with local produce on and an ornate traditional dresser against the wall with jars of jam and sauce in them.

I can't help but smile at the dog sitting by the fire asleep and the cosy relaxed feel to the place. I place my eyes on a bookcase next to the fireplace that intrigues me as Ross turns to me and takes my hand in his. The waitress, a young lady, perhaps a year younger than us with auburn hair is completely under his spell and he has no idea. She looks at him, his toned arms and blonde hair, gawking as he orders me a mocha. I'm willing to judge whether Gilbert Scott's was indeed as good as this cafes, I briefly imagine him in this cafe and giggle. One blonde guy at a time Taylor I tell myself.

Ross orders a selection of food, including bread and two bowls of pasta. Two slices of a loaf cake and two cookies. The young waitress tells him that she will bring it over and I smirk following him to a seat by the fire.