In Love with The Rival

006

The Coffee Date, Part Two

The coffee shop was buzzing with weekend energy, but Joe’s focus was entirely on Emma, who was seated across from him, casually stirring her drink. She was telling him a story about her childhood, something about how she used to sneak into Travis and Jason’s football practices to challenge the bigger boys to races, and how they'd always humor her, even if she didn't stand a chance.

Joe was only half-listening, captivated by the way her face lit up as she spoke, her hands gesturing animatedly. The coffee date had been going smoothly, but an unexpected interruption snapped him out of his thoughts.

The barista, a tall guy with a charming smile, approached their table. “Hey, I couldn’t help but notice you’ve been here a while,” he said, his gaze lingering a little too long on Emma. “If you ever want to come back, I can make you something special. Just ask for Jake.”

Emma blinked, caught off guard, while Joe’s grip on his coffee cup tightened slightly. She smiled politely, trying to deflect the awkward moment. “Thanks, but I think we’re good here.”

Jake, undeterred, flashed another grin. “Well, if you change your mind, I’ll be around.”

As he walked away, Joe met Emma’s eyes, and they both burst out laughing.

“Did he seriously just try to flirt with you in front of me?” Joe asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

Emma rolled her eyes, still chuckling. “Looks like I’m irresistible today.”

Joe smirked. “You’re not wrong.”

The moment could have been awkward, but instead, it only seemed to bring them closer. The playfulness between them was undeniable, and after finishing their drinks, they decided to take a walk.

---

At the Park

The sky had darkened slightly as they strolled through a nearby park, the distant rumble of thunder hinting at an approaching storm. The air was warm, the kind that signaled summer rain, and a gentle breeze swept through the trees. They walked side by side, occasionally bumping into each other, the easy conversation continuing.

At one point, Joe nudged her playfully. “I think you’ve got a fan back at the coffee shop.”

Emma laughed, nudging him back. “What can I say? I attract all kinds of attention.”

Joe grinned. “Yeah, but I don’t think you’re interested in his ‘special drinks.’”

Emma raised an eyebrow, a teasing look in her eyes. “Jealous, Burrow?”

Joe scoffed, though the grin never left his face. “Maybe a little.”

The sky opened up then, rain falling in big, heavy drops. Emma squealed as she tried to pull her jacket over her head, but within seconds, they were both soaked.

“Come on, let’s find some cover!” Joe shouted over the sound of the rain, but Emma stayed rooted in place, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Instead of running for cover, she pulled out her phone and scrolled quickly, finding the song she wanted. As the opening notes of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift filled the air, she turned to Joe with a grin.

“Really?” Joe asked, incredulous, though he couldn’t help but laugh. “In the middle of a storm?”

Emma shrugged, her wet hair plastered against her face, and extended a hand toward him. “You said you weren’t ready to end the night. So…dance with me.”

Joe hesitated for only a second before taking her hand. They stood there, in the middle of the empty park, rain pouring down around them as the familiar song played from Emma’s phone. Her laughter rang out as Joe pulled her in closer, his hands settling naturally around her waist.

They started swaying, their steps uncoordinated but carefree. Emma sang along under her breath, twirling beneath Joe’s arm, her eyes bright with excitement. There was something magical about the moment—despite the rain, despite the chaos—it was perfect.

As the chorus hit, Emma stopped singing and looked up at Joe, their movements slowing. Their gazes locked, the world around them fading into the background. Joe felt his heart pounding, not from the dance, but from the closeness, the way Emma looked at him with an intensity that sent his pulse racing.

Emma’s breath caught as she felt the shift between them. Her hand slid up to rest on his shoulder, her fingers tracing the back of his neck. “This feels like a movie,” she whispered, almost to herself.

Joe leaned in, his voice low. “Yeah…a pretty good one.”

The rain was still falling, soaking them both, but neither of them cared. Joe’s hand slid up to cup her cheek gently, his thumb brushing a raindrop from her skin. Emma’s eyes fluttered closed as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her lips.

And then, under the stormy sky and with Taylor Swift’s lyrics playing softly in the background, Joe kissed her.

It started soft, almost hesitant, as if they were testing the waters. But then, like a spark igniting, the kiss deepened, filled with all the pent-up emotions they’d both been holding back. The rain soaked them, but the warmth between them grew, the world narrowing to just the two of them in that moment.

When they finally pulled back, both breathless, Emma laughed softly, her forehead resting against Joe’s. “I can’t believe we just had our first kiss in the rain, to Love Story no less.”

Joe chuckled, his hands still holding her close. “It’s kind of perfect, isn’t it?”

Emma nodded, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him. “Yeah, it really is.”

They stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in each other’s arms, the rain now a gentle mist around them. It felt like something had shifted between them—something real, undeniable.

As the song faded out and the rain began to let up, Joe pressed another soft kiss to Emma’s forehead, pulling her even closer. “So…what now?” he asked quietly, his lips brushing against her damp hair.

Emma smiled, her heart full. “I guess we see where this goes. No pressure, no overthinking. Just…us.”

Joe nodded, feeling the same. Whatever this was, they’d figure it out together. After all, it wasn’t every day you met someone who made dancing in the rain feel like the best idea in the world.

And with Emma, that was exactly what it felt like.