One Nights Mistake

Chapeter 8

Crystal

As we drive to my loft, I can't help but steal glances at Alan's profile, his eyes focused on the road ahead. His left arm, strong and muscular, expertly guides the wheel, his sleeve rolled up just enough to reveal a few of his tattoos, and the veins that pop out from his forearm make him look so masculine.

The Rolex on his wrist adds a touch of sophistication, a striking contrast to the edgy ink that adorns his skin.

I find myself captivated by the combination, my gaze drawn to the way his forearm flexes with each movement, the muscles rippling beneath his skin. It's a mesmerizing display of strength and style, and I can't help but feel a flutter in my chest as I watch him drive.

The car suddenly stops, and I snap from my trance. Alan announces, "We're here." He takes the key out of the ignition and sighs looking over to me. He throws his head back on the headrest and closes his eyes. Is he getting annoyed? What's his problem? I think to myself. 

I cross my arms and ask him if there's a reason as to why he's acting as if he's so annoyed. He laughs and says "Yeah, I should've never eaten that dessert." We sit in silence for a few seconds before I speak up informing him I had fun on our date.

He replies with "Me too" trying to keep a straight face but I can see a tug on his lips. I can see a hint of warmth behind his nonchalant tone.

I reach for the door handle, feeling a sense of hesitation wash over me. I don't want the night to end just yet. But Alan beats me to it, opening his door, getting out, and walking over to me side of the car. "I'll walk you to your door," he says, his tone firm but gentle. I protest, feeling a flutter in my chest, but he insists. "No, I'm going to do it," he says with a smile.

I step out of the car, feeling the cold night air surround me. Alan follows suit, his nonchalance misrepresented by the thoughtful gesture. We walk in comfortable silence, the only sound being our shoes claxking around the wooden hallway.

My neighbor, Jake, appears at his door as we're a few feet away from my front door. He greets me with a friendly "Hi Crystal, welcome back " completely ignoring Alan. I feel a twinge of annoyance at Jake's disregard for Alan, but I push it aside and return the greeting.

We continue walking to the door when Alan bends down and whispers in my ear, "If you need to escape from this kid, just blink twice." I laugh and reassure him, "It's fine, Alan. I've got this. And he's a man, not a kid."

But before I can even put my damn key in, Jake comments, "Wow, Crystal, you look stunning in that dress." Alan's expression darkens, his eyes flashing with frustration. He struts towards Jake, his tall frame dominating over my neighbor. Jake stands his ground, despite being much shorter than Alan.

"Yo, go home," Alan says, his voice firm.

Jake puffs out his chest, trying to appear braver. "Who even are you?" he asks, his voice laced with hostility.

Alan's eyes narrow, his voice dropping to a threatening tone. "The guy who's about to beat your ass if you don't leave."

I quickly intervene, pulling Alan by the arm. "Alan, come on." He hesitantly follows me, still glaring at Jake with a fierce intensity.

"Sorry, Jake," I apologize, trying to de-escalate the situation."Let's just go inside, Alan."

As soon as we're inside, I shut and lock the door, relieved to be out of the tense situation. I kick off my heels, which were killing my feet, and turn to Alan. "I can handle my own battles, Alan."

He looks at me, confused. "But that kid was messing with you."

I walk over to the kitchen and open the fridge, grabbing two bottles of water, handing one to Alan. "He's not a kid, Alan. He's a grown man."