Double Exposure: Book 7 (Completed)

Chapter Ten

The next week passed in a blur. I couldn't get that kiss out of my head. I was getting ready for my date with Brandon. His note said to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Again I put on my favourite perfume. I knew I had to give Brandon a fair chance but Jordan had taken me to heaven and back.

"Going out again? With Jordan?" Zac and Brittany were doing their usual Saturday night routine, lying together on the sofa.

"Actually no I'm going out with Brandon tonight."

"Umm Izzy. I know you are an adult and the last thing I want to do is seem like I'm telling you off but are you sure that's a good idea. I mean you went with Jordan last week. I don't think it's fair for you to play one off the other." Brittany had sat up with her eyes full of concern.

"It's not like that. I'm making my final decision tomorrow. Both Jordan and Brandon are aware of the situation."

"Just be careful. Jordan and Brandon are like family to me. I wouldn't want either of them getting hurt."

"Britt just let it be. Don't stress yourself out. You know what the doctor said." Zac was stroking her hair in an effort to calm her down.

"I promise I won't hurt them. The matter will be resolved tomorrow. Honest." I left the house and found Brandon waiting for me. He looked so eager and couldn't stop himself from chatting away as I got into the car.

"Sorry Izzy for all the talk. To be honest I'm feeling a little nervous. I just want to impress you so much." I found myself melting at his honesty. Brandon was a sweet, loving and considerate guy. He was open book. I found myself feeling so comfortable with him. "I packed us a special picnic. There is this one place in town I haven't shown you yet. I managed to pull some strings and got us in. I hope you like it."

"Hmm a surprise. I love surprises."

"The only thing is that you'll have to climb a fair few steps. That's why I asked you wear something comfortable. This isn't a place for fancy high heels." I laughed. I was glad he was considerate enough to tell me that. I sat back in my seat wondering what the surprise was. We pulled into a gravel carpark in front of an imposing building.

"Brandon. This place. It just looks so beautiful."

"I thought you'd like it. The lighthouse isn't in use anymore but the town has kept it for historical purposes. I've taken so many great shots here. It seemed natural for me to want to share this with you." He opened my door and gave me his hand. We walked hand in hand towards the lighthouse, picnic basket in the other hand.

"Now be careful. There are a number of steep steps here. Take your time. I'm right behind you." I started to ascend the spiral staircase. I was generally a fit person but by the time I arrived at the top I felt a little puffed out. Brandon on the other hand didn't even break a sweat. He must have been used to climbing those stairs. He laid out the picnic rug and encouraged me to sit with him. I accepted his invitation eagerly and felt my mouth water as he pulled out all my favourite foods. "Brandon. You remembered."

I watched as he set up various finger sandwiches, sweet potato salad and a delicious flourless chocolate cake. My mouth started to water at the sight. "Of course I did. You're unforgettable. I remember every tiny detail about you. I listen to everything you say and file it away in my memory bank." I felt myself melting. His consideration. His sweetness. It was so appealing. I felt so special in his company. I could easily imagine myself lying on the sofa with him on Saturday nights. Just snuggling in his warmth. I quickly snapped that image out of my head. I needed to concentrate on here and now. We laughed and giggled and talked. Everything was just so easy. So comfortable. I found myself opening up to him. I told him about my family and my hometown. The one thing I didn't tell him though was about Daniel. I had put that part of my life behind me and was looking towards the future.

When we had finished eating he stood up and gestured for me to follow him. We stood side by side watching the sun drop into the ocean. The sun burned a fiery red, lighting up the sky. Suddenly Brandon turned to me and cradled my face.

"Izzy. I know we said no physical contact but I can't help myself. You're an amazing girl we have so much in common. I feel we have this deep connection. I want to kiss you so badly but if you say no I'll just leave it at this." I looked straight into his eyes and felt myself melting.

"It's ok Brand. Kiss me." In one swift movement his lips met mine and I drowned in the feeling. It felt like I was flying. I pushed my face closer and deepened the kiss. It just felt so right. I didn't want this to end.

After Brandon had dropped me at home I lay in my bed wide awake. It had been a magical night. It was after midnight. I knew I had to confirm my decision later that day. Deep down I knew my answer. I just hoped that the person I didn't choose was true to their word and would accept the decision so we could stay friends. Later that day I hurried to coffee shop. I knew they'd be waiting for me. No point in delaying the inevitable.  I sat down in the booth opposite both their eager faces. Both had their positives and negatives but I had made my decision. I just needed to vocalise it.

"Hi guys. Just wanted to say I hope we can all still remain friends. I value your friendships above all else. However there is one of you I can honestly say I like as more than a friend and I'd like to pursue a relationship with and that person is..." My sentence was cut off by the shrill noise of my phone ringing.

"And that person is? Don't leave us hanging. Forget the phone."

"Izzy come on. I'm dying here. Don't answer it." Jordan and Brandon were both on edge. I looked at the screen. It was Zac.

"Sorry guys. This might be important." I picked up the phone expecting to hear Zac's cheerful voice. Instead all I heard was panic.

"Izzy. I need you to come home now!"