Against All Odds?

3. The Forbidden Crush

-♡♥︎♤♥︎♡⁃

"𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒂?" he says, almost in disbelief, as he slowly approaches me.

Now taller, muscular, and more manly, he looks ten times more attractive than the last time I saw him. His shoulders and chest are broader, and he now has biceps that strain against his short-sleeved grey shirt. His Afro is trimmed to perfection, with curls on top and a low-cut shave on the sides, framing his heart-shaped face beautifully; and his eyes are as captivating as ever.

"Jayden! Hi!" I reply, excitement infusing my voice — my response giving away my happiness at seeing him today.

Unlike my brother, Jayden has a calmer personality and tends to keep to himself. He's more observant of his surroundings and isn't quick to act. He's slow to anger and would rather be doing what he loves than being out with friends drinking or causing trouble. In simple terms, he's more responsible than Corey and was always looking out for him whenever they went out.

"It's so good to see you! When did you come back?!"

For some reason, he doesn't hug me as one might expect after running into someone you haven't seen in a long time. I mean, it's not like we never used to hug even though it was only for a couple of seconds.

Brushing the thought away, I reply, "Literally minutes ago."

"Oh wow, welcome back," he says with a smile.

"Thank you." Being in his presence causes my mind to go blank; I can't find the words to say to him despite wanting to chat some more.

"You look good," he compliments, breaking the silence. "If I'd been standing so far away, I wouldn't have recognized you."

"You don't look bad yourself," I reply, trying to keep it casual despite my racing heart at the sight of him.

He takes a quick look at himself, almost in disbelief at what I just said. "Me? Nah!"

"It's true. I mean, look at you." Realizing what I've just said, I clear my throat.

Keep it subtle.

"A few things have changed here, huh?" I say, looking around our surroundings, hoping to deflect whatever thoughts might be forming in his head about what I said.

"Yup," he replies plainly, his smile fading. "I noticed your car won't start," he adds, pointing to the car.

"Yeah," I reply, turning to look at it.

"Mind if I take a look?" he offers, and I don't hesitate to let him.

After opening the hood of the car, he starts to inspect it. The sight of his biceps flexing as he moves his arms around, examining the engine, ignites a flame within my chest. A flame I thought I had put out when I left this town four years ago. I guess old flames aren't extinguished that easily, are they?

"The battery looks somewhat okay," he says, his deep yet calm voice snapping me out of my trance. "But the starter motor is faulty."

"What is that?" I ask, moving closer to see what he's talking about, suddenly interested in learning about car parts.

What a simple crush can do.

"Well, it's a small electric motor that helps start the car's engine. When you turn the key in the ignition, the starter motor engages and turns the engine over, allowing it to start running."

I simply nod. I don't know anything about cars, so I'm glad he explained it in a way I could understand. "So if it's faulty, that means the car won't start, right?"