The Ruels of My Heart

chapter nine - your perspective

Zac sits back down on the seat in front of me.
"I'm sorry," he says, "I overreacted. I just have a lot going on right now. I have trust issues."
I'm slightly shocked that he's saying this, opening up to me so soon. I smile softly, staring into his beautiful eyes that are almost black. "It's fine. I get it," I say.
"Thanks," he says.
"No problem. I mean it," I reply, hoping he sees the honesty in my eyes. "Do you have the afternoon off from life saving?" I ask.
"I'll text the other lifeguards and tell them I won't be back today. That is, if you want me to stay?"
"Of course," I say, grinning, "Didn't I make it obvious enough?"
The mood lightens up as we keep talking, and we both order another coffee.
"Leo," he says, he looks slightly nervous, and his tone is more serious now, "I like you. Like, a lot. Do you want to go on a date with me?"
"I like you too," I smile. I can see relief and joy flood his eyes, but he still looks anxious. I don't know what to say next... But then I remember what I agreed to myself. I can do whatever I want now. I'm allowed to date someone if I want to. So I say, "Heck yes do I want to go on a date with you."
Zac takes a second to process what I said. "Well are you free tomorrow?" He asks, grinning.
"I'm free for three weeks until I start my job, so of course," I answer, shrugging.
"Great, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning, I have something in mind," he replies, his eyes glistening. I'm beaming too.
"Zac," I say.
"Yes?" He replies.
"I'm really glad you came back."
"Me too."
He leans in towards me, and he smells like the sea. I lean in towards him. His lips brush mine gently, one hand slowly touching my hair. My heart is racing more then ever.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Ruel staring at us from outside. For some reason I feel guilty. But then I tell my feelings to shut up, and I kiss Zac again, my eyes locked in his. It's the first time I've kissed someone in two years. God it feels amazing. By the time I slowly pull away from Zac, Ruel is gone.

We leave the coffee shop, and Zac's pinky finger grazes mine. He grabs my hand, and our fingers intertwine.
"So," he says, "Let me walk you home."
I grin up to him, admiring his features, "I would like that."
Eventually we get to my apartment. I fumble around in my pocket for the key and open the door.
"Will you come in?" I ask.
"I probably shouldn't, it's nearly 4pm... God time goes by when I'm with you," Zac replies, smiling at me.
"Please stay?" I say, looking up to him with my best puppy dog eyes.
"Who could say no to those eyes!" Zac replies after a second of consideration. His eyes trace my face. The he says, "Did I mention you're so beautiful?"
"Did I mention you're so hot?" I reply, teasingly.
We walk into my apartment and I can see that Zac looks impressed.
"Wow, this place is amazing," he says.
"It's nice, I guess," I reply, but my gaze never leaves Zac's face. His perfect complexion. His sharp jawline, the way his dimples crease when he smiles, and his eyes that are nearly black. Those are my favourite.
He notices me staring at him.
"What?" He says, raising a questioning eyebrow at me.
"I just... You're so..." Before I can finish my sentence I find his lips on my again.