Linger

F I F T Y - S I X

"In . . . love . . . with . . . you . . . ?"

"Yes!" I cheered, removing my hands from Daniel's back. "Now, it's your turn." I turned my back to face him as we both sat on the floor of his living room. 

His fingers grazed over so lightly against my back. Even through the thick fabric of my hoodie, his touch still sent tingles up my spine. 

A smile made its way onto my face as I focused on the traces of his hands. "A heart." 

"Mhm. How many?"

"Two . . . ?"

"Yeah, two." He nodded, his smile mirroring my own as he brought his face to mine and connected our lips. 

I turned to face him and deepen the kiss, however he pulled away before I could go any further. 

"Darling, we gotta study." 

"What's that?" I asked innocently as I leaned in and pressed kisses to his jawline, his skin hot against my lips. 

He sucked in a breath. "It's--It's what we'd said we do."

"Yeah, but that was before you said you were in love with me and now it's all I could think about." I pressed slow kisses to his neck, trailing my lips higher and higher until I reached just below his ear, sinking my teeth ever so lightly into his skin. 

He groaned softly, wrapping his arms around my waist and bringing me closer to him. "I don't think your teacher would be very happy if you don't study." 

I pulled away to look at him. "I doubt it." My eyes met his with a playful smile. 

He simply shook his head, a smile faint on his lips before he brought them to mine again before a loud beep sounded from the kitchen. 

Daniel pulled away, looking toward the kitchen. "Ah, the garlic bread."

I was about to protest before the amazing aroma of garlic and butter flooded my senses. "Oh my gosh, it smells amazing," I sighed. 

A proud smile spread on Daniel's lips as he turned to me. "Care to see where it's coming from?" He stood to his feet before reaching his hand out to me. 

"You made garlic bread?" I raised my eyebrows at him as I took his hand and stood up. 

"I did." 

"I'm so in love with you." I gave him a playful smile. 

"Because I made garlic bread?"

I let out a laugh."That's just a bonus." I gave his hand a squeeze as we reached the kitchen. 

After fetching the garlic bread, we made our way to the table where the rest of our dinner was still waiting for us. 

Daniel pulled out my chair for me and I thanked him as he took a seat across from me. 

Silence filled the room and as I placed my napkin on my lap. Something seemed off but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. 

I lifted my eyes to Daniel. 

His gaze already set on mine as he sat across the table from me.  "Does this seem a bit formal to you?"

I nodded. "Too formal."

A look of relief came over him as he sighed. "Would you like to go outside instead?"

My smile grew. I glanced towards his balcony. Even from in here, the stars twinkled brightly against the dark sky, inviting us. I turned back to him.  "Let's." 

Taking our plates outside, we settled on the balcony where the cool yet refreshing air encircled us. 

"Guess we're not used to formal dining." He chuckled, bringing his chair next to mine.