PIECE ME BACK TOGETHER

CHAPTER XI: "DANIELLE'S DUMB THINKING"

Danielle's P.O.V.

"Argh"

I woke up with a startling headache. Last night, Emily and I talked about my sudden decision to go out with Finn. Not that it was a date or anything.
She reminded me that there was still hope for Daniel and I and going out with Finn could jeopardize that, so I had to assure her that It was just friends hanging out together, nothing more.

It was already 8:50am and I had to meet up with Finn at 10. I took a quick shower and got dressed in my usual attire: Black jeans, dark shirt, leather jacket, beanie and sneakers.

I left the house with enough time to spare, grabbing a breakfast bar on my way out. My mom had been working late so she sleeps in at every opportunity she has, so it wasn't surprising that she wasn't awake yet.

As I walked to my car, I caught sight of Daniel jogging in my direction. He was wearing only sweats, jogging without a shirt. His abs were on full display and the sweat dripping down his chest wasn't helping me focus at all.
He stopped in front of me, a smirk evident on his face, "You like what you see?".

I scoffed,trying to act casual since I had been staring, "Please, don't flatter yourself Danny, it's a bit too early for that".

"Well I don't know if that's possible Ella, because every time I'm around you I feel flattered" He paused and I blushed, as he leaned to whisper into my ear, his breath fanning my ear, "You know you love me, there's no need to deny".

I scoffed...again, trying to ignore the giddiness inside me, and the pang of guilt that coursed through me, "I'm beginning to think you have a death wish these days. You just don't seem to refrain from annoying me".

He shrugged, a playful smile on his lips, "Of course I have a death wish, anything for you Milady. Plus, annoying you gives me extra credit in my Annoyellatology course".

I bit back a smile, "Extra credit? Wow, you never cease to amaze me Daniel. Anyways I wish you the best of luck".

He chuckled and asked, "So where are you off to?"

I cursed internally. I hoped he wouldn't ask that question. We were already weird enough as it is, telling him about Finn would make it worse, "Um I'm going out".

He raised an eyebrow, "Alone?".

"Not exactly, I'm going to meet up with someone".

"Emily?".

I shook my head, "No, it's um...a guy from my music class- Finn. He offered to teach me how to play the piano and I accepted" I said, eyes to the ground.

He nodded slowly, "So it's a date then?".

"No, it's basically just a tutoring session".

He looked unconvinced, "Ella, it may not be a date to you, but it probably is to him, so you need to clear that up with him".

He paused, as though he were trying to calm down, "Regardless of that, this means you'd be busy all day?".

I nodded and he continued, "Okay then, I guess I'll call you later Ella. Oh and if he tries anything, just knee him, sprint and don't hesitate to call me" he joked.

I chuckled, "Noted. I'll see you later Danny".

I proceeded to open my car door when he called out, "Oh and Ella, you look really nice today".

I blushed, "Thanks".

He gave me a small smile and walked away.

I sighed and got into my car, heading to the studio place where Finn and I were to meet up.