Green Eyed Daydream #Wattys2016

Chapter 18

Carrie's POV

It's the weekend, and Jonah is in LA for the Lakers game, but I don't even mind because I have plans of my own. I am going to hang out with Alex and Tiffany,...oh, and her insanely hot brother.

It's really ridiculous how giddy I am at the mere thought of seeing Tyler again. The last time I saw him, I left him alone on the curb after sharing a pretty steamy kiss in the back of a cab. What is it going to be like to see him again? Am I going to expire from embarrassment as soon as he looks at me? Is he going to be mad and ignore me the whole time? Are we going to kiss again? No. Absolutely not. I am in control of all my faculties. I am strong. I am confident. I am... sweating bullets.

I apply another swipe of antiperspirant and assess my reflection in the mirror. My outfit is simple. Blue skinny jeans, and a black cotton top. I slip on a pair of Toms, and sling my bag across my body. Hair up in my usual ponytail and I'm ready. Am I ready? Maybe I should wear perfume. No. This is not a date! I can't believe I even have to remind myself this.

I get an Uber ride to Embarcadero and walk along the pier, admiring the picturesque view of the bay. It's a warm summer day, and there are many people strolling along the boardwalk. I check my phone and see a text from Alex informing me that he and Tiffany are running a little late. I lean on the railing and watch as tourists snap photos of the Ferry Building, and couples posing next to the giant statue of a bow and arrow planted in the ground. I enjoy people watching, and this is an ideal spot for that.

Suddenly, amongst the throng of oncoming people, I single out a tall man walking in my direction. He's dressed in a plain white t-shirt that clings to his well defined torso, fitted black jeans, and black wayfarer sunglasses. It's Tyler. His hair is styled in a way so it stands up a little on top, and he looks like a freakin model strutting down a catwalk. I can barely tear my eyes away from him. He doesn't appear to see me yet, so I just take my time enjoying the sight.

When he gets closer, I stand up straight, then lean back against the railing, then I bend my knee and prop my foot up behind me...what in the hell am I doing? I am mortified, as I realize that I'm actually attempting to pose.

I feel overly self-conscious, so I just dig the phone out of my bag and decide to pretend to text, so I don't have to look at him. My heart is beating out of my chest, and I am pretty sure whatever greeting I had planned for him, has now completely evaporated from my mind.

"Carrie," I hear him say, and I look up to see Tyler standing about a foot away from me.

"Oh, hey," I croak, and just smile at him like an idiot.

He shifts his sunglasses to prop them on top of his head. His green eyes sparkle at me, and he smiles back. "Do I get a hug?" he asks.

He's already standing so close that I find it hard to deny him. I stand on my tip toes, reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, taking in the scent that is so distinctly Tyler.

His large arms wrap tightly around me, and then travel to my waist. Our bodies are flush against one another, and I can feel the heat radiating from him. He releases me too soon, and steps away, sticking his hands into his pockets.

"Alex texted me to say they're running late," I say, trying to subdue my racing heartbeat.

"Well, then, what do you want to do, Carrie?" he says, and looks at me with a playful smile on his perfect lips.