Three years after his mother's death, Noah Reed is lost once again. Unsure of where to go after running from his problems for so long, he ends up back home, wanting a place to finally settle down. He's ready to tie up loose ends and to try and corre...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Here you go."
"Thanks." I bite down on my lip as the boy next to me hands me a cup of coffee, fingers brushing against mine as I accept the drink. Our gazes meet, and I can't help but look away shyly, blushing.
Dylan and I have gone on a few dates by now, though we're far from being anything serious. I met Dylan a few weeks ago, in a rush to get to class because I was late for my first lecture. I'd been in such a hurry, I'd literally run right into him. Thankfully, Dylan had been polite about the whole thing. He'd given me a smile and assured me that everything was okay. Then he'd asked me if I'd be interested in a coffee date.
Here we are now, walking to our respective classes together as we make our way through the courtyard. Dylan is a medical student, so his building is across from mine, which makes it easy to meet up together in the mornings.
I'd be lying if I said Dylan didn't make me feel some type of way when I'm around him. With his light brown hair and warm brown eyes, sharp facial features, lean frame, and charismatic personality, I'm sure he could have whoever he wanted. I enjoy the time I spend with him, but I'm also content to take things slow. Considering the way my last two relationships ended, I haven't been in much of a hurry to fall back into one.
"What are you thinking about?" Dylan asks me softly.
"Oh, nothing," I say simply, feigning nonchalance. Dylan and I may not be serious, though I'm pretty sure failed past relationships still isn't an acceptable discussion topic in the presence of a potential boyfriend.
"I wouldn't call it nothing," Dylan chides, "considering how spaced-out you were." He gives me an adorable lopsided smile.
"I was just thinking about some assignments I need to get done," I mumble dismissively. "Sorry. I didn't mean to zone out on you."
"It's okay." Dylan offers me a grin. "You're cute when you're thinking. Your expression gets all serious and a little crease forms right here." Dylan presses his forefinger gently to the space between my eyebrows, touch leaving behind little sparks that dance across my skin. My cheeks flush and I'm unable to restrain a smile.
Dylan shares my smile before his hand falls back to his side. Our pinkies flirt before Dylan surprises me by taking my hand in his. His warmth seeps through my skin as we hold hands. Absentmindedly, my smile widens.
"You look beautiful today," Dylan says to me softly. "But I guess that's nothing new."
"Stop trying to flatter me," I mumble. I can feel my blush deepen. "You can't speed things up with compliments, you know."
"Who says I'm trying to rush anything?" Dylan questions. "I'm just the guy lucky enough to be holding your hand right now."
We walk in comfortable silence for a moment. As we approach our respective buildings, Dylan turns to me and asks, "We're still on for Friday night, right?"
"I think I can fit you into my schedule," I tease. My hand is still warm in his.
"I'll take what I can get," Dylan responds with a grin. He leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek before pulling away to murmur, "I have to get to class. I'll call you later?"
"Okay," I confirm. Dylan still holds my hand as he backs away slowly. I almost don't want him to let go. However, he eventually backs up too far and our grasp falls through. I watch Dylan go, waving to him as he glances over his shoulder to offer me one last smile before wandering out of sight.
Once he's gone, I can't help noticing how overwhelmingly cold and alone I suddenly feel.
____
a/n: hi! here's a quick lil update. :)
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
