Curious?

CHAPTER NINE

      After that, Shawn and I made out a little more, but I ultimately went home with the same feeling in my stomach, getting more and more accustomed to it each time. I fight the feeling to text Emily right away, because Shawn was clear about wanting to keep this on the down low, which is understandable. I mean, we've been on one date, we're not in a relationship or anything, so why put external pressure on an already touchy situation.

      I wake up the next day and get ready for work. I try to keep Shawn out of my head because I know myself: when I start liking someone, I can become a bit clingy and overbearing. So I'm surprised when I take out my phone on my lunch break and have a text from Shawn.
"Hi Adam. Last night was fun! I was wondering if you'd like to meet again sometime soon?"
      Wow, and I was worried I was going too fast. I decide to let that go because obviously Shawn isn't worried about that, and reply.
"It really was! I'd love to. When are you free?"
      I barely have time to drop my phone and take out my food that the screen lights up again.
"I'm not doing anything tonight."
      Whoa. Tonight? That's quick. But it feels so good to know that he's feeling the same infatuation I am. It's new and exciting for both of us!
"I get off work at 4:30, should we meet after?"
"Great! Do you know how to cook?" Shawn asks me.
"A little, why?"
"Well, I never really cook for myself, but I'd like to find one recipe I like and is fairly easy to make, that way I'm not totally hopeless... We could meet at the grocery store and pick out some ingredients?"
"That sounds great! Do you know what you want to cook?"
"I don't. Any ideas for something simple?"
"I'll try to think of something. I have to eat now, but I'll text you when I get off work."
"Okay, have a good afternoon!"

      The rest of the day goes by very fast and before I know it, I'm clocking out and checking my phone.
"Hey, I'll be at Whole Foods on Avenue Rd. Call me when you're there."
"Leaving now!" I send back.

      I bus down to Whole Foods and call Shawn. He tells me he's still in the produce section, so I scan the area and see him right away. He's almost a foot taller than everyone and he's the only person wearing shades inside. I walk up to him and go in for a hug, but Shawn stays put and keeps facing the vegetables.
"Hi, how are you?" I ask him.
"Not too bad, had a pretty chill day. And you, how was work?"
"It was okay, a bit busy. So, have you chosen what you want to cook?"
"Not really, I thought you were gonna think of something!" he replies, a bit worried.
      I laugh.
"No worries, I got an idea. Some pasta should be easy. You can take a canned sauce and add your own things to it if you have time! No pressure. What do you think?"
"That's smart!" he smiles at me.
      I feel like we could have kissed at that moment, but we probably didn't since we're not a couple just yet. And kissing in the grocery store is a cute thing couples do.

      We walk the aisles and pick up everything we need. We wait in line to pay, and the check out girl's smile widens as she spots Shawn. He smiles at her and wishes her a great day as he takes that bags from the bag boy. We're lucky she had to stay professional, I guess. We walk over to Shawn's car and he drives us back to his place. We chat about our day, our plans for the week, how long Shawn still has here in Toronto. I don't want to sound like I care too much, we're still very casual, but I like to know from the start what kind of relationship I should expect.
"Well, I do travel a lot, but I like that I have my family and a lot of my friends here. It keeps me grounded."
"Oh," I reply, not knowing if I should count myself as his friend, or anyone from his entourage just yet.
      Shawn glances as me and smiles as I say that.
"So, I hope you're independent enough to handle that..."
      I can't help but smile to myself. I look down at my lap to hide it.
"Don't worry about me," I reply, hoping I sound coo land confident.

      We park and unpack the bags, bringing everything up to Shawn's condo. I'm a few steps behind Shawn, so he unlocks the door and walks over to the kitchen to put down the bags. He walks back over to me, and just as I close the door behind me, he picks up the bags from my hands and plants a kiss on my lips. I'm a bit startled, but loving it, and I can sense his proud smile on his lips. He walks back to the kitchen with the rest of the stuff, and starts putting everything on the counter.
"What was that?" I ask him, referring to the kiss we just shared, out of the blue.
"Oh. I'm sorry, was that not okay?" Shawn asks, a bit concerned.
"No, it was great, but I was just a bit surprised!"
"Well, I couldn't really show PDA at the grocery store, and I really wanted to kiss you. So I waited until I was in here..."
      He trails off, but doesn't offer more explanation.
"Because you can't be seen with a guy?" I ask, trying not to sound offended.
"No, it's not that," Shawn defends himself. "Everyone with a smartphone is a paparazzi now, and I would've acted the same way with a girl I just started seeing."
"Oh, okay. Yeah, that makes sense. Well, it's okay to kiss me anytime, anywhere. Just for your information," I finish with a wink.
      Shawn puts the bag of noodles down on the counter and walks over to kiss me once again.

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