The Choices We Make

Chapter 12 - Just Friends

Music pulsates throughout the once quiet streets of town, bringing to life the quaint shops and small restaurants surrounding the four-story building bustling with activity.

The leaden sky above does nothing to dampen the day's festivities. Teen and tots alike still wait patiently in line to get their faces painted, and adults mingle amongst themselves while keeping an eye on their little ones running up and down the cold and crowded square.

Crowded, but my eyes still manage to find his pair of hazels right away as he meanders his way through the throng of spectators cheering on the participants of a pie eating contest.

"One hot cocoa with extra whipped cream, marshmallows and a dash of cinnamon," Daniel recites, stretching out his hand with the hot beverage. "Did I get it right?"

I take the cup from his hand, sip its steamy, chocolaty contents and nod my head in approval. "Mhm, just the way I like it."

"Good," Daniel sighs in relief. "Because then I would have to go get you another one. Which I wouldn't mind doing, but I think the barista was trying to hit on me. She kept making these weird jokes and she wanted me to taste her scones. They weren't even on the menu!"

I grip the edge of bench as I double over in laughter at the look of pure horror on his face.

"It's not funny!" He pouts, poking me in the side, which only makes me cackle louder.

"Yes, it is," I tell him as my laughter subsides. "You should totally go back. Her scones might surprise you. They may even be the best you'll ever taste."

"No way," Daniel shakes his head vigorously, his golden-brown hair whipping wildly in the air.

I bring my cup to my lips and take another sip, hiding my smirk in the process. "Why not?"

He leans in close, his warm breath soothing my frosted ears. "Because your scones are the only ones I want to taste."

I almost choke on the hot chocolate in my mouth. My eyes wide with shock, his gleaming with mischief.

I clear my throat, flustered but I still manage to compose myself. "Too bad. My shop's not open for business."

He chuckles and pulls away, folding his arms across his chest. "Well, let me know when it is. I want to be your first customer."

I send him a glare, trying hard to keep my lips from tugging upward.

If last night was anything to go by, I was ready to move on. I mean I was the one who initiated the kiss, and I was the one who was ready and willing to give myself to him. If that's not a sign that I'm more than ready, then I don't know what is.

Yet there's a part of me that still isn't 100% sure that I am. Maybe I acted on impulse in the heat of the moment. Or maybe I just wanted to know what it would feel like to be with someone without the fear of rejection.

If there's one thing I've learnt over the past two years, it's that I have a bad habit of falling for the wrong guy. And as great as last night was, I don't think I want a repeat of it. Not yet anyway. I think it's best that I take things slow, get to know him a little better. See if he's worth giving that part of myself to. Because I'm not sure my heart's strong enough to take another lethal blow if he isn't.

Leaves of amber and ruby fall from the sky like a thousand pigmented raindrops. The shoe store situated behind us does nothing to shield us from the blustery gust as I watch Daniel pluck a stray leaf from his hair.

"Oh, I almost forgot."

I dig around in my purse before my fingers touch the soft woolly texture of the knitted cap.