Loving him was red

13. Red

The next morning Daisy let Caleb inside her apartment as she greeted him with a forced smile

She had her head down, she didn't know what to think yet, so she decided to talk to him first before thinking the worst.

- What did you need to get before we leave? - Caleb asked, oblivious.

Daisy turned her back on him as she tried to think what to ask him. He stood in her living room, not understanding what was bothering her.

- Hey, what 's wrong? - Caleb asked her when she turned around, he could sense something was up with her - We can stay in if that's what you want...

- No, it's... I called you last night... - Daisy finally started saying - Some woman answered, you didn't... right?

It took Caleb a few seconds to realize what Daisy was trying to say. He sat her on the couch with him as he held her hands.

- What? No... - Caleb shook his head left and right - I forgot my phone at the changing rooms after practice, I went back for it later and some cleaning lady gave it to me. You thought that I...? I would never do that Daisy...

Daisy exhaled with a mix of relief and embarrassment washing over her.

- Okay, I'm sorry for even thinking that, god! - she let out a nervous laugh - I'm sorry, it's just... I panicked, my mind went straight to what Justin did...I know, it was stupid...

- Hey, I know - Caleb reassured her - It was a misunderstanding. I'm not like that asshole.

She breathed out deeply, after holding her breath for so long, she realized she'd jumped into conclusions too fast, he was right.

Daisy nodded, appreciating his sincerity. At that moment, Caleb lifted her chin with his fingers to meet her eyes. He pressed a soft, reassuring kiss on her lips.

- I would never do anything to hurt you - he whispered, pulling her into a comforting hug.

Daisy nestled against him, feeling the warmth and reassurance of his arms and torso.

- I know... - she said, feeling his heartbeat against her body - I'm sorry about all of this, do you still want to go on that date? I really do - Daisy exclaimed with a big smile on her face.

- Yeah, sure - Caleb agreed, glad that the confusion was over. - After you - he said, opening the apartment door as Daisy grabbed her purse.

Daisy and Caleb stepped out of the house, ready to enjoy the day. The sun was still up but the brisk cold wind played with Daisy's hair, she couldn't help but shiver a little.

- Wow, I didn't expect it to be this cold - she said.

Caleb didn't even think about it, took off his scarf and started to put it around Daisy's neck

- This should keep you warm

- No, I'm fine - she stepped back, refusing the scarf - I don't need it, thank you.

- C'mon, you'll get sick - Caleb followed her trying to get her to wear it - And you'll snore.

- What? Okay... - she finally let him wrap it around her neck and frowned while smiling - I won't snore.

They strolled through the city streets hand in hand, Daisy wrapped in Caleb's scarf and their breath visible in the cold air. Despite the winter chill, the shared warmth between them made the walk enjoyable. They wandered past shops and charming cafes, taking in the beauty of the chilly winter day.

- Is that an ice cream cart? This time of the year? - Daisy said laughing - That's crazy.

- What do you mean, it's actually really good - he answered heading towards it - It doesn't melt, you don't have to stress about it. I'm getting one. Do you want one too?