Linger

N I N E T Y - S E V E N

"Are you sure you don't want anything to eat?" Daniel asked for probably the tenth time as we drove past the deli. 

I shook my head from the passenger seat next to him. "Katie and I got a bite to eat before practice." 

He nodded, keeping his eyes on the road but I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. His dark blond hair stood up in odd places, thanks to my far too eager hands as soon as we climbed in his car. The scruff growing along his jawline accentuated it perfectly, giving him a sophisticated look along with the dark shades that sat on his nose.  

Why weren't we at his apartment yet? 

"How about cinnamon rolls?" Daniel turned to me. 

"Huh?" I asked dumbly, still caught up in my daydream. 

A knowing smile tugged on his lips as he looked at me. "Cinnamon rolls. The bakery is just right here." He nodded to the small building up ahead. 

But I was too busy pushing my reeling thoughts to the back of my mind to pay much attention. "Yeah, that sounds good," I replied faintly with a nod. 

He let out a small chuckle. "Tired?" 

I simply leaned my head against the window, the glass cool against my skin and I closed my eyes. "Finals week." 

"Well, congratulations. You survived your first day." 

"We have to do it all over again tomorrow though," I mumbled, my chest clenched at the thought. 

"Even your fancy grand feast?" A playful grin tugged on his lips. 

It was impossible to resist the smile growing on my own face. "That was the only good part." 

An expression of mock offense came across his face. "Not me?"

I let out a laugh. "Of course, you! You were there."

He chuckled, keeping his eyes on the road. "I didn't spoil it, did I?" 

"Never." I shook my head. "We'll make sure we send you a formal invitation for next time though so you're there for the whole feast." 

"Looking forward to it." He turned to me, his brown eyes twinkling. 

My heart blossomed with warmth. And although it was silly and probably not even going to happen and we were mostly joking, he still went along with my idea and words couldn't even begin to describe how stupidly happy it made me feel. 

He made me feel. 

I loved him.

I couldn't help the way my heart fluttered as I watched him. He was only driving but my breath still managed to be taken away even with the smallest of his actions. Everything about him was so wonderfully captivating.

"You're the best boyfriend ever. Have I told you that?" I gave him a smile. 

"Maybe once or twice." He winked, a smile tugging on his own lips. 

My heart fluttered even more and I reached over to press my lips to my cheek. 

He let out a chuckle as I peppered even more kisses along his jaw. "Hold on, darling. I'm driving."