Spare Love

24 | 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦

"I never thought you were into vintage stuff." I try to make him laugh and it works because I see him smirking.

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything. "Luke, give me time. I know you want answers—"

"Don't worry. I'd rather wait than force you into anything. I just want to be with you, however that looks." Luke cut in, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

That caught me off guard. 

I was still looking at him, seeing his serious expression and the hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

Luke turned his head to meet my eyes, "Of course. It's about THE girl that I like. How can I not be serious? I mean, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit anxious, but I'm more interested in figuring this out with you than rushing things."

A smile tugged at my lips, touched by his earnestness. "That's actually kind of sweet. And here I thought you were all about winning every game."

Luke chuckles, "Well, I'm definitely in it to win it, but this game's got different rules. And I'm not complaining about it."

I shift closer to him, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, Mr. Patient, what are we doing now? Planning a strategic approach to hanging out, or just improvising?"

Luke's grin widened. "I'd say a bit of both. I'm good with whatever as long as it means spending time with you. And if you need me to up my game with some terrible jokes, I'm ready."

I laughed. Luke is always bad with jokes, "Oh, I'm sure you've got a few bad jokes up your sleeve. But don't expect me to laugh at all of them."

Luke leaned, his eyes twinkling with playful challenge. "I'll take my chances. And if you don't laugh, I might just have to make it my mission to find the perfect line to make you smile."

My face crunched, before rolling my eyes playfully. So cringe Luke. "Bet you can't." I put on a poker face, he smirked knowing damn well I'm very competitive.

His hand was reaching on my collar feeling it slide to the side. "Do you have a sunburn?"

I looked down to see my bra strapped visible. "or are you always this hot?" I gave him a look and shook my head.

I couldn't suppress the slight flush that crept up my cheeks as his words lingered in the air.

I met his gaze, trying to maintain my poker face. "Heard that a lot. Is that's the best you've got?"

He didn't back down, his eyes locked onto mine with a mix of confidence and something more intense.

I felt the playful edge give way to something more serious, more electric. I shifted slightly, feeling the heat of his gaze.

Luke's expression softened, though his eyes remained intense. "I'm serious about making you smile, but I'm also serious about getting to know you more. I don't want just a quick laugh. I want to see the real you. Though I've seen a lot already." He smirks looking right down at my chest. 

I felt my cheek burn. Jeez...

"And what if I'm not ready to let you in?"

He reached out, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Then I'll just keep trying. I'm not one to back down easily."

The sincerity in his voice, combined with the warmth of his touch, made my heart race. I searched his eyes, trying to gauge his true intentions. There was a vulnerability beneath his confident exterior, a genuine desire to connect.

Popular people are so vulnerable. Some.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "Alright, Luke. You've got me intrigued. But this is your chance to prove yourself. Don't hurt me." The end came out like a whisper.

I want to trust him so bad.

I want him. No.

I need him.

I don't know about him.

"Never. I promise."

I extend my pinky out, "Cause I will really kill you this time." he slowly takes out his pinky then made a pinky promise.

"Luke," my voice trembling slightly, "we should do it in secret. I don't want anyone knowing we're dating yet."

I glanced up at him, my fingers nervously fidgeting. I saw his smile falter for just a moment, and he looked at me with an expression that was both serious and tender.

The warmth of the room seemed to intensify, wrapping around us as he took in my anxious face.

"Is it because you're worried what others might think?"

I nodded, feeling a fear, "It's not just that. I'm afraid of how things might change if people find out. I need to be sure what we're gonna be doing is right."

His gaze softened even more, and he reached out, cupping my cheek in his warm hand. The touch was reassuring, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. "Whatever you want, I'll follow."

His words, combined with the tenderness of his touch, made my heart flutter.

Then he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. The warmth of his lips was comforting and filled with an unspoken promise of his support. I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the sincerity of his affection.

"I just want to be sure," I murmured, trying to steady my voice. "I don't want to rush into anything without knowing what it means for us."

His smile returned, gentle and reassuring. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere. We'll take this at your pace, and I'll be here every step of the way."

Looking up at him, I felt a wave of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Luke. It means a lot to me."

He brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, his eyes unwavering. "I care about you, and that means respecting your wishes."

As we settled into the quiet comfort of the cottage, I felt a sense of peace. The secrecy wasn't a barrier but a way to protect what was growing between us.

In that intimate moment, surrounded by the soft light of the evening, I felt a deeper connection to Luke, grounded in our mutual understanding and commitment.

Ding.

Ding-Ding-

DING!

DINGG!!!

I hear him groan shuffling through his pockets and took out his phone.

He started typing with a frown on his face before placing it on his ear.

"What."