Fate || BENNIFER

A Date

Chapter.7 - A Date

Jennifer's P.O.V  

The sound of thunder crashing was wild, and the lightning could be seen from any part of the house. The road in front of the entrance had become a river, and no cars could be seen anywhere near. It didn't look like stopping, and thinking about leaving was crazy at the moment. It was too dangerous for anyone to be outside during a storm like that.

"I guess I'm stuck here." He said with one of his hands in his pocket.

"Why are you smiling?" I asked with a slight smile.

"The company could be worse." He answered, caressing my back with the palm of his hand as we stood in front of the window.

"Did you have dinner before coming?" I asked.

"Why does that sound like a date?" He said in a funny tone.

"I'm just trying to be polite." I said rolling my eyes.

"Well... now that you mention it... I could eat something." He said.

"Let's see what we can find." I said as I turned around.

I would lie if I said I didn't realize the way he looked at me. I just didn't want my feelings to cloud my judgement in a moment like that, in the middle of making such an important decision. I had never seen him with his kids. I didn't know what he was like as a father. But I used to imagine he would be the best dad for our children, before our dream of a perfect family was broken down to nothing.

"Aren't you joining me?" He asked as I sat at the kitchen island in front of him.

"I'm not hungry. But enjoy yourself." I said resting my head on my hands.

"What?" He asked with a shy smile.

"Nothing." I answered hiding a smile.

"So this is not a date, mmh?" He said in a teasing tone.

"No." I said dragging the "o" in a funny way.

"We used to have good dates. And I don't mean what's been going on lately, but back in the day." He said reaching for my hand on the island.

Something about that felt weird, the way he held my hand so delicately, as if he was afraid to hurt me. But it felt right to feel him that way, his tender side, a side I hadn't seen in so long. But I pulled back after a few seconds.

"I hope what I've told you today isn't a reason for you to feel like you need to... make it work or...." I said but he interrupted me mid sentence.

"You are the reason." He said without hesitation.

I didn't feel ready for that conversation after a day so full of emotions, so I instantly regretted bringing it up.

"It's late. I should go to sleep. You can sleep in a guest room." I said standing up.

"The couch seems comfortable. I can sleep down here." He said with no mock in his voice.

"Are you sure?" I asked and he nodded. "In that case... I'll get you a blanket and a pillow."

He watched me as I walked to the stairs with that look in his eyes, as if there wasn't anything in the world he'd rather be watching. And I wanted to believe what I saw in him, more than anything.

"Are you gonna be okay?" I asked.

He was adorable all curled up on the couch, and I really could imagine myself right there in his arms, doing nothing but cuddle.

"Yeah." He said smiling.

"Good." I replied. "Good night."

"Good night." He said in a soft voice.

I decided to just go before my hormones took over the situation. I couldn't even trust myself at the moment. I put on my pajamas and got in bed, but I didn't turn off the light. I kept staring at my phone on the nightstand. I knew he wasn't sleeping, and that thought would probably keep me awake.