Love me. Choose me.

{17} Love me

It was a bitterly cold evening as I walked toward the cupcakery shop that was tucked away in a corner, not far from campus. I was wearing a black short skirt and a blue tank top-completely inappropriate for the weather, I realized, especially as I glanced at the guy walking next to me. Dean's eager expression made me feel uneasy, like I wasn't taking this date as seriously as he was.

"Why did I agree to this?" I asked myself for what felt like the fifth time, stealing a glance at Dean. He looked like someone who had just won the lottery-giddy, almost too happy. Meanwhile, I was contemplating ways to escape this awkward situation.

When we reached the cupcakery shop, I was taken aback. It was usually a quiet, almost deserted place, but tonight it was bustling with people. A part of me wanted to turn back, but I didn't want to hurt Dean's feelings, so I forced myself to roll my eyes and take a deep breath.

We walked inside and chose a small table by the glass wall, which gave a nice view of the outside.

"Give me a minute," Dean said, standing up to go place our order at the counter.

As soon as he left, I pulled out my phone and noticed five messages from Shane. He'd come by my place, and my roommate had told him I wasn't around. His last text was laced with concern: Where are you?

I quickly typed back: Went out to a book club thing.

Lying to my best friend felt wrong, but I had no choice. If Shane knew I was on a date, he'd probably freak out and give me a lecture about how disastrous my last relationship had been.

Dean returned with a tray overloaded with cupcakes-way more than two people could ever need. I raised an eyebrow, tempted to ask why he'd ordered so much, but before I could, he sat down with an excited grin.

"I'm really happy you agreed to this," he said. "I honestly thought you'd turn me down."

I put my phone face-down on the table and made eye contact with him. Dean was handsome, no doubt-athletic build, tousled brown hair, and these striking grey eyes. I had to admit, there was something about him that intrigued me.

"So, how's your first year going?" Dean asked as he set a plate in front of me and added five cupcakes to it.

"It's been good," I said, staring at the cupcakes. "Honestly, I can't wait for this semester to be over."

"Yeah, I get that," he chuckled. "When I was a freshman, I couldn't wait to be done, and then once I was, I started to miss it."

"I doubt I'll miss it," I muttered, taking a bite of one of the cupcakes. It was incredible-probably the best thing I'd eaten since starting at Braden University. I couldn't help but savor the taste.

Dean cleared his throat, looking a little nervous. "You know, I feel like I have to say this now or I might not get the chance again."

I raised an eyebrow, mid-bite.

"I like you, Noelle," he said earnestly. "I really do."

I nearly choked on my cupcake. For a moment, I laughed, thinking it was a joke, but his serious expression made my stomach twist in knots.

"Um, I like you too," I said awkwardly. "I mean, you're a physics genius-who wouldn't like you?"

Dean smiled, though it seemed like he understood I wasn't exactly on the same page. He didn't push it, and we fell into an easy silence as I polished off my third cupcake.

"Tell me about yourself," he said after a while. "What do you like to do? Any favorite TV shows?"

I shrugged, taking a sip of the smoothie. "I'm into horror movies-especially zombie ones. But hobbies? Not really."

Dean chuckled. "No hobbies? That's rare."

He leaned forward, his hand almost brushing mine on the table. I quickly moved my hand into my lap, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"I don't have a favorite TV show either," he continued, "but I love hockey, and music is a big part of my life. It's like... a connection to my soul. It lifts me up, makes me feel understood. Music takes me to a place where nothing else matters."

For the first time that night, I felt a connection. His words hit home. Shane and I often talked about how music had the same effect on us.

"Wow," I whispered, almost mesmerized. "I didn't think anyone else felt that way. I thought Shane and I were the only weirdos."

Dean smiled gently. "It's not weird. Sounds like you and Shane are really close."

"Yeah," I said, opening up. "We've been best friends since we were kids. He's more like a brother than a friend."

Dean nodded thoughtfully. "Do you... have a boyfriend?"

His sudden question caught me off guard, and my eyes widened.

"Sorry," he added quickly. "That was out of line."

I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I don't have a boyfriend. And honestly? I'm not looking for one."

"Why not?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I sighed, leaning back in my seat. I hated talking about my last relationship, but I could feel the weight of the conversation pulling me there.

"I just don't want to go through that again," I said softly.

Dean's face softened with understanding. "I get it. My last relationship was a mess too. She cheated on me... I trusted her, and one day I caught her with someone else. It hurt."

"I'm so sorry," I said, feeling a pang of empathy for him.

"It's fine," Dean said with a shrug. "Now that I'm single, I'm more careful. I don't want to get caught up in something like that again. But, I still believe there are good girls out there."

"Yeah," I nodded. "Good people are hard to find these days."

He smirked, glancing at me. "You don't seem bad yourself. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if you were my girlfriend. At least I'd know you wouldn't cheat."

"Whoa," I exclaimed, quickly waving my hand dismissively. "No, no, like I said earlier, I'm not looking for a relationship. I'm perfectly fine being single."

Before I knew it, Dean reached out and gently took my hand, his palm lightly brushing against mine. The contact sent a cold shiver down my spine, and when I looked up to meet his gaze, I felt my heart skip a beat.

Dean's gaze was intense, his eyes locked onto mine as his hand lingered on top of mine. I felt a strange mix of discomfort and curiosity. The moment seemed to stretch on for too long, and I could feel my pulse quickening.

"You don't have to feel pressured," Dean said softly, as if he could sense my hesitation. "I just want you to know how I feel."

I gently pulled my hand away, offering him a tight smile. "I appreciate that, Dean. I do. But I meant what I said-I'm not ready for anything like that right now."

He nodded slowly, but I could tell by the flicker of disappointment in his face.

What do you think Dean is up to?

Can you trace any lie in his words, do you think he is after the same thing Trent?

What do you think about Noelle's response and decision?

Author's note

This chapter started off well and I'm proud that it turned out the way I had expected it to be. I love the fact that I came back to write this story and I'm starting to get the hang of it and I feel much excited to write more of this story.

Please don't forget your support is greatly appreciated. Please vote, comment and share.

Thank you.

Much love from
Clara Joel.