The Choices We Make

Chapter 13 - I Know You

"You two looked quite cozy for a minute there," Isla says as she sidles up beside me, nudging my arm.

My eyes drift towards Daniel as he walks the distance to the trash can, my empty cup in hand. "We're just friends."

Isla scoffs. "Yeah, that's not gonna work."

"Why not?"

"Because my sweet, oblivious, Carys," Isla loops her arm in mine as we take a step forward in line. "The moment you sucked face with Mr. McSteamy over there, you broke down the barrier that kept him within the friend zone. Hell, you would've completely obliterated it if your parents hadn't shown up and—"

I slap my hand over her mouth. "Would you keep it down?"

My head whips in Matt's direction. He's standing behind us, hands in his pockets, eyes flitting around the bustling square. And although it may appear that he's too engrossed in the buzzing atmosphere to pay attention to us, I just know he's got one ear in on our conversation.

"My point is," Isla continues, removing my hand from her red lips, "Once you've had a taste of those goods, you'll always be wanting more."

Although I hate to admit it, she's right. I know I said we should stick to being friends for now, but I've been dying to run my hands through his silky golden-brown hair again. Feel his lips, hot and heavy on mine. His warm hands roaming in fluid motions as they make their way up my arms, across my shoulders, slowly, torturously, down my spine.

I watch as Daniel strides his way over to us, my cheeks burning as he sends me a wink, a sly smirk on his delicious lips. "I think he's on a mission to make sure that happens."

"Well, he won't have to try too hard," Isla whispers from the corner of her mouth. "He just has to flash his pearly whites and you'll be dropping your panties at his feet in no time."

"Shut up," I laugh, punching her in the arm.

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The queue moves quickly and before we know it, we're signed in, prepped, armed with painting masks and making our way to the side of the building.

The sound of hissing fills the air as we round the corner, taking in the sight of the few volunteers working on their section of the mural.

From up close, I can't tell what it is. Other than a rainbow of colors coating the once grey concrete wall.

"Hey."

There's a guy kneeling on the ground spraying a light shade of pink onto the wall. He pulls his mask down, sets the can aside. "I'm Gabe and I'll be your instructor for the next half hour."

Gabe stands from his crouched position, and although he's tall, his height couldn't compare to that of Daniel's. He isn't quite on the buff side either. Not that it mattered as my eyes take in the little cleft in his chin, the soft angles of his boyish face, the slight dimple in his left cheek. And then there were his eyes; the deepest shade of brown I've ever seen—veering on black—and they perfectly matched the braided hair on his head. Needless to say, he's quite good looking.

"You look familiar," Isla tilts her head, eyes thoroughly scanning the length of Gabe's body. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

Gabe chuckles. "We're in the same biology class."

"Oh." Isla's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and if they could, I know her cheeks would be colored red with embarrassment. "Sorry about that. I tend to space out in class."

"No harm done," Gabe waves her off and turns to face the rest of us. "How about we get started."

My eyes stay fixed on Isla, and by the way her brows are creased I know she's reading too deep into Gabe's nonchalant response than needed.