From the outset

Sixteen

Ryan's POV:

As I arrived home, I pulled into the driveway, struggling to get out of the car, feeling a little tipsy from the drinks. That's when I saw Scarlett standing outside, her eyes fixed intently on me. She looked anxious, like she'd been waiting for someone.

Could it be me? I wondered, my heart skipping a beat.

As I stumbled towards her, Scarlett rushed to my side, grasping my shoulder to steady me.

"Ryan, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Her touch sent a spark through me, and I felt my tipsiness momentarily fade.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I slurred, trying to play it cool.

"Have u been drinking Ryan.?"she asked with concern in her eyes.

I nodded "yes, a little."

Scarlett's grip on my shoulder tightened. "Let's get you inside, okay?"

Her gentle care and warmth enveloped me, and I knew in that moment, I wanted to be around her more.

As Scarlett guided me inside and into my room her hand still grasping my shoulder, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Her touch was soothing, calming.

"Thanks, Scarlett," I muttered, trying to shake off the haze.

We reached the bed, and she helped me sit down. I leaned back, resting my back to the wall and then closed my eyes.

"You want some water?" Scarlett asked, her voice soft.

I nodded, still with my eyes shut. "Yeah, thanks."

I felt her hand on my knee, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Ryan?" she said softly.

I opened my eyes to find hers locked on mine, filled with concern.

"What happened tonight?" she asked.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But something about Scarlett's gentle gaze made me trust her.

"Victoria," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "She cheated on me."

Scarlett's grip on my knee tightened. "So sorry about that." She said with concern.

Her interest sparked something within me. Maybe it was the whiskey, or maybe it was Scarlett's genuine concern.

"I feel so hurt Scarlett, she's been making a fool out of me all these while." I said my voice shaky."

"It's ok Ryan I'm here for you." She said assuring me.

"Why do I feel this way anytime I'm around you, there's this connection I feel whenever I'm this close to you Scarlett, Do you feel it too?."

Scarlett's eyes searched mine, and I saw a flicker of emotion.

My heart pounded, anticipating her response. Instead of giving me a respond she made an attempt to leave but I grasped her hand, holding her back.

"Stay," I whispered, my eyes locking onto hers.

Scarlett's gaze softened, and she nodded slightly.

I pulled her closer to me on the bed, our hands still intertwined.

"Ryan, you need water," she reminded me, her voice gentle.

"In a minute," I replied, my  voice barely above a whisper.

I guided her to sit beside me on the bed.

For a moment, we just looked at each other, the tension between us palpable.

Scarlett's fingers traced the lines on my palm, sending shivers down my spine.

"Thank you for being here," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Scarlett's eyes sparkled. "Where else would I be?"

Her words wrapped around my heart, warming me.

"Ryan," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I've felt it too. The connection."

My heart skipped a beat. Her words hung in the air like a promise.

"I've been trying to ignore it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But being around you...it feels right."

I pulled her closer, our faces inches apart.

"Scarlett," I breathed, my lips brushing against hers.

The world around us melted away as our lips met in a gentle, exploratory kiss.

It was like time stood still.

I broke the kiss, gasping for air,

Scarlett's eyes sparkled brightening up the room.

"God I love her." I said to myself, finally accepting that what I felt for her was way more than just attraction.

It was love.

Surprisingly she leaned in, our lips meeting in a soft, tender kiss. This time, it felt different deeper, more meaningful.

As our lips parted, her face radiated a warm glow. I gazed into her eyes, my heart pounding.

"I've wanted to do that for a while now," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

My heart soared.

I chuckled. "You could have just done it," I said.

"I couldn't just walk up to you and kiss you, Ryan." She said.

I nodded smiling "you're right."

As our laughter filled the room, dissolving any lingering tension.

"Stay with me tonight, Scarlett," I whispered, longing evident in my voice. "Don't leave. I need you now more than ever."

Scarlett's eyes searched mine, then softened. She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close.

"I'll stay," she whispered. "I'll help you forget Victoria."

Her words brought instant relief.

As She  nestled into my side, her presence lifted the weight of Victoria's betrayal.

"Thank you, Scarlett," I whispered, my lips brushing against her forehead.

"You don't have to thank me, Ryan," she replied, her eyes sparkling. "I'm exactly where I want to be."

In the quiet of the night, Scarlett's presence chased away the shadows, and for the first time in months, I felt at peace.
As I wrapped my arms around Scarlett, feeling her warmth and gentle breathing, I slowly drifted into sleep. Her soft hair tickled my chin, and her sweet scent filled my nostrils. The rhythm of her heartbeat synchronized with mine, creating a soothing melody.