Three is better than one.

Chapter10: I Refuse to Get Hurt

*Author’s POV*

“Really? Because….I like you too.” He said looking into her eyes.

He stared at her as her anxious and sad eyes began to light up.

“Really?” she asked with disbelief.

“Yeah, haven’t I made it obvious?”

“Well…you’re a player. So I thought you were just toying with me for the fun of it.” She admitted

“Listen, I’m not playing with you. I really like you.” He said, honestly. “I’ve only been teasing you and everything because…I don’t know, you’re just different from the other girls.” He was telling the truth, Jack had admitted to himself that he liked her; after seeing her cheeky side, after seeing her shy side, after seeing her smile in the rain, after kissing her twice, and after seeing how beautiful she really was, he finally decided that he wanted to go out with this girl, Priya Seeder.

“Honestly, I’m really happy to hear you say that.” She said smiling brightly.

He stood up, “Come here.” He said with open arms.

Priya didn’t hesitate, she quickly rushed into his warm embrace. He wrapped his arms around her as she rested her head on his chest. She could hear the faint sound of his heart beating and inhaled his sweet smelling cologne. They stood there for a good minute, just enjoying each other’s company, ignoring the odd stares from the people around them. She didn’t want to let go, and truthfully, neither did Jack. Surprisingly, Priya didn’t get all nervous or flustered. Instead, she felt warm and safe in his strong arms. It was as if the butterflies in her stomach and the tightness in her chest were relieved by his touch. Jack also felt as ease, it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders as he held her close. He could smell a faint scent of lavender shampoo and sweet perfume as he rested his chin on the top of her head. Both of them loving every second of their first embrace.

They finally let go of one another and looked at each other in the eyes.

“So…where should our next date be?” Priya asked, trying to avoid an awkward atmosphere.

“Um…I’ll think about it. I’ll call you tonight, but for now I gotta go, okay?” Jack said, “I already have an arrangement to go meet up with my mom later today.”

“Okay…that’s fine.” She replied disappointedly

He could sense her disappointment, so he wanted to lighten her mood before leaving her. He hugged her again, but this time he kissed her forehead after letting go. “I’ll call you, okay? Make sure you answer. Your house is close by here; I don’t think I need to drive you home, right? I trust that you’re strong enough to get yourself home.” Jack said as he winked and smiled before walking away. 

Priya was left standing there, flustered once again. And once again, the pain in her chest had come back as she saw him turn his back to her and head for the door. She sat down to finish what was left of her drink before throwing it away and heading home.

*Priya’s POV*

As I quickly walked home, emotions of happiness surged through me. I felt so refreshed; I never thought that Jack would react that way to my confession. I thought that today I would end up walking home uncontrollably heartbroken but instead, I ended up walking home in a relationship! I couldn’t even describe how happy I was, words weren’t enough. I guess I never realized how much I really liked Jack until I finally felt how it was to be in his arms. I hoped he wasn’t just playing with me, he could’ve just said that he really liked me, he’s dated so many girls; he must’ve had plenty of practice. But I honestly could hear the sincerity in his voice, it just felt so right. In his arms, I heard his heart, I felt as if that heart was only beating for me. I know it sounds cheesy and overused but…there’s just no other way to describe it.