Ok guys, so, I've seen a lot of fics on here with a similar story line to this one I'm writing, but none of them are as spicy as I'd like them to be, so here's my take.
8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning. That's when I knew I was screwed.
I'd awoken just minutes prior from my dream about my best friend's dad. And, for arguments sake, let's just say it was in no way PG. My eyes drifted to the clock on my bedside table, its ticking feeling excruciatingly slow, as if each second was dragging me deeper into this mess. Of all the people I could've developed feelings for, why did it have to be him?
My phone buzzed from somewhere under my sheets. It was Anais, as usual. We never missed a morning text.
A: Hey gorgeous, fancy coming over later today? Dad's in his studio at the house, so we've got free reign xx
Y/N: Heya! Of course! I'll be over at 11? xx
A: Perf! See you then xx
I groaned, tossing my phone aside and running my hands through my hair. How had I let this happen? Anais could never know—Noel could never know. It was awkward enough as it was. Every time he hugged me or leaned in for a cheek kiss, I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks, and I'm sure they both chalked it up to nerves, what with me being a big fan of Oasis and High Flying Birds. But since his divorce, my crush had only gotten worse. One Christmas party, I'd nearly blurted it out, and it had taken every ounce of willpower to stop myself.
But I couldn't deny it anymore. All I had to do was make sure Noel never found out. Easy, right?
Anais met me at the door with a hug. "Y/N! Hey girl!"
"Cold!" I grinned, shivering as I stepped inside.
"Well, come on in; Dad's lit the fire. I was thinking movie day?"
"Perfect," I nodded, heading into their Victorian terrace. Their place always left me in awe—gorgeous, classic, filled with so much personality.
Anais clapped her hands together. "Right. Only problem—I forgot the hot chocolate! I'll run to the corner shop real quick, but just so you know, he's in a mood today, so... might be worth avoiding him if you can."
I tried to play it cool. "All good." But a little thrill sparked inside me. I watched her leave, already feeling nervous.
I settled onto the sofa, staring off into space, when I felt someone tap my shoulder.
"Hey, Y/N." Noel's voice was soft but surprised. "Where's Anais?"
My heart stammered as I looked up at him. His piercing blue eyes caught mine, freezing me in place. "Oh... um, she just ran to the shops."
I could feel my hand drifting awkwardly to the back of my neck, a dead giveaway of my nerves.
"Right," he replied, nodding slowly. His gaze lingered on me a beat too long, and I felt my heart rate spike. He sat down on the sofa across from me, his brow furrowing slightly as if he was considering something. The silence stretched on, uncomfortable, heavy. I could practically feel the thudding of my pulse in my ears.
"So, what've you been up to?" His voice broke through my thoughts, casual but carrying an edge I couldn't quite place. Maybe it was just my nerves getting to me.
"Oh, you know... school... work," I stumbled over my words, trying to find something to say that would sound natural, normal. But everything felt forced under his steady gaze.
A faint smile flickered across his face, and he leaned back, still watching me. "Funny, I thought you'd be more talkative, given how much Anais goes on about how you two never shut up."
I swallowed, forcing a chuckle. "Yeah, guess I'm just a little... off today."
He nodded, glancing away briefly, giving me a moment to breathe. But then he looked back at me, his expression softening.
